Publicity Stunts

JUNE 12, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 14:33-35 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     All too often today we see glamour queens, and so-called movie stars do shocking things that make it into the news. In fact, the more shocking their antics, the more publicity they get. A while back these actions were called by what they really were, publicity stunts. These things are done just for the sake of getting public attention. Anymore these same things are now called “news.” Some say, “Even bad news, is good publicity.”

     Well that might work in the world’s eyes, but not in the eyes of our Lord. Our verses today say, “Righteousness exalts a nation.” Simply stated this means that if a group of people will do the right things, for the majority of the time, those things will cast a favorable image on those people. Does it make good press? Well no, but then again, does it have to?

     Our lives here on earth are not intended for the purpose of making the headlines, or drawing the attention of the world. The purpose of a believer’s life is to glorify God. I guess the saying “No news is good news,” would fit very well here.

     Eventually sin will always come around to cause problems in people’s lives. People ask is drinking a sin? Well, just look at all the commercials promising to help people deal with Alcoholism. Is gambling a sin? Again, look at the advertising you’ve seen to help people deal with gambling addictions. As our verses today say, “Sin is a reproach to any people.”

     You never see a commercial to help people quit living for the Lord, or giving of their time and talents to help others. Living for Jesus brings true joy, and satisfaction in life.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Living for Jesus is not hard if we are living in Jesus. It’s when we try to live for ourselves that we have problems. Let’s live for Him, and in Him today, shall we?

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 12, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Job 26 – 30      /     Proverbs 14:33-35

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 10-11     /     John 18:19-40

One Of God’s Greatest Works

JUNE 11, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 14:30-32 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     Acting out a part in a play, or being an actor or actress in a movie sounds like such fun. You get to pretend as if you’re someone else for a while, and not the person you really are.

     Back in high school, I was allowed to take part in several plays the school put on. I played the part of Lancelot in the play; “Camelot.” I also played the part of the Gentleman Caller in the play; “The Glass Menagerie.” These are two distinctly different parts, in two distinctly different times. It was great fun being those people for a while. However, when the curtain was drawn closed, so was the acting of these characters lives.

     Some people go through their entire life pretending to be someone, or something they are not. They go about living day-to-day trying to be like someone else that they admire. Dressing like them, walking like them, talking like them, and just trying to be them. Sadly, sometimes these people get lost so far into this fantasy life, they forget who the person is that they really were, and end up not knowing themselves anymore.

     Envy will cause a person to be, and do many things they never thought possible in their life. Some people become ruthless, and cruel to others, thinking somehow this will help them get ahead. While yet others become doormats for people to stomp on, thinking that’s what’s desired by others to be liked.

     While it’s true, God has given you people that will often help mold your beliefs and character, He never intended for you to become those people. Be yourself. You, dear friend, are one of God’s greatest creations, made to do wonderful things for Him just as you are. You need to be YOU!

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Look around you and ask yourself, who am I? Who is it that God intended you to be? God created you special. Don’t let the envy of others rob this world from the special creation you are in Christ. Be You, and Be His!

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 11, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Job 22 – 25     /     Proverbs 14:30-32

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 8-9     /     John 18:1-18

Led To Lead

JUNE 10, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 14:27-29 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     Leadership can be lonely. People assume because leaders have a number of people who follow them, and they always appear to have someone around them, that there is no possible way for them to ever become lonely.

     However, the truth of the matter is that if a leader is a true leader indeed, he or she will always be out in front of the people, carving a path for them to follow. Leaders are often walking on dangerous ground while others are waiting to see if it’s safe. They are regularly criticized by those who follow, and also by those who will not follow, for the moves, and decisions they make. Leading is lonely. Nevertheless, it’s the only thing a true leader can do, as they can see no other path in life.

     In the multitude of people who are led correctly, there is honor. Without people, leaders are no longer leaders; they are just another person on a hike. However, leaders who lead incorrectly often leave few, or angry followers for any leaders who may come after them. Thereby making leading difficult.

     So how can you lead, and know you are leading correctly? What is it that gives a leader confidence to take a group of people into uncharted areas of their life? Verse 27 answers this question. Respect, and reverence for God, and our Lord Jesus Christ is; “a fountain of life.” Leading people to Christ, and guiding them into a greater walk with Him is always safe. As the verse says it will help them, “to depart from the snares of death.” Everything else is simply a gamble.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Everyone is a leader, like it or not. Someone is following you in the path you are walking. The question then is, where are you leading them? It’s also true you are leading them either closer to God, or farther away from Him. We should all pray; “Oh God, be my guide. Holy Spirit, guard my path. Jesus, be my life. Amen.”

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 10, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Job 18 – 21    /     Proverbs 14:27-29

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 6-7     /      John 17

It’s All Just Stuff

JUNE 09, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 14:24-26 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     Imagine for a moment your coming home, and as you turn the corner where you live, you see fire trucks, and a crowd gathered around what was once your home? Friends, I don’t have to imagine very hard, as I lived through this very scenario.

     Everything I thought I loved so much was in that house. My records, (for those of you who are teens or younger, they were like a CD, only bigger. Ask someone who lived in the 60’s to explain it) our pictures, my guitar, our clothes, and everything. However, when I turned the corner, got out of my car, and ran toward the house, I was not worried one bit about those things. I was wondering where my wife, and my four children were. Once I found them safe at a neighbor’s home, I really didn’t care too much about that old house anymore.

     Were we saddened over the fact that we lost many of those things inside? Sure we were. Pictures that can never be replaced were in there. A wedding gown my wife had hoped to pass down some day was ruined. We lost some precious items.

     We count on things such as our house to keep us warm, dry, and safe. However, a house, and all our belongings in it, when it really comes down to it, they are just things. The only constant we will ever have that can never be removed is God.

     Over the years, we’ve learned not to trust in things. Instead we completely put our faith in God. In Him, I have confidence, and an assurance that my family and I, are safe for all eternity.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Look around you for just a moment and ask yourself; what would happen if this all vanished today, with no chance to save any of it. Guess what, it could, and it’s not that important. The house, and all those earthly things are just stuff. Nevertheless, God will provide a way for those who rely on him. Put your faith in God, not in things. He will see you through. Remember, He gave you all that stuff to begin with. It really all belongs to Him.

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 09, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Job 11 – 17     /     Proverbs 14:24-26

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 3-5     /    John 16:16-33

Have We Forgotten Too?

JUNE 08, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 14:20-23 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     Years ago there was a Television program called, “The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” It took us into the homes of the ultra rich, and famous people of the world. It would show us the vacation spots they could afford, along with the cars, and toys they all had. It was a very popular show, as everyone wanted to see how the rich lived their life.

    I wonder what type of viewing they would have had if they called the show, “Lifestyles of the Poor and Lonely?” Taking us into the back allies, where some people scrape by for existence. What if they had followed along with a family who had been reduced to living in their car because some of the rich and famous cared more about their bottom line, than the people who helped them get there? Taking us into the home of a single parent, struggling week after week just to pay the rent, and to have a few items of food for the family to eat. What if they had shown us a Rescue Mission, with people gathered around, just thanking God for one more plate of food to eat that day? I have to wonder, what kind of viewership that program would have received. The viewing may have been good for a few weeks. However, after it began to make some feel guilty about not reaching out to help here and there, I’m sure the ratings would have fallen off sharply.

     I know there are some who are in tough times because they are not doing what they should. Nevertheless, there are also many who have just been neglected, and forgotten. We might ask ourselves Christians, have we forgotten them too.


THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     If you want to be involved in a ministry where people are grateful immediately for what you do, find a Rescue Mission, or Retirement Home in your area and volunteer to help. Not only will those you serve be grateful, but also the God you serve will be grateful as well, and soon send His blessings your way.

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 08, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Job 6 – 10     /     Proverbs 14:20-23

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 1-2     /     John 16:1-15