Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Today we live in a world full of vanity. We live in the “selfie” generation, where all anyone cares about is taking a good picture of themselves so they can boast about their life. How meaningless is all of this? Reminds me of Ecclesiastes which says “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

Is there anything wrong with wanting to look good? No of course not, God has made the woman naturally beautiful. However there has to be more substance to life. Many people today think if they look good on the outside everything will be ok. As many find out, that’s not the truth. 

If we are at war with ourselves on the inside, if we are not a peace within us, your beauty on the outside doesnt make a difference. They only way we can have peace within us is through Jesus Christ. Because He reconciles us back to our Heavenly Father. Any other way is just temporary and wont bring true peace

How many men, when they are looking for a wife, seek a woman who loves Jesus? How many women are looking for a man who loves The Lord? Maybe we would see greater success in marriage, if we had relationships built on the love of God. 

I want to take this moment to give praise to all the women who love Jesus, especially my wife!  Yes the world wants to praise women because they are actors or pop stars but I want to praise all the women who Love God and Love their family in Jesus name Amen!

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

One thing that we have gotten away from, even as Christians, is trusting and believing in the Word of God. Theres alot of “Christians” today who will claim the Bible is not inspired by the Holy Spirit, and was just cultural writings of the time period. This is why our Churches have strayed so far away from God. When you have no intellectual foundation for your faith, what principles are you standing on?

Its no surprise why many younger people have left the faith. If our elder Christians cant even recognize the Bible as the Word of God, then why should they believe anything they are taught? So why do so many reject the authority of Gods word? Well because if we declare that its truly Gods Word, then we need to submit to Gods Word. We need to do what the Bible tells us to do!

Jesus said “ Everything that was written needed to be fulfilled about Him, including the Torah, The Prophets, and The Psalms” (Luke 24:44) This is an amazing statement by Jesus has he literally confirmed the entire Old Testament in one sentance. Throughout Jesus ministry he spoke these words also referencing the Torah, the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, ect, quoting the Psalms and Proverbs. Jesus is the Living Word of God and he spoke the Word of God in person.

So if you believe that Jesus has rose from the dead, if you believe Christ has defeated sin and death, then you must believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God otherwise you would be making Jesus a liar.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25

We are living in a time of fear, people fear for their life, people fear the governments, people fear authority. One of the reasons people live in this crippling fear is because they dont really have faith in Christ. If you truly believe that Jesus saved your soul and has given you eternal life, then what do you really have to fear?

Jesus said “Dont fear them who can kill the body, fear the one who can destroy the body and soul in Hell “ (Matthew 10:28) What is Jesus saying here? Hes saying anyone can take your physical life, but nobody can destroy your soul except God alone! Yes we have a body and a soul, when you understand that we are more than just matter or molecules in motion, life takes on a deeper meaning

Now I know this is still frightening at the prospect of losing your life, however think about the 1rst century Christians. They were being persecuted, tortured, and killed for their faith on a daily basis, so this message would make great comfort for them. In fact many of them were recorded singing hymns and praising God while they were being burned at the stake or being fed to wild lions. Talk about real faith!

So back to the 21rst century now, the Pandemic doesnt seem so frightening compared to what our brothers and sisters endured during the 1rst century. Our life problems seem very shallow and indulgent , compared to the struggles our brothers and sisters used to have. Keep things in perspective! Jesus defeated the grave!

When you put your full trust in Jesus, the world seems alot smaller. Problems seem smaller, struggles seem smaller, fear seems smaller. Because you serve a big God who can do all thing, trust him and you will be safe in the arms of Jesus, Amen!

Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. Proverbs 29:3 (NKJV)

When I read this Proverb, its reminds me of the story of the Prodigal Son. One thing we see in the Prodigal Son story is we have free will to choose our path. We either choose to love the Father or leave him to live in sin. The Father doesnt force himself on anyone, because he loves us , he allows us to make these choices.

When we choose to repent and return to the Father, it makes all of Heaven rejoice. Understand God doesnt want to let you go, however because He does love you, he will allow you to go whatever path you choose.

We remember from the Prodigal Son story, the Son went and spent his inheritance on prostitutes or harlots, just as it states in this Proverb. But once the temporary satisfaction of sin is gone, he was left with the eternal reality of damnation. He went from once living like a King to now eating with the Pigs. 

However the good news is, because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we can come back to the Father! Your sin can be forgiven, repent and receive Jesus! Come running back to the Father, and He will greet you with open arms! Amen!

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26

Who do you put your trust in? Do you put your trust in yourself or Jesus? One of humanity’s biggest failures is they believe they can save themselves. This is our first issue, not recognizing our depravity as sinners. Secondly it’s our arrogance in believing there is no higher intelligence than ourselves.

Jesus said “There is Nobody good but God alone” (Mark 10:18) Anyone who believes they don’t need a Savior, is deceiving themselves. The Bible tells us “Anyone who says they have no sin, is a liar , and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8) We need to recognize we are all sinners and this is why the world needs Jesus Christ

That is the good news (the Gospel) that Christ paid the penalty for our sins so we can be reconciled back to the Father. Once you understand this, its puts life into a whole new perspective. Dont deceive yourself into believing your a “good” person and can earn your way into Heaven. You need a Savior, you need Jesus!

The next part is , once you understand that we have a Creator, who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, you realize its foolish to trust in your own heart. Why wouldn’t you turn to your Heavenly Father who is greater than all things?

But often pride strikes us down, even though we know its logical that God exists and we know the state of our depravity. We harden our hearts to reject God , we have become fools. But those who trust in Jesus will be delivered Amen!

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

One of the benefits of the “Church” or having fellowship with other Christians is learning from each other. One thing we should be doing in our Christian Walk is to continually learn more about God and seek Truth. Those who remain stagnant  in their learning, such as reading the Bible or having Bible studies together, you get dull.

The Bible tells us “To always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks” (1 Peter 3:15) Well if your not continually studying your Bible and working out theology in your head, when someone asks a question, you might not be prepared. Has anyone asked you a question about God and you didnt know what to say? This is what “Iron sharpening Iron” is all about, its about seeking truth and staying sharp

Think about sports, when a team goes into a game, what do they do all week? They are practicing plays, studying the playbook, studying film on the other team. Why wouldn’t Christians approach evangelism the same way? If your a Christian, and spend no time studying the Bible, praying, fellowshipping with others, seeking truth, when an Atheist challenges your worldview or position, of course your going to get destroyed, because your not prepared

YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and other Social Media sites have become great resources in learning. There are alot of great teachers, ministries, and groups out there that you can learn from. Most importantly study your Bible because that is the source of truth in all things. When having discussions, it becomes pretty obvious  very quickly, whether someone knows their Bible or not.

Of course the second part of 1 Peter 3:15 is to do this with gentleness and respect. When having discussions with other people, its not about winning arguments, its about winning souls for Christ. Listen to people’s positions , even if you don’t agree with them. Then state your position, but give good reason why you hold that view. Remember that Apostle Paul said “If you dont have love, your just a noisy gong” (1 Corinthians 13:1)  Nobody is going to listen to you if you dont treat them with some empathy or respect. 

Jesus said “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32) Set people free by sending them to Christ , Amen!

Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 (NKJV)

Many of us have great plans for the future, some even plan out their entire life. When we reach a certain age we will do this, and when we reach this age we will do that. However we dont even know if we’ll be here tomorrow. Currently under the world of Sin and Death, tomorrow is not guaranteed. God has never promised you will live 100 years in your mortal body

So when you understand this, this brings a whole new appreciation for life and a new perspective on your daily living. Many of us are so busy planning for the future , that we never live in the present. Many are planning for a future that will never happen. What if we lived everyday with great urgency? What if we lived as if the pages of our story do matter and will be recounted for?

Jesus echoed these words “Dont worry about tomorrow, for today has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34) This has been my daily motto to get through life. Sometimes when we think to far ahead we can get ourselves to overwhelmed. Focus on today, get through the problems of today, enjoy the moments of today, make the most out of today!

Now I know many will say “Yet but what about eternal life in Jesus Christ?” Yes Gods eternal Kingdom is coming and is promised through Jesus Christ. However were stil lstuck in the “Old Earth” right now. We dont have our resurrected bodies yet, so were on limited time currently. The Early Church lived everyday as if Christ was going to return today. Perhaps we could use there insight and zeal, to be better prepared when Christ does return.

Dont let today pass you by without trying to embrace it, without trying to make a difference in someones life, without thanking God that you made it another day! Amen!

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.  Proverbs 26:11

Sin is a continual problem, not only for those who are unsaved but those who are also saved. Why? Because until we receive our resurrected bodies or get called up to be with The Lord, we are still in our fleshly bodies. When your Born Again, there’s a battle between the Holy Spirit and your sinful flesh. Its a war that wages on, thats why its important to keep your walk with Christ daily. To deny yourself and carry your cross daily, not just one time

The Proverb compares Sin to vomit, and by Gods standards that what it is. Sin is what corrupts our soul and destroys our body. However as a dog, many of us cant resist the temptations. Many, even though you know its destructive, continually come back to the same sin over and over again. Why? Because you have allowed the flesh to overcome the Spirit. This is why we need to cling to Christ, not just follow Him. Thrown yourself at the Masters feet and beg to take away this burden

This is why Jesus said “Unless you become Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) You cant expect to be in the presence of God and still be eating your vomit, its a disgrace! You need to be reborn, you need a transformation, you need to overcome your sin. How can we do this? How can we overcome the flesh? Jesus said “Take heart for he has already overcome the world” You need Christ to overcome your sin, he is the only cure

One of the best ways not to sin, is to avoid Sin! Going in a bar at night is probably not going to lead to holiness, use common sense, avoid temptive situations. But most importantly be filled with the Holy Spirit. Pray that God gives you the strength to overcome, and you will because Christ has already overcome. Fill your mind with things from above and not from below!

Are you continually going back to your old vomit? Jesus came to set the captives free, that includes you! Jesus will break your chains from whatever may hold you prisoner, call upon The Lord and you shall be saved Amen!

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint  Proverbs 25:19

When life is good, we dont need God at all, right? When you got plenty of money, you got great health, you got a perfect family, but what happens when the bottom drops out? What happens when your health begins to fade? What happens when you lose your career or business? What happens when your family has issues? Who do you turn to?

This is the dilemma that Atheist face, they boast about not needing God! They are self sufficient, they can take care of number 1. But the reality is were all going to go through tough times and trials, the reality is our health is going to fail one day and were going to face death. So who does your soul turn to in the times of trouble?

When we ponder these things and issues, they seem overwhelming. Who can prepare for all these upcoming storms? Who can know what to say or how to endure this? God has made it really simple, the answer to everything is Jesus Christ! 

Jesus has solved all the worlds problems , if they would just receive him and listen to his voice. But the Atheist doesnt want to hear this! They cant believe in God, they cant submit to the Creator of the universe. They want to live like they want they on their terms! They dont want to give up their Sin, its much too fun!

But the satisfaction of Sin is temporary but the consequences are eternal. While the fun of your sin has worn off, your mortal body is decaying daily. Your soul needs Jesus! Your soul needs rebirth! Your soul needs hope for a future!

The faithless man will live life in hopeless agony like having a broken tooth, while the redeemed live in peace because of their Lord and Savior has already defeated Sin and Death, Amen!

Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great; For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.Proverbs 25:6-7

Pride is the greatest downfall to humanity. One of the reasons many people reject God, is not due to lack of evidence, its pride. We want to be exalted, our flesh longs for people to worship us! The thought of God ruling over us is appalling to the wicked person. They want to be God themself, but if they truly understood what they were asking of, they would realize how foolish they are

Think about todays society, what do kids want to be when they grow up? They want to be an actor, or they want to be a professional athlete, or they want to be a rock star. Why? Because they want the glory and fame, they want the power and prestige. This is all idolatry. Its in our fallen nature to want to be worshipped, to want to be powerful. We want to please the lusts of the flesh

Nobody in the flesh says they want to be a servant of Jesus Christ! Everyone wants to go to Heaven, but they are not willing if they have to be a worker in the Fathers House. This is why Christianity is about self denial and not self worship. As Jesu said “Unless your Born Again you wont see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3)  Until you deny the flesh you cant be in the presence of holiness. 

Many people in Christianity want to make a name for themselves, they want a big ministry with a big title. Its better to wait for Jesus to say “Come up here” then to make yourself get up there. This is why alot of ministries become self centered more than Christ centered. It becomes more appealing to the flesh than being led by the Holy Spirit

Heavenly Father, we’ll wait for you to command us to “Come up Here” until then we will serve you and worship you with all our heart, mind, and soul in Jesus name Amen