Bragging On Jesus

Proverbs 11:12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. Today’s proverb reminds me of some very famous words from a very famous bunny. No I’m not talking about bugs... I’m talking about that cute and cuddly little guy that goes by the name of Thumper. And he says, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all”. Wise words from a cartoon character. It would appear that King Solomon agreed. Things like slander and gossip and cutting word are of no help to anyone. They only stir up more trouble and strife. Solomon reminds us that there are times where we need say nothing at all. Oh this is a hard concept to grasp for many. We can’t imagine keeping our lips sealed when we know some juicy detail about our neighbor. Many people are quick to spread every detail they know... many times they speak before the know all the details. Let us not be such a

Proverbs in 365 Devotions Proverbs 6:12 A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, - Proverbs 6:13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, 14 with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; 15 therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing. Wrong Prize Joey! By Brad Chase ​ Picture if you will a man (we’ll call him Joey.) in the late 1970’s early 1980’s. Hair greased back, thin black mustache, huge toothy smile as he chomps on a piece of gum. White pants and striped button up shirt. The top of his shirt open displaying his weak chest and a gold chain. He points and winks at every lady that makes eye contact with him. He does the same head nod and “come hither“ hand gesture with each one just waiting on someone to approach him. Finally, it works. A lady walks over to Joey and they engage in a few moments of small talk but quickly head out the door. It would appear that our friend has landed h

Proverbs 10:23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding. What's Your High? Robin Aylor I like the contrasts in this verse… It’s cool! Solomon doesn’t really show the commonalities between foolishness and wisdom because there are none. ​ Ecclesiastes 10:2 says: A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left. ​ Look, these guys are on totally different roads and going opposite directions. So instead of stating what they have in common he just tells us the goals and rewards of both paths. You see, for a fool doing wrong never reaches any true level of pleasure so you can’t really make a suitable comparison. Doing wrong may bring a short high to a wicked man but like a common joke his telling of it is gone in a moment. The vile and corrupt person only knows what he knows… Surely he must think the fleeting high that comes from doing wrong cannot be matched… There is undoubtedly nothing it’s equal. Alas, he thinks; today's devious d

Proverbs 5:16 Should thy springs be dispersed abroad, and rivers of water in the streets? 17 Let them be for thyself alone, and not for strangers with thee. Pure Unadulterated Sex Robin Aylor For context you might want to look at verses 15 through 20 of the same chapter. Or, if you want to take my word for it, let me just say clearly and boldly that here in these verses Solomon is talking about and actually promoting God’s plan for pure unadulterated sex. Yes, sex can be a physical and sensual even a human spiritual bond of oneness; a God designed help mate soul mate type of love between one man and one woman. Solomon seems to be asking us: Do you really think a man should trust those deceiving lustful temptations that play on us men for other women? Should we give any credence to their promises of contentment and satisfaction? Do you really think a man’s own aversive plan for love will outshine and transcend the blueprint of marriage drawn out by the Creator of the Universe? Don’t believe one word from t

Sermon connecting Exodus 33 and 34 to 2nd Corinthians 3:18 2nd Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. Chowder-Headed Air Pollution Robin Aylor Here lately I’ve noticed that there’s a whole lot of talking going on, myself included. Whether it’s on Facebook, twitter, TV or just in the daily social scene. There is a lot of mambo-jumbo, crack brained babble floating around… For me, there are times I feel that I have something to say… (at the time they seem like good things) and for some reason, in those situations I just can’t restrain myself. My discernment seems to be lacking and I’m like a horse with side blindfolds on, and so I gallop forward at full speed. I even find myself at times being rude cutting in when someone else is speaking. Howbeit, other people seem to talk a lot also and it can be hard to put your two cents worth in when they don’t even pause to breathe. And so I really do try to wait… but no… my pride wins out… and I burst in speaking louder than the other person just to be heard.

Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. How To Feed Many Robin Aylor Though many words accompany sin as the previous verse 19 says; here we find that there is also a time for a wise man to speak. Somehow Solomon is saying there is a parallel between the righteous mans tongue and the wicked man’s heart. He says it in an odd way, I suspect just to make us think about it. Looking at both verses he mentions a heart, a tongue and lips that feed. I believe Solomon wants us to realize that the heart and the tongue and our deeds are in agreement. I think a good expounding paraphrase of these two verses would go something like this. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver and his lips feed many because it comes from a righteous heart. The heart of the wicked is of little worth and his foolishness will be known by his words which will benefit no one and will ultimately end

The Gospel and Sharing the Gospel

Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. 35 He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts. Spouse Thief By Daniel Castor When I was a child I got a brand new metallic blue bike. It was my pride and joy and I rode it all over the neighborhood. One day a friend form school saw me out riding my bike and he ask for a turn. We took turns for a while and he like my new bike too. He lived several blocks away and ask if he could borrow it for the night so he could get home on time. I didn’t want him to get in trouble so I said sure, knowing I’d be able to walk over and get it the next morning. I was up bright and early and I woke my friend. He went to grab the bike and Much to my surprise the bike was gone. He swore up and down that he had no idea where it was. I was crushed my new bike was gone. Week after week went by and still no sign of my favorite bike. He told me story after story of what might have happened to it and all his

Week 6 Lincoln University - Knowing The Gospel We Share / Robin Aylor This week is knowing what we will share and that it is Gods Spirit, Gods Mercy and Grace, his choosing us and them, Gods quickening, God's word, God's help that we share it and make it clear and that others respond in faith. We must make sure we do not rely on the flesh but on God.

Proverbs 7:24 And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. 25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, 26 for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. 27 Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death. What young man out there dose not think himself invincible? And what strapping young lad doesn’t consider himself strong. Even at the ripe old age of nine there is not much that my small framed skinny armed son doesn’t think he can handle. He is always up for a Chalange when it comes to feats of strength and he is slow to admit that some things are just to much for him to handle. As much as it pains me to say this I think I am much the same way. I think all me have this built in to them. We thing that we are tuff enough to handle whatever comes our way. But Solomon gives us a stern warning here. There is indeed something that even the strongest of men need to be afraid of. Her name is the seductress. O

Proverbs 6:30 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, 31 but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. 32 He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. 33 Wounds and dishonor will he get, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. To Catch A Thief By Robin Aylor When a hungry person steals food or money to buy food it is easy to have sympathy for such an individual. As long as we don’t know who they really are and all we know is they were hungry… we tend to show compassion… But when they are caught and we find out that they were hungry because they were too lazy to work our view of their crime may possibly be swayed. However, that being said it really doesn't matter if they stole from others because of a lack of a desire to work or a lack of opportunity... when they are caught and come before a just judicial system their deeds are weighed in the balance of the letter and intent of the law. The hoo

Proverbs 6:20 My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. What's That Around Your Neck? By Robin Aylor Many parents teach their children basic truths through commands and rules. For example, don’t touch the fire on the stove, pick up your toys, share with others, don’t play in the street… or always wear clothes when you go outside… These are commandments and teachings we should take with us into adulthood and never ignore. I actually remember something about those last two… (playing in the street and going outside without clothes on) I think it was the mid to late 70’s in Dodge City Kansas as I watched a streaker on a motorcycle puttering up Boot Hill. If I am not mistaken he was being followed by a Police car with sirens a blaring. Our text says to tie them around your neck. The p

Lincoln University Week 5 (Class: Bragging On Jesus) Statement Of Purpose

Proverbs in 365 Devotions Proverbs 6:27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? 28 Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? 29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; none who touches her will go unpunished. Carry Jesus Close To Your Heart Robin Aylor And so here we see Solomon, the wisest man alive asking two seemingly foolish questions. Back then if there were video cameras and you-tube… I just wonder how many people would film themselves putting these questions to the test. What… you wanna give it a try? Really? Ok then lets roll! Here ya go then… don’t be alarmed; this is a small fire… only a single flame from this cheap lighter. Alright then, i’m bringing it towards your chest… Steady… You want me to come closer? Ok, for the sake of science then… just a little closer. Woe!!! Oh no!!! I think your shirt is on fire… Stop! come back! Let me put it out! Roll over!… No! No! Your hair is on fire! Don’t put it out with that. It’s a container of gasoline

Proverbs in 365 Devotions Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse. Does Any Part Of Your Tongue Need Cut Off? Daniel Castor Did you know the average person speaks around 16,000 word a day. That’s a whole lot of talk. What kind of words are coming out of our mouth? Well that really all depends... if you work in a fast food drive through you may say the phrase, “how may I help you” a couple of hundred times a day. If you are a librarian your words may be few and your shushes may be plentiful. if you are a grandma probably say things like sure you can do whatever you want. But, If you are a parent your favorite words are probably “absolutely not” and “stop that right now” All sorts of different things come out of different peoples mouths. That is the point that is being made in this proverb. And he gives us two clear examples. Take a look at a ri

Proverbs in 365 Devotions Proverbs 10:24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. 25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever. Be Ready Brad Chase When I was younger, my mother would leave my older brother and I at home alone while she went to work. The night before, she would give a to do list of things that need to be done by the time she returned for lunch and a list for the end of the day. Without fail, one of us played the goody two shoes roll and did his chores and the other would slack off. The slacker felt he had all the time in the world. (trust me on this. I know exactly what the slacker was thinking. It was more often than not, me.) The morning would roll by and my brother would not only do his chores to stay out of trouble, he would also do mine to please my mom. No one would get in trouble at lunch. But then... round 2 would begin. We would argue and fuss because he felt I owed him and I should

Lincoln University - Bragging On Jesus Week 4 - Kingdom Economy

Proverbs 8:25 Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth, 26 before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. 27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, 29 when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, 30 then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, 31 rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man. ​ In The Beginning Robin Aylor Throughout Proverbs we have continued to see Wisdom as a virtuous woman but now she begins to unveil herself from that metaphor and we receive more insight into who this person truly is. Something else has changed; Wisdom is now speaking in the first person. This one who was with God before the world.

Proverbs 9:13 The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. 14 She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, 15 calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way,