“Let My Words Be Few”

June 10, 2024

June 10, 2024

Read Joshua 21, Ecclesiastes 5, 2 Corinthians 4

Are you a person of many words or a few words? For me, it depends on who I am around as to how much I open my mouth. If I’m around people that I do not know I tend to be more quiet. I am reserved but when I’m with friends or family I usually pretty chatty.

In Ecclesiastes 5 we find some advice from Solomon about our words when we are around God. “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few” vv. 2-3.

Our mouth’s can get us into trouble when we speak uninformed or in ignorance. Sometimes we can embarrass ourselves when we speak about things we do not have any clue about. This is always the case when it comes to our understanding and the Lord’s understanding. Solomon’s advice, let our words be few. God is God and we are not. We must guard against allowing our pride, education, or experience make us feel as if we understand everything and then we start to question God and his motives in our lives. What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“One Body, Many Parts”

June 2, 2024

June 2, 2024

Read Joshua 13, Proverbs 28, 1 Corinthians 12

I remember being fascinated with the human body growing up. In school we would learn about various different systems in the body. The circulatory system, the digestive tract, the endocrine system, the nervous system, and on and on. There were all the muscles in the body, all the bones we had to memorize and name, and all the organs that made up the body. The body is truly amazing. It gets even more amazing when we look at the body under a microscope. The individual cells and our DNA that is far more complex than most computer programs today.

In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul uses the body analogy to describe the church. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” vv. 12-13.

Paul distinguished between the parts of the body that are seen and the parts of the body that are unseen. “But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it” v. 24

Finally, Paul says that no one part of the body is any more important to the whole than any other. Paul was not making a medical observation here, we know that we need our brains and hearts more than we need a little toe. But he was saying that the body needs to be whole so it is functioning at its best. “25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” vv. 25-26.

Do you know your role in the body of Christ? More importantly do you submit to the head, which is Christ?
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“The Believer’s Freedom”

May 31, 2024

May 31, 2024

Read Joshua 11, Proverbs 26, 1 Corinthians 10

As American’s we love our freedom. People from all over the world love it as well and many desire to come here and experience it for themselves. The greatest freedom we can have, however, is not found in our nations laws or in any other country. The greatest freedom we can have is freedom in Christ. Many unbelievers might read that last statement and laugh. “Christianity is taking your freedom away!” they might reply. There is a misunderstanding of the true purpose and meaning of freedom.

In his letter to the church in Corinth Paul tells them, ““Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others” vv.23-24. Paul is saying in our freedom in Christ and from the Mosaic Law we can do many more things, but not everyone of those is helpful.

Imagine a smart phone. You could use it for a door stop, something to skip across a lake, or something else. It might work and it might not. That is not what a smart phone is designed to do. It was designed for a specific purpose and when we use it for that purpose it is functioning at its highest capacity.

Paul goes on to talk about food as an example and then he finishes out his thoughts with these verses. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved” vv. 31-33. In our freedom as believers, we should not seek to use it for our own benefit, rather we should use our freedom for others and for the Lord.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“The Effects of Sin”

May 27, 2024

May 27, 2024

Read Joshua 7, Proverbs 22, 1 Corinthians 6

Sin is destructive. Unfortunately, sin can affect more than just ourselves. In Joshua 7 we see some different ways in which sin spills over from our lives to the lives of others.

First and foremost, sin is an affront against God. It is missing the mark of how God intended us to live. “But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against Israel” v. 1. God saw and knew about it before anybody else did.

Second, our sin affects the nation in which we live as a whole. Joshua had sent a small army to take care of the city of Ai, a much smaller city than Jericho. But because of Achin’s sin they faced defeat. “So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water” vv. 4-5. When the individuals in a nation sin, it affects their nation altogether. When multiple people continue to sin in the same manner it becomes a corporate sin of the nation. In America today we might say that her corporate sins would be materialism, greed, the destruction of the family, and other sins that we are committing in large scale amounts.

Finally, our sin affects those closest to us, and the ones we love. Achin’s sin not only got himself killed but his family as well. “Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold wedge, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD will bring trouble on you today.” Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them” vv. 24-25. This might come across as very strict to us today, but we should remember that the same thing happens to us today. We might not face a family stoning like Achin’s family did, but the decisions and choices we make as parents will either led our family away from God or bring them to Him. If we hold no regard for the Lord, it’s likely that our influence will have a similar affect on our family as well.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“Various Proverbs”

May 23, 2024

May 23, 2024

Read Joshua 3, Proverbs 18, 1 Corinthians 2

The proverbs in the Bible are wise sayings from Solomon. The word proverb means “probability.” We should realize that the sayings of Solomon are not promises, but rather wisdom that will probably come to pass. There are always exceptions of course, but in general we can take these statements to the bank.

Many of the proverbs in chapter 18 talk about a fool’s mouth and his behavior. A fool is an amoral person. “A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul” v. 6-7. And then sometimes, not listening to someone will get us played as a fool too. “He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame” v. 13.

This next proverb is one I think the 24/7 mews media and everyone on social media should read… twice! “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him” v. 17. There is always this rush to get the story out or to be the first one to break a story, perhaps to put a certain spin on it. Culture loves it when we rush to judgment and say things that society agrees with even if it’s not true. We need to be careful and think through things before we teach, share, or even discuss them with others.  

This last proverb is one from a recent sermon I used. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” v. 21. We have the power of life or death in our tongues. The choice is up to us as to which way we will use it.  Remember this doesn’t mean always saying nice things to people or never making them mad. Sometimes we have to speak the truth in love to people so that we can try to warn them of going the wrong direction. What else do you see in these chapters? Do you have a favorite proverb that speaks to you most?
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Posted by John Weldon

“Strong and Courageous”

May 21, 2024

May 20, 2024

Read Joshua 1, Proverbs 16, Romans 16

What would you do if you had more courage? Would you go sky diving? Would you drive a race car? Would you take more chances in business ventures or in talking to more people with the gospel?

The opening chapter of the book of Joshua has the command for Joshua to be “strong and courageous” repeated four times in Joshua 1. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” v. 9. Why was God telling Joshua to be “strong and courageous?” The opening verses tell us why, “Moses my servant is dead” v. 2. Israel’s greatest leader had passed away and God had chosen Joshua to take his place. Can you imagine following someone so big and influential? You would probably need a little encouragement from the Lord as well.

Not only was God encouraging Joshua to be strong and courageous, but God also promises Joshua that “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses” v. 3. God keeps his promises and that is comforting to know. Is there anything that you believe God has called you to do and you need a reminder of God’s promises in your life? Do you need a challenge to be “strong and courageous” just as Joshua did?

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you as you read?
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Posted by John Weldon

“Truth and Lies”

May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 31, Proverbs 12, Romans 12

We used to play a game in student ministry called “Two Truths and a Lie.” Each student would write down three statements on an index card. Two would be true about themselves and one a lie. We collected the cards and try to figure out who the person is first and then we try to determine which statement is a lie. It was one of my favorite games. You could always wrap a biblical thought in after the game was over.

Proverbs 12 speaks many verses about both truth and lies. “Truthful lips endure for ever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” v. 19. Truth is never in danger of becoming not true. But a lie can easily forget the lie it told.  In verse 22 we read, “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.”

Be a person of truth. Be honest, admit our mistakes, and be willing to speak the truth to friends and family.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“Life or Death”

May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 30, Proverbs 11, Romans 11

“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so that we may obey it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so that we may obey it?” 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you may obey it.

15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess” vv. 11-16.

Obedience is not hard and at the same time it is very hard. What do I mean? Well, knowing what to do to obey is not the difficult part. Sure, there are some things that may take a bit of thought, but we can quickly discern what we need to do in most cases. This is characterized in the first few verses above. It is not far from us up in heaven, we don’t have to cross the sea to understand it.

But the hard part of obedience that we all struggle with is to submit our wills to the Lord and follow His plan and not our own. From the first sin in the garden in Genesis 3 to the last sin you may have committed, obedience is a struggle for all of us. But don’t lose hope and quit. Just because we may not be able to completely obey doesn’t mean we stop trying.

What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, verses, or themes stand out to you?
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Posted by John Weldon

“Blessing and Cursing”

May 14, 2024

May 14, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 28, Proverbs 9, Romans 9

Would you rather have a high five or a high five… to the face… with a chair? I know, I know, that is not really a tough decision unless you are a masochist of sorts. There is something going around the internet now where ladies are asking “Would you rather be lost in the woods with a bear or a mean abusive man?” I’m not sure what that is about but I think it’s saying something about men’s behavior here lately.

In Deuteronomy 28 we find the same type of question. Do we want blessings or cursings in our lives? “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands that I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God” vv. 1-2. Then it goes on to give examples of what those blessings might look like. It’s rather long!

But near halfway down the chapter, we find the other side of the coin. “However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees, I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you” v. 15. Then you thought the list of blessings was long? The list of cursings is three times the length. The difference between the two is one simple word: obedience. God gives us the greatest gift of freewill to chose for ourselves what we want to do.

This seems like a no-brainer, but we need to be careful not to allow our pride to get in the away. The pull of the sinful nature is strong, and we must learn to mortify it daily so that the Spirit will win the battle of wills in our life. It is always easier on paper (in the Bible) but much more difficult to live out in the real world.

What else do you see in these chapters? What repeated words, verses, or paragraphs speak to you most?
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Posted by John Weldon

“Pick Up the Phone… It’s Wisdom Calling”

May 13, 2024

May 13, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 27, Proverbs 8, Romans 8

Think back to a time when you received an important phone call or received an unexpected phone call from someone important. Who was it? Was it setting up an important date with a perspective boyfriend/girlfriend? Was it a call to let you know that you had been accepted into a program or had won something? Did you talk to someone famous?

Proverbs 8 talks about one of the most important calls we can answer as Christians, and as people in general. “Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?” v. 1. And then in verse 4, “To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.” Wisdom calls out to everyone, but not everyone answers the call and receives her.

The rest of the chapter in Proverbs tells us the benefits of heeding wisdom’s call.

First, wisdom will never lead you down the wrong path. “Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. 7 My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. 8 All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. 9 To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge” vv. 6-9. What are so things that you need wisdom for today?

Second, wisdom has rewards for those who listen to her call. “With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. 19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. 20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, 21 bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full” vv. 18-21.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.

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Posted by John Weldon

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