International Christian Church Quiet Times

Category: Leadership

  • The Tongue And Its Power

    The Tongue And Its Power

    "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." - Proverbs 18:21
    “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21

    Prov 6:16-19
    16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:
    17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
    18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
    19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

    The Tongue’s Actions Determine God’s Feeling About Us

    One of the things I appreciate about my mother is that she had deep convictions about lying.  I would not get in too much trouble if I was honest about the what I did and the parties I went to.  If I lied though, mom would “lose it,” stiffen the penalties, and the punishment would often become double or more.  This is because lying to someone who loved me so much was very hurtful to them, and offensive to her, and she understandably took it very personally.  This disposition around lying stuck with me. Therefore, it has helped me understand God and personally connect to scriptures like this one.

    Most importantly, God emotionally and intensely reacts to me if I use my tongue to lie.  If I stir up people against each other or cause problems with my words God hates it.  The Hebrew word “sane’” here does really mean “to hate (personally).”  The Hebrew word translated as “detestable” here is “tow`ebah,” and means “a disgusting thing, an abomination.”  God takes how I speak very personally. It’s because his love is so deep that he cares this much about what comes out of our mouths.  Love always “rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6) and “God is love” (1 John 4:8), therefore this intense reaction from God makes sense.

    Prov 6:23-24
    23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.

    The Tongue’s Powers Must Be Protected Against

    The best defense we have against someone using their tongue to seduce or entice us to sin are the commands of God.   Besides, if we spend time filling ourselves up with God’s word, when (not “if”, but when) we are enticed by a “smooth tongue,” we’ll be prepared.  A “smooth tongue” is contrasted here with the commands of God.  The “smooth tongue” being darkness and “leading down to the chambers of death” (Proverbs 7:27).  The commands of God being “a lamp,” a “light,” and “the way to life.”  Who am I going to listen to?  Sometimes my own “self-talk” from my heart and thoughts is dark and would lead me to death, persuaded to sin, and disbelief.  How can “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ?” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

    Consequently, the biblical way to keep myself pure and to guard my steps like this is to memorize the scriptures and having them “hidden…in my heart.” :

    Ps 119:9-11
    9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
    10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
    11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

    Prov 10:19-20
    19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
    20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

    The Tongue Can Be Used Too Much

    Clearly, we see all of us can choose to use our tongue to lie, to entice, and to seduce.  Furthermore, we can use our tongue simply too much – by talking more than is necessary. The scriptures teach us “when words are many” there is some kind of sin we are covering for.  Rationalizing, excuse-making, and deceiving all take more words to make work than the truth.  The scriptures caution us “A gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid a man who talks too much.” (Proverbs 20:19)  I need to make sure that I am not that man who uses words to manipulate and defend himself.  I can often over-explain which comes from insecurity, which can come from a lack of faith, or a self-focus, or a troubled conscience.  Finally, it’s important for me, and all of us, to identify whatever is causing us to use “many words” when this comes up.

    The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (Proverbs 15:28)
    The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (Proverbs 15:28)

    Similarly, this “economy of words” is something the ancient Spartans famously demonstrated in their culture.  “Lakonia” is the name of the ancient region of Greece in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula.  This region’s capital was (and still is) the city of Sparta. The word “laconic,” has come to mean both from this region and to thoughtfully use the least amount of words possible.  Such was the practice of the ancient Spartans. Another thing I find is that the truth takes much fewer words and makes for a lighter heart and clearer head. Most importantly, it also brings me into fellowship and closeness with those around me and gets me in touch with grace – both given and received. (1 John 1:5-10)

    Prov 17:28
    28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

    The Tongue Speaks What The Heart Is Full Of

    What will I use my tongue for today?  How will it affect God’s view of me? How will it affect those around me?  What does it indicate about my own heart? Jesus said, “for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45)  What will I fill my heart with today and what impact will it have?  What will it bring forth from my heart – wisdom or perversity, a piercing sword or healing?  Consequently, will it help me endure forever…or only last a moment?

    Prov 10:31
    31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
    Prov 12:18-19
    18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
    Prov 11:12,19
    12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
    19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

    Dare I speak the truth from my heart, good or bad? Even more, will I get in touch with where I actually am in my relationships – with God and with others?  Or will I decide to “gush folly” and avoid the issues? There is no hope in a deceitful tongue. Additionally, there is no healing in a deceitful tongue, only crushing my spirit – and others!

    Prov 15:2
    2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
    Prov 15:4
    4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
    Prov 17:20
    20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

    The Tongue That Deceives

    A deceitful tongue is the result of a perverse heart.  When I’ve made the conscious decision to lie, it was always to get ahead.  Often, I wanted something for nothing and acted selfishly.

    As a result, when I was a teenager I stole some chips capriciously from the storefront display at the corner convenience store.  I lied when I got caught, saying that I thought the friend with me had paid for the chips when he went to the counter. I recall another moment when lied to my jazz guitar teacher, saying I was so broke I could not afford gas that week and could I pay him later.  He shrewdly exposed me and I’ll never forget the look on his face when he realized I was trying to take him for 20$. That was the price deceit and selfishness put on that friendship. Please forgive me, Eric. Certainly, even if I would have made a fortune, it would never be worth it!  “A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.” (Proverbs 21:6)

    Prov 26:28
    28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
    Prov 16:1
    To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
    Prov 17:4
    A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue

    The Tongue That Replies Well

    Furthermore, God can guide me to reply well.  I can pray to him for help, for guidance, for an apt and wise reply.  I can listen to his word, his “lips,” and avoid my own self-deception.  Sometimes the most malicious tongue is my own, tearing me down in my head, and it is wicked to listen to that inner voice of self-doubt in my heart!  This is a choice I make! I must instead decide to listen to the Lips of God, the Word of God, and put its truth in my head and heart! “I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.” (Psalm 119:48)  “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” (Psalm 119:97)  What will I meditate on?  Whose lips shall I listen to?

    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 understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Prov 2:1-5)
    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 understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Prov 2:1-5)

    Prov 25:15
    15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
    Prov 25:23
    23 As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.
    Prov 28:23
    3 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
    Prov 31:26
    26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

    The Tongue Can Heal, Endure, And Wisely Instruct

    The tongue can be used for many things.  It has all manner of incredible power in our lives and the lives of those around us.  The tongue can be deceitful, persuasive, sly, flattering, smoothly seductive, and in its gentleness, even break bones!  Incidentally, according to the bible, it is not sticks and stones that break bones – it is the words spoken by a gentle tongue!  The tongue can commend knowledge and bring healing! It can help one endure forever and bring forth faithful instruction and very the wisdom of God!

    The scriptures are true –
    “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)

    Finally, may all of us love the tongue, and “[speak] the truth in love,” so “we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) To God be the Gory!

    Jeremy Ciaramella
    Evangelist,
    Phoenix International Christian Church

  • Reflecting On 2 Timothy 2:1-7

    Reflections On 2 Timothy 2:1-7
    “Reflect on what I am saying, for the LORD will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:7

    2 Timothy 2:1-7

    You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs — he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
    This is an incredible payload of teaching and training for Timothy.  Paul says we should “reflect” on what he is saying here.  This is exactly what we are going to do line-by-line.  This is a break-down of what Paul thinks of ministry.  Both Paul and Timothy what we’d consider were full-time ministry leaders and oversaw churches. (Special thanks to Tim Kernan for sharing this lesson with the Phoenix International Christian Church staff and house church leadership groups.)

    Be Strong In The Grace (2 Timothy 2:1)

    “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.“
    If I don’t feel forgiven (e.g. “strong in the grace”) then how can I help someone else feel strong in it?  Someone who is “strong in the grace” works hard.  Paul said himself, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Cor 15:10)  Someone “strong in the grace” also has a strong character of righteousness.  The scriptures explain that grace “teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…“. (Titus 2:12)  A disciple strong in the grace is self-motivated, seeks advice and direction, and is eager to serve in whatever capacity they can.  They have the mindset of Jesus – making themselves “nothing” and taking on the very nature of a servant.  (Philippians 2:1-4)  When we are strong in the grace, being someone’s son or daughter in the faith is a natural result.  If you don’t have a father/mother in the faith and/or sons and daughters in the faith, are you really strong in the grace?  “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 & c.f. 1 Corinthians 4:14-15)

    One reflection is we must "entrust to reliable men" who will also be qualified to teach others.
    One reflection from 2 Timothy 2:2 is we must “entrust to reliable men” who will also be qualified to teach others.

    Entrust To Reliable Men (2 Timothy 2:2)

    “And the things you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” 
    What did Paul preach?  He wrote some 50,000 words of the new testament!  Paul says, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Cor 2:2)  Yet there were many things he taught.  In short, Paul taught the BIBLE.  Things from the “Old Testament” (c.f. 1 Corinthians 10:1-5) as well as his revelations directly from Christ (Galatians 1:15-17) comprising a major portion of the “New Testament.”  Paul says what is taught is entrusted – this implies a seriousness and a thoughtfulness.  Are we treating discipleship times as casual talks where little to no bible is used?  We need to take the bible out and entrust teaching to them!  We need to bury it into their heart!  “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8)  The goal is to qualify them to teach others.  All our enemy, Satan, has to do is to convince someone they are useless.  Then their mission becomes simply to “not fall away.”  That’s nobody’s destiny in the kingdom of God!
    We must help people become reliable.  The best way to test this is to give them a specific task and see if they actually do it.  If we are not reliable and we drop the ball on “minor” things we will stay “stuck.”  They say if you want something done, give the task to a busy person.  If you give to a “not-so-busy” guy and he’ll proceed to teach you why he is not so busy.  We must be reliable and responsive.  There is a road to becoming reliable and responsive for everybody right now – its just one not many want to travel.  As we are good examples, we will have what we need to teach others and examine others’ examples.

    Qualified to Teach Others (2 Timothy 2:2b)

    In this one sentence there are four generations of discipleship: Paul training Timothy who trains “reliable men” who train others.  “Reliable men” don’t need to like you.  Understand – “reliable men” don’t start qualified.  They must walk with their “Paul/Timothy” and spend time with them.  They will learn to trust and learn to do what they need to do in this way.  Paul is essentially telling Timothy here to “get some apostles” (“reliable men”).  This was Jesus’ pattern/example and it was Paul’s pattern/example as well!  (e.g. Acts 19:7, 20:17-31)  It must be ours as we strive to build God’s church.  Who is your Paul?  Do you have “reliable men?”  Is there someone who is like a Timothy to you?  In essence, who are we in this paradigm?  We must become hardcore in our commitment to this model.  Be someone else’s “apostle” (reliable man/woman) or “Timothy.”  This takes time and is a serious spiritual investment.

    Pleasing Our Commanding Officer (2 Timothy 2:3-4)

    “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs — he wants to please his commanding officer.”
    Civilian affairs are the things of this world that do not concern our commanding officer – Jesus.  When we become disciples of Jesus, God works on our character.  We come into God’s kingdom typically lacking gainful employment, lacking social skill, lacking the disposition necessary for a healthy dating and marriage life, and with character weaknesses hindering us.  All of us have God “work on us” through his Holy Spirit, our walk with him, and his plan of discipleship even if we are a “5 talent” individual.
    “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27)
    Our life skills and understanding begin grow we see how God “fixes” us up.  We are given a good job.  God blesses us with a girlfriend/boyfriend or even a spouse.  We are able to buy a good car or two and maybe a house…and then we start putting limits on what we’ll do for Jesus.  We start drawing lines in the sand when it comes to our obedience and sacrifice and now all the sudden we have “limitations.”  We say things like, “ministry is not for me” or “leadership is not for me” – well, how about Matthew 28:18-20?  Did we forget we said “Jesus is LORD” and committed to give up everything?  (Luke 14:33) It’s our commanding officers “command” to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything he commanded.  We are all doing the same exact job, obeying the same command, irregardless of our office or role in the church!  Don’t “fit your discipleship into your life” instead, change your life radically to fit discipleship!

    Receiving The Victor’s Crown (2 Timothy 2:5)

    “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.” 
    The rules are the scriptures and the examples therein of ministry.  You can’t cut corners making disciples.  Jesus Christ was a leader.  He trained his apostles to be leaders.  Therefore, If we are followers of Jesus Christ, we too will become leaders, and we too will train others to lead spiritually.  It’s like Jedi who make more Jedi.  (1 Corinthians 11:1)  The problem is we can love things and use people instead of using things to love people.  “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9)  You have to compete according to these rules because if you get distracted from them you will NOT get the crown!  There are a lot of administrative tasks in leadership that can distract us.  It’s important not to spend all day looking at spreadsheets!  Instead, we need to look at “eye-balls!” Consequently we are to disciple and mentor the administration team.  Meet with them with bible’s out and discuss character and not just agenda.  Work through people or you’ll not receive the victor’s crown!

    Another Reflection - if we compete according to the rules we will receive "the victor's crown!"
    Another Reflection from 2 Timothy 2:6 – if we compete according to the rules we will receive “the victor’s crown!”

    Sharing In The Crops (2 Timothy 2:6)

    “The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.“
    When you don’t work through people there are no crops.  When you invest in and work through people, it’s because they know you believe in them and are training them.  There are crops that come when you work through people like this.  We need to see the crops of people.  Crops are enjoyable!  There are many who have fallen away – and one reason is they did not share in the crops.  For years they did not make “apostles” (reliable men) nor were they someone’s “apostle.”  They sacrifice so much money in tithes and missions and in time and in tears and feel as if they have nothing to show for it!  They did not make “apostles” nor were they ever truly someone’s “apostle.”  So there is no sense of these “crops” to share in!  Because they did not invest in people they eventually fall-away.  So don’t waste your time or your life!  You need to know you will eventually see the crops!  Because when you do see them, you will have the heart to “do it all over again.“

    Reflect On This (2 Timothy 2:7)

    “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”
    This is what Paul wanted Timothy to do in terms of these first six verses.  This what we have just done.  Let us become “strong in the grace” and determined to continually train our hearts and minds to be so.  In order for us to “entrust to reliable men” we must also strive to be reliable and responsive ourselves so we can qualify others to teach others!  We must become laser-focused on “pleasing our commanding officer!”  What limitations must we let go of so we can let God use us to our full potential?  Let us be astutely aware of the rules, the examples and directives in the scriptures, so we can count on “receiving the victor’s crown.”  In order for us to fully embrace this “payload” of teaching on ministry we need to carefully ask God in prayer for insight in applying it!  If we pray and live like this we are assured we will be “sharing in the crops!”  And that will be to God’s glory! (John 15:8)
  • The Fear of the LORD

    The Fear of the LORD

    "The

    The Fear of the LORD Drives Out The Mocker

    Prov 9:7-9
    7 “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.
    8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
    9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

    • Do I have the Fear of the Lord? Do I love those who rebuke me?  A brother rebuked me harder than I can ever recall being rebuked earlier this year at the 2016 Global Leadership Conference.  Those 45 minutes saved my life and forcefully reminded me how serious being lukewarm truly is.  Furthermore, It is clear that things have definitively turned a corner both in our life and ministry because of that rebuke.
    • I must always add to my learning.  That humble mindset must never stop.  If I ever think I’ve “arrived” because I have some role or been a disciple for 20+ years now – I am a fool!

    This is still wisdom speaking and “she” clarifies – what will make me a mocker will be lacking the Fear of the LORD.

    Prov 9:10-12
    10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
    1 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
    12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”

    • Clearly the scriptures repeat this theme: “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”  If I stop fearing God, I stop being wise and will NOT have understanding.  If I don’t Fear the Lord I’ll become that abusive “mocker” and as a result I alone will suffer!  I’ll even resent those that disciple me.  because of these things – I want to understand the “Fear of the LORD.”

    The Fear of the LORD has many facets

    Fearing The Lord has Many Facets
    Fearing the Lord is like a diamond – it has many sides (facets)!

    The Fear of the LORD creates peace & sacrifice (tribute)

    2 Chron 17:10-11
    10 The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat. 11 Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats.

    • Someone who does not fear the LORD is hostile.  Therefore someone who fears the LORD is a peacemaker.  Am I that hostile mocker or a peacemaker?  Which is more important to me, victory in the argument or the relationship?  Would I walk away from God because of a strained relationship?  If so, then I don’t fear the LORD.
    • Someone who does not fear the LORD will not sacrifice because they will not have the heart to give a tribute to God.  Those that fear God sacrifice tribute(s) to Him.

    The Fear of the LORD creates integrity and discernment.

    2 Chron 19:4-7
    4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers. 5 He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. 6 He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. 7 Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

    • The king PERSONALLY went among the people to turn them back to the LORD.  He called the local judges to FEAR GOD, so they would have integrity and “careful judgment.“

    The Fear of the LORD is the backbone of faithful and wholehearted service.

    2 Chron 19:8-10
    8 In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the Lord and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. 9 He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. 10 In every case that comes before you from your fellow countrymen who live in the cities — whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or ordinances — you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not sin.”

    • Without the Fear of the LORD, there will not be a faithfulness nor wholeheartedness.

    The Fear of the LORD is pure and helps one persevere.

    The Fear of the Lord is Pure.
    The Fear of the Lord is Pure.

    Ps 19:9
    9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.

    • Fearing God is “clean.”  If I am struggling with purity it is because I do not have the fearing God.  If I lacking endurance and thinking about quitting my faith, my God, his body (the church), then I must see I do not fear the LORD any longer.  Fear the LORD and persevere!

    The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.

    Ps 111:10
    10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.  To him belongs eternal praise.
    Prov 1:7
    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

    • David taught his son Solomon this truth about the Fear of the LORD.  In Psalm 34:1 (of David) he sings/says, “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”  Am I teaching my children the Fear of the LORD?  Would they say they see these things in my day-to-day example?  If I ask my 4-year-old son or my 9-year-old daughter, “Do you think daddy fears the LORD?  Why?” what would they say?  What in my day-to-day example would show them the Fear of the Lord?  This is because I too want to train my children!  I cannot train my children in something they do not see an example of!
    • If there is not a FEAR of the LORD, then there is no beginning of knowledge or wisdom!  Conversion becomes just an act and the church is just another stage to perform on!  Discipleship then becomes a crutch instead of a real call for us to become more like Jesus.

    The Fear of the LORD takes Serious Effort to Understand

    The Fear of the LORD is understood by (1) searching & (2) accepting God’s word, (3) memorizing it, (4) applying it, and (5) praying for understanding.
    Prov 2:1-5
    1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
    2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
    3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
    4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
    5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

    • It’s not like one day I just miraculously understood the Fear of the LORD.  I had to study the bible out with disciples who would explain it to me and call me to apply it.  There were many times in my life I have study or heard the bible, searched it, memorized it, but did not apply or accept it.  Every one of these 5 mentioned steps are important.  It is critical that I “accept[ed] [God’s] words.” This is because I did not want to admit I’d never truly obeyed God’s words or held to Jesus’ teachings despite years of churchgoing and a myriad of religious experiences.  (John 8:31-32).  I had to “turn [my] ear to wisdom” and “apply [my] HEART to understanding.”  And I still must do all these things today – once you start, you can’t stop or slouch.  Trust me – you’ll get lukewarm.  The only thing that made accepting and apply God’s word possible was dealing with all my emotions (my heart) when there was persecution, confusion, selfishness, and anger coming at me and out of me.  There is no way to apply my heart to understanding if I don’t even get in touch with what I am feeling about things in my life.

    Understanding The Fear of the LORD takes Serious Prayer

    This is why I need to cry aloud for understanding.  This is why I need to search my heart in deep prayer.  Then I need to search the scriptures like I’m on a treasure hunt.  The soul-searching is worth it, as it’s the key to even understanding the Fear of the LORD.  This is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10) The honesty, the searching, the crying out and transparency are all worth it.  This is because the Fear of the LORD adds length to life (Prov 10:27), is a fountain of life (Prov 14:27), helps me avoid evil (Prov 16:6), causes contentment (Prov 19:23), is the key to humility, honor, and life (Prov 22:4).

    The Fear of the LORD is something Jesus Christ delights in.

    Isa 11:1-3
    1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
    2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord —
    3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

    • In this prophecy about Jesus, we learn that he delights in the Fear of the LORD. If I am to follow Jesus, then I too – like my “LORD” Jesus – will delight in the Fear of the Lord.

    The Fear of the LORD is the key to salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.

    Fearing the LORD is the key to salvation.
    The Fear of the LORD is the key to salvation.

    Isa 33:5-6
    5 The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness.
    6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;  the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

    • If I do not have the Fear of the LORD I will not be saved.  I have no key to salvation. No wonder Jesus’ delights in the Fear of the LORD! Jesus came to seek and save the lost! (Luke 19:10)

    The Fear of the LORD is the key to the church impacting lives.

    Acts 9:31
    31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

    • Because the church lived in the Fear of Lord it grew in numbers.  Therefore I must ask myself – “will I?” For if my life is not having impact, I have to ask myself, “am I really living in the Fear of the LORD?”  Do I understand the Fear of the LORD biblically or am I letting my culture or religious/sentimental notions define it?  Sometimes there is an aversion to fearing the LORD because it implies things like wrath, punishment, and God’s discipline.  But in studying the Fear of the LORD, we see not a single scriptural reference has these notions in it.  When I was a child, the fear of my mother was sometimes enough to make me think twice.  She’d discipline me best she could as a mother and I respected her for that.  She taught me to love truth and emphasized the need for transparency in my life.  These were some of the elements that helped me do the soul-searching I needed to do to have a “real” relationship with God.  The love of truth and transparency are both powerful scriptural principles (cf. 1 John 1:5-10).  If I focus on God and what God is teaching me and if I seek God, then the Fear of the LORD will be something I can understand properly.  Clearly, this pursuit is more than worth it.  This is because the impact is eternal, both on my soul and countless other souls.

    Amen.

    Jeremy Ciaramella
    Jeremy Ciaramella

  • The Greatest Role

    The Ark of the Covenant
    The Ark of the Covenant

    1 Chronicles 17:1-15
    – David became aware of his lifestyle of luxury in the palace while the Ark of the Lord remained outdoors under a tent.
    – He set out to continue the commitment he previously made to build a temple for the Lord.
    – God was with David (verse 2 & 8) and altered this plan for the betterment of David.
    – David would not be the one chosen to build God’s temple, but his offspring would.

    One of my deepest desires is to someday be a Women’s Ministry Leader. It has always been a dream of mine to help women, but now that I know more about the Bible, I wish to do so in a permanent way by sharing with others how God has taught me to utilize the scriptures in every situation, how to transform my thoughts through Godly perspective, and how to seek the Word as the ultimate authority and my unfailing support system. In my first year as a Christian, I noticed that the roles of leadership I assumed brought me closer to that goal were given to others and not to me. I became hopeless, envious and discouraged. After a great time of self-evaluation and prayer, I saw how prideful and ungrateful I had become and completely missed the wonderful role that God had intended for me to have – to simply be a “helper”. I also lacked the right heart behind the position I aimed for, and it was God’s grace that spared me some heartache and trial. Once I focused in on my new role of being a “servant to all”, I found myself happier than ever before. The Lord showed me more and more each day how serving, encouraging, loving and pulling people in to become united was tailored to my character, and that in this role, I could still be a great help. With this newfound glorious position without a “title”, and without any recognition that God so systematically placed me in, I have come to true contentment. This peace could only come from one perspective change. It is that my worth is not in a role, but in God.

    Questions for Reflection:
    Q: Have you fallen into a luxurious lifestyle and forgotten your duties to God?
    Q: What has God called for you to do and in what ways have you submitted and surrendered to it?
    Q: How content are you with where you’re currently at?

    1 Chronicles 17:16-27
    – David may have been king but he had true reverence for the one and only King.
    – He not only saw God’s hand in every victory he had but he was grateful for every challenge and lesson as well.
    – David trusted God’s plan and promise even if it was not what he expected.
    – God blessed his household forever.

    When I think of the relationship between David and God, I feel very comforted. God chose David among many amazing men to be king. He brought him many victories, personally blessed him, and raised him up in everything he did. God showed how He valued David’s plan by altering it to make it happen. I believe He is doing that with me as well. God not only brought an incredible young woman to my life, but helped me relate to her through our past, to be a great friend, to show her God’s will for her life in the scriptures, to baptize her, to disciple her, and now raise her up to be a Leader in the Church. My dream came true after all. God’s plan is perfect and when we submit to it, we have the opportunity to change many lives, and more importantly, our own.

    Questions for Reflection:
    Q: Do you believe God is working for your dreams to come true?
    Q: If so, where do you see plans being altered for the betterment of your future?

    Challenge:
    1 – Evaluate your life, your heart and your plan. Make the decision to make all three match God’s.
    2 – Write down three areas where God has personally made your dream come true in the role you’re in.
    3 – Have confidence in who God made you to be, not who you saw yourself as.