Love and Affection With God (John 15:12-15)

John 15:12-15, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

Jesus, who is God, keeps the planets on course in their orbit around the sun; He keeps everything from disintegrating into chaos. This is great news for us because it means there is nothing too difficult for Jesus. He can help us with every problem. There is no wayward child, no sickness, no financial problem, and no troubled marriage too difficult for Him. Therefore, Jesus, who is God, can help with any problem.

Have you ever felt you would like to have a relationship with God like the great saints of the Bible? The most amazing and most marvelous truth in the world is God wants to have an intimate relationship with you and me. God has given us the Bible so we may know how to come closer to Him and have an intimate relationship with Him.

Does God ever seem far away? If so, we might wonder how involved in our life He actually is. At such times, we should rely on the truth of Scripture and the Gospels are a good place to start. Jesus’ life testifies to the divine desire for intimacy. He consistently reached out to strangers, inviting them to draw near to Him. He spoke words of encouragement to His followers. At the same time, He taught them the profound truths He had received from His Father (John 7:16) and held them accountable for their actions. And Jesus invited certain people to accompany Him for deeply personal experiences, such as the transfiguration and His last prayer retreat in the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 9:2; Matthew 26:36-37).

The Saviour’s sacrificial choice to die in our place made it possible for us to join Him in God’s family. The Holy Spirit, each believer’s indwelling companion and guide, also witnesses to God’s closeness and detailed knowledge of those who are His. Yes, God has made intimacy with Him possible. But all too often, we hold back. Distracted by earthly concerns, we put limits on His involvement in our life and set family and friends as higher priorities. Let’s commit to placing the Lord first and pursuing Him with our whole heart (Mark 12:30).

He lets us know that our relationship is further blessed by the fact that He promises us that we will enjoy an intimate relationship with His Father, also. Jesus tells us that because of our friendship, we are brought into a place where we will receive answers to our prayers. This is a great comfort as we travel through this world! Because we are in this relationship with Jesus, we are reconciled to the Father, and as a result, we are invited to come before Him and to make our petitions and requests known (Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4:16). The idea here is that we do not travel through this world without a Helper and without a Friend (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). Don't miss the blessing of the deeply personal relationship God offers.

How is God’s love impacting you today? You may be in a trial as a discipline from your loving Father. You may be feeling His sadness over times when only hardship causes you to learn. Don’t overlook what you discover about His love from the trials or discipline you endure. Your ongoing transformation can always be traced back to the things God’s love does in your life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have searched me and known me. You know me so much better than I know myself. Thank You for loving me in and through Your Son Jesus in ways beyond what I can express. You always speak truth into my life, whether I accept it or not. You command, correct, instruct, and guide me, but most of all, You love me as You talk to me. You love me with a love I can spend the rest of time and eternity discovering and will never reach the end. I realize the best way I can show my gratitude is to welcome all You are doing in my life to conform me to Christ’s character. Forgive me for my resistance and reluctance. Thank You for not giving up on me and for disciplining me even in ways You know I won’t like. I realize that is Your love in action, always doing for me what I am neither smart enough nor willing enough to pursue on my own. Please accept today my willingness to endure more readily and love You back more deeply for all You have graciously done for me. Thank You for speaking into my life, Lord. Please continue that good work in me. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Be Careful What You Assume and How You Answer A Matter (Proverbs 18:13) – PART 6

Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

Sometimes we get discouraged because we assume something without having all the facts. Such was the case in England when the news of the Battle of Waterloo reached the country. The news was first carried by ship to the southern coast. From there it was relayed by signal flags to London. When the report was received at Winchester, the flags on the cathedral began to spell out the message: "Wellington defeated…" Before the message could be completed, however, a fog moved in obstructing the view of the flags. Gloom filled the hearts of the people as the fragmentary news spread throughout the countryside. The people assumed the worst without waiting for the rest of the message. They answered a matter before hearing the whole message. When the mist began to finally lift, it became evident that the signals of Winchester Cathedral had really spelled out a triumphant message: "Wellington defeated the enemy!"

Be sure to get all the facts and watch out for your presumptions. Many make false presumptions every day because they don't have all the facts. Some presume they have their whole lives ahead of them to serve God. They presume they will have time to serve Christ later or when they are older. The Bible humbles us in James 4:14-15, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

Another common presumption that will get you into trouble is belief that living for Christ is a waste of your time and serving the Lord is not that big of a deal. That is a presumption that will leave you empty-handed when you stand before the Lord at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Your loss of reward will leave with you shame because you wasted your life, your opportunities, your time and resources on trivial, vain matters. Paul warned us about this event. I Corinthians 3:13-15, “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

Here is a picture of two Christians. Both build on the foundation of Jesus Christ. We can build on no other foundation (I Corinthians 3:11). One person allows God to build his or her work, life, ministry, home, business, and personal happiness. The result is that the individual has gold, silver, and precious stones at the judgment. Perhaps the person does not make a big splash in the world. The Christian may not be well-known, but the day comes when the fire of God tries their work. What does fire do to gold, silver, and precious stones? It refines and purifies. On the other hand, another Christian also builds on Christ, but this person is ostentatious; their works are only for show or only for display. This individual wants the world to know what they have accomplished. So the Christian builds with wood, hay, and stubble. The fire tries this Christian's work. What happens when the fire falls on wood, hay, and stubble? They burn; they are lost. So this persons suffers a loss. Notice: I Corinthians 3:15, “If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” Christ is going to judge us not just for the deeds we do, but for the motive behind the deeds. The Bible tells us that He will judge us according to what we have done. But motive is very important. Nobody noticed the poor widow casting in her half penny to the treasury except Christ. But He said she would be rewarded. Nobody noticed Zacchaeus up the "sycomore tree" except Christ. When someone gives even a cup of cold water in the name of Christ, that person will in no wise lose their reward. The smallest, most humble ministries are noted by our Lord.

He sees the sparrow fall, He numbers the hairs on our head, and He tells us that we are of more value than sparrows. Christ is interested in not only what we do, but how we do it. He wants it to be done with a pure motive. So here we have it: gold, silver, and precious stones; wood, hay, and stubble. One is small compared to the value of the others. One can't stand fire, but purified by the fire. Wood, hay, and stubble represent the flesh. Gold, silver, and precious stones represent the Spirit. Wood, hay, and stubble represent the natural. Gold, silver, and precious stones represent the supernatural. Christ is talking about what we do and why we do it. The judgment is one of fire.

Sophie was a scrub woman. One day, as she was scrubbing the steps of a large New York City building, a tenant said, "Sophie, I understand that you're a child of God." "Yes, sir, I'm a child of the King!" "Well, since you're a child of the King, do you believe that God recognizes you as a princess?" "He certainly does," beamed Sophie. "Well, if God is your Father, and if you're a princess and a child of the King, don't you think it is beneath your level to be found here in New York City scrubbing those dirty steps?" Undaunted, Sophie replied, "There's no humiliation whatsoever. You see, I'm not scrubbing these steps for my boss. I am scrubbing them for Jesus Christ, my Saviour." Amen! There is a beautiful dignity in the lowest and most menial task that we perform if we are doing it for our precious Saviour, Jesus Christ. Be a worker for Christ!

Point to Ponder:
Words Spoken in Ignorance Usually Lead to Shame.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please help me to listen attentively before I speak. Help me to be slow to answer without fully understanding the situation. Give me the wisdom to discern and the patience to hear others out. May I never be foolish or bring shame upon myself by speaking without first listening. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Be Careful What You Assume and How You Answer A Matter (Proverbs 18:13) – PART 5

Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

In today’s world, we can find ourselves quickly jumping to conclusions. This verse serves as a reminder that when we give an answer before fully understanding the situation, we risk saying something foolish or insensitive. We all know how easy it is to misinterpret someone’s words or intentions. Therefore, taking the time to listen not only shows respect, but also helps us respond appropriately. It’s about being patient and not rushing into judgment. By being attentive, we foster better conversations and relationships.

Then comes the phrase “folly and shame”. This speaks volumes about what our hasty responses can lead to. When we fail to actively listen, we risk appearing ignorant or irrational. Reflecting on this verse, think about a time when actively listening led to a breakthrough in a conversation or relationship. How did that experience reaffirm the value of listening before speaking? We can not only prevent folly but also build stronger, more harmonious relationships based on genuine understanding and compassion by incorporating this wisdom into our daily interactions.

If you are careless in coming to a conclusion, making a decision, forming an opinion, casting a vote, or giving counsel or advice before you have all the facts of a situation, your actions are foolish and will lead to shame, confusion, embarrassment or disgrace. As I mentioned previously, how many times have we put our foot in our mouths because we spoke without thinking or knowing what we were talking about in a matter? We hurt our credibility with others when we answer a matter before getting the facts of the situation. We also do or say things that are embarrassing.

Why are people hasty with their assumptions? One reason is the fact they think they already know the answer. Some folks tend to believe what they want to believe, even though the truth or facts refute their conclusions. Pride causes them to stick with their conclusions, even though they are obviously wrong. If you are careless in coming to a conclusion, making a decision, forming an opinion, casting a vote, or giving advice, before you have all the facts of the situation, your actions are foolish and will lead to shame, confusion, embarrassment or disgrace. As I mentioned previously, how many times have we put our foot in our mouths because we spoke without thinking or knowing what we were talking about in a matter? We hurt our credibility with others when we are hasty and in error with our assumptions. We do or say things that are embarrassing.

Such was the case of employees in a California business. According to an executive of an Oakland (California) company, all employees are required to sign in when they come to work each morning, and, if late, to write down the reason. During bad weather, the reason is generally "fog" — written in by the first arrival, with those who come in afterwards simply putting ditto marks. One morning the first tardy gentleman printed under the excuse column, "Wife had twins”. On the next 18 lines, the later arrivals dutifully noted "ditto". That is a lot of babies! You could say they ended up answering a matter without getting the facts for sure. Being hasty in your assumptions before you get all the facts is a huge act of presumption. This is like forming an opinion of a person before you have even met them or heard them. It is also the same as telling someone what they are thinking when you have no clue at all.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to jump to conclusions, like rushing to a meeting without checking the agenda. But imagine missing a key detail because you didn’t listen first. Let’s approach our daily interactions with the humility of a learner, not an expert. Instead of assuming we know, let’s ask and truly hear what others are saying. How much stronger would our bonds at work and with family be if we practiced this daily?

If people make decisions without all the information they need to make those decisions, whether it is a decision about the punishment of your children or criminals in court, a business decision, or even a vote in Congress, you see how chaos and confusion would plague their lives from hasty, stupid choices they would regret later.

James 1:19 emphasizes the importance of being quick to listen before speaking. This means we should strive to truly hear and understand what others are saying before offering our own thoughts or opinions. We can avoid misunderstandings, show respect to those speaking, and demonstrate care and empathy towards them by listening attentively. Rushing to speak without fully grasping what is being communicated can lead to miscommunication and missed opportunities for connection and understanding.

Furthermore, being quick to listen before speaking allows us to gain valuable insights and information from others. It provides us with the opportunity to learn from different perspectives, broaden our understanding, and make more informed decisions. We can foster better relationships, promote effective communication, and cultivate a spirit of humility and openness in our interactions with others by actively listening and seeking to understand before responding. The verse highlights the wisdom in being deliberate and thoughtful in our communication. We can enhance our relationships, improve our understanding of others, and contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society by prioritizing listening over speaking.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please help me to listen attentively before I speak. Help me to be slow to answer without fully understanding the situation. Give me the wisdom to discern and the patience to hear others out. May I never be foolish or bring shame upon myself by speaking without first listening. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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​Be Careful What You Assume and How You Answer A Matter (Proverbs 18:13) – PART 4

Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

This verse highlights the importance of active listening before engaging in speech. It emphasizes the idea that by carefully listening and understanding others first, we can avoid making hasty or foolish remarks. We can gain a deeper understanding of others perspectives and experiences by taking the time to truly listen to them, leading to more meaningful and effective communication.

Life is full of disputes. Sometimes we are directly involved in disputes, and at other times, we are witnesses that have to resolve them. Whether it is a conflict in the church, at work, in a courtroom, or a dispute in your home, it is important to get all the facts before you come to a conclusion and deliver a verdict. Solomon warned us to not believe the first person you hear about a matter, because he or she may be wrong. The person who presents his case first has the advantage and can sound quite convincing in presenting their side of the conflict, but it is vital to always get the other side of the story. Believe me, there is another side that will many times shed a total different light on the conflict at hand. Search out or examine the situation. Get the facts by asking exploring questions. Make sure both parties are present if possible when trying to get to the truth. If something is confusing or causes questions, then continue the examination of the problem by seeking explanations. Don't fall into the trap of making inaccurate assumptions. It is our assumptions, without all the facts, that really get us into trouble. There are a number of foolish and dangerous assumptions that people make today.

A wise man reflects before he speaks; a fool speaks and then reflects on what he has uttered. Not only do the answers, but the questions that a person asks, reveal a great deal about that person. They reveal the thinking of the person answering the question, but they also reveal the frame of mind of the person asking the question. A person who is a fool has a knack for asking some pretty dumb questions. Consider the following questions that the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyers Journal printed. These were questions asked by lawyers during a trial. They are unbelievable. The responses to some of the questions were given by insightful witnesses.

1. “Now, doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?”
2. “The youngest son, the 20-year-old, how old is he?”
3. “Were you present when your picture was taken?”
4. “Were you alone, or by yourself?”
5. “Was it you or your younger brother who was killed in the war?”
6. “Did he kill you?”
7. “How far apart were the vehicles at the time of the collision?”
8. “You were there until the time you left, is that true?”
9. Q: “She had three children, right?” A: “Yes.” Q: “How many were boys?” A: “None.” Q: “Were there any girls?”
10. Q: “You say the stairs went down to the basement?” A: “Yes.” Q: “And these stairs, did they go up also?”
11. Q: “How was your first marriage terminated?” A: “By death.” Q: “And by whose death was it terminated?”
12. Q: “All your responses must be oral, OK? What school did you go to?” A. “Oral.”
13. Q: “Doctor, how many autopsies have you performed on dead people?” A: “All my autopsies are performed on dead people.”
14. Q: “Do you recall the time that you examined the body?” A: “The autopsy started around 8:30 P.M.” Q: “And Mr. Dennington was dead at the time?” A: “No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy.”
15. Q: “Mr. Slatery, you went on a rather elaborate honeymoon, didn't you?” A: “I went to Europe, sir.” Q: “And you took your new wife?”

This proverb is specifically significant in today’s fast-paced world where social media and instant communication often encourage hasty reactions. It warns against the common human tendency to jump to conclusions without fully understanding the situation. It reminds us to slow down, truly listen, and understand before responding. This principle can improve personal relationships, professional interactions, and even social discourse. A manager hastily reprimands an employee based on incomplete information in a workplace scenario. Later, it becomes evident that the employee was not at fault. This situation not only damages the employee’s morale, but also undermines the manager’s credibility. Had the manager taken the time to listen fully, the outcome would have been different, fostering trust and respect.

Rushing to reply often leads to regret. When we take a moment to consider our words thoughtfully, we can respond in a way that nurtures one another. Responding wisely can ease tensions, offer support, and communicate love. Taking the time to listen can make all the difference in how we communicate with others. By being aware of our responses and the importance of active listening, we can foster stronger relationships and a deeper sense of community. This not only reflects who we are as individuals but also shines light on our Christian values. Let’s commit to being diligent listeners, making our conversations meaningful and impactful. The words we choose can either heal or hurt. As we ponder on this Scripture, may we strive to listen first and respond with love and understanding in our hearts.

Points to Ponder:

• Quarrels Need to be Carefully Examined.
• Unless You Have All the Facts, Never Accelerate Your Answer.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please help me to listen attentively before I speak. Help me to be slow to answer without fully understanding the situation. Give me the wisdom to discern and the patience to hear others out. May I never be foolish or bring shame upon myself by speaking without first listening. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Be Careful What You Assume and How You Answer A Matter (Proverbs 18:13) – PART 3

Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

Answering a matter before you hear it is a huge act of presumption. This is like forming an opinion of a person before you have even met them or heard them. It is also the same as telling someone what they are thinking when you have no clue at all. A good way to create chaos in your marriage is to accuse your spouse of what they are thinking. Not good! It is a good way to end close friendships, too. Solomon states that answering a matter before you have all the information to make a proper decision is foolish and leads to shame. It is from the word {kel-im-maw'} which not only means "shame, disgrace, reproach, and insult”, it also means "confusion". Failure to examine the facts of a matter lead to shame and embarrassment. The word "shame" here is a very intense word. How many times have you insulted someone, created confusion, or disgraced yourself because you were hasty in your words and judgment? You made the mistake of coming to conclusions without having or examining all the facts. Do your research the best you can.

Psalm 44:15, “My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,” Jeremiah 3:25, “We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.” If people make decisions without all the information they need to make those decisions, whether it is a decision about punishment of children or criminals in court, a business decision, or even a vote in Congress, you see how chaos and confusion would plague their lives from stupid choices they would regret later.

​Gordon MacDonald shared a story about events that took place in the 1920s that deal with this issue of presumption and how it makes you look like a fool. On the heels of the Bolshevik Revolution when Joseph Stalin was extending his choke-hold over all of what became the Soviet Union, he sent political speakers out to Russian towns and villages to brainwash the people about Marxism and the Russian form of Communism. Peasants were forced to hear the ranting speeches telling them what they must believe. It was made clear that the teaching of Christian faith was to come to an immediate end. The church was no longer to be active. What none of them realized was that hundreds of years of Russian Orthodox teaching about the resurrection couldn't be rubbed out of people's souls just like that. One large crowd of people sitting in a public auditorium listened for three hours to the speech of a Russian commissar as he tried to convert them to Marxism and the glories of the Communist party. When he finished, he was exhausted, but he had taken his best shot. He was absolutely positive he had convinced the crowd, so he invited questions. Here and there people rose to ask questions, but he was satisfied he had done his best and presumed to have persuaded the people. He would hear no more of Jesus Christ. Just as things were about to end, and he was to sign his success seal over what he had done, a Russian Orthodox priest stood up at the back of the hall, "I just have one thing to say to you. Christ is risen!" Instantly the entire crowd responded, "Christ is risen, indeed!" Gordon continued and said, "This is the third time I've told that story this morning. At the end of the second worship hour, a couple came up and introduced themselves. The women said to me in a heavy accent, 'I am from Russia. Thank you for telling your story; it moved me greatly. But I must tell you one more thing about that story, which you did not tell. You need to tell people that when the crowd said 'Christ is risen indeed!' they knew for certain they would all go to jail.'" The Communist rulers may have been confused and embarrassed by their presumptions, but the Christians were not. In the face of persecution, they had peace in their hearts.

How often do we find ourselves forming opinions or giving advice without fully understanding the context? What steps can we take to ensure we are truly listening before we speak? Reflect on a recent conversation where you might have spoken too soon. How could the principles from this proverb have changed the outcome? We can strive to become better listeners and more thoughtful communicators in our daily lives by thoughtfully considering these questions and the wisdom of Proverbs 18:13.

Points to Ponder:

• Presumption Can Cause Chaos.
• The Lack of Examination Leads to Shame.

Questions to Consider:

• Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you spoke too quickly without fully understanding the other person’s point of view?
• How did that impact the conversation?

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please help me to listen attentively before I speak. Help me to be slow to answer without fully understanding the situation. Give me the wisdom to discern and the patience to hear others out. May I never be foolish or bring shame upon myself by speaking without first listening. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Be Careful What You Assume and How You Answer A Matter (Proverbs 18:13) – PART 2

Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

Proverbs 18:13 illustrates the importance of paying attention to a matter before you offer your opinions or conclusions. Failure to be attentive to all the facts will lead to a failure in your credibility. You will end up looking foolish and bring embarrassment to yourself. Solomon used the word "shame". This word is from the Hebrew word kelimmah {kel-im-maw'} which means "disgrace, dishonor, insults, confusion, or shame”.

The principle of this verse is very relevant for any pastor, preacher, or Sunday school teacher. It is a reminder to us that before we preach and offer our conclusions on a passage of Scripture, we had better take the time to carefully study it. We better "hear out" the matter by reading, studying, and even consulting other men of God sometimes, to find out the meaning of a passage, especially when it is a difficult one to understand.

Why would a person answer a matter or give his opinion before he hears about a situation or problem? Why would he make a decision before getting all the facts? One reason is the person is arrogant and thinks he knows everything. This attitude causes him to ignore or not listen to others and feel he is not accountable to anyone. The consequences of such behavior are foolishness and shame.

For example, on February 10, 2009, Congress and then the Senate in Washington D.C. voted on a trillion-dollar bill without taking the time to read it. Unbelievable! It was the most expensive bill in the history of the United States of America and yet, none of our politicians took the time, or had the time, to examine the entire bill and understand what they were approving by their vote. They really did not have any time to read it because it was rushed through by those in leadership exerting pressure on the Congress.

This foolish action is an ample illustration of this verse. They did not get all the facts before they answered the matter or voted their opinion in this case. About a month later, when unpopular policies in this bill began to surface, especially with the insurance company AIG, they had “egg on their face” and passed legislation to undo some of the things they approved in their vote of ignorance.

The Bible warns against developing such habits however, and graciously helps us to steer clear of speaking of things about which we know very little. As the above verse indicates, it is actually foolish and shameful for one to “give an answer before he hears”. But what does this actually mean?

If we give a little thought to this verse, the meaning becomes clear rather quickly. Think about your own experience. Recount times that you have opened your mouth to give your opinion on something, only to find out how wrong you actually were about the subject, and how much better it would have been to be “swift to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19), so that you could have received more information. It has happened to me more times than I would like to admit.

So, what are the practical implications of this warning to not answer before we hear?
1. We must give ourselves to actively listening to others.
We know what it’s like when we are talking to someone and you can tell that they have not heard a word you are saying, but are only waiting to pounce and give their thoughts on the subject. Or let me bring it closer to home. You know how easy it is to nod your head act like you are listening when in reality you are only planning what to say next. This is not only inconsiderate, it keeps us from true understanding and will actually increase our chances of giving foolish answers. For kindness and wisdom’s sake, we should give ourselves to actively listening to others–to focusing on what they are saying, and seek to understand it–not merely using their time to talk as an opportunity to think of what we will say next.

2. We must learn to be patient and wait for all the facts.
Take the situation with Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. If all we had was the circumstantial evidence (Joseph’s garment was in Potiphar’s wife’s hand she had a credible story, and even some “witnesses”) we might be ready to condemn an innocent man (Genesis 39:1-23). But our “answer” would have been dead wrong because we were not patient to “hear” all the facts. Had we waited, we would have learned that Joseph actually reacted in a godly fashion in the situation.

3. We must desire understanding more than giving our opinion.
Proverbs 18:2, “A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” If the habit of our lives is to parade our opinions rather than seeking to truly understand what we are talking about, we are nothing more than fools. On the other hand, a humble, godly person does not merely throw out his or her opinion, rather, they only speak with true knowledge and understanding: Proverbs 13:16, “Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.” So, as you look out on the world around you and seek to discern various ideas and teachings, give yourself to listening, to patience, and to real understanding. Then you will be wise and your words will be a fountain of life, and you will avoid the folly and shame that inevitably comes along with being quick to speak and slow to hear.

Get all the facts before you make a decision or come to a conclusion about a matter. Get all the facts before you agree or disagree about a matter. Let me add here, when you vote for someone going into government, get someone who knows what he or she is doing and in touch with the people they represent. When politicians become arrogant and unaccountable, they become out of touch and dangerous. The laws they pass become expensive, destructive, restrictive, and repressive of our freedoms.

Getting the facts of a person's needs is an important part of encouraging them. If they have a financial need, we have more information on how much to give. If they have a conflict or problem with another person, getting the facts enlightens us on how to provide solutions to the situation. This is very important because we may give wrong counsel if we don't have all the facts concerning a conflict. When everything is on the table, however, we can give precise solutions, warnings, cautions, and even rebukes.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please help me to listen attentively before I speak. Help me to be slow to answer without fully understanding the situation. Give me the wisdom to discern and the patience to hear others out. May I never be foolish or bring shame upon myself by speaking without first listening. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Be Careful What You Assume and How You Answer A Matter (Proverbs 18:13) – PART 1

Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

To answer a question before you have heard it out is both foolish and insulting. To spout off an answer to something before listening to all the facts is the assurance of an impatient and unwise man; this act brings both shame and confusion upon him and his public reputation. These people speak before they have any wisdom in their talk. They are so anxious to talk, that they do not wait to get substance in their talk. Such people heap much shame upon themselves and are soon embarrassed by their speaking before they have something worthwhile to say.

A counselor is genuinely intent to listen to the situation before speaking. Knowing when to speak is just as important as knowing what to say. Foolish people are more interested in answering than in hearing out the person who addresses them. It’s possible to be convinced by the first speaker in a debate or a court case, but things may look different when you hear the opposition’s response. Take the time to make sure you have listened and understood all aspects of a matter before you decide on a solution.

John 7:51, “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?” To react to a problem before hearing the whole matter results in foolish decisions and embarrassment. Good judgment hears both sides of a dispute in their entirety before coming to a decision. Fools, rather, fly off the handle after hearing only one side.

Making rash judgments or decisions on matters before hearing all the relevant facts is foolish and most unwise. Far too many opinions are formed based on a blend of fact and fiction. Tragically, this leads to grave errors in judgment and mistaken ideas about people and situations. It can even lead to someone’s death. Quick responses are often immaterial and usually wrong. All of this points toward people who are arrogant, who exalt themselves, and think they have all the answers. The wise are different, and they go about things in an entirely different manner. They gather all the information they can; then they consider it carefully before drawing a conclusion. They also seek God’s guidance as to the truth of a matter or as to what action they should take. Jumping to conclusions is foolish and brings disgrace and reproach.

Often people say things that sound good in the moment, but when they are fully considered, the flaws begin to appear. Other times, only one side of a situation is presented for consideration. The problem comes in when we take action based on the early information without taking all sides into account. That approach leads to foolish decisions and can result in disaster.

Sometimes the wisest thing we can do is constrain our words and say little or nothing at all. We all have suffered from the familiar "foot-in-mouth disease". One of the most frequent complaints from couples who are struggling in their marriages is "they don’t listen to me". When we get to know people, we sometimes think we know what they are going to say before they say it. While this is true in some relationships, the issue is that we just listen to the first part of the comment or question and then starting responding. Another excellent time to constrain our words is when someone says something very foolish. Getting into a debate with a fool is a big mistake. The Bible helps us regarding this in Proverbs 26:4, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” If you get into an argument with a fool and someone overhears the discussion, he or she won't be able to tell which one is the fool.

We should take time to carefully weigh all aspects of a matter, making sure that we have the full story before proceeding to make a decision. Choices based on partial and incomplete information rarely turn out well. Do not allow impatience to push you toward moving forward unless you are sure you have understood both the current situation and the possible outcomes of any decision you make. Only then are you ready to make a wise and safe decision. A person who knows the right words to say is like an artist who can make beautiful, valuable things out of silver and gold. The most valuable thing you can give most people is a word of constructive encouragement.

Giving advice, coming to conclusions, or speaking too hastily leads to humiliation. Poor listening reveals that the person has a low regard for what others are saying. It also reveals that they are too absorbed in self-importance.

There are three basic principles for making sound decisions:

1. Get the facts before answering.
2. Be open to new ideas.
3. Make sure you hear both sides of the story before judging a matter or making a decision.

All three principles center around the search for additional information. This is difficult work, but the only alternative is prejudice or judging before getting all the facts. As parents, when our kids are in a dispute, it's important to get all the facts before we make a ruling on a matter. Failure to do so can create rebellion in our children and leave us with “egg on our face”.

Points to Ponder:
Investigate all the facts before issuing any opinions.
Procure all the facts to prevent any folly.
Lip service without examining all the facts leads to embarrassment.
Use wisdom rather than speaking prematurely or jumping to conclusions before hearing a matter.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please help me to listen attentively before I speak. Help me to be slow to answer without fully, understanding the situation. Give me the wisdom to discern and the patience to hear others out. May I never be foolish or bring shame upon myself by speaking without first listening. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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The Great Commission is Not Out of Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)

Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Coca-Cola was founded in 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia. It was introduced to the world on January 29, 1892 and has been around for over 130 years. Coca-Cola was the first company to use merchandising and celebrity endorsements in its ads during the 1893 Chicago World Fair. In the beginning, Coca-Cola had cocaine in it, in varying amounts. At the time, cocaine was legal and treated as a medicine. Coca-Cola’s goal is simple; they want everyone to get addicted to their drink. It’s evident that Coke seems to be willing to try any marketing strategy in its attempts to get their product into everyone’s hands. They are willing to use catch phrases, commercials, and slogans. Since 1886, Coke has had 49 different slogans. Perhaps the most famous is “It's the Real Thing”. Coke is one of the largest advertisers in the world, with spending on ads of about $4 billion a year worldwide. They earned nearly 47 billion in net sales in 2024. Coca-Cola is one of the most popular soft drinks in the world. They sold 33.7 billion cases of drinks in 2024. Today, Coke sells more than 1.9 billion beverages around the world every day. They sell anywhere between 30-40 billion units per year. Globally, over 10,000 Coca-Cola soft drinks are consumed every second.

In 1985, when business became slow and losing market value, Coca-Cola, out of desperation, decided to change their identity and label. “New Coke” began and it was a failure. The change was met with much criticism and negativity, and Coke later changed its label to Coca-Cola Classic.

We have the Word of God and Jesus Christ. He never changes. Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Therefore, we do not need to change the message. We have every opportunity to get the Gospel to the lost. We have had the Gospel for 2,000 years. How are there still entire countries in this world where the name of Jesus is practically unknown? Has a soft drink company really been more passionate about selling their drink than we have been about sharing news of free eternal life? Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Coca-Cola is very adamant about getting their product around the world. The Coca-Cola company did that in just over 100 years. They made it so that almost every person on earth knows their name. They claim that their product is sold in over 200 countries around the world. They are obviously zealous about their product because there are only 196 countries in the world. There are now just two countries in the world where Coca-Cola cannot be bought or sold - at least, not officially. They are Cuba and North Korea. I’m sure Coke would be willing to do just about anything to get its product in the hands of the Cubans and the Koreans. According to current demographics. 90% of the world has heard about Coke, 71% of the world has seen Coke, 50% of the world has tasted Coke, but only 10% of the world has heard the Gospel of Christ. God’s goal for giving to missions through His local church empowers His plan increase and gives every individual believer an opportunity to have a part in reaching others for Christ. Let's not fail in our mission to do the Great Commission. Christ has sent us, now we need to reach others and share the Gospel with them. If we don't, multitudes of people will spend eternity separated from God because no one told them. Nothing you accomplish in life will have a larger or longer lasting impact than leading people to Christ. Let's share the Gospel with someone today, and determine to be better witnesses of God's plan of salvation.

By His life of submission and obedience to the law of God as a man, the Son of God established righteousness in the earth. It is this righteousness, performed by Christ, which God imputes to believers. He declares us righteous by virtue of Christ’s righteousness for us. We have no righteousness of our own, but we are made righteous before God in Christ. Jesus will save every sinner who repents and puts their faith in Him and trusts Him for salvation. This gift of salvation is secured, guaranteed, and eternal. Not one of God’s children will perish. By His life of righteousness as our Redeemer, and by His sin-atoning death as our Substitute, He silenced the claims of justice against us. All for whom Christ died shall live forever in glory. Every Christian needs to let others know that Jesus Christ came into the world to bring salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. We have a wonderful opportunity to be a part of God's plan and program that has eternal value. That is where we need to put our attention and focus. May we find and obey the task that He has called us to do.

Point to Ponder:
The Great Commission is a command, not a “Great Suggestion.”

Question to Consider:
What are you doing to take part in the work of spreading the message of Christ to the world?

PRAYER: Father, help me to become a more disciplined laborer in the field. I submit my availability to Your authority. May Your Holy Spirit guide me to souls who are open to receive Your truth. Help me to bring forth lasting fruit for your pleasure and glory. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:41)

John 1:41, “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.”

Charles Jennens was a very well-known figure in his society. He was quite a site as he road into town on his magnificent coach drawn by four plumed horses. On Saturday, August 22, 1741, he brought a scrapbook with him to Handel's small study. He told Handel, "Here is a collection called The Messiah. Can you make an entertainment out of it?" When Jennens left, Handel started studying the text he received. He noticed that the words had been taken from Scripture. Handel felt that Jennens had really outdone himself this time, for the words sang like cardinals on a beautiful spring day. Handel started writing at once. He wrote so fast that the ink had scarcely dried on one page before he started another. The musical score was covered with splotches, but the Master did not notice them. He was oblivious to the whole world around him. Handel admitted later, "Whether I was in my body or out of body as I wrote The Messiah, I know not." He remained in the little front room on the first floor of his house, not for twenty-four hours, but for twenty-four days, setting down thousands of musical notes to Jennen's excerpts from the Bible. Handel was so consumed in what he was doing that he failed to touch his food that was brought regularly to him by his servant. Sometimes the servant stood in silent wonder as tears would drip from Handel's cheeks like the morning dew from lilies. They would mingle with the ink as they puddled on the pages. Once the servant found Handel sobbing with emotion. He had just finished the renown "Hallelujah Chorus" which brought the Queen to her feet when she heard it sung. Handel said of this chorus, "I thought I saw all Heaven before me and the great God Himself". You can understand what He is saying if you have ever heard this chorus.
King of kings... Forever and ever,
And Lord of lords... forever and ever.
And He shall reign for ever and ever.
And He shall reign for ever and ever.

Ever since Jesus made His first public appearance, He had been trying to reach the nation of Israel. He was their Messiah and He did everything He could do to convince them of that truth. His miracles, His teachings, His compassion, and His power were all clear evidence that the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament had appeared. Yet, when Israel saw Jesus, they refused to accept Him as their Messiah, their Lord, or their Saviour. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders in Israel (Mark 8:11); He was rejected by the nation as a whole (Mark 6:3); He was even judged to be a madman by His Own family (Mark 3:21). This total rejection is summed up by the Apostle John when he said, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11).

Even as Jesus was attempting to reach Israel, He was also trying to teach His disciples. Jesus spent many months teaching them, displaying His power, and revealing His identity to His men in powerful ways. For the longest time, they were blind to His identity. Even though they saw Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, control the forces of nature, multiply bread and fish, and raise the dead, they still could not grasp just Who Jesus was. Andrew followed Jesus without hesitation (John 1:37) and he immediately proceeded to introduce others to Christ (John 1:40-42). Andrew had met Jesus personally, and Jesus had met the crying need of his heart. Andrew could not contain the peace and joy; he just had to tell his loved ones immediately. He wanted them also to experience the love, joy, and peace of Jesus. Andrew is still valuable to the Lord. Andrew's first concern was his brother Peter. The scene was striking. Immediately, after seeing Jesus for himself, Andrew rushed to find his own brother, Simon. Andrew was a great witness, a great personal worker for the Lord. He was always seen bringing someone to Jesus (John 6:8; 12:22). You do not have to be out in front to be valuable to the Lord. Andrew is the man we find introducing others to the Lord Jesus Christ. This should be the pattern adopted by all who follow Christ.

This passage shows how Jesus looks at men. Jesus "beheld" Simon. The word "beheld" means a “concentrated, intent gaze that reads a man's heart". God knows us and what is in our hearts. Jesus not only sees a man as he is, but also what he will become and what is his potential. The Lord Jesus Christ not only sees the actualities in a man, but also the possibilities. In the person of Peter, the Lord saw a fisherman and a rock in the early church. Christ not only sees what we are, but what we can be.

Jesus is Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One. Messiah is the Hebrew word, translated into Greek, as “Christ”. Both words mean "Anointed One" - One especially appointed by God for His plan and purpose. He shall reign forever and ever, for He is the Lord Jesus Christ. God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow one day, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. He is the ONLY WAY to the Father in Heaven (John 14:6). He will receive you if you come to Him (John 6:37).

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for loving me and accepting me in Christ. Help me to live for You and to share Your message of salvation with others. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Why You Need to Keep Your Heart (Proverbs 4:23)

Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

The heart is the center of your being. The word “keep” is not saying to hold on to it, but to guard it. The reason for guarding our heart is because out of it are the issues (outgoings) of life. The heart represents the center of our being—the source of desire and decision. The decisions of life spring from our heart. Our heart affects every decision we make about life; therefore, guard it! The heart is like the root of a tree. You cannot see it, but without it, the tree would die. Just like the root provides strength and nourishment for a fruitful tree, so does the heart! Though we cannot see it, we must protect it because out of it, every decision flows concerning our lives. Everything we see and hear affects our hearts. Therefore, guarding your heart is one of the greatest responsibilities in the Christian life.

After all that God has done for you; after all your service in ministry, or however you serve the Lord, there still exists in your heart a pulling away from God. It is secret, it is perpetual, and it is alarming. The heart of a Christian is like a city that needs to be guarded. Your heart needs constant defending against the enemies on the outside and the traitors hidden inside your heart. Since loving God is the greatest commandment, we must take care that nothing replaces Him as the greatest love of our hearts.

The same is true of a Christian. This person may do many great things for Christ. They may have a lot of friends. Others may respect them. They may have a good job and a nice family — a beautiful “building”. But if the person’s heart is not right with God, then the building will come crashing down. The foundation for the Christian’s spiritual life is his heart. The heart of every problem is the problem of the heart, and only God’s Spirit and His Word can change and control the heart.

Stradivarius violins are worth millions of dollars. One would think that a violin that is worth so much would keep itself perpetually in tune. But every time a musician takes this instrument out of the case, the first thing he or she needs to do is tune it. Your heart is like that violin. It is of great value—far greater than a Stradivarius, it constantly falls out of tune. So, it is with our heart. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” If you were to go a day or a week with your heart out of tune with God, the music that would come from your life would be contradictory. It would not be beautiful. The sound would be ugly, offensive to people around you, and most of all, it would be offensive to God. But if you keep your heart in tune, something beautiful will come from it. From it will flow the springs of life. Joy, love, peace, strength, courage, and contentment all flow from a heart that is kept in tune with God. From the heart can come forth godliness, truth, goodness, and righteousness. However, as Jesus taught, “out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). When one’s heart is not carefully guarded, the evil one will attempt to steal it away with the various enticements and temptations of the world. And when sin begins to run its course, it invariably brings all manner of trouble and eventually even death.

At Itasca State Park in Minnesota begins of one the largest and most powerful natural features of our world; the Mississippi River. More than 2,500 miles long, the great river carries millions of gallons of water down the middle of the country. The Mighty Mississippi is vital to commerce, farming, transportation, and navigation for our nation, but it begins with a knee deep, 18 feet wide stream. The Bible tells us that our heart is the source for the decisions and choices of life. We set the course for our future by the direction of our heart—everything else flows from that. Great wickedness comes when we allow our heart free rein to exercise evil. This principle works in both directions. When our heart is aligned with the things of God, blessings follow. Additionally, when our heart is right with God and the hearts of those with whom we fellowship are also right with God, our hearts will be knit to one another. If your heart is right, your actions and choices will reflect a desire for the things of God rather than the things of the world—and you will be blessed. The heart, the symbol of our hidden inner life, is the source of all our behavior. The heart must be right if the life is to be right. The heart can be right only if it is cleansed by the precious blood of Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. Even then the heart must be kept with all diligence. It needs to be protected with the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).

We must not allow anything to come into or flow out of our hearts that is not pleasing to God and helpful for spiritual growth. So we guard what we watch, listen to, read, think about, and talk about. All of those senses are ways that images and ideas root themselves in our hearts and affect the type of people we become. Knowing and following God’s purposes involves a firm commitment to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). If we ever find that our spiritual hunger for God is decreasing, we should rethink our priorities, honestly admit that we have stopped growing, and seriously pray for a renewed desire for God and his activity in our lives. Keeping careful watch over our hearts—using wisdom about what we see, hear, say and do—will add strength and stability to our spiritual lives and keep God’s favor on our efforts.

Points to Ponder:
We must guard our heart.
Knowing the vital impact your heart will have on your future, guard it with great care.
Since the heart is vital for both the physical and spiritual life, you must protect your interests and your spiritual devotion.

Questions to Consider:
Why must we guard our heart?
What two things affect our hearts?
With what should we keep our heart?

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, search my heart to see if there is any wickedness inside me. If so, cleanse me, that You guide me in the paths of righteousness. Keep my heart pure, that You will fill me with Your Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.

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