GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH

The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones. -Beecher

Hebrews 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Since the Church House is the place to learn of our Saviour the best, we ought to be there each and every time the doors are open. You see, when we are in the House of God, we hear the Word preached and that is what grows us in our walk with the Lord. When we miss a service, that very service could be the one God was going to use to help us the most!

So, friend, GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH this morning!

DESPISE WISDOM

The hatred of wisdom is leading a multitude to Hell.

Proverbs 8:36, But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

            Throughout the Bible, we have several characters we can look to that I believe despised wisdom. Those who had counsel from God, His Prophets, or even the Scriptures, yet they rejected the Truth and wisdom given to them and they suffered for it with their life. Here’s a few to look at:

            Noah’s generation denied Noah’s wisdom- they were swallowed up in the flood.

            Pharaoh denied Moses’ wisdom- he was swallowed up in the Red Sea.

            Korah denied Moses’ wisdom - The ground opened and he was swallowed up in the depths of earth.

            There is one that stood with, walked with, talked with, and served with wisdom in the flesh—Judas. Judas was with wisdom, person to person. He followed Jesus and saw Him do many miracles, yet he denied the Truth given to him. This denial of revealed Truth led Judas to sell Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver leading to His scourging, mocking, crucifixion, death, and burial. Swallowed up in grief for what he had done, Judas went out and hung himself.

            Have you had the privilege of hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the Truth? Have you responded in faith, repenting of your sins and trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour? If not, be careful! I don’t want you to be swallowed up in your pride that will ultimately lead you to death!

WONDERFUL WISDOM

The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is knowledge of our own ignorance. -Spurgeon

Proverbs 28:5, Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

            There are some that profess to be a Christian. You ask, “If you died today, do you know where you would spend eternity?” Sometimes their answer is, “Yes.” You ask, “How do you know?” “Well, I’ve always gone to church. When I was a little boy my Mama would drag me to the church house.” Maybe that wasn’t you. Maybe your story goes something like: “I was baptized when I was 7 at a Vacation Bible School.” That may not be you either. The point I am trying to make is this, have you ever trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Do you believe He died, was buried, and arose again the third day? That’s the most wonderful wisdom anyone can ever hear! Do you have Him as your Saviour? Don’t be ignorant—repent and trust Jesus… right now!

CHRIST GIVES WISDOM

            He who provides for this life, but takes no care for eternity, is wise for a moment, but a fool forever. -Tillotson

1 Corinthians 2:14, But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

            As I read newspapers, listen to the news, and every once in a while read post on social media, I am often reminded of the wisdom that came into my life the day I got saved! I am reminded that it didn’t stop that day either; it was the day that it began. According to Ephesians, when one gets saved, they get wisdom and prudence. That’s part of the riches we have in Christ.

            Are you seeking understanding in this life? Give your life to Jesus Christ and let the wisdom of God flow into your life directing you in your footsteps!

WISDOM FROM THE LORD

            He who provides for this life, but takes no care for eternity, is wise for a moment, but a fool forever. -Tillotson

Ephesians 3:8-11-12, Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

            You would be amazed if you sat in church for much of your life then attended a College Bible class. If the pastor you set under was a teaching preacher you probably wouldn’t have many problems passing the class. The years setting under that pastor prepared you for that class and for many more just like it!

            If you want wisdom from the Lord, GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH THIS MORNING! He will guide you if you follow Him and His way!

TRYING WITHOUT WISDOM

  Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish. -A Bradstreet

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Proverbs 1:5

            It is good to listen to Godly people who have gone down some of the roads that we have to make a decision to go down. Like a scientific experiment, they have tried this and that, if we listen to their wisdom it will help us not waste time or energy on something that just doesn’t work. When we get to those “crossroads of life”, will we seek out Godly counsel or will we trust in our own wisdom, bruising those around us along the way? Our decisions will determine if we are wise servants of the Lord or a foolish servant making a mess! It wise to ask for fellow believer’s advice! It’s best to ask the Lord to lead and guide you in His will!

SEEKING WISDOM

He who provides for this life, but takes no care for eternity, is wise for a moment, but a fool forever. -Tillotson

Proverbs 4:7, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

            I have seen many people seek after education, a career, fame, fortune, and even a spouse. They continue to seek after these things never quite being satisfied with what they get when they get it. The education leads to a degree that doesn’t have a job attached to it. When fame comes it leaves the popular lonelier than when they were unknown. The fortune drives them to a recluse life thinking everyone is after their stash. The spouse God had intended for them to have is replaced with a self-centered lost man or woman that doesn’t know how to love anyone except themselves.

            I want to challenge you this morning to,” … seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”. As you do, you will learn of your sinful life. You will learn about His righteousness. You will learn about the love of the Lord Jesus. You will learn what you need to do to be saved. And when you do get saved,” … all these things shall be added unto you”, truly learning the wisdom of the Lord!

NO ONE OWES YOU ANYTHING

2 Thessalonians 3:10, For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

            There is a growing mentality in which people who do nothing feel as if they are owed something, just because. Just because they were born in a poor neighborhood. Just because they are of some ethnic group. Just because they had something bad happen to them when they were young. Just because their mom was a drug addict. Just because their dad beat them. Just because this or just because that.

            As a “survivor” of mental, physical, and sex abuse, I find it simply crazy to think that anyone owes me anything. No one owes me an answer as to why this happened to me. No one owes me a hand out. No one should have to give up their hard-earned income because I am too lazy or self-absorbed to get off my can and work for what I need. God has given me a sound mind, two arms, two legs, and an ability to work. If He has given you the same, then you need to do the same! Here is what I need to do this morning: I need to get up, get ready, and head to my place of employment to be able to continue to provide for my family. If God wants me to receive a handout, He will provide it to me! I won’t have to beg, steal, or borrow. God will always provide for His people if they are doing what He wants.

            So, before you get that “Everyone owes me something mentality”, be reminded this morning that God doesn’t owe us anything and neither does anyone else. Rely on the Lord to give you the strength, knowledge and wisdom to provide for your family!

BE WISE

To be wise one must not only acknowledge Jesus as Lord of lords, King of kings, but they must repent and trust Him as Saviour of their life!

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15

Wisdom has been defined as the application of knowledge. Well in acknowledging Jesus as Saviour you have taken the knowledge of the Word revealed by the Spirit of God and applied it to your life. Not many people will do this. Many will acknowledge God but they will not bow their knee to His will. This leaves that person lost in their sin and trespasses.

Are you wise? If so, you have repented and trusted Jesus as your Saviour. If not, scripture says, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” Psalm 14:1

LISTENING TO GOD OR MAN?

A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done.  God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do-is to enter into it. - D.L. Moody

I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Psalm 85:8

How often do you go to friends and family before talking things over with the Lord? We seek guidance from people who don’t even know the Bible much less lives by it. The Psalmist said it best, “I will hear what God the LORD will speak.” Today, spend a little time with Him and allow Him to guide your steps. When we are in His will, nothing else matters and we have a peace that passes all understanding.

LET’S GO TO CHURCH!

The Christian church is a society of sinners.  It is the only society in the world, membership in which is based upon the single qualification that the candidate shall be unworthy of membership. –Morrison

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. Psalm 65:4

The first Sunday of the New Year is upon us! What will you do? Will you go to the lake, the park or will you GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH? Will you forsake the fleshly desires of your heart to neglect time with fellow believers? Will you repent of the slothful man you have become when it comes to your faithfulness? Will you trust Christ knows what’s best for your life and that best begins with you attending church when the doors are open?

Spend some time with the Saviour today—in Church!

YOU’RE ON A JOURNEY

Take a turn without God and it will be the worst mistake you will ever make!

 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. Luke 15:13

There is a poem I heard about several years ago written by Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken.” Within the poem the traveler comes to a fork in the road and he has to make a decision to make. Will he go left or will he go right?

Find out: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44272/the-road-not-taken

Friend, as you and I travel this road called life; we should not make any decisions on which way to go without the Lord guiding us! We should let the Lord have His way. When we don’t we find ourselves alone, broken, and eating the scraps from the world’s leftovers!

Will you let Him guide you? Or will you grinding husk with your teeth like the Prodigal Son?

You Don’t Have to Believe in God to Live a Wise Life—Say What?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

            Sometimes, I read some very stupid sayings. Unfortunately, sometimes, it comes from my on hand. But why in the world would anyone go to a Bible study that totally contradicts what scripture plainly states? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” If you don’t believe in God how will you ever be wise?

I will just keep on studying the Bible and stick to its Words! Who is with me?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10