Bragging On Jesus

We Will Own Our Words / We Are What We Eat

Proverbs 13:2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

People who have access to plenty of food like we do in America eat what they want for the reasons they want. Some eat for comfort, taste or a special diet for self image. I’v done all those things.

But food is intended to be for our good. It doing that, it also gives us energy and health to our bodies so we can accomplish things related to our purpose on earth. Eating fruit from trees and vegetables is a healthy way to eat.

As for today’s text; it’s phrasing is quite odd I think. Let me read it again:

Proverbs 13:2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

So, like a tree our mouth also bears fruit… That’s weird! And then that same mouth eats the fruit which it bore. What’s that all about?

Well lets think about that for a moment. We do in fact eat our own words in some context don’t we? And we have to own them right? When people see us, it is the words we have spoken that define who we are to them.

The fruit of the heart of a treacherous man will bear words that incite violence and it will come back to him. He will have to eat the fruit of his words. As they say “we are what we eat”.

So just to ponder this a little more… Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 …For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

So let’s go over it one more time. The wicked man’s heart is broken and full of evil passions. The state of his heart will be expressed in the words he speaks. The words that proceed from his lips are fruit in themselves that incite evil deeds in others and encourage his own evil works. The state of his heart can also be discerned by the places he goes, what he does and how he spends his money… which is another fruit from the same tree.

For a believer our most outstanding feature is not the shape of our body but the spiritual food we eat and the way we speak promotes how we communicate our love for others and Christ. It begins with a new heart in Christ and it bears fruit in words and deeds of love that point others to Jesus.

Proverbs in 365 Devotions

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Proverbs 8:35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, 36 but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

The Town That Loved Death

Robin Aylor

Proverbs 8 is an amazing chapter on Wisdom. We get to learn “her” character and attributes how she was there in the beginning at Creation, where she lives and who she lives with and the streets where she takes her walks. We also find her calling out at the town gates, crossroads and portals of the city.

Is it possible that a stranger might come to Wisdom’s township looking for her; even asking about her as they enter the city? “Good morning, I’m looking for Wisdom; do you know her? Can you tell me where I might find her?”

The truth is that many who were born and raised in Wisdom’s home town don’t even know her. They have no ideal what she looks like or where she lives. Oh, they’ve seen her from a distance; they’ve even even gotten closer and heard her calling out as they walk down the same streets where ladies of the night work… but they cover their faces, they don’t make eye contact and they’ve never actually listened to her. You see, many of these town folk would rather be seen with the call girls than with Wisdom. And she’s a novelty around town; the subject of much jeering and many jokes. But, like I said most people could not point her out in a line-up and surely could not direct the stranger to her door.

So do you think its’ possible that someone searches for Wisdom with all their heart maybe for days… months or their whole life long and never finds her?

The truth is; if you… a stranger to Wisdom, come looking for her… you won’t need to journey to a far off place… she will come to you… In fact she’s calling right now. Listen… Can you hear her even now? If you truly seek Wisdom you will turn to find her right there at your side.

In Matthew 7:7 Jesus said: “seek, and you will find”.

And Romans 10 tells us that for one who seeks God in faith, God is very near! Listen to the words of Paul:

Romans 10:6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

It’s really sad how much of the township hates Wisdom. The text says how they love death instead of wisdom. They wanted no fellowship with Wisdom and avoided her at all costs.

I think here Wisdom is a symbol for Spiritual life in the Lord. The townsfolk loved Spiritual death and hated the Spiritual life Wisdom offered. But when we hear Wisdom calling us we are to be like Nicodemus… He went to Jesus. Jesus told him and he tells us we must be born again Spiritually. We must look to Jesus in faith and come into the true wisdom of Gods fellowship and true life. Not to do so is to love death.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

Proverbs 8:32 “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. 34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.

Waiting At Wisdom’s Door

Blessed are those who keep my ways

But who wants to listen to what you say?

Why hear instruction if you’re already wise?

Your promises are nothing but foolish lies.

Christians are nice enough I guess

But they say “this is right and to heck with the rest”

They’re intolerant, won’t listen, always on mission

They get caught in a sin then just say they’re forgiven

And so the world keeps on doing the things they accuse

They defend and judge they believe what they choose

A Christian can be all those things that they say

But there is something else I’ll address if I may

Though a believer is broken like everyone else

When they sin, when they fall, when their heart starts to melt

They say I’m sorry, then they turn from their sin

That is one mark of a sinner born again

A person who’s righteousness is all wrapped up in themself

Unless they are caught won’t readily confess

But one who is justified by Jesus Christ

Should humbly repent they have nothing to hide

So listen to Wisdom and keep her ways

Stay close to her doors and near to her gates

Return at once if you happen to stray

And blessed will you be, all your days

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 people. If you must speak about your neighbor. If you must open your mouth and talk about your neighbors business, if you are going to share his struggles... share them with God in prayer and do from a place of love. After all God already knows your neighbors struggles and is eager to help

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

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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 himself a date for the evening... or so he thinks.

Joey’s focus is on what he thinks will happen and not giving the truth of the situation a second thought. They slip away to a room for some privacy and he dashes on into the restroom. The lady waist no time getting to work. She quickly searches his bag, bedside table, pant pockets and jacket. She has now found everything this man has of value and she vanishes before he returns. He is now broke, foolish and lonely. Poor Joey. Should'a seen it coming.

This guy sounds pretty shady. And it’s easy to not like him and even laugh when he is cleaned out. But, what if I told you that everyone on the planet is or at least was like Joey?

Romans 3:10 as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."

If you don’t know him, don’t trust him, don’t accept him and don’t submit to him, you are disconnected from God. And that counts you as a wicked person. Now, at some point or another, We did not have a relationship with Christ. Maybe this was you. Maybe this is you now. But either way, if your not connected to Jesus, your counted as a wicked man. Like Joey.

Joey thinks highly of himself. He is covetous. Wanting self gain and immediate pleasure. He is fixated on his own little life so much that it will in the end break him.

That was or is us. We were thought to stand tall and be proud. No one is better than us. You want it, go get it. Take care of number one. Do what it takes. Keep your eyes on the prize. But people have fixed their eyes on the wrong prize.

See, if we continue on or path like Joey, we will lose everything. The lady of the evening took all that Joey considered good and valuable. If we don’t turn to Jesus and away from our sin, we will lose the presence of God and only through God do good and right and blessing come. We will lose all that is good in a place called hell.

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.

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Ecclesiastes 10:2 says: A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.

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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 deeds have come and gone. But hope rises within him because he knows there are still all kinds of wicked things he can do and so he lays on his bed pondering what cruel wrong things can get him his high tomorrow.

On the other hand wisdom brings true and lasting pleasure. Instead of cruelty it plans love, It brings a state of happiness to the giver and receiver... It brings satisfaction and enjoyment that a wicked man has never even imagined nor has ever entered his heart.

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True wisdom comes from God and is found in Jesus. It's riches and delights are eternal while for the fool, in the end... his cruel jokes will turn upon his own head and instead of laughter there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

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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 those trashy slut filled promises of lust.

Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians 6:16: Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”

No matter what temptations you face or what bumps in the road that your marriage hits, keep trusting and obeying Gods word and wait on him.

Ephesians 5:25 says: Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

Really? I should give myself up for my wife? Yes! Don't be deceived; love is not something that we fall in and out of dependent on our feelings. It is intentional. Some of the greatest loves in history were per-arranged marriages. We can choose to love someone even though they may hurt or lie or steal from us. When God says to love your wives like Jesus loved little ole broken you… just do it… Love, love and keep on loving while trusting Christ and waiting on him all the way.

This goes for men and women both… follow Gods design; he will not let you down!!!

Just as we should not commit adultery against our spouse we should not prostitute ourselves against God with any kind of sin.

1st Corinthians 6:17 says: But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.

Thank You Father for loving with a great love and uniting us into your fellowship through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. May we love our spouses like you loved us and may we stay close and grow in our love to you all the days of our life.

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. Looking back I ponder… whether our words are untimely, undiscerning or just about insignificant things; I wonder on any given day; how much chowderheaded air pollution is filling up the worlds atmosphere. I had a friend who ask …

James 1:26 says: If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

People who go on and on and on and on… and on and on… many times do so to promote themselves and show off how smart they think they are… or else they are making defenses for themselves to keep them from being found out.

So my friend when you find yourself with many words consider it a red flag. Double check whether your words are glorifying God or your self and your own ego’s personal opinions. Be careful because sin is always wanting to get a word in edgewise.

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 in death.

You see, wherever the heart is… it will flow to our tongue and through our lips and it will also flow out of our body as deeds that will feed many or deeds that will be utterly worthless.

In Matthew 12:34 Jesus said: …For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Oh, a wicked man my try to hide what is in his heart by saying pretty sparkly words but his heart always seems to develop a bad case of acid reflex that finds a way to exit his mouth and transfers into evil deeds.

So, yes; can a righteous man’s tongue can feed many.

James 2:15 says it like this: If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?

The wisdom that comes from godly faith will produce faithfulness. That is how a righteous mans lips can feed many while fools die for lack of sense. James 12:17 goes on to say: So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Thank You Father that our personal righteousness is now found in Your Son Jesus and through Him and You Holy Spirit You are changing us practically in your wisdom to feed many.