Is Our Foundation Shaken?

I remember always hearing growing up that my parents and grandparents would become immensely smarter as I got older – the wisdom of their words spoken from experience would prove its value in the real world.  In a similar way, as events like the recent economic fiasco unfold, the wisdom of God shines brighter and brighter in contrast to the ways of the world.

1 Timothy 6:6-11

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.  But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Psalm 37:23-27

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,for the Lord upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.  He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.

These verses point us towards true wealth, an inheritance that does not rot and cannot be stolen, even by greedy bankers or sketchy financial times.  It is through the wisdom of God and the love of God that even in an uncertain word, we have the peace of God.

Lets use this time to let our peace shine in stark contrast to the fear and instability that is running rampant right now.  I pray that we will take advantage of the opportunity to pass on the true foundation of peace – real key to joy and security – Jesus Christ!

Thanks for reading!

Mickey

Biblical Dyslexia

Many of us struggle with occasional dyslexia and get words or letters backwards.  I find that it happens to me the most when I am in a hurry or just not paying attention to details.  There is a form of Biblical dyslexia that results when we do the same thing, and it can be subtle yet very destructive if we let it take root.

While reading through 1 Timothy today I came across a verse that would describe much of the deceptiveness of the health and wealth false teachers.  I have not heard this misreading come from their mouths, but it is certainly what they are going for in their teaching.

1 Timothy 6:6 reads “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.“

Playing to man’s desire for contentment and the lure of gain to the flesh, false teachers – many of those you see on TV 24/7 -  rearrange their teaching to say “there is great contentment in gain and godliness,” and more specifically, there is no godliness if there is no gain.

This teaching

1. subverts the Gospel
2. places the priority on man and the desires of this life
3. relegates God to nothing more than a vending machine that meets our needs.

There will always be false teaching as long as sin reigns on the earth, however we must guard against its intrusion in our lives and in the lives of those around us.  How do we protect ourselves from this type of distortion? By consulting the whole counsel of God’s Word and at the least include the context to every passage!

The verses that follow 1 Timothy 6:6 drive Paul’s teaching home and remedy the effects of any temporary ‘Biblical dyslexia’:

7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Please let me know when you hear 1 Timothy 6:6-10 taught on TBN!  I won’t hold my breath.

Thanks for reading!

Mickey

Treasure check

 

 If you were offered a life where all pain is removed, success is guaranteed, and comfort abounds -  but in this life there was no God – would you take it?

 Matthew 13:44 ”The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

What is our treasure – ‘not-hell’ (eternal fire insurance), our comforts & security, or Christ?

 How do we know?

 Let John Piper hit you over the head with this (especially the first 15 or so minutes)