And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this passage the apostle Paul speaks of a thorn which was given to him and that he inquired of the Lord to remove it three times. Christ responds to him this way for my grace is sufficient for thee. Wow, those words right there are encouragement to me. Remember sometimes we may be given things in our lives that may not go away. We need to be like the apostle Paul and if we inquire of God to remove it and His response is no, that we need to realize it is for our good. I've come to realize in my own life with my weaknesses I can still say I'm strong. I say this not based on who I or what skill I have,but because of Christ. That is what he means by my strength is made perfect in weakness. When instead of saying I can't do this cause I just don't have that skill or I'm not able, but instead rely solely on God it is amazing how things happen. Friends I didn't ask to have to wear glasses,but does that mean I can't serve Christ, no. I'm not the greatest speaker,but I instead trust that the Lord will give me the words to speak when need be. I love how he says that he would rather glory in infirmities that the power of Christ rest on him. Praise God despite your weaknesses. Praise God in your afflictions and give Him the glory. I find it amazing all the things the apostle Paul went through and how he pressed forward to share the gospel. He relied not on his own strength,but the perfect strength of Christ.
Friends for me I know each day I can say I'm strong because of who lives in me. For as it is written greater is in me than he that is in the world( 1 John 4:4). Verse 10 says a lot...no matter what persecuted, afflicted, distressed still say you are strong for you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you( Philippians 4:13). Sadly I think people today get this idea I can do it and I can all situations. They basically say I don't need anyone unless its really a big thing then life goes back to" I" got it. Friends I was actually just talking to a sister(in Christ) on the phone not long ago and remember what discipleship 101 is deny yourself,take up your cross daily, and follow Him( Luke 9:23). Friends the I mentality is not a reliance on Him, its a reliance on self and what the individual can do. Now I'm not saying you sit and do nothing,but friends this life is not about us, its about Jesus. It's like a brother(in Christ) and yes the Lord has blessed me with much family, have talked about the Old Testament points to the cross and the New Testament after the gospels points back to the cross with of course the gospel focusing on Jesus. To sum it up the bible is about, Jesus. So friends I encourage you if you have inquired of God about something and He has said no. Don't feel down or discouraged. Realize this He can use it for your good. Remember as Christ said to Paul my grace is sufficient.
So brothers and sisters take joy for those things because of Christ sake. Know that you don't suffer as a criminal or as a stranger( 1 Peter 4:15-16 ). Know that things we go are for our good even if we can't see it. For know this the trying of our faith worketh patience( James 1:3 ). For three months I couldn't drive and I'll tell it was tough,but God used, used to humble me more. Now looking back I'm thankful and see where God has brought me to and where I've grown in Him. This walk is ever continuing and I'm ever growing. Hold fast and fight the good fight my friends.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Be Content With What You Have ( Hebrews 13:5-6 )
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:5-6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know right off verse 5 reminds takes my mind to Psalm 23, where it says the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. Granted there are necessary things we need day to day,but do we need to get so caught up in worry about not having this or that? Last night at EMM( Encouraging Moments Ministry) service in Forsyth a friend of mine and dear sister in Christ's father mentioned about how even the sparrows are taken care ( Matthew 6:26 )Now friends while we all know this from the Word, how often do when we get in a tough spot or tough time forget this? How often do we worry that how am I going to pay the next bill or put gas in the tank? Do you realize God takes care of them and just how much more will He take care of those who are His? Friends I can tell you personally in my own life how awesome it is that I've seen things taken care not because of what me or my family has or can provide,but because of God. God continues to provide. Despite the rough times we are facing God is continuing to provide my family and I with everything we need. Because of Him I still have a job, food in my belly, and a place to lay my head. Because of Him my grandmother is doing so much better in fact she is getting up and moving around more on her own. When you make His desires yours, its amazing the difference it makes. Remember as it is written seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you( Matthew 6:33 ). Put Him first and don't desire what isn't yours or what you don't have. Remember God provides exactly what you need and when you need it. Remember to seek Him first and foremost. Awesome isn't it to know He will never leave us nor forsake us.
I love in verse 6 how it says I will not fear what man will do to me. Friends I can't begin to tell you the confidence I have in God. Before I came to Christ death honestly scared me. I believe it scared me because I didn't know where I was going. Now I'm no longer afraid and see it as not the end,but the beginning of eternity. For on the day I close my eyes I will cast off this mortal body and go home to see Jesus. I'm not afraid of man for all they can do is at most take my life for God holds my soul. Sadly it pains me to see people who when mocked or persecuted compromise who they are.Friends I can't stress enough that no matter what, even if death is an option still praise God. With every breathe in your body give Him the glory. A personal quote or saying and an encouragement for you my friends, whether I live or die Christ will be glorified. Live every moment for Him. We were made to glorify Him, it is your reasonable service ( Romans 12:1 ). As Paul wrote there in Romans be a living sacrifice, live your life as a light to this dark and fallen world.
So friends, brothers and sisters I encourage to not lose hope. No matter how rough things look know this God will take care of His own.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:5-6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know right off verse 5 reminds takes my mind to Psalm 23, where it says the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. Granted there are necessary things we need day to day,but do we need to get so caught up in worry about not having this or that? Last night at EMM( Encouraging Moments Ministry) service in Forsyth a friend of mine and dear sister in Christ's father mentioned about how even the sparrows are taken care ( Matthew 6:26 )Now friends while we all know this from the Word, how often do when we get in a tough spot or tough time forget this? How often do we worry that how am I going to pay the next bill or put gas in the tank? Do you realize God takes care of them and just how much more will He take care of those who are His? Friends I can tell you personally in my own life how awesome it is that I've seen things taken care not because of what me or my family has or can provide,but because of God. God continues to provide. Despite the rough times we are facing God is continuing to provide my family and I with everything we need. Because of Him I still have a job, food in my belly, and a place to lay my head. Because of Him my grandmother is doing so much better in fact she is getting up and moving around more on her own. When you make His desires yours, its amazing the difference it makes. Remember as it is written seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you( Matthew 6:33 ). Put Him first and don't desire what isn't yours or what you don't have. Remember God provides exactly what you need and when you need it. Remember to seek Him first and foremost. Awesome isn't it to know He will never leave us nor forsake us.
I love in verse 6 how it says I will not fear what man will do to me. Friends I can't begin to tell you the confidence I have in God. Before I came to Christ death honestly scared me. I believe it scared me because I didn't know where I was going. Now I'm no longer afraid and see it as not the end,but the beginning of eternity. For on the day I close my eyes I will cast off this mortal body and go home to see Jesus. I'm not afraid of man for all they can do is at most take my life for God holds my soul. Sadly it pains me to see people who when mocked or persecuted compromise who they are.Friends I can't stress enough that no matter what, even if death is an option still praise God. With every breathe in your body give Him the glory. A personal quote or saying and an encouragement for you my friends, whether I live or die Christ will be glorified. Live every moment for Him. We were made to glorify Him, it is your reasonable service ( Romans 12:1 ). As Paul wrote there in Romans be a living sacrifice, live your life as a light to this dark and fallen world.
So friends, brothers and sisters I encourage to not lose hope. No matter how rough things look know this God will take care of His own.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Are Contending The Gospel ? ( 1 Timothy 6:12 )
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses
1 Timothy 6:12
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This message has been on my heart for a few days and tonight I feel led to share it. The other day I wrote as my status on here are you contending the gospel or compromising it? Friends when you read these words from the Apostle Paul I get a clear image that he is stressing the importance of contending the gospel. When I think of contending, I think of boxing and when a boxer gets in the ring he goes in to win and lays it all on the line. He doesn't give up, he doesn't turn back, but fights till the last round. Brothers and sisters this is the same attitude we need to have we need to defend the faith. Now I'm not saying go out and bash people with bibles. No that is not what I mean,but what I mean is stand up for what you believe. Don't let others back you in a corner and be quiet. Don't be afraid of what they call you. Friends I'll be the first to tell you if someone wants to call me crazy, nuts, or a religious nut because I passionately love Jesus and show it in my life then so be it. If that means my life will be one as a life of an exile, so be it. I didn't choose a life to be loved by man or popular of man. I live to please the one who created me. I serve God and God alone.
Friends I know it won't be popular the stances on take on big issues. I know I won't be the cool one in crowds and chances are I won't get invited to the big events, but who cares. When this life is over I have something so far greater that awaits me, I will go home and see Jesus. I will see the very hands who saved me from the life I was knee deep in and lost in. When life get's crazy and I can't see more than a step or two in front of me I hold on to the hope in Him. For as it is written we walk not by sight,but by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7 ).
Be able to stand before your brothers and sisters and profess a good witness. Stand bold saying you have contended the faith and that you haven't compromised. Don't let mocking and rejection discourage you. In fact do what I do is think of it as encouragement. Remember they hated Him first and that the servant is not greater than his master( John 15:20 ). Every time we think man why do we have to go through this or why are things so tough? Think about the life of our Lord Jesus. He was poor, He was beaten, He was wrongly accused, He was betrayed, and He was crucified. Granted we know this was to happen,but friends remember even the apostles were martyred for following in His footsteps. The life and road of living as a saint isn't easy( Matthew 7:13-14 ).
I encourage you to live boldly for Christ. I love how its written in Philippians, For me to live is Christ, to die is gain ( Philippians 1:21 ).Whether in my life now or when I die Christ will be glorified. With every breathe God will get my praise. Sure some days are going to be tougher than others,but still I will fight the good fight. So I ask again are you contending the gospel or compromising it? I pray and hope you are contending with everything that is in you. Be willing to put it all on the line, even if it cost your life. Remember this Discipleship 101,: Deny yourself, Take up your cross daily, and follow Him( Luke 9:23 ). Find your identity in Him, take up the cause of contending the Gospel and follow in His footsteps. Do not conform yourself to this world,but instead be transformed( Romans 12:2 ).
Be encouraged brothers and sisters to fight the good fight. No matter how things look with the economy and all the other crazy things you see turning on the news, know this God is still on the throne.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
1 Timothy 6:12
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This message has been on my heart for a few days and tonight I feel led to share it. The other day I wrote as my status on here are you contending the gospel or compromising it? Friends when you read these words from the Apostle Paul I get a clear image that he is stressing the importance of contending the gospel. When I think of contending, I think of boxing and when a boxer gets in the ring he goes in to win and lays it all on the line. He doesn't give up, he doesn't turn back, but fights till the last round. Brothers and sisters this is the same attitude we need to have we need to defend the faith. Now I'm not saying go out and bash people with bibles. No that is not what I mean,but what I mean is stand up for what you believe. Don't let others back you in a corner and be quiet. Don't be afraid of what they call you. Friends I'll be the first to tell you if someone wants to call me crazy, nuts, or a religious nut because I passionately love Jesus and show it in my life then so be it. If that means my life will be one as a life of an exile, so be it. I didn't choose a life to be loved by man or popular of man. I live to please the one who created me. I serve God and God alone.
Friends I know it won't be popular the stances on take on big issues. I know I won't be the cool one in crowds and chances are I won't get invited to the big events, but who cares. When this life is over I have something so far greater that awaits me, I will go home and see Jesus. I will see the very hands who saved me from the life I was knee deep in and lost in. When life get's crazy and I can't see more than a step or two in front of me I hold on to the hope in Him. For as it is written we walk not by sight,but by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7 ).
Be able to stand before your brothers and sisters and profess a good witness. Stand bold saying you have contended the faith and that you haven't compromised. Don't let mocking and rejection discourage you. In fact do what I do is think of it as encouragement. Remember they hated Him first and that the servant is not greater than his master( John 15:20 ). Every time we think man why do we have to go through this or why are things so tough? Think about the life of our Lord Jesus. He was poor, He was beaten, He was wrongly accused, He was betrayed, and He was crucified. Granted we know this was to happen,but friends remember even the apostles were martyred for following in His footsteps. The life and road of living as a saint isn't easy( Matthew 7:13-14 ).
I encourage you to live boldly for Christ. I love how its written in Philippians, For me to live is Christ, to die is gain ( Philippians 1:21 ).Whether in my life now or when I die Christ will be glorified. With every breathe God will get my praise. Sure some days are going to be tougher than others,but still I will fight the good fight. So I ask again are you contending the gospel or compromising it? I pray and hope you are contending with everything that is in you. Be willing to put it all on the line, even if it cost your life. Remember this Discipleship 101,: Deny yourself, Take up your cross daily, and follow Him( Luke 9:23 ). Find your identity in Him, take up the cause of contending the Gospel and follow in His footsteps. Do not conform yourself to this world,but instead be transformed( Romans 12:2 ).
Be encouraged brothers and sisters to fight the good fight. No matter how things look with the economy and all the other crazy things you see turning on the news, know this God is still on the throne.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Wise Man Will Hear & Increase Learning ( Proverbs 1:5 )
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Proverbs 1:5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How I wish I had really read and understood this many years ago. How much heart ache and trouble I could have avoided. Something I was talking with a brother and when I say brother I mean brother in Christ, is how God doesn't rely on hindsight He just knows, after all we are talking about God. While looking at this verse I think of how often in our society and culture how often the young people don't seek "counsel" on big decisions nearly as often or at all. Think about it friends how many people around you your age whether at school or where you work making huge decisions and not seeking advice from either their parents, a pastor, or even someone older who has experience in the area of their decision. Instead they are making rash decisions feeling they know what is best and not considering the future. Friends I can tell you personally my last couple of relationships failed due to lack of counsel and lack of proper counsel. If you notice in this verse it says wise counsel. Friends when considering decisions we should seek out wise counsel and not just anyone to speak to just cause we need someone to talk to about it.
For example those of you who are single if your considering dating seek out counsel on that as well. I know that may sound crazy, but I promise it will be beneficial. Seek out godly counsel who knows you and see if one you are ready. Believe it or not you are not the best judge always of making this decision. There is nothing wrong in seeking others advice and in fact you are showing the humility that you want to make the right decision and not rush things.
Friends this of course was one example,but of course there are others and I encourage you always to seek wise counsel. Remember God has placed these individuals in your life for a good purpose and not to harm you. Remember we are to encourage and to edify one another( 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Proverbs 27:17 ). Be encouraged to know that godly counsel is a good thing for better is open rebuke than secret love( Proverbs 27:5 ). Friends sometimes we all can be a little hasty in decision making and the wise counsel will prevent us from harm and through will provide growth. Think about David look how long he waited to be king. He could have taken the throne,but instead he waited. He sought wise counsel, the wisest of counsel with God and through it made a very wise decision.
So friends I encourage you listen to the words of those wise godly people God has provided in your life. Don't despise their counsel, but instead listen.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Proverbs 1:5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How I wish I had really read and understood this many years ago. How much heart ache and trouble I could have avoided. Something I was talking with a brother and when I say brother I mean brother in Christ, is how God doesn't rely on hindsight He just knows, after all we are talking about God. While looking at this verse I think of how often in our society and culture how often the young people don't seek "counsel" on big decisions nearly as often or at all. Think about it friends how many people around you your age whether at school or where you work making huge decisions and not seeking advice from either their parents, a pastor, or even someone older who has experience in the area of their decision. Instead they are making rash decisions feeling they know what is best and not considering the future. Friends I can tell you personally my last couple of relationships failed due to lack of counsel and lack of proper counsel. If you notice in this verse it says wise counsel. Friends when considering decisions we should seek out wise counsel and not just anyone to speak to just cause we need someone to talk to about it.
For example those of you who are single if your considering dating seek out counsel on that as well. I know that may sound crazy, but I promise it will be beneficial. Seek out godly counsel who knows you and see if one you are ready. Believe it or not you are not the best judge always of making this decision. There is nothing wrong in seeking others advice and in fact you are showing the humility that you want to make the right decision and not rush things.
Friends this of course was one example,but of course there are others and I encourage you always to seek wise counsel. Remember God has placed these individuals in your life for a good purpose and not to harm you. Remember we are to encourage and to edify one another( 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Proverbs 27:17 ). Be encouraged to know that godly counsel is a good thing for better is open rebuke than secret love( Proverbs 27:5 ). Friends sometimes we all can be a little hasty in decision making and the wise counsel will prevent us from harm and through will provide growth. Think about David look how long he waited to be king. He could have taken the throne,but instead he waited. He sought wise counsel, the wisest of counsel with God and through it made a very wise decision.
So friends I encourage you listen to the words of those wise godly people God has provided in your life. Don't despise their counsel, but instead listen.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Don't Be Unequally Yoked! ( 2 Corinthians 6:14 )
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know I've thought about this verse and sometimes I wonder if some Christians read this. I say that with all love. Now this doesn't mean we shouldn't witness to those who are lost, but our quality time should be in fellowship with believers. Now I'm sure some would say,but hey maybe through our relationship they will come to know God. Friends while that sounds of good intent it isn't wise. They should come to know God based on a desire for Him and not because they love you, but purely a desire for Him alone. Friends we are to guard our hearts( Proverbs 4:23 ) and believe or not allowing an unbeliever to become this close into your life is dangerous. Your allowing the garbage in their lives into your life. Granted when you witness you will experience some amount of trash, it is not the same as allowing someone to become a part of the intimate part of your life. When the Apostle Paul was talking about being unequally yoked he was talking about marriage. So brothers and sisters before getting married consider this. Consider as he said there is no fellowship with righteousness and unrighteousness and no communion between light and darkness. As it is written Prove all things( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ). This includes friendships and relationships. Let me restate what I said before our quality with time those who are believers.
I urge all of you brothers and sisters if your not in a relationship don't rush it. For me personally I'm waiting, waiting for this. I'm waiting on God's best and nothing less.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
2 Corinthians 6:14
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know I've thought about this verse and sometimes I wonder if some Christians read this. I say that with all love. Now this doesn't mean we shouldn't witness to those who are lost, but our quality time should be in fellowship with believers. Now I'm sure some would say,but hey maybe through our relationship they will come to know God. Friends while that sounds of good intent it isn't wise. They should come to know God based on a desire for Him and not because they love you, but purely a desire for Him alone. Friends we are to guard our hearts( Proverbs 4:23 ) and believe or not allowing an unbeliever to become this close into your life is dangerous. Your allowing the garbage in their lives into your life. Granted when you witness you will experience some amount of trash, it is not the same as allowing someone to become a part of the intimate part of your life. When the Apostle Paul was talking about being unequally yoked he was talking about marriage. So brothers and sisters before getting married consider this. Consider as he said there is no fellowship with righteousness and unrighteousness and no communion between light and darkness. As it is written Prove all things( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ). This includes friendships and relationships. Let me restate what I said before our quality with time those who are believers.
I urge all of you brothers and sisters if your not in a relationship don't rush it. For me personally I'm waiting, waiting for this. I'm waiting on God's best and nothing less.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Humility Before Honor ( Proverbs 15:33 )
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 15:33
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just a couple things I must say first, the proverbs are deep. God gave him wisdom and to refresh everyone that begins with fear( Proverbs 1:7 ). When I say fear, this means reverence. With a deep reverence to God, a deep humility it is amazing the knowledge God reveals to us through His Word. This doesn't mean we know everything,but it is amazing at the Truth we obtain and how our eyes are opened. Like I was explaining to a dear brother( in Christ) the other is how before Christ I looked at the Bible differently. Before you know Him, you just don't look at or read it the same. Now reading it, man I just can't get enough of it. I'm hooked on Jesus. He is my hope and my source of everything. What a lot of people don't realize is they have a natural bias towards the bible. Think about it, when you were in a class did they ever take a verse or something they may have heard in church out of context?
Then in the next part of the verse it says humility is before honour. I have found as I continue to grow in Him that humility is a strength. For me before Christ this was an issue and I didn't even know it. I was prideful and didn't even know it. Scary cause my vanity was unknown to me cause I was so wrapped up in myself. I can look back and see now in hindsight. How do I see this? The biggest and easiest way is because I was focused on me and how others viewed me. So that sounds like self-esteem,but after a while I became sorta cool and became rather proud of myself and where I got myself. Praise God for coming to the rescue saving me. As a result you can see who I am now is not because of what John did, but because of what Jesus Christ did. I can claim no credit to anything in my life that has changed,but instead to a supernatural work from God and He isn't through with me. I'm not perfect, but everyday I pray to continue to grow in humility to continue growing closer to Him as I walk with Him daily. I know I'm not going to perfect this side of heaven,but I'm going to make every attempt to walk in the spirit and to not fulfill those desires of the flesh for the old man is gone( Galatians 5:16 . For I know the Lord orders the steps of a good man and He will guide me through His Word all the days of my life( Psalm 37:23 ). He will never leave me nor forsake me( Hebrews 13:5 ). These are promises I hold onto for God is faithful( 1 Corinthians 1:9 ) and in Him I do place my trust and confidence in.
Brothers and sisters I encourage you to have reverence to seek out knowledge and wisdom from God. I promise you God will not hide Himself from the humble, but those who are proud He will hide His face.The Lord loves humility and in it is strength.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Proverbs 15:33
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just a couple things I must say first, the proverbs are deep. God gave him wisdom and to refresh everyone that begins with fear( Proverbs 1:7 ). When I say fear, this means reverence. With a deep reverence to God, a deep humility it is amazing the knowledge God reveals to us through His Word. This doesn't mean we know everything,but it is amazing at the Truth we obtain and how our eyes are opened. Like I was explaining to a dear brother( in Christ) the other is how before Christ I looked at the Bible differently. Before you know Him, you just don't look at or read it the same. Now reading it, man I just can't get enough of it. I'm hooked on Jesus. He is my hope and my source of everything. What a lot of people don't realize is they have a natural bias towards the bible. Think about it, when you were in a class did they ever take a verse or something they may have heard in church out of context?
Then in the next part of the verse it says humility is before honour. I have found as I continue to grow in Him that humility is a strength. For me before Christ this was an issue and I didn't even know it. I was prideful and didn't even know it. Scary cause my vanity was unknown to me cause I was so wrapped up in myself. I can look back and see now in hindsight. How do I see this? The biggest and easiest way is because I was focused on me and how others viewed me. So that sounds like self-esteem,but after a while I became sorta cool and became rather proud of myself and where I got myself. Praise God for coming to the rescue saving me. As a result you can see who I am now is not because of what John did, but because of what Jesus Christ did. I can claim no credit to anything in my life that has changed,but instead to a supernatural work from God and He isn't through with me. I'm not perfect, but everyday I pray to continue to grow in humility to continue growing closer to Him as I walk with Him daily. I know I'm not going to perfect this side of heaven,but I'm going to make every attempt to walk in the spirit and to not fulfill those desires of the flesh for the old man is gone( Galatians 5:16 . For I know the Lord orders the steps of a good man and He will guide me through His Word all the days of my life( Psalm 37:23 ). He will never leave me nor forsake me( Hebrews 13:5 ). These are promises I hold onto for God is faithful( 1 Corinthians 1:9 ) and in Him I do place my trust and confidence in.
Brothers and sisters I encourage you to have reverence to seek out knowledge and wisdom from God. I promise you God will not hide Himself from the humble, but those who are proud He will hide His face.The Lord loves humility and in it is strength.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Lord Is My Teacher ( Psalm 86:11-12 )
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
Psalms 86:11-12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The psalms are my favorite next to the book of John. I love this psalm, but these two verses in this psalm have especially touched my heart and been encouraging. In verse 11 it says Teach me thy way, O Lord, I will walk in
thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. When I read this I think of how God is my teacher and He leads my paths, leads them in righteousness through His Word and time in prayer. David says I will walk in thy truth, not only does he wish to be taught,but will act on what he is taught. We must not only be hearers of the Word,but doers of the Word as well( James 1:22 ). David then asks in the same verse to unite his heart in fear. In this meaning of fear he means in reverence. David had great reverence to God and put his trust in Him. No matter what he went through, good times and bad he still put his hope in God alone.
In the next verse it says I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart and I will glorify thy name for evermore. I love how David is emphasizing that he will love God with all that he is and that he will glorify God for the rest of his life. You can read this in the other psalms he writes. Even through bad times and good times he still praises God and puts his trust in God alone. For me I have began to understand so much deeper as through personal experience. I have talked about a lot and to me I love talking about because of how awesome God is. I love how truly wonderful I saw Him work through a situation that was very tough. Through it all my faith grew and I came to understand that the trying of our faith worketh patience( James 1:3 ). In the middle of that storm I found strength that was not my own and as the Apostle Paul wrote let the weak say I am strong( 2 Corinthians 12:10 ).
Brothers and sisters I encourage you as the week continues through. If your struggling with something cast your cares to Him and pour out your heart before Him for He does care for you( 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 62:8 ). Know that no matter where you go day to day that you don't have to go alone, that He is with you every step of the way , guiding and directing you.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
Psalms 86:11-12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The psalms are my favorite next to the book of John. I love this psalm, but these two verses in this psalm have especially touched my heart and been encouraging. In verse 11 it says Teach me thy way, O Lord, I will walk in
thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. When I read this I think of how God is my teacher and He leads my paths, leads them in righteousness through His Word and time in prayer. David says I will walk in thy truth, not only does he wish to be taught,but will act on what he is taught. We must not only be hearers of the Word,but doers of the Word as well( James 1:22 ). David then asks in the same verse to unite his heart in fear. In this meaning of fear he means in reverence. David had great reverence to God and put his trust in Him. No matter what he went through, good times and bad he still put his hope in God alone.
In the next verse it says I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart and I will glorify thy name for evermore. I love how David is emphasizing that he will love God with all that he is and that he will glorify God for the rest of his life. You can read this in the other psalms he writes. Even through bad times and good times he still praises God and puts his trust in God alone. For me I have began to understand so much deeper as through personal experience. I have talked about a lot and to me I love talking about because of how awesome God is. I love how truly wonderful I saw Him work through a situation that was very tough. Through it all my faith grew and I came to understand that the trying of our faith worketh patience( James 1:3 ). In the middle of that storm I found strength that was not my own and as the Apostle Paul wrote let the weak say I am strong( 2 Corinthians 12:10 ).
Brothers and sisters I encourage you as the week continues through. If your struggling with something cast your cares to Him and pour out your heart before Him for He does care for you( 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 62:8 ). Know that no matter where you go day to day that you don't have to go alone, that He is with you every step of the way , guiding and directing you.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
My Sustainer ( Psalm 3:5 )
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
Psalms 3:5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How I can very much relate to this verse. The third psalm was during a time in which David had fled from his Absalom. What always amazes me when you read the psalms David writes you see when David is in despair he still puts his trust in God. He doesn't turn to someone else and say hey maybe they have the solution or think maybe I have a better idea. No, David realize his hope and his trust is alone in the Lord. For me this verse has really touch my heart as I've seen it time and time again in my life. Recently while in school has been the most awesome display of it. On tuesday and thursday, my day starts at 5:25am and ends somewhere around 10pm depending on the amount of homework or tests to study for. Despite how long the days are I feel refreshed and until I head to bed that night I feel full of energy. I know the sustaining strength I get is from God.
Truly I find my rest in Him alone. What really puts me in awe of how wonderful and loving He is, is when I have late mondays or wednesdays where I have stay up past 10 where it cuts into sleep and through it all the next morning I wake up refreshed. The great thing is I turn these blessing back into praise. For the joy of the Lord is my strength( Nehemiah 8:10 ) and I don't know about you,but that is such a beautiful way to start the day.
I encourage you brothers and sisters as you go out through the week find your rest in Him. I think of how it says I laid down and I awaked, for the Lord sustained me. If I wake up another day, I thank the Lord for it, for He has a reason for me for that day. Friends I encourage you to be a light( Matthew 5:16 ) for this world. They are looking for something, share with them something that is real. Share with them the One, who is mighty to save.
God bless,
John W.
Whybrew III <><
Psalms 3:5
-
How I can very much relate to this verse. The third psalm was during a time in which David had fled from his Absalom. What always amazes me when you read the psalms David writes you see when David is in despair he still puts his trust in God. He doesn't turn to someone else and say hey maybe they have the solution or think maybe I have a better idea. No, David realize his hope and his trust is alone in the Lord. For me this verse has really touch my heart as I've seen it time and time again in my life. Recently while in school has been the most awesome display of it. On tuesday and thursday, my day starts at 5:25am and ends somewhere around 10pm depending on the amount of homework or tests to study for. Despite how long the days are I feel refreshed and until I head to bed that night I feel full of energy. I know the sustaining strength I get is from God.
Truly I find my rest in Him alone. What really puts me in awe of how wonderful and loving He is, is when I have late mondays or wednesdays where I have stay up past 10 where it cuts into sleep and through it all the next morning I wake up refreshed. The great thing is I turn these blessing back into praise. For the joy of the Lord is my strength( Nehemiah 8:10 ) and I don't know about you,but that is such a beautiful way to start the day.
I encourage you brothers and sisters as you go out through the week find your rest in Him. I think of how it says I laid down and I awaked, for the Lord sustained me. If I wake up another day, I thank the Lord for it, for He has a reason for me for that day. Friends I encourage you to be a light( Matthew 5:16 ) for this world. They are looking for something, share with them something that is real. Share with them the One, who is mighty to save.
God bless,
John W.
Whybrew III <><
Saturday, April 4, 2009
What Is Love ? ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 )
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know it always amazes me what God lays on my heart. I love this section cause as we know God is love,but not just any love...true love. See so many things in this world have been labeled love and believe me they are far from it. Think about when a guy or girl says man that person is hot I love them. That is not love that is lust. I'm sure someone would say John your jumping to a conclusion,but am I? Now I'm not going to get on a soapbox, but just do think about it.
Going back this set of verses describes love, true love. Love is patient and love is kind. True love most certainly waits. Now with that said I can go with that two ways. One as the bible clearly states sexual relations is made for those who are married. Sadly in this generation people are just having sexual partners outside of marriage like its a no big deal. Sadly what the culture sees as kids "growing up" is sin and we know what the wages of sin are( Romans 6:23 ). Now on the other hand true love waits can be waiting on God's best. Another words nothing just getting in a relationship just cause your single. Instead holding out for someone who has the same passion for Christ as you do. Now I know some of you may be thinking how do I determine this? Don't over thing about it. Instead let God direct your heart. Stay focused on Him and serving Him. I've found for me my waiting on marriage is not the normal waiting as what people think when they hear waiting. When you hear waiting you think of someone sitting down and not doing anything. I've decided that instead I am going to continue to serve Him and worship Him. Another words I've decided to just continue to living for Him and when in His time, I will enter into a new season no longer single.
Another thing the Apostle Paul writes is love is not jealous nor does it brag. By definition to be jealous is to feel resentment towards someone because of something they have. Now I'm sure some might dispute and I hope not believers , where it says God is a jealous God( Exodus 20:5 ). For one when a married man is jealous of a man who is trying to pursue his wife that is righteous jealousy( 2 Corinthians 11:2 ) versus a man being jealous of his neighbor having a new car. Like I said last night we were bought with a price and God has every right to jealous over us when someone tries to harm us, come after or deceive us, we are His. It doesn't brag, wow don't think I need to explain that one. Take a look at our society and how they brag and look at what I can do. Talk about a sick twisted form of self love, it makes me sick.
In verse 5 it says that it does not seek it own. Another it is not self absorbed. Wow talk about the complete opposite of what our society is all about. Like I stated just a few sentences above America is quite selfish. Think about do all you can to get to the top, don't care who you hurt. Isn't that what they teach? Sure they say work as team,but think about isn't that just the cute packaging they put on the outside just to cover it. Another thing it says in verse 5 is that is does not behave itself unseemly. Another words it does not act inappropriate. For example when dealing with those in charge of you you respect the position they have with love. It then goes on to say that is not easily provoked, thinketh evil. Another wards true love is not easily provoked to unrighteous anger or thoughts of evil. Now granted when we see sin or hear sin. I know since I made those statements I will need to clarify. Ever worked in retail and had a customer come in and use foul language. There sin, I heard it and boy did it make my stomach turn. Another example is seeing people smoking. Think about an addiction that has you drawn where you depend on it. You need it and it takes away part of your focus. Tell someone who smokes you can't have a cigarette and I guarantee it wouldn't be pretty. Whether they want to acknowledge it or not they are bound it and this is a form of idolatry. Are we not to love the Lord with all our hearts, soul ,and all our strength. How can we do this if we have go take a smoke break? Friends for me it just made sense when I came to Christ I gave up smoking. I realized the only addiction I needed was to Him and to His Word. So when dealing with situations like these treat with love and show compassion. Don't get over zealous like James and John did and want fireballs from heaven to come down( Luke 9:54 ). Instead show them the true love of Christ through sharing the gospel by living it.
In the next verse man it says it does not rejoice in iniquity, but in truth. Plain and simple true love does not rejoice in sin, but instead rejoice in truth. Easy way to distinguish love use the Word of God. I know sounds simple,but people just ain't doing it.
Then in verse 7 it says it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. It bears all things another words it covers all things that means good times and bad things. The best way I can think of this is in marriage when it says for better or for worse. Now granted when you get married you should not rush into marriage as I stated above true love waits, but in part true love bears that each individual is not perfect and that instead you work out tough times through prayer. Sadly in our country if things get tough people take the "easy road" and choose divorce. Friends I promise God doesn't like divorce, in He hates it. God created the covenant of marriage to be lasting. People are no longer taking it seriously and hence we have a mess. Of course the problem is much deeper. Christ needs to be at the center of every relationship/marriage. It believes all things all things means it believes no matter what the situation things will work out. True love in a relationship will manage through storms. Sure there may be times where you think are we going to make it,but quickly God will confirm hold on I'll get you two through it.
Then in verse it also says it hopes and endures all things. It hopes all things, man this is something God has really worked on me personally. I've learned through patience to have hope in His promises. To know that despite what I see things will work out. That is love knowing that He who loved me first knows my deepest concerns gives me hope to just trust in Him alone. Then of course it says it endures all things. I tell you personally this is something I have learned and continue to learn. As Christians we learn that life isn't a bed of roses and that the road isn't wide nor easy,but when we focus on Christ we can find joy for our joy is in Him. I've mentioned it a lot,but I believe God allowed me to go through it to draw me closer to Him. Through it I saw and experienced love, how despite I was hurting knowing my grandmother was ill He sustained me. Through He taught me to have more dependence on Him. Truly I look back at that time and understand James 1:3. So many times when something bad happens people wanna blame God or basically go out of their mind. Instead I leaned on Him alone. Sure I was hurting and worn inside,but there was comfort I couldn't put in words. Still talking about brings tears, but I believe they are reminders of how loving He is. How He heard my soul crying and hurting,but knowing that through I was trusting in Him.
Friends I encourage you to love, not the way the world endorses, but as the Word teaches us. Show true love, love that does not envy, brag or is not arrogant. For anyone brothers or sisters in Christ who are single like myself I encourage you to wait on God's best. Believe me being single isn't a season of pain,but a time of spiritual growth. I know right now God is using this time to develop into the man He wants me to be so that when the time is right I can be the husband and father I need to be. I'm not going to rush Him ,but instead be obedient.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know it always amazes me what God lays on my heart. I love this section cause as we know God is love,but not just any love...true love. See so many things in this world have been labeled love and believe me they are far from it. Think about when a guy or girl says man that person is hot I love them. That is not love that is lust. I'm sure someone would say John your jumping to a conclusion,but am I? Now I'm not going to get on a soapbox, but just do think about it.
Going back this set of verses describes love, true love. Love is patient and love is kind. True love most certainly waits. Now with that said I can go with that two ways. One as the bible clearly states sexual relations is made for those who are married. Sadly in this generation people are just having sexual partners outside of marriage like its a no big deal. Sadly what the culture sees as kids "growing up" is sin and we know what the wages of sin are( Romans 6:23 ). Now on the other hand true love waits can be waiting on God's best. Another words nothing just getting in a relationship just cause your single. Instead holding out for someone who has the same passion for Christ as you do. Now I know some of you may be thinking how do I determine this? Don't over thing about it. Instead let God direct your heart. Stay focused on Him and serving Him. I've found for me my waiting on marriage is not the normal waiting as what people think when they hear waiting. When you hear waiting you think of someone sitting down and not doing anything. I've decided that instead I am going to continue to serve Him and worship Him. Another words I've decided to just continue to living for Him and when in His time, I will enter into a new season no longer single.
Another thing the Apostle Paul writes is love is not jealous nor does it brag. By definition to be jealous is to feel resentment towards someone because of something they have. Now I'm sure some might dispute and I hope not believers , where it says God is a jealous God( Exodus 20:5 ). For one when a married man is jealous of a man who is trying to pursue his wife that is righteous jealousy( 2 Corinthians 11:2 ) versus a man being jealous of his neighbor having a new car. Like I said last night we were bought with a price and God has every right to jealous over us when someone tries to harm us, come after or deceive us, we are His. It doesn't brag, wow don't think I need to explain that one. Take a look at our society and how they brag and look at what I can do. Talk about a sick twisted form of self love, it makes me sick.
In verse 5 it says that it does not seek it own. Another it is not self absorbed. Wow talk about the complete opposite of what our society is all about. Like I stated just a few sentences above America is quite selfish. Think about do all you can to get to the top, don't care who you hurt. Isn't that what they teach? Sure they say work as team,but think about isn't that just the cute packaging they put on the outside just to cover it. Another thing it says in verse 5 is that is does not behave itself unseemly. Another words it does not act inappropriate. For example when dealing with those in charge of you you respect the position they have with love. It then goes on to say that is not easily provoked, thinketh evil. Another wards true love is not easily provoked to unrighteous anger or thoughts of evil. Now granted when we see sin or hear sin. I know since I made those statements I will need to clarify. Ever worked in retail and had a customer come in and use foul language. There sin, I heard it and boy did it make my stomach turn. Another example is seeing people smoking. Think about an addiction that has you drawn where you depend on it. You need it and it takes away part of your focus. Tell someone who smokes you can't have a cigarette and I guarantee it wouldn't be pretty. Whether they want to acknowledge it or not they are bound it and this is a form of idolatry. Are we not to love the Lord with all our hearts, soul ,and all our strength. How can we do this if we have go take a smoke break? Friends for me it just made sense when I came to Christ I gave up smoking. I realized the only addiction I needed was to Him and to His Word. So when dealing with situations like these treat with love and show compassion. Don't get over zealous like James and John did and want fireballs from heaven to come down( Luke 9:54 ). Instead show them the true love of Christ through sharing the gospel by living it.
In the next verse man it says it does not rejoice in iniquity, but in truth. Plain and simple true love does not rejoice in sin, but instead rejoice in truth. Easy way to distinguish love use the Word of God. I know sounds simple,but people just ain't doing it.
Then in verse 7 it says it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. It bears all things another words it covers all things that means good times and bad things. The best way I can think of this is in marriage when it says for better or for worse. Now granted when you get married you should not rush into marriage as I stated above true love waits, but in part true love bears that each individual is not perfect and that instead you work out tough times through prayer. Sadly in our country if things get tough people take the "easy road" and choose divorce. Friends I promise God doesn't like divorce, in He hates it. God created the covenant of marriage to be lasting. People are no longer taking it seriously and hence we have a mess. Of course the problem is much deeper. Christ needs to be at the center of every relationship/marriage. It believes all things all things means it believes no matter what the situation things will work out. True love in a relationship will manage through storms. Sure there may be times where you think are we going to make it,but quickly God will confirm hold on I'll get you two through it.
Then in verse it also says it hopes and endures all things. It hopes all things, man this is something God has really worked on me personally. I've learned through patience to have hope in His promises. To know that despite what I see things will work out. That is love knowing that He who loved me first knows my deepest concerns gives me hope to just trust in Him alone. Then of course it says it endures all things. I tell you personally this is something I have learned and continue to learn. As Christians we learn that life isn't a bed of roses and that the road isn't wide nor easy,but when we focus on Christ we can find joy for our joy is in Him. I've mentioned it a lot,but I believe God allowed me to go through it to draw me closer to Him. Through it I saw and experienced love, how despite I was hurting knowing my grandmother was ill He sustained me. Through He taught me to have more dependence on Him. Truly I look back at that time and understand James 1:3. So many times when something bad happens people wanna blame God or basically go out of their mind. Instead I leaned on Him alone. Sure I was hurting and worn inside,but there was comfort I couldn't put in words. Still talking about brings tears, but I believe they are reminders of how loving He is. How He heard my soul crying and hurting,but knowing that through I was trusting in Him.
Friends I encourage you to love, not the way the world endorses, but as the Word teaches us. Show true love, love that does not envy, brag or is not arrogant. For anyone brothers or sisters in Christ who are single like myself I encourage you to wait on God's best. Believe me being single isn't a season of pain,but a time of spiritual growth. I know right now God is using this time to develop into the man He wants me to be so that when the time is right I can be the husband and father I need to be. I'm not going to rush Him ,but instead be obedient.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Friday, April 3, 2009
I Am Not Mine Own ( 1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20 )
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These verses should be on every believers thoughts daily. As we go out we should remember we are not our own and that we should live each and everyday to glorify God. Truly we were bought with a price far above any. You know everyday I do think about how I act and speak. I think about how does my very life bring God glory. Sadly most people when they get up in the morning they think about themselves and how can they better themselves. I know, cause this was how I lived my life once too and as Christians we have to fight this as well. Believe me I've found that you can just get up and already the battle between the flesh and the spirit is starting and I haven't even left house.
I find personal encouragement from the Apostle Paul in the Word when he says that he died daily. Friends we must die daily to this flesh and like he wrote here to the Corinthians remember we have a purpose and that is to glorify God in all we do. Whether it is doing our best in school, work and of course when sharing the gospel. Don't be nervous about having the right words or having that right speech, just be willing and obedient to God. After all since God used someone like Moses who had a speech problem and someone as young as Jeremiah, I believe He can use anyone. We just have to as the Word says trust in Him alone and lean not on our own understanding( Proverbs 3:5 ).
Friends be encouraged as you go out through this weekend. Be a light for this world( Matthew 5:16 ). In all things you do, do them with a whole heart for the Lord ( Colossians 3:23 ). Remember we are not seeking to please those in this world,but instead seeking to please God and Him alone.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These verses should be on every believers thoughts daily. As we go out we should remember we are not our own and that we should live each and everyday to glorify God. Truly we were bought with a price far above any. You know everyday I do think about how I act and speak. I think about how does my very life bring God glory. Sadly most people when they get up in the morning they think about themselves and how can they better themselves. I know, cause this was how I lived my life once too and as Christians we have to fight this as well. Believe me I've found that you can just get up and already the battle between the flesh and the spirit is starting and I haven't even left house.
I find personal encouragement from the Apostle Paul in the Word when he says that he died daily. Friends we must die daily to this flesh and like he wrote here to the Corinthians remember we have a purpose and that is to glorify God in all we do. Whether it is doing our best in school, work and of course when sharing the gospel. Don't be nervous about having the right words or having that right speech, just be willing and obedient to God. After all since God used someone like Moses who had a speech problem and someone as young as Jeremiah, I believe He can use anyone. We just have to as the Word says trust in Him alone and lean not on our own understanding( Proverbs 3:5 ).
Friends be encouraged as you go out through this weekend. Be a light for this world( Matthew 5:16 ). In all things you do, do them with a whole heart for the Lord ( Colossians 3:23 ). Remember we are not seeking to please those in this world,but instead seeking to please God and Him alone.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things ( Jeremiah 17:9 )
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Jeremiah 17:9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! Strong and something the world would never tell you. Instead there are saying like follow your heart or do all to your heart's content. Instead I have something biblical let God's Word direct your heart. When is the last time you heard a song on tv say that or on a commercial during valentine's day say that? This goes so much deeper, in fact two verses up is one of my favorite verse blessed is the man who puts his trust in the Lord( Jeremiah 17:7 ). To me it is a total dependence on God and not relying neither on our heart nor our mind for both can lead us astray. As it is written trust in the completely and lean not on your own understanding( Proverbs 3:5 ).
Scary isn't it to think your heart can lead you astray,but it will. For me personally I can see some decisions in my life before Christ where I made them based on what my "heart" told me or basically what I felt. Friends we can't go on what we feel, instead we must go by what His Word says. He has given us everything we need. Last night I had the opportunity to teach a youth group who is dear to me in Forsyth and one point I addressed was knowing the Word. We have to study it so not to be deceived. In Matthew 24 Jesus said take head lest you be deceived( Matthew 24:4 ). Think about it He was talking to the men who had been walking, talking and living with Him, yet He was warning them. If they needed warning and to be aware so should we.
So friends I encourage you to get deep in His Word. Don't let your heart lead you, instead let His Word direct your heart.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Jeremiah 17:9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! Strong and something the world would never tell you. Instead there are saying like follow your heart or do all to your heart's content. Instead I have something biblical let God's Word direct your heart. When is the last time you heard a song on tv say that or on a commercial during valentine's day say that? This goes so much deeper, in fact two verses up is one of my favorite verse blessed is the man who puts his trust in the Lord( Jeremiah 17:7 ). To me it is a total dependence on God and not relying neither on our heart nor our mind for both can lead us astray. As it is written trust in the completely and lean not on your own understanding( Proverbs 3:5 ).
Scary isn't it to think your heart can lead you astray,but it will. For me personally I can see some decisions in my life before Christ where I made them based on what my "heart" told me or basically what I felt. Friends we can't go on what we feel, instead we must go by what His Word says. He has given us everything we need. Last night I had the opportunity to teach a youth group who is dear to me in Forsyth and one point I addressed was knowing the Word. We have to study it so not to be deceived. In Matthew 24 Jesus said take head lest you be deceived( Matthew 24:4 ). Think about it He was talking to the men who had been walking, talking and living with Him, yet He was warning them. If they needed warning and to be aware so should we.
So friends I encourage you to get deep in His Word. Don't let your heart lead you, instead let His Word direct your heart.
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
