Proverbs 21

Most of the time when we think of a scoffer, it is someone else. the one who makes a face, rolls their eyes, or even mocks someone out of disrespect. In Proverbs we can get a Biblical definition that provides some clarity. Proverbs 21:24 calls out the scoffer as someone who is arrogant, haughty and prideful. If we think about it, how many times are we this type of person?

Scoffing can bring about arguments, drive people apart, and more importantly, does not represent how God wants us to behave. We need to remember that Jesus humbled Himself to come to earth as a servant, died for us out of love. We need to lift others up above ourselves not think more highly of ourselves, and show the love of Christ to everyone we encounter.

Proverbs 15 & 16

There are many books of proverbs or “wise sayings” that have been published over time. What makes these proverbs unique is the phrase “fear of the LORD”, indicating that these have been divinely inspired by God. Some of the proverbs have been identified as always applicable and others that may depend on the situation.

This message covers some topical proverbs related to how we interact with others, planning, and how God wants us to follow His guidance for our lives.

Matthew 16:13-23

The church is more than a building we visit weekly to show our devotion to God. The church is the people who allow the Holy Spirit dwell within them. The people who acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, as Peter did in this passage.

Our foundation as a church is built upon Jesus (the Rock) and what He has prepared for us. As commanded in the great commission, we have the responsibility to take this church to others and sow the seeds of the Kingdom to all we encounter.

Isaiah 55

When we see injustice in the world we expect it to be made right in our eyes. There should be judgement and a penalty to pay.

James Van Cuyck, our guest teacher this week discusses how God’s ways are not our ways and His plan for resolving our lives includes mercy and grace. If we choose to accept it.

Psalms 147

Why do we praise the LORD? According the the psalm, because it is good or the right thing to do. god also delights in our praises, and He deserves it. Even more reason is when we see what God does when we praise Him.

A clear example of this is looking at the history of the people of Israel. Through their praises, God lifted them up and delivered them from their adversaries.

We also look at nature for the wonderful beauty and care He provides for all creatures, realizing He is all powerful, His timing is perfect, and He can use anything to accomplish His Kingdom purpose.

Psalms 133

This Psalm begins with how wonderful it is when brothers, or fellow believers, live together in unity. some things that draw us together in unity are the same Savior, same Master, same hope, same heaven, and we experience the same trials, temptations and sorrows. In His closing days on earth Jesus’ prayer was that we would live in unity as one body.

The number one enemy of unity is believing the lies of Satan about ourself or others. An enemy we are most familiar with is our flesh, which tries to tell us our way is better than God’s.

We need to remember that unity is like the anointing oil used for priests and kings in the Old Testament times. the oil was poured over their head and ran down their neck and clothing, proving a covering and fragrant aroma to show the blessings of God, including life forevermore.

Psalms 127

This Psalm begins with a warning of “Unless the LORD…” telling us to focus on God and His plan, reminding us that if we do not follow Him what we do is in vain.

Psalm 125:1

The passage above talks about having a trust in God that, like Mount Zion, cannot be moved. Many of us trust God to handle the good stuff, but when times get tough our trust begins to waver. Our trust is often based on what God can do for us physically, and when it doesn’t go our way we pull back and try to handle it our selves.

We need to look at God’s character to see what He provides to us the will never fail. Things like His love and mercy, along with salvation and peace. As we draw closer to Him through Jesus we become sanctified and the things of this world are less important.

Psalms 119

This Psalm provides the many ways we should follow and serve God. The many layers provided here expand on more than just keeping His commandments. There is His Word ,His Testimony, His Commandments, His Laws, Precepts and Rules. we should take delight in all these areas to show how we honor our God.

These provide foundational building blocks for our lives, and the enemy works to chip away at the layers to draw us away from honoring God. In our nation today we see this has been happening for a while, and can see the results.

We need to be like the psalmist and not only be aware of these layers, but take delight in all areas of how God is working in our lives. Compromise is not an option.

Psalms 113 & 114

These two Psalms are typically used before each celebration meal to praise God for who He is and what He has done. The following Psalms 115-118 were sung after the meal to thank God for His blessings. when speaking of what God has done there are references to people at their lowest point in their lives and praise for how God raised them up.

Many times it requires us to be at our lowest times look to God for help, when it really is an issue of willingness to die to self first. Jesus also spoke in Matthew 5 of times when people are at their lowest they will receive blessings. In Luke Jesus instructed us that we need to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily in order to follow Him.

Are you willing to die to self and turn over your spirit to the One who gives us victory?