Proverbs on Money

In preparation for my Connect Group this week (we are studying the book of Proverbs), I went through Proverbs and pulled out all of the verses that dealt with money in some fashion or another.

Look through this list... How much better off would we all be if this became the guiding influence in how we managed our money?

Pastor Noel

Proverbs 3:9–10	9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
Proverbs 6:1–5	1 My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger— 2 if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said— 3 follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. 4 Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. 5 Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.
Proverbs 6:10–11	10 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
Proverbs 10:4	Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
Proverbs 10:22	The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 11:4	Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.
Proverbs 11:15	There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.
Proverbs 11:24	Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
Proverbs 11:25	The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:28	Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.
Proverbs 13:4	Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
Proverbs 13:7	Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
Proverbs 13:8	The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.
Proverbs 13:11	Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
Proverbs 13:18	If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.
Proverbs 13:22	Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
Proverbs 14:23	Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
Proverbs 15:16	Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
Proverbs 17:18	It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.
Proverbs 19:1	Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.
Proverbs 19:4	Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away.
Proverbs 19:14	Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.
Proverbs 19:17	If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!
Proverbs 20:13	If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
Proverbs 20:21	An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.
Proverbs 21:5	Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
Proverbs 21:13	Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
Proverbs 21:20	The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
Proverbs 22:7	Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
Proverbs 22:16	A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
Proverbs 22:26	Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
Proverbs 23:4–5	4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. 5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
Proverbs 27:23	Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds,
Proverbs 28:6	Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.
Proverbs 28:8	Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
Proverbs 28:22	Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
Proverbs 28:27	Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
Proverbs 30:8–9	8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
Proverbs 30:24–25	24 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: 25 Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.
Ecclesiastes 5:10	Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

Essential 100 Bible Challenge

We are throwing the Bible reading assignments up each day on the Event Facebook Page.

I would also suggest going to YouVersion to follow along with the plan.

It has been great to hear from so many people who are joining us for this. We've had people sign up at the church, via email, and on the Facebook page. We've hard stories of families doing this together... Offices doing this together and even churches that have decided to join us. Because of your faithfulness to invite your friends, we have literally hundreds and hundreds committed to reading their Bibles daily for these 100 days!

Thanks for being a part of this!

Pastor Noel

E100 For Wednesday, January 5

OK... The assignment for tomorrow (1.5) is Genesis 1-2. I would love to see us get a discussion going on the Facebook page through the day tomorrow. So here are three questions I want to throw out for you to think about as you read and maybe comment on...

1. What does it mean that we are made in God's Image? How should that affect how we live?

2. What does it mean that God created men and women to compliment one another? In what ways is your life blessed because of this complimentary creation? Why is it good that men and women have different approaches, temperaments, strengths?

3. What things do these two chapter remind us that we should thank the Lord for?

Pastor Noel

Essential 100 Bible Challenge Begins In 24 Hours!

We all begin tomorrow morning. Here are some questions to answer to know if you are ready...

• Do you have a list of verses to read each day? We will post them on the Facebook Event Page each night for the next day, but you can also email us at e100@fbcho.com for the entire verse list or stop by the church for paper copies and bookmarks we've made with all... of the assignments listed.

• Have you invited all of your friends and family? What better way to encourage those around you in their walk with the Lord!

• Do you have an easy to read Bible? I, pastor Noel, and going to do my reading from an NLT Bible. Any translation will work as long as you have one you can easily understand.

• Do you want the accompanying devotional book? It isn't necessary but might help you better understand what you are reading. We have them here at the church if you can come by. Read the blog post below for more info about the books.

Pastor Noel

Essential 100 Bible Challenge

Tomorrow (1.2.2011), we will introduce our church to the Essential 100 Day Challenge. If you haven't heard the message, you can do so online. We will post it to our website and to iTunes on Monday. We will post a link to it here when available.

Here is the FAQ that will help you get started...

Essential 100 Day Challenge FAQ

When will the Essential 100 Day Challenge Begin?

• Wednesday (1.5.2011) -- Why Wednesday? We want you to have a couple days to invite your friends to join you in this life changing challenge.

How to Be A Part of the Essential 100 Day Challenge?

• · Complete an E100 Commitment Card or if you are reading this online, send us a quick email with your name and address to e100@fbcho.com.

• · Make sure you have an E100 Scripture List. Lists are available at church or by requesting one at the email address: e100@fbcho.cm.

How can I interact with others who are doing the E100 Challenge?

• · Visit our Facebook Event Page to share your insights and be encouraged by others who have joined you in this challenge. You can reach the link from the church website (www.FirstBaptistHeath.com) or the pastor's blog (PastorDear.blogspot.com).

Can I do this online or with my mobile device?

• · Yes. Go to the YouVersion Website or access your YouVersion App and search for the "Essential 100" reading plan.

How can I encourage others to be a part of this?

• · Invite your Facebook friends by going to the Event Page and clicking 'Invite'.

• · Call friends and family and ask them if they would do this with you for the next 100 days.

Is there a resource to help me understand what I am reading?

• · Yes. The book is titled, "The Essential Bible Guide: 100 Readings Through The World's Most Important Book" by Whitney Kuniholm. This book is not required, but it does give helpful insights into each day's reading.

• · The book is available at the church for $10.00 (cash, check, credit card).

• · The book is also available at Amazon ($10.96).

• · The book is also available on the Kindle ($9.29) and Nook ($9.99) electronic platforms.

Pastor Noel

One Hundred Day Bible Reading Challenge

I am very excited about something we will be sharing with everyone this Sunday. Watch this space for more information. The challenge officially begins on Wednesday, January 5.

You can visit our Facebook Event page here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172475932791635.

Pastor Noel

Jesus is God!

Below is some supporting material for my message preached on December 12. I hope this helps...

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Jesus is God

A. Jesus has the attributes of deity.

1. He is eternal.

-John 1:1‑3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

-Micah 5:2, But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

-Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

2. He is omnipresent.

-John 3:13, No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.

-Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

-Matthew 28:20, Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

3. He is omniscient.

-John 16:30, Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.

-John 21:17, He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.

-Colossians 2:3, In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

-John 4:28‑29, The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"

-Luke 6:8, But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Arise and stand here." And he arose and stood.

-It is true that Jesus said that he didn’t know the time of his return and he did ‘marvel’ at the people’s unbelief, and he went to the fig tree expecting figs, but these have explanations...

4. He is omnipotent.

-John 5:19, Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

-Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Revelation 1:8, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

-Hebrews 1:3, Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

-John 5:36, But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish‑‑ the very works that I do‑‑ bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

5. He is immutable.

-Hebrews 1:12, Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.

-Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

B. Jesus has the offices of deity.

1. He is the Creator.

-John 1:3, All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

-Colossians 1:16, For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

-Hebrews 1:10, And: "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.

2. He is the Sustainer.

-Colossians 1:17, And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

-Colossians 1:17, He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (NIV)

-Hebrews 1:3, Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

C. Jesus has the authority of deity.

1. He forgave sins.

-Matthew 9:2, 6, Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you. But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"‑‑ then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house."

2. He will raise the dead in the resurrection.

-John 5:28‑29, Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth‑‑ those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

3. He will execute judgment.

-Romans 14:10. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

-2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

D. Jesus claimed to be Yahweh (Jehovah)

-Other words for titles can be used in varying ways.

-Adonai (Lord) can sometimes be used of man.

-Genesis 18:12, Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord (adonai) being old also?"

-Elohim (god) can sometimes be used of false gods.

-Deuteronomy 6:14, You shall not go after other gods (elohim), the gods of the peoples who are all around you.

-YHWH only refers to the one true God.

-Exodus 3:14, And God said to Moses, "I AM (YHWH) WHO I AM (YHWH)." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM (YHWH) has sent me to you.'"

-Isaiah 44:6, Thus says the LORD (YHWH), the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD (YHWH) of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God.

-John 8:58‑59, Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

E. Jesus claimed to be equal with God.

-Mark 2:5‑12, When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, "Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'? "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"‑‑ He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go your way to your house." Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

-John 5:21, For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

F. Jesus claimed to be Messiah-God.

-When Isaiah talked about the coming Messiah, he called Him, ‘Mighty God.’

-Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Mark 14:61‑64, But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" And Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "What further need do we have of witnesses? "You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?" And they all condemned Him to be worthy of death.

Better Living Through The Book of Proverbs

We are quickly approaching time for sign-ups for the next Connect Group Semester. I am really looking forward to this next semester. I have decided to lead a Sunday, 9:30 co-ed group instead of my usual weekday group for men. All total we believe we will have six young co-ed groups meeting in the Sunday, 9:30 slot this go around.

I just put together the description piece for my Connect Group for this next semester. (Catalogs are being printed next week.) Take a look...

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Better Living Through The Book of Proverbs

In this group, we will study the principles taught by the book of Proverbs and learn how those principles can impact and improve our daily lives. So many practical issues are dealt with in Proverbs:

* How To Be a Better Wife
* How To Raise Godly Children
* How To Lower the Stress of Finances
* How To Manage Time and Priorities
* How To Deal with Bad Relationships
* How To Refrain from Sexual Sin
* How To Have Lasting Integrity
* How To Have a Happier Home
* How To Be a Leader
* How To Make Wise Decisions
* How To Be a Better Husband & Dad
* How To Overcome Anger
* How To Always Have Enough Money
* How To Live Without Regret
* And on and on...

We will begin our study by learning about the background and the structure of the book of Proverbs so that we will be well equipped to mine its riches. Then we will begin to study the book for practical application. We will use both teaching and discussion to sort out the meanings because as the book of Proverbs says, "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established and there you will find safety." (Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 11:14)

As our book for this group, we will use the Crossway Classic Commentary on Proverbs by Charles Bridges.

This group will be geared to the age range of those with children still in the home.

Pastor Noel

Jesus Thank You

This past Sunday we sang one of my very favorite songs, "Jesus, Thank You". Each line in this song refers to a biblical picture of Salvation. As you sing through the song, it serves as a reminder of all of those great scriptural lessons about the cross, salvation, and God's grace and mercy.

I'm thinking about preaching a message soon, where I take each of Bible passages the song references and show how that reference increases our understanding of the amazing grace of God.

Here are the lyrics...

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul
I want to live for You


Pastor Noel

Working With The Schools

One of the things you will be hearing much about in the months to come is how we are committed to trying to be a blessing to the three public elementary schools within one mile of our church. We are looking for ways to encourage the schools, the teachers and administrators, the children and their parents. There are going to be many ways you can partner with the church to help with this outreach in the days to come. More to come...

One thing we were able to be a part of was hosting the Veterans Day celebration done by Cherry Valley Elementary last week. Here is a letter I received from one of their teachers...

Hi Pastor Dear!

I just had to say THANK YOU!!!!! The bagged lunches and "thank you" cards just "made the day" for all the teachers at school!!! They are just all walking around in AWE! What a precious testimony! I have been walking around the school saying, "That is MY church!" :) I am so proud and thankful to be a member of such a kind and thoughtful church!

Thank you and everyone else involved!!!

In Him, Susan Brown

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Cherry Valley contacted us this week to say they would like to do a food drive to help our food pantry feed families going through difficulties. Wow. What a great gesture.

Last week, Garfield Elementary school donated a truck full of food for our food pantry that came from the hard work of the students and parents there. We are so thankful for these schools and we look forward to partnering with them in any way we can.

Pastor Noel

Good Few Days...

We have had a good few days at the church. Let me give you some highlights...

- We had about 700 kids, parents, and veterans connected to Cherry Valley Elementary School at our church for a program on Friday. It was great to be a small partner in this event. We love our local schools.

- A good morning today. Praise team and choir did a great job. We had one public profession of faith during the service, a long time member that has never had assurance of her faith. Crowd was good with several visitors. Last week we had our largest crowd since Easter. I haven't seen numbers yet, but today could have been as good or better.

- This is out of order, but we had four people officially join the church this past Wednesday in our New Member's class.

- Thursday morning we had a bunch of men show up early to just pray for revival. What an encouragement that was.

- Tonight we had a young mom make a public profession of faith just before the service began! Pastor Wally started a new series of messages from the life of Elijah tonight.

- Garfield Elementary School PTO gave our food pantry a ton of food to help us meet needs in our community. We are incredibly thankful for this gift and for the kids and families who worked hard to provide it.

I am so thankful for what the Lord is doing in and through our church!

Pastor Noel

Ten Reasons Why Christians Should Vote

I saw this on Nelson Searcy's blog... I though I would share it with you.

Ten Reasons Why Christians Should Vote

• Voting publicly recognizes that we submit to the authority of the political system in our nation as established by God. Romans 13:1-7
• Voting recognizes the equality of all people and their right to speak and be heard. Deuteronomy 10:17-19
• Voting is one way that we can obey God’s command to seek the good of those around us and our nation as a whole. Jeremiah 29:7
• Voting shows that we care deeply about who our leaders are as we are urged to offer prayer and intercession on their behalf. 1 Timothy 2:1,2
• Voting is a simple yet significant way we can do something about politics in our nation. ‘All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing’, Edmund Burke. Psalms 34:14
• Voting makes a difference the way a grain of salt makes a difference, and that is how we are to influence our society for good. Matthew 5:13
• Voting is a privilege not to be taken for granted. Those of us who reap the benefits of living in a democracy should play a part in upholding democracy.
• Not voting is a form of voting, as it will influence the outcome. We need to take responsibility for our actions, as well as our lack of actions. Luke 10:25-37
• Voting is part of our stewardship to use all the resources we have been given in ways that honor God; to waste a vote is to squander a gift.
• Voting is Biblical. The Bible contains numerous references to “casting lots.” (ex. Proverbs 16:33) Acts 14:23 shows that the early Christians elected elders by voting.

Pastor Noel