It is very hard for a man to see his own shortcomings. n Self-deception is often preferred to avoid short-term pain. (Prov 16:2)

It is very hard for a man to see his own It is very hard for a man to see his own shortcomings.shortcomings.

Self-deception is often preferred to avoid Self-deception is often preferred to avoid short-term pain. short-term pain. (Prov 16:2)(Prov 16:2)


Proverbs 16:2 (NKJV) Proverbs 16:2 (NKJV) - All the ways of a - All the ways of a man man areare pure in his own eyespure in his own eyes, But the Lord , But the Lord weighs the spirits.weighs the spirits.


Those who do this are running from God. Those who do this are running from God. This is a path of a fool. This is a path of a fool.


Those who do this are running from God. Those who do this are running from God. This is a path of a fool.This is a path of a fool.

God knows and tells us the dangers of life. God knows and tells us the dangers of life. Will we honestly seek wisdom? Will we honestly seek wisdom? (Prov 1:20-22; Jer 32:19)(Prov 1:20-22; Jer 32:19)


Proverbs 1:20-22 (NKJV)Proverbs 1:20-22 (NKJV) - Wisdom calls - Wisdom calls aloud outside; aloud outside; She raises her voice in the She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22 “How the city She speaks her words: 22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.scorning, And fools hate knowledge.


Jeremiah 32:19 (NKJV)Jeremiah 32:19 (NKJV) - - You areYou are great in great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes areare open to all the ways of the sons of menopen to all the ways of the sons of men, , to give everyone according to his ways and to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.according to the fruit of his doings.


Years ago Yvette made a point to me that is Years ago Yvette made a point to me that is a product of the wisdom of God. “If I am a product of the wisdom of God. “If I am unhappy and filled with unrest over a period unhappy and filled with unrest over a period of time, then the problem is a spiritual one of time, then the problem is a spiritual one and is a product of my own doing. I will and is a product of my own doing. I will only find relief when I open up my own only find relief when I open up my own heart to God’s will and change my heart to God’s will and change my thinking.”thinking.”


The scriptures bear this out. If I am right The scriptures bear this out. If I am right with God with God then I will havethen I will have love, joy, peace, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control faithfulness, gentleness, self-control dominating my life! dominating my life! (Gal 5:22-23)(Gal 5:22-23)


Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) - But the fruit - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.Against such there is no law.


Even when I am wronged and have a cause Even when I am wronged and have a cause to be angry, this anger is limited in time by to be angry, this anger is limited in time by a living faith in a God who is in control. a living faith in a God who is in control. (Eph 4:26-27)(Eph 4:26-27)


Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV)Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV) - - “Be angry, “Be angry, and do not sin”and do not sin”: do not : do not let the sun go down let the sun go down on your wrathon your wrath, 27 nor give place to the , 27 nor give place to the devil.devil.


Those who fail to guard their hearts can fall Those who fail to guard their hearts can fall into a snare that creates a poison in their into a snare that creates a poison in their thoughts and among those who share in thoughts and among those who share in those thoughts. those thoughts. (Heb 12:14-15)(Heb 12:14-15)


Hebrews 12:14-15 (NKJV)Hebrews 12:14-15 (NKJV) - Pursue peace - Pursue peace with all with all people,people, and holiness, without which and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace fall short of the grace of Godof God; lest any root of bitterness springing ; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this up cause trouble, and by this many become many become defileddefiled;;

A Living Faith will overcome all earthly A Living Faith will overcome all earthly circumstancescircumstances

A living faith will thrive in a certain kind of A living faith will thrive in a certain kind of heart. You must learn to “pull weeds.” heart. You must learn to “pull weeds.” (1 Pt 3:8-9)(1 Pt 3:8-9)


1 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV)1 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV) - Finally, all - Finally, all of you of you bebe of one mind, having compassion for one of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, another; love as brothers, bebe tenderhearted, tenderhearted, bebe courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.this, that you may inherit a blessing.


Too many people have been poisoned by Too many people have been poisoned by their past. It does not have to be that way. their past. It does not have to be that way. Those who do not trust God want Those who do not trust God want vengeance to be their own.vengeance to be their own.


What a waste of energy to dwell on things What a waste of energy to dwell on things out of your control.out of your control.


What a waste of energy to dwell on things What a waste of energy to dwell on things out of your control.out of your control.

A living faith will teach you to use your A living faith will teach you to use your energies on those opportunities that God energies on those opportunities that God has placed before you. has placed before you. (1 Pt 3:10-11)(1 Pt 3:10-11)


1 Peter 3:10-11 (NKJV)1 Peter 3:10-11 (NKJV) – For – For “He who “He who would love life And see good days, would love life And see good days, Let Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. lips from speaking deceit. 11 11 Let himLet him turn turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.peace and pursue it.


It took me years to realize this simple truth. It took me years to realize this simple truth. I often tried to work in areas that I could I often tried to work in areas that I could accomplish nothing. (Ex. Work with those accomplish nothing. (Ex. Work with those that are interested.) that are interested.)


It took me years to realize this simple truth. It took me years to realize this simple truth. I often tried to work in areas that I could I often tried to work in areas that I could accomplish nothing. (Ex. Work with those accomplish nothing. (Ex. Work with those that are interested.) that are interested.)

How many people have you known that has How many people have you known that has held on to their hurts like it is their last few held on to their hurts like it is their last few cents? Are they seeking peace? cents? Are they seeking peace?


Bitterness will lead you to putting a Bitterness will lead you to putting a microscope on the one you hate. You will microscope on the one you hate. You will

overreact and overreact and slanderslander the one who the one who has done wrong. has done wrong.


There is a path to good days and a life that There is a path to good days and a life that is loved and a path to a self-imposed is loved and a path to a self-imposed torment. torment.


There is a path to good days and a life that There is a path to good days and a life that is loved and a path to a self-imposed is loved and a path to a self-imposed torment. torment.

A living faith will teach you that God is in A living faith will teach you that God is in control and that you need not fear the control and that you need not fear the consequences of this life. consequences of this life. (1 Pt 3:12-14)(1 Pt 3:12-14)


1 Peter 3:12-14 (NKJV)1 Peter 3:12-14 (NKJV) - - For the eyes of the For the eyes of the LordLord are on the righteous, And His earsare on the righteous, And His ears are are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lordopen to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” is against those who do evil.” 13 And who 13 And who isis he who will harm you if you become followers he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14But even if you should of what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, suffer for righteousness’ sake, you areyou are blessed. blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”troubled.”


This is simple, understandable but This is simple, understandable but impossible to follow unless you trust God.impossible to follow unless you trust God.


This is simple, understandable but This is simple, understandable but impossible to follow unless you trust God.impossible to follow unless you trust God.

True maturity is not found in just being able True maturity is not found in just being able to point out the sins and weaknesses of to point out the sins and weaknesses of others, but in doing that in light of the love others, but in doing that in light of the love of God. of God. (1 Cor 8:1-3)(1 Cor 8:1-3)


1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NKJV) - Now - Now concerning things offered to idols: We concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.one is known by Him.


God has not made me the master of my God has not made me the master of my brethren. brethren. (Rom 14:4, 15)(Rom 14:4, 15)


Romans 14:4 (NKJV)Romans 14:4 (NKJV) - Who are you to - Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.to stand, for God is able to make him stand.


Romans 14:15 (NKJV)Romans 14:15 (NKJV) - Yet if your - Yet if your brother is grieved because of brother is grieved because of youryour food, you food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food destroy with your food the one for whom the one for whom Christ diedChrist died..


When you understand this, you can have When you understand this, you can have peace and joy in the presence of your peace and joy in the presence of your enemies. enemies. (Ps 23:4-5)(Ps 23:4-5)


Psalm 23:4-5 (NKJV)Psalm 23:4-5 (NKJV) - Yea, though I walk - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil; For You I will fear no evil; For You areare with with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the in the presence of my enemiespresence of my enemies; You anoint my ; You anoint my head with oil; head with oil; My cup runs over.My cup runs over.

We need wisdom to guard our heartsWe need wisdom to guard our hearts

We must never become blind to God’s We must never become blind to God’s blessings. blessings. (Col 3:15-17)(Col 3:15-17)


Colossians 3:15-17 (NKJV)Colossians 3:15-17 (NKJV) - And let the - And let the peace of God rule in your heartspeace of God rule in your hearts, to which , to which also you were called in one body; and also you were called in one body; and be be thankfulthankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in . 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heartsgrace in your hearts to the Lord. to the Lord.


17And 17And whateverwhatever you do in word or deed, you do in word or deed, dodo all in the name of the Lord Jesus, all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving giving thanksthanks to God the Father through Him. to God the Father through Him.


If you are so overwhelmed by events that If you are so overwhelmed by events that you can see and rejoice in the good things you can see and rejoice in the good things God has done for you then you are in God has done for you then you are in serious trouble. serious trouble.


Over the years I have seen those “go Over the years I have seen those “go negative” on a local church or in brethren in negative” on a local church or in brethren in general. No use in mentioning any good – general. No use in mentioning any good – they will not see itthey will not see it..


Over the years I have seen those “go Over the years I have seen those “go negative” on a local church or in brethren in negative” on a local church or in brethren in general. No use in mentioning any good – general. No use in mentioning any good – they will not see it.they will not see it.

This is a powerful and common tool used This is a powerful and common tool used by false teachers. by false teachers. (Gal 3:17-20)(Gal 3:17-20)


Galatians 4:17-20 (NKJV)Galatians 4:17-20 (NKJV) – They – They zealously court you, zealously court you, butbut for no good; yes, for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. only when I am present with you.


19 My little children, for whom I labor in 19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about to change my tone; for I have doubts about you. you.


Sadly I have seen brethren do this to their Sadly I have seen brethren do this to their own children. Do you have a heart own children. Do you have a heart problem? Do you have a lousy attitude? problem? Do you have a lousy attitude? Wake up and repent!Wake up and repent!


How was Jesus able to endure the cross? How was Jesus able to endure the cross? (Ps 22:3-5)(Ps 22:3-5)


Psalm 22:3-5 (NKJV)Psalm 22:3-5 (NKJV) - But You - But You areare holy, holy, Enthroned in the praises of IsraelEnthroned in the praises of Israel. 4 Our . 4 Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. 5 They cried to You, You delivered them. 5 They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.and were not ashamed.


We need to carefully watch our associates. We need to carefully watch our associates. (1 Cor 15:33-34)(1 Cor 15:33-34)


1 Corinthians 15:33-34 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 15:33-34 (NKJV) - Do not - Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak knowledge of God. I speak thisthis to your to your shame.shame.


We need to be around people who love God We need to be around people who love God and will build us up by their actions and and will build us up by their actions and their words. their words. (Col 2:2; Acts 4:36, 11:22-23)(Col 2:2; Acts 4:36, 11:22-23)


Colossians 2:2 (NKJV)Colossians 2:2 (NKJV) - that their hearts - that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and love, and attainingattaining to all riches of the full to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, the Father and of Christ,


Acts 4:36 (NKJV)Acts 4:36 (NKJV) - And Joses, who was - And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, Levite of the country of Cyprus,


Acts 11:22-23 (NKJV)Acts 11:22-23 (NKJV) - Then news of - Then news of these things came to the ears of the church these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.heart they should continue with the Lord.


One of the saddest things that I have seen is One of the saddest things that I have seen is when associations from within the church when associations from within the church over the hurts and hatred that brethren have over the hurts and hatred that brethren have for others.for others.


One of the saddest things that I have seen is One of the saddest things that I have seen is when associations from within the church when associations from within the church over the hurts and hatred that brethren have over the hurts and hatred that brethren have for others.for others.

In the “fellowship of the miserable” most In the “fellowship of the miserable” most will quit the Lord in time. What happens to will quit the Lord in time. What happens to a child that is in such a home?a child that is in such a home?


I have known I have known manymany preachers to destroy preachers to destroy their own children due to a bad church their own children due to a bad church experience. If I keep hurting long after the experience. If I keep hurting long after the event, then it is event, then it is my problem!my problem!


I have known I have known manymany preachers to destroy preachers to destroy their own children due to a bad church their own children due to a bad church experience. If I keep hurting long after the experience. If I keep hurting long after the event, then it is event, then it is my problem!my problem!

I must fight to love and pray for the one I must fight to love and pray for the one who has hurt me. who has hurt me. (Mt 5:44-45)(Mt 5:44-45)


Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV)Matthew 5:44-45 (NKJV) - But I say to - But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.sends rain on the just and on the unjust.


Does the Lord want me to “forgive” and Does the Lord want me to “forgive” and then “withdraw” from the one who has then “withdraw” from the one who has

hurt me? hurt me?


Does the Lord want me to “forgive” and Does the Lord want me to “forgive” and then “withdraw” from the one who has then “withdraw” from the one who has

hurt me? hurt me? Many are like the Pharisees and play games Many are like the Pharisees and play games

with words. Self-deception will put you in with words. Self-deception will put you in the same place as them. the same place as them. (Lk 18:9-11)(Lk 18:9-11)


Luke 18:9-11 (NKJV)Luke 18:9-11 (NKJV) - Also He spoke this - Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as —extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.this tax collector.


This does mean we ignore one walking in This does mean we ignore one walking in sin. It does men that we must guard our sin. It does men that we must guard our hearts. hearts.

We should be filled with optimism to take the We should be filled with optimism to take the daily opportunities God gives us.daily opportunities God gives us.

When we learn God’s wisdom we will have When we learn God’s wisdom we will have energy and optimism. energy and optimism. (Mt 11:28-30)(Mt 11:28-30)


Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) - Come to Me, - Come to Me, all all youyou who labor and are heavy laden, and I who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke your souls. 30 For My yoke isis easy and My easy and My burden is light.”burden is light.”


An entire church can be changed over time An entire church can be changed over time when we learn these truths.when we learn these truths.



What does worry and bitterness doe for What does worry and bitterness doe for you? It takes you to the sidelines.you? It takes you to the sidelines.



What does worry and bitterness doe for What does worry and bitterness doe for you? It takes you to the sidelines.you? It takes you to the sidelines.

People will open their hearts to those who People will open their hearts to those who are filled with thanksgiving and faith. are filled with thanksgiving and faith. (Mt 5:16)(Mt 5:16)


Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) - Let your light so - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in good works and glorify your Father in heaven.heaven.


Some who could really help others have lost Some who could really help others have lost that opportunity by their attitudes.that opportunity by their attitudes.



This is why in some churches that older This is why in some churches that older men cannot be found to be elders.men cannot be found to be elders.



This is why in some churches that older This is why in some churches that older men cannot be found to be elders.men cannot be found to be elders.

Do you live in the land of ‘throw-away Do you live in the land of ‘throw-away people’ or are you a Barnabas? people’ or are you a Barnabas?


We need more workers. It all starts with the We need more workers. It all starts with the heart. heart. (1 Cor 15:58)(1 Cor 15:58)


1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) - Therefore, - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.in vain in the Lord.


Do you realize the power of one changed Do you realize the power of one changed heart?heart?


There was a commercial last year showing There was a commercial last year showing one person doing a good deed, that to one person doing a good deed, that to another doing a good deed and so on. This another doing a good deed and so on. This is a true principle.is a true principle.


There was a commercial last year showing There was a commercial last year showing one person doing a good deed, that to one person doing a good deed, that to another doing a good deed and so on. This another doing a good deed and so on. This is a true principle.is a true principle.

In a local church we need “leaven” of a In a local church we need “leaven” of a good kind. Not only a better world begins good kind. Not only a better world begins with me, but also a better congregation with me, but also a better congregation begins with me. Will you make that change? begins with me. Will you make that change?

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It is very hard for a man to see his own shortcomings. n Self-deception is often preferred to avoid short-term pain. (Prov 16:2)