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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

This Sunday

Tuesday is my study-all-day day. The last couple of weeks it has been interrupted by various things. Today, though has been a good day. In fact, it is almost 5:00 and I'm tired of studying (that never happens).

I thought I would give you a little heads up on this coming Sunday's messages. In the morning, I will be doing the fourth and last part in my series on How to Make Godly Decisions. We will be looking at the first 8 to 10 verses in Proverbs 3.

In the evening, we will be continuing our walk through the book of Romans. I haven't decided for sure whether we will do Romans 3:1-20 or break that up and just do verses 1-9 this week. I've been preparing for all twenty verses today, but it is a lot of material. I'll be back on that on Thursday and make a decision then.

There is not a lot to report on the family scene lately, although two interesting things did happen yesterday...

In our family devotions, everyone was reading the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8. (We all read separately and then come together for our devotion time.) I had carefully crafted a way to talk about the story without dealing with exactly what adultery is with my seven and nine year old daughters. Well, when we began the devotion, I asked Emily, the seven year old, to tell us what the story was about and boy did she. She said that this woman had S-E-X (she spelled it because she thought it was a bad word) with a man she wasn't married to and the religious people caught her doing it. I was floored. So much for my plans to deal lightly with the subject. As it turned out, she was reading out of a children's Bible and the Bible, instead of using the word 'adultery' decided to spell out exactly what happened. Needless to say, the devotion didn't go very smoothly.

Last night, Donna had something she needed to go to, so the girls and I decided to go visit someone we knew who was in a hospital in Columbus. I told the girls that while we were out of town, we should eat something that none of us had ever eaten before. We ended up at a Mongolian Barbeque place. The girls had a great time!



Pastor Noel

Monday, September 22, 2008

Consequences Card

Sunday in my morning message I made reference to a card I always carry in my wallet. It is a card I made several years ago that lists the consequences that I would face if I fell morally. I pull this card out and read it from time to time. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fleeing from sexual temptation and sin.

Several people asked about the card after the service. Here is the list of the consequences I have listed on my card (in no particular order)...

  • It would break my wife's heart and she would weep with disappointment.
  • It would have to explain to my girls why I had hurt their mom so badly.
  • I would lose my ministry.
  • I would grieve my heavenly Father.
  • I would give the world license to ridicule my Savior.
  • I would become a stumbling block and an excuse for unsaved people.
  • I would have to explain it to my mother and my mother-in-law.
  • I would lose the respect of my peers.
  • It would be much more difficult to hold my daughters to a standard.
Maybe you would consider writing out the likely consequences that you would face. We could all use a reminder from time to time.

Pastor Noel

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Clarity II

Someone emailed me and pointed out that the video link on my blog post titled, "Clarity" was now broken. I have replaced the video link with two that should work now.

The can scroll down to 8/27 or just click here.

Pastor Noel

Friday, September 5, 2008

Raising Our Paygrade

Last Sunday's AM Message...

click here

Pastor Noel

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Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Proverbs on Relationships

I was studying today in preparation for an upcoming series of messages. I was planning on preaching a few messages from the book of Proverbs on relationships among Christians. So I read through the book and tried to categorize all the 'relationship' verses by topic so that I would have a better handle on what Proverbs has to say about the subject. I didn't include verses on family relationships or on sexual relationships because that wasn't my focus (although there are plenty of those verses).

I've decided to go a different direction with my message series, but I thought some people would find this verse list interesting.

Read through these verses or focus on a category that interests you. Remember, though, that as you read them you should think of how they can apply to your own life, not just about how they can apply to people you know :).

Pastor Noel

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Accountability to Others / Taking Advice

Proverbs 10:17 NLT People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray.

Proverbs 12:15 NLT Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.

Proverbs 13:10 NLT Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise.

Proverbs 13:13 NLT People who despise advice will find themselves in trouble; those who respect it will succeed.

Proverbs 13:14 NLT The advice of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

Proverbs 13:18 NLT If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored.

Proverbs 15:10 NLT Whoever abandons the right path will be severely punished; whoever hates correction will die.

Proverbs 15:12 NLT Mockers don't love those who rebuke them, so they stay away from the wise.

Proverbs 15:22 NLT Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success.

Proverbs 15:31 NLT If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

Proverbs 15:32 NLT If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

Proverbs 18:2 NLT Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

Proverbs 19:20 NLT Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life.

Proverbs 19:27 NLT If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you have turned your back on knowledge.

Proverbs 20:18 NLT Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without the advice of others.

Proverbs 24:5-6 NLT A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man. 6 So don't go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many counselors.

Proverbs 25:11-12 NLT Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket. 12 Valid criticism is as treasured by the one who heeds it as jewelry made from finest gold.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 29:1 NLT Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond repair.


Admonishing a Fellow Believer

Proverbs 9:8-9 NLT So don't bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more. 9 Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.

Proverbs 12:26 NLT The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

Proverbs 17:10 NLT A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

Proverbs 25:13 NLT Faithful messengers are as refreshing as snow in the heat of summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.

Proverbs 27:9 NLT The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.



Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Proverbs 1:10-15 NLT My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! 11 They may say, "Come and join us. Let's hide and kill someone! Let's ambush the innocent! 12 Let's swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims. Though they are in the prime of life, they will go down into the pit of death. 13 And the loot we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all kinds of things! 14 Come on, throw in your lot with us; we'll split our loot with you." 15 Don't go along with them, my child! Stay far away from their paths.

Proverbs 13:20 NLT Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 14:7 NLT Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge there.

Proverbs 20:19 NLT A gossip tells secrets, so don't hang around with someone who talks too much.

Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

Proverbs 23:20-21 NLT Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons, 21 for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags.

Proverbs 24:21-22 NLT My child, fear the LORD and the king, and don't associate with rebels. 22 For you will go down with them to sudden disaster. Who knows where the punishment from the LORD and the king will end?


Benefits of Fellowship

Proverbs 13:20 NLT Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 15:17 NLT A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

Proverbs 18:24 NLT There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.


Careless Speech

Proverbs 11:9 NLT Evil words destroy one's friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.

Proverbs 11:11 NLT Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

Proverbs 11:12 NLT It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent.

Proverbs 12:18 NLT Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 13:3 NLT Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.

Proverbs 15:28 NLT The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.

Proverbs 18:7 NLT The mouths of fools are their ruin; their lips get them into trouble.

Proverbs 21:23 NLT If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble.

Proverbs 25:18 NLT Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

Proverbs 26:18-19 NLT Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon 19 is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking."

Proverbs 29:20 NLT There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.


Controlled Temper

Proverbs 12:16 NLT A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

Proverbs 13:3 NLT Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.

Proverbs 13:16 NLT Wise people think before they act; fools don't and even brag about it!

Proverbs 14:17 NLT Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.

Proverbs 14:29 NLT Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.

Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:18 NLT A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them.

Proverbs 15:28 NLT The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.

Proverbs 17:27 NLT A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 19:11 NLT People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.

Proverbs 20:22 NLT Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong." Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.

Proverbs 26:4-5 NLT When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are. 5 When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation.

Proverbs 29:11 NLT A fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise person quietly holds it back.

Proverbs 29:22 NLT A hot-tempered person starts fights and gets into all kinds of sin.


Criticism

Proverbs 3:30 NLT Don't make accusations against someone who hasn't wronged you.

Proverbs 11:12 NLT It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent.


Encouragement

Proverbs 12:25 NLT Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.


Fairness

Proverbs 24:23 NLT Here are some further sayings of the wise:It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.


Forgiveness

Proverbs 17:9 NLT Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.

Proverbs 19:11 NLT People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.


Friendship

Proverbs 18:24 NLT There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 25:17 NLT Don't visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.

Proverbs 27:10 NLT Never abandon a friend – either yours or your father's. Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.


Gossip

Proverbs 11:13 NLT A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

Proverbs 16:28 NLT A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 17:9 NLT Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.

Proverbs 18:8 NLT What dainty morsels rumors are – but they sink deep into one's heart.

Proverbs 20:19 NLT A gossip tells secrets, so don't hang around with someone who talks too much.

Proverbs 25:23 NLT As surely as a wind from the north brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

Proverbs 26:20 NLT Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.


Healing Speech

Proverbs 12:18 NLT Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 12:25 NLT Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

Proverbs 20:15 NLT Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.

Proverbs 25:15 NLT Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition.

Proverbs 27:9 NLT The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.


Kindness

Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.

Proverbs 3:27-28 NLT Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. 28 If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you."

Proverbs 11:17 NLT Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.

Proverbs 11:25 NLT The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 14:21 NLT It is sin to despise one's neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor.

Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

Proverbs 17:17 NLT A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.


Loyalty

Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.

Proverbs 17:17 NLT A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Proverbs 19:22 NLT Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.

Proverbs 20:6 NLT Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is really faithful?

Proverbs 27:10 NLT Never abandon a friend – either yours or your father's. Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.


Reconciling Broken Relationships

Proverbs 18:19 NLT It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.


Sowing Discord / Arguing

Proverbs 6:16, 19b NLT There are six things the LORD hates – no, seven things he detests: ... a person who sows discord among brothers.

Proverbs 17:14 NLT Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 17:19 NLT Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who speaks boastfully invites disaster.

Proverbs 18:6 NLT Fools get into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.

Proverbs 18:19 NLT It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.

Proverbs 20:3 NLT Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

Proverbs 22:10 NLT Throw out the mocker, and fighting, quarrels, and insults will disappear.

Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

Proverbs 26:17 NLT Yanking a dog's ears is as foolish as interfering in someone else's argument.

Proverbs 26:21 NLT A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.