Proverbs 11-20

Today is Thursday.  I have an early breakfast meeting in downtown Portland today and I have to leave early, so I am posting this on Wednesday night.  I hope you have a wonderful day.

1) NO STRENGTH IN NUMBERS FOR THE WICKED- We know that the Bible teaches that with the righteous there is strength with numbers.  That is why we are told to go out in twos, worship at least in threes, etc.  But the wicked are not so.  In Proverbs 16:5 it reads:  "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD:  though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."  That phrase "though hand join in hand", means that if the wicked joined hands with all of the together, it could not stay off the judgment of God.  Their numbers don't matter to God!
2) WE PLAN-GOD EXECUTES- In Proverbs 16:9, it says:  "A man's heart deviseth his way:  but the LORD directeth his steps."  We devise, God directs!  Now this truth is found throughout the Bible.  In verse 33 it reads:  "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."  We cast the lot (dice), but God makes it come up whatever He wills.  This is not talking about gambling, but in ancient times they cast lots to see the will of the LORD about a matter.  This truth works for everyone.  Notice Proverbs 21:1 "the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water:  he turneth it whithersoever he will."  God even directs Kings and Presidents!  We devise, God executes! 
3) DECEIVED-Anyone who drinks alcohol is deceived.  Proverbs 20:1 clearly says:  "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:  and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."  Whether mildly or strongly alcohol, it is deception to those who drink!  Also the bible tells us in Proverbs 23:29-32  "Who hath woe?  who hath sorrow?  who hath contentions? who hath babbling?  who hath wounds without cause?  who hath redness of eyes?  They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.  Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.  At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder."   These are the reasons whoever uses alcoholic beverages is not wise, but has been deceived!  Stay away dear friend.
Well, my time has come and gone.  Much more to share, but no time to type anything more.  May God richly bless!
Pastor Mike Mutchler

Proverbs 1-10

Today is Wednesday. I am looking forward to the service tonight as I Walk Through The Bible each Wednesday of this year.  I think our people have enjoyed getting a birds eye look at each book of the Bible.  I am in Proverbs and I have a few items to share with you.  Here they are:

1) HONOUR THE LORD- In Proverbs 3:9,10 it reads:  "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."  So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."  How do we honor God?  We honor Him by tithing our increase to Him.  God tells us in His Word what honors Him and then it tells us that IF we honor Him, then He will honor us by giving back to us plenty!  I just do not understand a Christian that does not choose to honor God in a way of God's choosing. 

2) WISDOM- Proverbs 4:7 says:  "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:  and with all thy getting get understanding."  We must pursue wisdom and understanding at all cost.  It is the principal thing.  It must be had.  It must be grasped.  Whatever the cost, whatever the effort, whatever the sacrifice.... we must get it!!  Make God's wisdom a pursuit of your life.  Make it a life-long pursuit!

3) THE APPLE OF THE EYE- The apple of the eye is the reflection in the pupil of our eye.  It is the reflection of whatever we are focusing on.  The Bible tells us that we are the apple of God's eye.  He is focusing on us.  In Proverbs 7:2, we read:  "Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."  We are the apple of God's eye, and His Word should be the apple of our eye!  We are His, and His Word is ours!  What a great little truth.

4) I LOVE THEM- Here, Wisdom is talking.  Wisdom is going to let us in on a wonderful secret.  Here it is:  Proverbs 8:17 "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."  Wisdom loves those who love her, and wisdom can be found by anyone willing to seek her early.  Early in the morning, when all else is quiet, wisdom is waiting.... waiting to meet with you.  This morning.... every morning.  She will love you if you love her enough to seek her early each morning.  Will you?  The choice is ours to make.

Well, a full day awaits me.  May God bless you my friend.  Pastor Mike Mutchler