Rebuilding a Heart that seeks after God

“….As long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

2Chronicles 26:5>(a) He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.

(a)he sought God in the days of Zechariah,  … 2 Chr.24:2>Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years of Jehoiada the priest.

(b) who had understanding in visions of God,…

Gen.41:15> Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

Dan.1:17> To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

Dan. 2:19>   During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven

Seeking after God means …. Evaluating my true motives.  

Jeremiah 17:10 –
“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

(3) Seeking after God means learning who God really is.

Daily Bible Study July 28, 2018

Prayer for the people:

Psalms 28:9>Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

Prov.28:5-6> Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Ref: John 7:17,18 – If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Focus Points:   Those who attempt to know God’s will and do it will know intuitively that Jesus was telling the truth about himself. Have you ever listened to religious speakers and wondered if they were telling the truth? Test them (1) their words should agree with, not contradict, the Bible; (2) their words should point to God and his will, not to themselves.

 

Proverbs 13: 13 – 17 June 2018

Verse 13 – Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

 (f) 2 Chr.36:16>   But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.

Focus point: God warmed Judah about its sin and continually restored the people to his favor, only to have them turn away. Eventually the situation was beyond remedy. Beware of harboring sin in your heart. The day will come when remedy is no longer possible and God’s judgement replaces his mercy. Sin often repeated, but never repented of invites disaster.

Focus Point: 13:13 – God created us, knows us and loves us. It only makes sense then, to listen to his instruction and do what he says. The Bible is his unfailing word to us. It is like an owner’s manual for a car. If you obey God’s instruction and, you will “run right” and find his kind of power to live. If you ignore them, you will have breakdowns, accidents, and failures.

Verse 14 – The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to  depart from the snares of death.

(g)Prov.16:22> Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.

Focus Point: For centuries people sought a fountain of youth, a spring that promised to give eternal life and vitality. It was never found. But God’s wisdom is a fountain of life that can make a person happy, healthy and alive forever. How? When we live by God’s Word, he washes away the deadly effects of sin (Titus 3:4-8>But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.) and the hope of eternal life with him gives us a joyful perspective on our present life. The fountain of youth was only a dream, but the fountain of life is reality. The choice is yours. You can be enlighten by God’s wisdom, or you can bee dragged down by the weight of your own foolishness.

(h)2 Sam.22:6> The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.

Prov.15:24> The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

Ps. 116:3> The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.

Verse 15 – Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

Verse 16 – Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

(i) Prov.12:23> The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.

Focus point: Prudent people have a quiet confidence, Insecure or uncertain people don’t feel the need prove themselves, but prudent people don’t have to prove anything. They know they are capable, so they can get on with their work. beware of showing off. If you are modest, people may not notice you at first, but they will respect you later.

Verse 17 – A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

Focus point: In Solomon’s day, a king had to rely on messengers for information about his country. These messengers had to be trustworthy inaccurate information could even lead to bloodshed. Reliable communication is sell vital;

If the message received is different from the message sent, marriages, businesses, and diplomatic relations can all break down. It is important to choose your words well and to avoid reacting until you clearly understand what the other person means.

(I was ounce a messenger for this nation, now I claim to be a messenger for the Kingdom of  God and his Christ, take note

 

The joys and benefits of a life lived in companionship with God. We enjoy these benefits now and eternally.

(KJV)   Psalms 16

verse 1 –  Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.   (a) Ps. 25:20 – Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.

verse 2 – O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

verse 3 – But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

verse 4 – Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

verse 5 – The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

verse 6 – The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

verse 7 – I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

verse 8 –  I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

verse 9 – Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 

Dan.9:24 – Luke 1:35 – 

verse 10 – For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 

(b) Ps.49:15 –   But as for me, God will redeem my life.
He will snatch me from the power of the grave

Acts 2:27 – For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. 

Dan.9:24 – “A period of seventy sets of seven[fn] has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.

Luke 1:35 – The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.

verse 11 –  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  

(d) Acts 2:28 – You have shown me the way of life,
and you will fill me with the joy of your presence

(NLT) 

VERSE 1- Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you for refuge 

VERSE 2 – I said to the LORD, “You are my Master!
Every good thing I have comes from you.”

VERSE 3 – The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!

VERSE 4 – Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.
I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood
or even speak the names of their gods.

VERSE 5- LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine.

VERSE 6 – The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!

VERSE 7 – I will bless the LORD who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.

VERSE 8 – I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

VERSE 9 – No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.[fn]
My body rests in safety.

VERSE 10 – For you will not leave my soul among the dead  or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. (c) 

VERSE 11 – You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever

Proverbs 9:4-6,11.

Focus point: Many may intend to go, but they never make it because they get sidetracked by other activities that seem more important at the time. Don’t let anything become more important than your search for God’s wisdom.

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither:

Prov. 6:32 – But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. 

Focus Points

Some people argue that it is all right to break God’s law against sexual sin if nobody gets hurt. In truth, somebody always gets hurt. Spouses are devastated. Children are scarred. The partners themselves, even if they escape disease and unwanted pregnancy, lose their ability to fulfill commitments, to feel sexual desire, to trust, and to be entirely open with another person. God’s laws are not arbitrary. They do not forbid good, clean fun; rather, they warn us against destroying ourselves though unwise actions or running ahead of God’s timetable. Although this advice is directed toward young men, young women should heed it as well. The person who has no purpose in life is simple minded.

Matt.11:25 –   At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.)

Come, eat of my bread, :   

Song 5:1 –   He: I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk. Friends: Eat, friends, and drink; drink your fill of love.

Isa.55:1 – “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 

Focus points: Food costs money, lasts only a short time, and meets only physical needs. But God offers us free nourishment that feeds our soul. how do we get t? We come (Isa.55:1) listen (55:2) seek, and call on God (55:6) God’s salvation is freely offered, but to nourish our souls we must eagerly receive it. we will starve spiritually without this food as surely as we will starve without our daily bread.

Matt.26:26-28. – While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  

For by me thy days shall be multiplied,: 

Prov.10:27 –  The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

Proverbs 8: 4-13 “Wisdom to be desired for the blessings it brings. “

verse 4 -Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.   

verse 5 –   O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

verse 6 –     Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.   Ps.49:3   – My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding. Col.1:26 – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 

verse 7 –   For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

John 8:14 – Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.

Romans 15:8 – For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[fn] on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed

verse 8  –   All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

verse 9 –     They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

verse 10 –   Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

verse 11 –   For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Job 28:15 – It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.

Psalms 19:10 – They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

verse 12 –     I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

verse 13 –   The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.   

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil:

Prov.16:6 – Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. 

pride, and arrogancy,   Zech. 8:17 – do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the LORD.

1 Peter 5:5 – In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”    

and the froward mouth, do I hate.   

Prov.4:24 – Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

verse 14 – Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

Eccl.7:19 – Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city.

Focus points:   Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who guides us and makes us succeed.

 

Psalms 38:35. He that gives strength and power unto his people. Blessed

O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. 

ref:

Isa.41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.      

Focus point: God chose Israel through Abraham because he wanted to, not because the people deserved it (Deuteronomy 7:6-8; 9:4-6).  Although God chose the Israelites to represent him to the world, they failed to do this, so God punished them and sent them into captivity. Now all believers are God’s chosen people, and all share the responsibility of representing him to the world, One day God will bring all his faithful people together. We need not fear because (1) God is with us (“I am with you”), (2) God has established a relationship with us (“I am your God”), and (3) God gives us assurance of his his strength, help, and victory over sin and death, Have you realized all the ways God has helped you?

 Zech.10:12 – I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will live securely,” declares the LORD.

John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Focus point: Fruit is not limited to soul-winning. In this chapter, answered prayer,joy, and love are mentioned as fruit (15:7,11 and 12). Galatians 5:22-24 and 2 Peter 1:5-8 describe additional fruit: qualities of Christian character.

Eph.6:10  – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Focus point:  In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by Satan, who is a vicious fighter, see 1 Peter 5:8). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God’s strength and use every piece of his armor. Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church, the body of Christ, but to all individuals within the church whose power comes from the Holy Spirit.

Phil.4:13 – I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Focus Point:     When we consider all God has done for us, we should feel an overwhelming sense of awe as we kneel before the Lord in his sanctuary. Nature surrounds us with countless signs of God’s wonderful power. His unlimited power and unspeakable majesty leave us breathless in his presence. How fortunate we are that God cares for us.