1 Timothy 1:3-7

Sometimes we think that LOVE is the basis for all our actions. However, according to Paul there are three characteristics that build a foundation for true Christian Love.

What are the results of either possessing, or not possessing, these three things?

See you Sunday,

Pastor Dave

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. – Proverbs 1:7

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. - Proverbs 12:15

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. - Proverbs 28:26

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:18

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. - Titus 3:3-7

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
Worship blend – 9:30 am
Sunday school – 10:30 am
Hispanic (Spanish) – 7:00 pm

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3

Your servant is here among the people you have chosen… So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguist between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
(1 Kings 3:8-9)

Solomon humbly asked God for discernment and God gave him wisdom:

So God said to him, ‘Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for a discernment in administering justice, I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.’ “
(1 Kings 3:11-13)

Solomon is still regarded as a man of wisdom. We can learn much from studying his life and writings.

His son, Rehoboam, showed a lack of wisdom:

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.”
(1 Kings 12:8)

The result was division of the people and of the nation.

Interesting are some instructions of Solomon to a son… was it Rehoboam?

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright,
He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”
(Proverbs 2:1-11)

Some observations:

• Solomon asked God for wisdom… Rehoboam did not!
• Solomon displayed humility… Rehoboam did not!
• Solomon is remembered and revered… Rehoboam is not!

Reflecting on my short time there and the current need… there are many good missions organizations – established and serving the people of Haiti. They are the ones who will have immediate impact. They are the ones the Haitians will respect. It’s too bad that ‘those in charge’ probably won’t use these established ‘humanitarian’ organizations as outlets for the stockpiles of food and medicine. These many organizations already have ’feet on the ground.’ They will remain as the ‘high profile’ people return home.

God will provide in miraculous ways. Our role is to pray and give generously.

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
– James 1:26-27

News links:

• Evangelical Free Church of America - (our denomination)
• Mission to Haiti - (personal visit: Medical, Construction, Bible School Teams & “Sponsor a Child”)
• One Twitter page of many (Troy Livesay) – (never met but reading his perspective)
• A blog (Heartline Haiti) – (no personal knowledge of ministry but reading their perspective)

According to Jeremiah 25:1-14 and 2 Chronicles 36:14-21, the Southern Kingdom (Judah) would be punished (captivity) as a nation for their rebellion against God.

Captivity brought changes for everyone, including young Daniel:
  Strange location (Jerusalem to Babylon),
  Strange food (the King’s food which probably had been offered first to the idols),
  Strange names (Daniel “God is my judge” to Belteshazzar “Bel’s prince”)

Daniel and three friends made a dietary commitment to God to remain “undefiled.” The results were “supernatural”

God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel…” (Daniel 1:9)

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning…” (Daniel 1:17a)

In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he (King Nebuchadnezzar) found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.” (Daniel 1:20)

 True wisdom comes from God…

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow His precepts have good understanding.
To Him belongs eternal praise.” (Psalm 111:10)

Daniel experienced God’s blessings, His faithfulness and His fulfilled promise. He lived to see the end of the seventy years of captivity.

We would be wise to commit ourselves to God!

Many of you may identify, somewhat, with the emotions and fears of this man’s newly widowed wife, his sons and daughters (5 children and 2 grandchildren with 2 more on the way).

Jose had some verses (in Spanish) on a sheet of paper next to the door frame in his kitchen as well as a paraphrase of the “Apostles Creed”:

Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord; who was crucified, dead and buried; rose again on the third day; and sits at the right hand of God the Father; from there He will judge the living and the dead. I believe in the church, the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.”

The first time we met Jose he told us of his love for Jesus Christ! He is my “brother” and I shall see him again.

Blessings to you all!

When it comes to finances, people generally fall into the following groups. Where do you fit in?

Planners control their financial affairs. They budget to save.

Strugglers have trouble keeping their heads above rough financial waters. They find it difficult to budget to save.

Deniers refuse to see that they’re in financial trouble. So they don’t see a need to budget to save.

Impulsives seek immediate gratification. They spend today and let tomorrow take care of itself. They couldn’t care less about budgeting to save.”

People fall into similar categories when it comes to Spiritual planning. Jesus said,

I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
(John 14:6)

Planners consider truth and life. They seek a future.

Strugglers have trouble believing there is truth and life – or a future.

Deniers refuse to see that they’re in trouble. So they don’t see their need… They don’t realize they’ve “missed the mark.”

Impulsives seek immediate gratification. They live for today and let tomorrow take care of itself. They couldn’t care less about their future.

Which category describes you?

Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.”
(Proverbs 23:17-18)

Blessings in Christ!