wicked

Proverbs 13

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The Rewards of Godliness.

“Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.” – Proverbs 13:6 NLT

As we saw in Proverbs 12, godliness is the byproduct of a vibrant and intimate relationship with God. The more time we spend with Him, the more often we obey Him, the more dependent we become on Him, the more like Him we will become. Because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, and due to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we have the capacity to live godly lives – lives that are pleasing to and honoring of God. And the godly life not only has evidence that others can see, it comes with rewards. Godliness acts as a guard on our lives, providing us with wisdom for making good decisions, giving us the right words to say at the right time, and the insight when to say nothing at all. Godliness gives us a hatred for lies and deception, a love for justice and truth, and a life filled with light and joy. Godliness gives us the insight to know that we are nothing without God, making us less prone to pride and more willing to seek advice and accept correction. The godly have a strong work ethic, not living with some sense of entitlement, expecting everything to be handed to them on a silver platter. And their hard work not only satisfies their hunger, it fulfills their dreams. The godly have the innate ability to think before they act, protecting them from foolish acts, harmful words, and dangerous decisions. And while their life will not be free from trouble and strife, those things well be less likely the result of their own stupidity, rashness and foolhardiness. Godliness brings wisdom and wisdom is both protective and attractive. The wise live lives according to God’s ways and, a as a result, they attract the attention of others who long to have what they have.

Godliness isn’t some kind of unrealistic objective designed to make our lives miserable because it is unachievable. Godliness is attainable, enjoyable, laudable, and highly possible, not because of anything we do, but because of what Christ has already done. His death on the cross makes the life of godliness possible for all who place their faith in Him and Him alone. And not only do we get eternal life in return, complete with an irrevocable guarantee of a place in heaven some day; we get the promise of the rewards that come with a life of godliness lived out here in this earth.

Father, sometimes we think the life of godliness is some kind of penance or punishment until we get to be with You in heaven. But nothing could be farther from the truth. As we live according to Your terms, supplied by Your strength, we get to enjoy the rewards of Your grace, goodness and mercy. We receive wisdom, understanding, common sense, and all the benefits of a life lived with You. Thank You

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 12

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The Evidence of Godliness.

“The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.” ­– Proverbs 12:28 NLT

What does a godly person look like? What are the characteristics that mark the life of someone who claims to love God? Proverbs 12 gives us a good idea of what to look for and while most of these qualities are visible to the eye, they emanate from the heart. They are the fruit of godliness. They are the byproduct of a life lived in close dependence upon and in love with God. The danger is that we attempt to make them the end instead of the means. We too often try to make the fruit our goal, rather than pursue the only one who can make the fruit possible in our lives. Take a look at Solomon’s list and consider whether these attributes or character traits are evident in your life. If so, are they the result of your own hard work and determination? Have you become adept at manufacturing these things in your life so that others are impressed with your efforts? Or have they been produced in your life over time as a result of your pursuit of an intimate relationship with God?

The godly…

… love to learn and realize that discipline is one of their primary instructors.

… seek the approval of God in their lives, not the approval of men.

… do good whenever they have the opportunity, not evil.

… enjoy a sense of stability in their lives regardless of the circumstances.

… positively influence the lives of those around them.

… make plans that are right, just and fair, and safe for others to follow.

… speak words that build up, not tear down; and bring hope, not harm.

… leave a spiritual legacy through the next generation.
… win people over with their simple sensibility.

… don’t need to be the center of attention.

… are good stewards of all that God has put under their care.

… are hard workers and not lazy dreamers.

… are content with what they have.

… don’t get trapped by their own words.

… experience the benefits that come from speaking wisely and working diligently.

… seek the advice of others and don’t assume their way is always right.

… stay calm even when insulted.

… tell the truth when called upon.

… use their words to heal, not hurt.

… tell the truth and never have to worry about being caught in a lie.

… are filled with joy because they don’t plot evil against others.

… experience peace even in the midst of trouble, knowing they weren’t the cause of it.

… tell the truth for God’s sake, not their own.

… don’t flaunt what they know or live to impress others with their godliness.

… are natural leaders because of their diligence.

… encourage others with their words.

… give good advice that doesn’t lead others astray.

… are diligent and resourceful.

… pursue God’s way, which leads to life.

That’s quite a list. But don’t lose sight of the fact that the list is not the point. Don’t make the list your goal. We have to realize that NONE of us can do any of the things on that list in our own strength – at least not well, and not for long. We can fake them for a time, but ultimately, we will fail. Each of these things are the result of a relationship with God. He produces them in our life. They are the natural outflow of a life lived with Him. Godliness is only possible with a vibrant walk with God. Seek Him and these things will become evident in your life – over time. Seek these things and the only thing that will become evident is your inability to experience them. If you sense they are missing in your life, don’t try to manufacture them so you look more godly. Simply seek God.

Father, I waste far too much time trying to appear godly rather than seeking You so that You can make me godly. I tend to pursue the wrong thing. I want these characteristics in my life, but thank You for reminding me that they only come from a growing dependence upon You. Show me how to pursue You, not the fruit. Don’t let me fall in love with the idea of godliness more than I love You.


Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 10

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Fool’s Gold.

“When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.” – Proverbs 10:25 NLT

To the untrained eye, iron and copper pyrite has all the characteristics of real gold. For an amateur prospector, it could fool the eye and convince the mind that the dream of untold riches was right around the corner. But no matter how real it may appear, fool’s gold would prove to be nothing more than a phantom or a very convincing mirage. The same could be said of the life of the fool. A fool is not some imbecile who lacks intelligence and is doomed to a life of stupid decisions. In the Bible a fool is the description of any individual who chooses to live his life on his own terms instead of God’s. All of us are born fools and the only thing that change that unhappy state is a growing knowledge of God and a healthy fear of Him. Without God we are doomed to live the life of a fool. And as these Proverbs remind us, “a foolish child brings grief to a mother (Proverbs 10:1 NLT), “babbling fools fall flat on their faces” (Proverbs 10:8 NLT), “those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod” (Proverbs 13 NLT), “slandering others makes you a fool” (Proverbs 10:18 NLT), “the heart of a fool is worthless” (Proverbs 10:20 NLT), and “fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense” (Proverbs 10:21 NLT).

The Proverbs tend to combine the characteristics of foolishness with wickedness and evil. They are all one and the same. They represent the ungodly, those who live as if there is no God. When a child is born, he or she has no concept of God, so they become their own god. The world revolves around them. They naturally exhibit selfishness and self-centeredness. They demand their own way. They don’t know any better. But by the time a child becomes an adult, they should know better. But sadly, many adults exhibit the same characteristics they displayed as children. They remain the god of their life and the universe revolves around them. They lack discernment and common sense. Yes, they may have an education and multiple degrees. They may have all the trappings of success and enjoy a lifestyle of comfort and ease, but it is all fool’s gold. They lack true wisdom and knowledge. Their life is but a mirage, a phantom of what God offers. Because “the godly are showered with blessing” (Proverbs 10:6 NLT), “the earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin” (Proverbs 10:16 NLT), and “doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible” (Proverbs 10:23 NLT).

A life without God may appear attractive, but it is not what it seems. The world does all it can to offer a convincing replica of what God has offered. It’s pleasures look real. It’s happiness appears lasting. Following its ways would seem to offer a life of fulfillment. But it’s all fool’s gold. A cheap substitute for the real thing. The way of the Lord is the only way that works. It alone satisfies, lasts, brings peace, provides joy, and results in a life marked by integrity, wisdom, common sense, and stability. “The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing” (Proverbs 10:28 NLT). Only God’s way is the right way. Don’t be fooled by anything else.

Father, open my eyes and help me spot the counterfeit life offered by this world. It is so convincing, but so disappointing. It can’t deliver what it promises. It’s fool’s gold. But Your way is the right way and offers everything I need to live a life of fulfillment and purpose. Don’t ever let me settle for the fake when I can have the real thing. Amen

Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Psalm 109 – Day 2

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Bad Times. Good God.
(Based on Psalm 109)

O God, You are one the one I praise,
Now I need to hear from You, for you to break Your silence.
The wicked and deceivers have no trouble speaking up,
They slander me and tell lies about me all the time.
I am surrounded by their hateful words,
And they oppose me for no reason.
I show them love and they respond with accusations,
But I continue to pray for them.
I do them good, and I get evil in return,
I get hatred as payback for my love.
This is what they have to say about me:
“Let’s get a wicked man to accuse him falsely,
Someone who can take him to court under false pretenses.
Then when his case comes up for trial, let’s hope he loses.
May even his prayers be viewed as sin when this is over.
We wish him a short life, so someone else can have his job.
Let his kids be fatherless and his wife a widow!
May his kids end up as homeless beggars, searching for food in the dump.
May his creditors take all he owns, and strangers end up with the rest.
May he have no future and his family name cease to exist.
May God remember his sins forever and punish his family accordingly.
He is a merciless man who refuses to care for the poor and needy,
He took advantage of the down-trodden.
He loved to curse others, so let him be cursed,
Since he refused to bless others, don’t let him experience it.
He clothed himself in a life of cursing and it has seeped into his own life,
Let curses surround him like the fancy clothes he wears.”

But Lord, I ask that You turn these curses back on my adversaries,
I ask You to treat me according to Your reputation. Show me mercy. Rescue me.
I am poor, needy, and suffer from a broken heart.
I am fading quickly and blown back and forth like a helpless insect.
I am weak from fasting and I have no energy left.
Everyone looks at me with either pity or disgust, shaking their heads.
Help me, O God, answer me according to Your mercy!
May they be able to see that it was You who rescued me.
Let them curse, but You bless.
When the rise up against me, let them be disappointed and let me rejoice.
Clothe them with shame and surround them with confusion like a garment.
When You act, I will praise You, O Lord, I will praise You among the people.
You stand by those in need, and deliver them from those who stand against them.