Proverbs 1 - True Wisdom

"Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers." – Jesse Venture, former Minnesota Governor and professional wrestler.

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." (Psalms 10:2-4 NIV)

Today Proverbs 1:22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

This Proverbs is speaking to those who are obstinate in their foolishness masking as wisdom. We know that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of man

This ties in so well with the posture we like to talk about….and Brandon spoke on last night. I really do think that if we are willing to come to God, whether believer or not…and say, I’m not so sure about this but would you teach me…I think that in His mercy, God will reveal himself. As a Christ Follower, I am constantly reminded of my deficiencies in knowledge of Him…and I love him, and study his word, and strive to know him.

I think of those who know (or kinda know) religion and cast all its negativity on God. Who claim they know Him, when all they know is ritualistic traditions and “the motions” of religion. I pray that as believers, we can invite people to search the depths of God and not just scratch the surface of our churches.

Psalm 98 – Let’s join the praise

Psalm 98 – Let’s join the praise

This morning….I just want to join the seas resounding, the rivers clapping and mountains singing. I know this from Luke 19:40…”if we remain silent, the rocks will cry out!”

What a great reminder of God majesty and dominion over the earth. As we sit Sunday…and hear the music being played…and hear, read or even sing the songs being sung, are we joining the rest of creation in it’s worship of its Creator or are we going through the motions?

Psalm 95 - Reminders

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Psalm 95 reads;
Hardness of heart is at the bottom of all distrust of the Lord.
I hear people from time to time talk about a Life Verse. One of the one’s people like to use….is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (I guess that’s actually two verses.)
What are you suppose to do if you have a hard heart? How can I trust Him in all things if I am unwilling to trust him in the little things? I know I have trusted him in HUGE things before….so is it a sign of a hard heart if I am unwilling to trust in the small?

The Psalmist reminds his people of a previous time in Meribah, where they questioned his provision….and according to Moses, they were testing God. Moses feared for their lives…and went on behalf of them to God. It was at that time that God commanded Moses to strike the rock, and water came out of it.

I understand…the Israelites reaction to running low on water, but their reaction was strictly self-focussed. Would the God who delivered them out of Egypt, or let them walk across the Red Sea on dry ground, not be able to handle a water crisis? Or was it a crisis at all….or just a way for God to make himself known? It’s when we take out eyes off of God that we forget that our provision comes from Him alone.

At ANC we have had so many God-sized provisions….and honestly, they keep coming, day after day, week after week, month after month….they are great constant reminders that God is doing something, this isn’t about us, keep our trust in Him….and do not let our hearts become hardened.