Tag: Man

Hollow Man

Matthew 6:1-4

   It’s easy to do what’s right for recognition and praise. To be sure our motives are not selfish, we should do our good deeds quietly or in secret, with no thought of reward. Jesus says, we should check our motives in generosity, prayer, and fasting. Those acts should not be self-centered, but God centered; done, not to make us look good, but to make God look good. The reward God promises is not material, and it is never given to those who seek it. Doing something only for ourselves is not a loving sacrifice.
   The term hypocrite used here means, a person who does good acts for appearances only – not out of compassion, or other good motives. His actions may be good, but his motives are hollow. These empty acts are his only reward, while God will reward those who are sincere in their faith.

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 1566)

If Ye…, Then I…

Jeremiah 7:1-7

Blessings from God come in many shapes and forms. For example, someone who is sick, can receive a blessing of healing, while another who may struggle to find work, can be strategically set in the right place, at the right time, to land the perfect job. While God wants all His people blessed, some blessings can only be granted when certain conditions are met.

In the text, God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to call the people of Judah to repentance. The people were warned, if they amend their ways, and their doings, then God would bless them forever, and ever. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, there were many in that time, who would use lying and deception, in order to draw God’s people away from Him. Unfortunately, some gave in to the temptations of those who opposed God’s way, and were denied the promises of God, for a season. With their disobedience, came the inevitable judgement of God the Father. But, it was prophesied, the people would eventually turn back to God, and He would still fulfill the promise He made to them.

I don’t know about you, but I prefer to simply obey now, and avoid any type of judgment that could hinder my blessings. I need God, like every second, of every day. So, I choose to fear God, and keep His commandments, so that my days on this earth can be filled with all the blessings He has in store for me.

Proof of Your Love

2 Corinthians 8:24

When you tell someone, you love them, what’s the proof of your statement? How can others tell, whether or not your words are truth, or deception? We are living in a time, when words are easily thrown around, as if they hold no value. While many use words to deceive, and manipulate others, those who are true to God, and His word, are wise enough to not say things with deceitful intentions. What’s in a man’s heart, will be revealed more through his actions, not his words alone.

Tips for Holy Living

Colossians 3

MORTIFY – to kill (literally or figuratively): become dead, (cause to be) put to death:
●Fornication – to be utterly unchaste, indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practice idolatry:
●Uncleanness – impurity (the quality), physically or morally, contamination:
●Inordinate affection – unholy passions:
●Evil Concupiscence – unholy longing (especially for what is forbidden:
●Covetousness – to set the heart upon wrongfully, desire, envy, be jealous over:

PUT OFF – to take off (in various senses), carry away, lead (away), put to death, take away
●Old Man – former behavior, character, deeds prior to regeneration:
●Anger – violent passion:
●Wrath – fierceness, indignation:
●Malice – the desire to harm someone or the feeling of pleasure at someone’s misfortune:
●Blasphemy – vilification or evil speaking against God:
●Evil Communication – unholy, unhealthy, or unprofitable words spoken:

PUT ON – array, clothe (with), endue:
●New Man – renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ:
●Bowels of Mercies – overabundance od compassion:
●Kindness – fraternal affection, brotherly love:
●Humbleness of Mind – having a modest view of oneself; not feeling superior over others:
●Meekness – lowly; submissive:
●Longsuffering – patient; able to quietly tolerate suffering:

Man Up!

Various Bible Passages

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” – Psalm 1:1

“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,” – Titus 2:7

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:11

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – Joshua 1:9

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” – Psalm 119:9

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.” – Psalm 37:23-26

Live A Little

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

Life is short, and the time we’re blessed with on the earth is finite, so rather than carry a ball-n-chain of errors and mistakes of the past, we should instead, try to live a little, before we pass on from death, to life. God gives us strength to work and earn an honest living, and while we’re bound to be tied to some type of bill or expense, we should try to use some of our earnings to enjoy some of this beautiful planet God created.

I’ve never been one to live lavish, or spend too much in order to have a “good time”, but there are things to do, that don’t require much money at all. For instance, a great place to enjoy, any time of day (I prefer nights) is, the beach. Sitting on the sand while enjoying the sound of waves beating upon the beach, is a breathtaking experience. Other places I’ve yet to visit are zoos, to see all the amazing animals God created, and national parks, where families can go to enjoy reunions and great food.

The time we are living in today is far from peachy. In fact, there are many things brewing that will soon be manifested, and will change the way we live forever. But, until that time comes, let’s do all we can to love God, love others, and find something in this life to enjoy, and be thankful for.