Sunday, January 27, 2008

The LORD's Day January 27, 2008

Walk With the Wise

Proverbs 13.20 (v.14-20)

Proverbs is a Book of Wisdom. It give us direction for life.

One of the things it counsels us on is our relationships- who we should have as our close associates and who we should become friends with. It tells us the kind of person we should look for in wife or husband. It tells us how to keep our relationships healthy and pure.

It tells us who we should spend time with.

Very simply stated we are told he who walks with the wise becomes wise. Walking means a manner of life or journeying. Live with the wise. Make your journey of life with them.

We are all on a journey to eternity. If you are have believed on Jesus to forgive your sins you are headed to heaven. Along that path it is good to make close relationships with those who are wise. We should seek to spend our time with the wise. We will learn from them if we do.

How do we do this?


1. Reading the Proverbs Meditatively is a Way of Walking With the Wise.

The Proverbs were written to be read slowly, carefully and meditatively.

Reading meditatively means to think deeply with reflection. (c.1)

*What is this verse saying about me?
*Is there anything I need to change in my life to fully obey this?
*How am I measuring up to this now?
*Help me obey this, LORD.
*Speak LORD, your servant is listening. Then listen- Be still. Let God’s Spirit speak to your heart.

The Proverbs are meant to be read continually through our lives.
There are things in this book for young, middle age and old. There is a dynamic to God’s Word that corresponds to our spiritual growth.

The Proverbs are so vast, like the whole of the Word of God it will take our whole lifetime to take it in and even then we will just begin to get to its depths. Read them carefully. (3.1-6)

The Proverbs came as a result of an answer to prayer on behalf of Solomon. God’s answer was “I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” (I Kings 3.12) God gave Solomon wisdom. The Proverbs are his record of it. So it makes sense for us to study it.

However the tragedy of Solomon was with all this vast wisdom he didn’t live by some simple directions God gave to him and to all who sat on the throne governing Israel. So while it is good to follow the wisdom and to take warnings from his wrong decisions, we actually need to turn our attention to people other than Solomon for examples of how to live the life of wisdom out...

2. Reading and Rereading the accounts in the scriptures of men and women of God is a way of walking with the wise.

Joseph Genesis 37-50

Look at how he handled personal injustice.
Look at how he handled family problems that were centered around him.
Look at how he prospered in the most difficult circumstances. He kept his integrity.

Daniel Daniel 1-6

Look at how he did what was right when faced with certain persecution.
Look at how he faced danger with courage.
Look at how he kept faithful to the LORD. With his eyes fixed upon God’s glory and obedience.

David I-II Samuel
Look at how he desired God’s Glory.
Look at how humble he was. Whom am I? This was passed onto Solomon. Humility can be.
Look at how he reacted when confronted with sin- the right way

Read Hebrews 11- the Hall of Faith. Then go back and read the references in the Old Testament. Read the New Testament as well. We see the wise and read of their lives.


3. Reading the Biographies of Christian People is Another Way.

I love to read biographies of Christians who are with Jesus. I don’t have wonder if they are going to mess up.

They have finished the course.
They have kept the faith.
It shows me how to do that.

Make them your heroes.
Read several biographies of missionaries, leaders who were servants. Get some old biographies- some are to be gotten at garage sales Use the church library. (Books set out now)

Learn from their lives
What were their Bible Reading habits?
What was their prayer life like?
Look at how little they talked about themselves and how much they talked about Jesus

Notice their lifestyles. They were never investigated for excessive spending by congress.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13.7

Think about those who have influenced you in your decision to follow Jesus. Considering this is a way of walking with the wise- yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One and Mystic Sweet Communion with those whose race is won. Web sites in the bulletin this morning.

4. Connecting Up with Older Wise Believers is a Wise Thing to Do. II Timothy 1.5
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

I am thankful the LORD gave me that desire- to connect up with the older believers around me.

The blessings have been abundant.

I have learned so much.

Avoid a person who talks too much. We don’t need to fill our minds with the details of others lives- that is the LORD’s job. Don’t make friends with an angry person- someone who talks about all the people who insulted them, someone who is looking for fights or relishes them when they happen to others.

Look for those whose are strong and stable, those who have been where they are for a long time, they have let nothing move them. Too many believers lives have been follow the bouncing ball.


5. Walking with Jesus is the Way to Walk With the One Who Is the Wisdom of God.

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. I John 2.6

Keep it simple. It is about following Him, praying, reading His Word, keeping in step with the Spirit.

Stay Humble. Don’t let pride well up. Remember that we are what we are by God’s Grace.

Be a Servant. Look for places to quietly do things for Jesus.

Be Content. There is little of this around in our country. Rest in Jesus and enjoy what He has given you

Keep you Eyes Fixed on Him.



The main reason for this is He is our LORD. He is our source of strength. He leads us. We are to seek to be like Him. A secondary reason is that in doing so we will not look at others and how God is dealing with them. That is none of our business. It messes us all up. We get side tracked.

Walk with Wise. Become Wise. Become more like Jesus.

I Want To Be Like Jesus

*****************************************
The LORD’s Day
January 27, 2008

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Prayer
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
Walk With the Wise
Proverbs 13.20

*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.
Prayer -6pm at the Parsonage

This Week
Bible Reading Proverbs 14
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm at the parsonage 1312 Pine Acres Blvd.
Thursday Bible Study 10:30am at the church
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children) The LORD’s Supper
Spanish Service- 4pm


In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace... Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. .... Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. waiting to be released from the hospital. He is being treated for a blood clot. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem.... Leah May facing surgery shortly.... Please pray for healing.. Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been released from the hospital and is home and doing better... Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD a few days before Christmas. Please remember her and her family in prayer. Continue to pray for those in our church family who lost loved ones this past year: Rianna, Alice, Anka, Katharina, Eloise’s family, the Muccis... Ilona under the care of a neurosurgeon ... Mary and Warren Von Fricken’s daughter-in-law, Carlina, diagnosed with breast cancer... Anne Smith, the Philadelphia District Superintendent’s (Newell) wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer as well and will be facing a mastectomy very soon. They are long time friends of Pastor.

As we face a new year in very uncertain times let’s give thanks that our LORD leads us and is going before us.
Romans 8.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?
****************************

Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

Walk With the Wise
Proverbs 13.20



http://pages.sbcglobal.net/dkuyken/profilesoffamouschristians.htm

http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/biographies/default.asp

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436


Friday, January 18, 2008

The LORD's Day January 20, 2008

The Tongue of the Wise Brings Healing

Proverbs 12.18 (14-19)


14
From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things
as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

15 The way of a fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice.

16 A fool shows his annoyance at once,
but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony,
but a false witness tells lies.

18 Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.


There are many many scriptures which tell of the destructive nature of the tongue. We are told that it is set on fire by hell itself We have all witnessed and some of have experienced the destruction the tongue can bring. Even here in the first part of this verse we are told about the effect of reckless words.

I have watched people destroyed by a wicked tongue.

We all must seek to tame our tongue. James elaborates on this in James 3 and it is a theme of Proverbs.

The section of scripture this morning is not only about dark side of the tongue but rather the blessing it can bring if it is trained in wisdom.

Here is one of the great benefits of gaining a heart of wisdom- your tongue, your words will bring healing.

*health, healing, cure, profit, soundness of mind*


1. Wisdom in the heart and out of the mouth.

From the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34)

You want to know what is in a person’s heart- listen to what they talk about- their words. You can hear joy, sorrow, peace, bitterness, worry, anger, love, contentment and much more. You can hear what they treasure. Where their treasure is that is where there heart will be also.

There is wisdom in:
*Knowing when to be silent. Eccl 3.7
Jesus is our example. He did not always speak. There were times when He was very silent. There were time He did not answer questions. You don’t have to either Silence enables me to listen better. If I am not thinking about what I am going to say next I can listen more effectively.
*Knowing when to speak. Eccl 3.7 Being sensitive to God’s timing. There is a time to speak.
*Knowing what to say.
*Knowing when to stop. Proverbs 10.19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

We need healing in time of sorrow. Words of Life bring comfort and strength.

We need healing in time of struggle and doubt.

We need healing when we have failed.

There are many other times we need it.


2. Encouragement is something we all need at one time or another.

The tongue of the wise know how to bring it.

Encouragement is helping a soul continue on the good path. It is spiritual affirmation. It is a blessing.

Encouragement is something that is person to person. It is soul to soul. The Holy Spirit flows through one person to another person to bring words that spur the person on.

Hebrews 10.25 “...let us encourage each other...”

To encourage means to call to one's side, comfort, console, strengthen.

Barnabas was called the Son of Encouragement - we need people like that today. Ed Drinkwater, a dear man and missionary to Malawi was like that. I remember as a young pastor he came to the church and he pointed out things in people and in situations I had not noticed. Good things What a blessing People with this gift of encouragement leave the fragrance of Christ wherever they go.


3. When someone is shot down they need the tongue of the wise to pick them up (v.18)
People can be cut by words- they can cut up a soul and pierce the heart. The tongue of the wise can bind up those wounds. Verbal abuse can make the heart sick. It can also make a person physically ill. The words of the wise can bring healing.

There have been times when people have told me they have a word from God for me. There are times when He has spoken (and is usually words of encouragement) through others. But many times it is not God speaking. Usually I can discern it. One time however I was under a great strain, lots of things going on in my life and a person sent me a letter and told me how rotten I was. When I got done reading it I was believing what they were saying. They told me they had received this from the LORD. I remember calling up a friend and telling him about it. I read the letter. He asked me, “Does that sound like Jesus?” I said, “No.” He said, “There you go.” I wondered why I could not reach that conclusion. I was thankful for the tongue of the wise who brought healing. The LORD used it to restore my soul. It gave me hope.

Kind words lift an anxious heart. Here is insight into life and the deepest part of a person’s being. So often we speak to and address their anxiety. Then wonder why they do not respond. Speak kind words to that person with an anxious heart.

I put this into practice this week and it worked Kind means to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favorable, be happy... I told my mom a story about Emma from the night before: She found some of Tonya's old Barbie dolls down in the basement. After we brought them up I said, Be careful with Moe. He has eaten small things like shoes before. She replied, What are you going to do with this dog, Poppa? I answered, Do you think I should get rid of him? What followed next had me laughing so hard. She said, Well I'm not telling what you to do. It is your decision. I'm not going to tell you what to do. But just remember, you're probably going to have put up with this the rest of your life. But that is your decision.

My mom started laughing and I could hear the anxiety life over the phone. Laughter is good like medicine. We all could use some of it from time to time
A kind word can be one that makes a person happy. That can lift a heavy heart. This is why when we grieve some times laughter will come and when it does a relief from the tension often follows.


4. Be Wise. Bring healing through the words of your mouth.

Training in righteousness.
The Book of Proverbs is for training in righteousness. It shows us how to live right. So many strong Christians have set an example for us. Several read a chapter a day from this Book- it takes time because each verse is a truth that deserves to be meditated upon.

Discernment. We are to desire earnestly the greater gifts and discernment is one of them. Some of us need to grow in that. We have not because we ask not. Ask the LORD to give you the ability to discern.

Look at Solomon’s prayer- I Kings 3.9 give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?

Prayer. Solomon prayed and so ought we for discernment and the ability to carry out the will of God in the place He has placed us.

Live. Proverbs is not a book of seclusion. On the contrary it is to be lived out. It is a book of life. It is a book about life. It is a book on how to live life to the full.

All of the warnings in this book, all of the directions we are given for doing what is right, it all has to do with living wisely. At the funeral for my son-in-law’s aunt earlier this week we heard the pastor talk about her life. He spoke of how she taught Sunday school for over 50 years, how 5 of her students went onto become pastors. He said that it wasn’t just Sunday School but the example of her life that influenced these young men and others.

Bringing healing through the words of our mouth begins within our own heart and life. We live for Jesus and we experience many things in living for the LORD. Our experiences become illustrations when we share the Word of God with others.

The tongue of the wise bring healing.

*Health. Evidence is showing up in studies today that Christians live healthier. Part of this is because they are hearing words of wisdom which bring peace to the heart and mind. I do not believe in the Gospel of Health and Wealth but I do believe in benefits that come from having Jesus in our lives and hearing His Word- Wonderful Words of Life.

Healing and Cure is included in the idea of this verse. We have talked about that. I believe there are many things that can only be cured by the words of the wise. God has used His prophets and preachers to bring these words to people.

Profit is included in this idea of healing. The tongue of the wise bring profit or benefit to those who hear. We can see this easily. What the tongue of the wise is is either a direct quotation from God’s Word or something expounded from it or some lesson uncovered in it.


Healing also means soundness of mind. We have spoken about this as well in reference to the tongue of the wise bringing release from anxiety but it is more than that. There is a general overall soundness of mind that comes when we take these words to heart and live by them. There is a peace form the LORD that comes to the heart when the words that come from the tongue of the wise are heeded and held by people.


How the words of wisdom are needed today So many need healing. There are a lot of broken hearted people out there. The only true cure for a broken heart is the LORD Jesus Christ. So often He comes to a heart in the words of the wise. Jesus is the personification of wisdom. We have seen how His teachings are reflective of the Proverbs.


Oh to be Like Jesus- He spoke the words that cheered and blessed. He is full of compassion and grace and love. His words are the Wonderful Words of Life He is our example in everything good and holy. Oh to be Like Thee!


May the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart be acceptable in the sight of God Who is our Strength and Redeemer.


The LORD’s Day
January 20, 2008

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Prayer
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
The Tongue of the Wise Brings Healing
Proverbs 12.18

*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.

This Week
Bible Reading Proverbs 13
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm at the parsonage 1312 Pine Acres Blvd.
Thursday Bible Study 10:30am at the church
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children)
Spanish Service- 4pm
Prayer -6pm at the Parsonage

In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces in Afghanistan, home on leave right now, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace... Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. .... Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. waiting to be released from the hospital. He is being treated for a blood clot. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem.... Leah May facing surgery shortly.... Please pray for healing.. Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been released from the hospital and is home and doing better... Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD a few days before Christmas. Please remember her and her family in prayer. Continue to pray for those in our church family who lost loved ones this past year: Rianna, Alice, Anka, Katharina, Eloise’s family, the Muccis... Ilona awaiting results from an MRI ... Tonya and James Wyss in the loss of James’ aunt... She went to be with the LORD this week... As we face a new year in very uncertain times let’s give thanks that our LORD leads us and is going before us.



Romans 8.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?



Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

The Tongue of the Wise Bring Healing
Proverbs 12.18


Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436

Sunday, January 13, 2008

The LORD's Day January 13, 2008

With Humility Comes Wisdom

Proverbs 11.2, Philippians 2.5-11

One of the contrasting ideas that appear over and over again in the Proverbs is pride versus humility. Jesus humbled himself. God exalted Him. Jesus will reign forever and ever. Satan exalted himself and God cast him down. He will be thrown in the lake of fire for eternity.

We are to have the attitude of Christ Jesus
Think this way about yourself- understanding and wisdom are included in this word mind or attitude.

We are to humble ourselves.
This is not normal.
This is not natural.
This is not popular.


1. That Horrible Know It All Attitude Which Is The Epitome of Pride Is Never Right

We have seen it in others.
It is not a pretty sight. Within this prideful attitude of “I know it all” dwells an unteachable spirit. You cannot tell this person anything. They are always “right”. They are never “wrong”.

It makes us uncomfortable.
Our own spirits are cut down by this. We do not dare express our thoughts. It is akin to casting our pearls before swine. At best when necessary we must endure it.

It is precedes a fall.
This person is a candidate to be humiliated. That is a biblical principle: Humble yourself or God will do for you. It is a lot more pleasant for us to do it than to have the LORD do it.

Humbling yourself has great benefits

1- Deuteronomy 8.16 in the end it goes well with us. The manna was to have this effect.
2- II Samuel 22.28 The LORD saves the humble but His eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.
3- II Chronicles 7.14
4- II Chronicles 34.27 The LORD hears us.
5- Psalm 25.9 He guides the humble
6- Psalm 147.6 The LORD sustains the humble
7- Psalm 149.4 The LORD crowns the humble with salvation.
8- Proverbs 3.34 He gives grace to the humble.
9- Luke 14.11 Whoever humbles himself will be exalted. If you humble yourself God will lift you up (James 4.10)

As we said before Jesus is humble in heart (Matthew 11.29)
It is part of His nature. If we are following Him it will become part of ours because He lives in us.



2. You will not be wise unless you are humble.

Humility is necessary to obtain wisdom.
If you read the beginnings of the Book of Proverbs carefully, you’ll see that there must be a humbling on the part of Solomon’s son to receive the wisdom he is speaking to him about. This often runs in opposition from young men struggling with the evil desires of youth.

*There must be a sense of the need of it.
So often young people think they know much more than they do. The lack of experience and lack of maturity is necessary to admit in order to gain wisdom. That is a battle sometimes. We all would like to be smarter than we are. Humility is not caring if people know how little we know

* Then that sense of need must be transmitted into action.
It is so apparent when you read the first part of Proverbs that to obtain wisdom it must be sought after. Solomon went so far as to say, Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4.7
This seeking is to be extreme. It is not a casual thing. It is to be a supreme goal of life.

One way wisdom is obtained is through prayer. James 1.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.


Again this praying is described as calling out and crying aloud. Proverbs 2.3
There must be a desperation for wisdom. Solomon counsels his son to go after it in that way. We pray silently. We could not pray without ceasing unless we did. This prayer for wisdom is one that is to be verbalized. It is to be aloud. It is to be heard. This is not because LORD needs us to but because we need to. We need to hear ourselves call out. We need to realize how important it is for us to get wisdom.

*Obedience brings wisdom. In fact you cannot have it without obeying. Proverbs 2.1-8
Wisdom is not just some thing you get it is something you practice and live out. It is not learned in a classroom as much as it is uncovered by learning in the midst of life, hence as we talked last week- Proverbs is to a large degree: A father and son talk.

3. The scarcity of wisdom is because of the abundance of pride.

There are not a lot of wise people around. Like wisdom itself you have to pursue and search for a wise person. Both a virtuous woman and a faithful man are not easily found. (Proverbs 20.6, 31.10) Loyalty is something that is under attack today.

There are people who think they are wise and seek to give out “wisdom”. Many people like this have a need to be needed.

We need to know the scripture so we can cut through the worldly wisdom. It is abundant. Pride puffs up a person and once they are puffed up they think they know so much about life. What makes this the worse case scenario is that they begin to tell others how to live. Watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing. One way to spot a wolf is to look at their lifestyle. Often the love for riches and duplicity go hand in hand. There is something to take note of when so called ministers of the gospel are being investigated by congress for lavish lifestyles. That is unlike the
Master who had to ask for a coin to make a point and had no where to lay His head.

4. God resists the proud but gives grace and wisdom to the humble

Jesus humbled Himself. Those He had the most difficult time with were those who were self righteous.

Those who were filled with their own self importance had met their match with Jesus.

There is an opposition to the proud on God’s part. He who humbled Himself has nothing in common with those who exalt themselves.

But with those who humble themselves there are gifts. He gives, as we have already seen, wisdom to those who sense their need and act upon that need with prayer and seeking wisdom.
The gifts of God include more grace to those who humble themselves. Joy increases, even in the midst of struggle.

Those who received good things from Jesus were those who humbled themselves: the paralytic who was lowered in from the roof, the Canaanite woman who said that even the dogs get to eat the crumbs that fall from the table, the woman who touched the hem of his garment. These and others humbled themselves and received good things from the LORD.

5. Humble Yourselves under God’s Almighty Hand.
We bow down to worship, to acknowledge that God is King and LORD and Master.

Our lives should be a bowing in submission to the King. Humbling ourselves is not just an act we occasionally do from time to time but rather a lifestyle of surrender to Him.

Proverbs speaks of this over and over again. With humility comes wisdom. Wisdom enters the heart and mind of those who humble themselves.

The act of bowing is in itself a wise thing to do. It makes sense to surrender to One all powerful and all knowing and Who is everywhere, and add to that the fact He loves me and wants what is best for me Why a person would have to be a fool not bow- which is exactly what Proverbs says he is.

The act of bowing to the all Wise God then brings wisdom from Him to me.



When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.



Humble yourselves. Think about how mighty and high God is and say along with David, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” Look up at the stars and get this perspective.
Then call out to the LORD for wisdom until the day God calls you home.
*********************
The LORD’s Day
January 13, 2008

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Prayer
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
With Humility Comes Wisdom
Proverbs 11.2
*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.


This Week
Bible Reading Proverbs 12
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm at the parsonage 1312 Pine Acres Blvd.
Thursday Bible Study 10:30am at the church
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children)
Spanish Service- 4pm

In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces in Afghanistan, home on leave right now, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace... Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. .... Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. due to be released from the hospital tomorrow. He will return to the rehab. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem.... Leah May facing surgery shortly.... Please pray for healing.. Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been released from the hospital and is home and doing better... Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD a few days before Christmas. Please remember her and her family in prayer. Continue to pray for those in our church family who lost loved ones this past year: Rianna, Alice, Anka, Katharina, Eloise’s family, the Muccis... Ilona awaiting results from an MRI that was taken Friday... Tonya and James Wyss in the loss of James’ aunt... She went to be with the LORD this week. The funeral is Tuesday morning... As we face a new year in very uncertain times let’s give thanks that our LORD leads us and is going before us.



Romans 8.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?





Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

With Humility Comes Wisdom
Proverbs 11.2




Thank You
Thanks so much for the meaningful card and the generous gift you gave us last Sunday. We know you love us and that is such a wonderful feeling For the past 24 years we have worshiped the LORD at Christmas and looked ahead to the New Year together. It continues to be a blessing and a joy God bless each of you
Love and Prayers,
Pastor and Lucy

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436


Sunday, January 6, 2008

The LORD's Day January 6, 2008

Today we begin the second year of the Sunday Morning Message Blog. God bless you as you read.

Wisdom for the New Year, Wisdom For Life

Proverbs 3.1-15

We have been out of our study of the Proverbs for about 6 weeks now so instead of jumping right in where we left off, this morning we are going to do a review or a reintroduction if you will of this wonderful inspiring instructive book in God’s Word.

Proverbs is a book about life. Many books have been written on how to enjoy life and get the most out of it but they are so often self centered. Proverbs is Christ-Centered. There really is no true and lasting enjoyment of life without Him at the center

The themes of the Proverbs are in this third chapter.

1. Remember this is a father speaking to his son’s soul. v.1

Solomon was the father and he was speaking to primarily one son but at times he addresses his sons.

Solomon was pouring out his heart into his son’s heart. He was speaking to him of the right way to live and the benefits that come from obedience to the God’s Word along with some examples of people who missed the mark. I wish fathers would do that today.

This gives Proverbs a personal touch. One of the most personal relationships is that of a parent to a child. In those kids are part of our own make up. Solomon spoke to his son about things all children, particularly sons, need to hear.

Proverbs deals with three great issues we all face in one form or the other: Money, relationships with the opposite sex and power. How we deal with these determine so much of our life and how usable we are to God in His kingdom. How we face the temptations that flow from these three issues will have a direct bearing on our “lot” in life which really is not a lot at all but rather a living with the consequences of choices we have made over the course of our youth and young adulthood and continue to make up until the end of our life.

So these talks Solomon has with his sons are very important and very personal. They convey a father’s desires and hopes for his son. Some of the more crucial areas are very repetitive as Solomon tries to impress upon his boys the Word of God and its importance in all of life’s decisions.

But this not only a man to his child...


2. This is God speaking to His Children v.3-7

It is Solomon to his son but it also God bring the truth to bear to us. He is showing us the way to life and blessings.

The Book of Proverbs our Heavenly Father talking to us about the issues of life. Look at how many topics He speaks of here in these verses we just read. Our name (reputation) with others and favor with God.
Also mentioned here is life’s direction as well as fearing the LORD and turning away from evil when it come across out path. All the great issues of life are discussed by the LORD in the Proverbs. They are not up for debate- none of God’s Word is- they are to be learned and obeyed.

We must keep the main thing the main thing and Proverbs helps us do just that

So often the enemy tries to get Christian all upset over things that do not matter at all. This way he gets them to miss the real issues of life. Out of the heart comes the real issues of life. We need to guard it. We need to hide God’s Word in it so that when some thing disagrees with God’s Word we are able to refute it.

Proverbs shows us these things are crucial. Once again the enemy loves to minimize what God has placed great emphasis on. Look how crafty he was with Eve in the Garden of Eden. He got her to question God’s very Word which is basically what He is up to today. Many have been his victims. Don’t be one of them There is no need to be. We have been given every thing we need to fight the good fight fo the faith

*We have the full armor of God. Ephesians 6.10-18
*We have the promises and power and presence of God. II Peter 1.3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
God is on our side Romans 8.31

3. There are great benefits in keeping these commands in Proverbs. v.8

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Our bodies were designed to obey God. That is what we were created for. When we obey Him we avoid many stresses and troubles due to sin. Physical breakdown is a result of disobedience. The Proverbs tells us of these benefits. They are good gifts that come down from the Father above. Another one is peace. (v.17) God blesses us with peace when we obey His Word.

Chapter two lists many of these blessings/benefit as does chapter three.
*You’ll understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
*He will give you victory and be your Shield.
*He will guard your course and protect your way.
*Wisdom will enter you heart. It will protect you from the ways of evil men.
*It will keep your marriage together.

Throughout the Book of Proverbs we are given many more benefits and blessing that come from walking in wisdom.

4. Our Income and Increase are things we are to honor the LORD with. (vs.9-10)

This is a theme of Proverbs. This is a thread that runs all the way through the Bible. Giving to God as way of thanking Him for His blessings.

*Giving to Him honors Him.
It says, “LORD, You are the One, the Only One from Whom all the blessings in my life have come. Every good and perfect gift has come from You.
Giving is a form of highest praise. It is tangible and offering the first fruits is a way of saying, “You LORD gave me the strength and the ability to make the money I have and I want to honor You.”

*Giving to Him reminds us.
We forget so easily, don’t we? We forget where the blessings of God have come from. This as we have said so many times was Israel’s greatest problem. It can be the church’s too of we are not careful. As we give the right way (not under pressure but because we love the LORD) we are reminded how much He loves us.

*Giving to Him brings greater blessings.
This should not be our motive to give. Our motive should be love. We give to those we love. We love Him so we give cheerfully. We can never repay Him. He keeps blessing us. He gives wonderful blessings overflowing and wine were symbols of joy. I believe the most joyful people on earth are those who give to the LORD the most. They overflow with joy.

Wisdom from the LORD for the New Year and for life is...

5. Receiving Discipline from the LORD is part of growing in Wisdom. (vs.11-15)

Discipline is not a bad word.

It is for correction. The LORD disciplines us to become more like Him. He takes out ways in us that are not compatible with His and conforms us to His Image.

It has great benefits.

* It reminds we are children- His children. All good things in these two concepts

* It restricts us in things we ought not be doing and in thoughts we ought not to be having.

* It lets us know He loves us... that He is not content to let us go our own way.

* It makes us think about temptation is a right way- not how can we sin and get away with it but how can we escape the temptation.

Every earthly father worth his salt disciplines his children for their own good. Our Father in Heaven is perfect. He disciplines us that we may share in his holiness


Let’s close with chapter 4 and get ready to launch back
into the study of Proverbs this new year.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The LORD’s Day
January 6, 2008

We Worship In Singing
We Worship In Receiving the LORD’s Supper
We Worship In Hearing the Word of God
Wisdom for the New Year
Proverbs 3.1-15
*Tithes and Offerings can be placed in the box at the rear of the sanctuary*
Please join us for bagels and coffee downstairs if you are visiting today.

This Week
Bible Reading Proverbs 11
Monday Men’s Prayer Meeting 6:30am in the church basement
Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm at the parsonage 1312 Pine Acres Blvd.
Thursday Bible Study 10:30am at the church
Next Lord’s Day
Morning Prayer- 10am in the church basement
Morning Worship- 10:30am(Sunday School for Children)
Spanish Service- 4pm

In Your Prayers For All of God’s People

Remember the men serving in the armed forces: Bradley, Julia Bujold’s grandson with Special Forces in Afghanistan, home on leave right now, Ken Brown, Pastor’s friend’s son finished his third tour of Iraq- His parents thank us for praying for him. Billy Knapp, Jr. in Iraq with the Marines (neighbor of the church and Pastor- Billy’s sister graduated from Good Shepherd). Stateside now being redeployed in April... Matthew Klaus, brother of Good Shepherd parent in Iraq as a firefighter for Haliburton. Pastor’s nephews’ and niece’s cousin Kim’s husband, Jay, in Iraq. Pray for them and the others away from their families. Praise God for keeping David Louis, Jake Morgan, Ken Brown and Tom Hindelang, Billy Knapp Jr. safe during their times in Iraq. Pray for peace... Kathy, Ziggy and Margot’s daughter-in-law, under the doctor’s care for fibromyalgia. Thank God for answers to prayer for her... Remember Jean Louis on dialysis. Grace Martin, Edie Raevis’ daughter, recovering from surgery on her back and uindergoing Physical Therapy. Edie’s daughter’s mother-in-law, Millie Espisito remains in serious condition. Reginald Mooney, friend of Terri and John Garry, with a tumor in his kidney. Please remember Pastor’s friend Kim Richardson’s daughter, Kelly recovering from a mastectomy. Please remember this whole family in prayer..she has completed chemo therapy for now and is undergoing another round of radiation. .... Pastor’s Dad, Larry Mancini, Sr. in the hospital, the infection is clearing up. There is a blog for him: www.papa2all.blogspot.com . Joey Reda (Charlie and Diane Davison’s Grandson) experiencing some heart arrhythmia. Prudy’s Mom, Rose Ragusa, undergoing treatment- doing well. Jack Simon, a friend of Pastor’s, undergoing treatment for a lung problem.... Leah May facing surgery shortly.... Please pray for healing.. Bart Moleta, Helen and Bob Pawson’s son-in-law, tests came back well... Pastor and Lucy’s Aunt Vivian has been released from the hospital and is home and doing better... Janine Van Cott recovering from back surgery. Tania MacDonald’s Mom, Eloise Naves, went to be with the LORD a few days before Christmas. Please remember her and her family in prayer. Continue to pray for those in our church family who lost loved ones this past year: Rianna, Alice, Anka, Katharina, Eloise’s family, the Muccis... As we facea new year in very uncertain times let’s give thanks that our LORD leads us and is going before us.

Romans 8.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?



Notes on Our Time in God’s Word This Morning...

Wisdom For the New Year
Proverbs 3.1-15



Thank You!
Thanks so much for the meaningful card and the generous gift you gave us last Sunday. We know you love us and that is such a wonderful feeling For the past 24 years we have worshiped the LORD at Christmas and looked ahead to the New Year together. It continues to be a blessing and a joy God bless each of you
Love and Prayers,
Pastor and Lucy

Pastor’s messages are now available online:
http://thesundaymorningmessage.blogspot.com/
Church e-mail: bayshorenaz@rock.com
Church Phone: 631-969-1730
1314 Pine Acres Boulevard, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706-5436