Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Reflections on Proverbs 1-4

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today?  How should you respond?

  • Fear of the Lord – As Proverbs introduces its purpose of teaching wisdom, it proclaims the foundation of wisdom – the fear of the Lord. Four times it is mentioned in our passage today.  True wisdom is more than common sense, it includes a sense of God and his commands.  Does your life show a proper reverence for God?
  • Seeking wisdom – Our passage today calls us to pursue wisdom, and outlines many benefits for doing so. Are you seeking wisdom?  What wisdom are you hoping to gain from your study of this book?

Proverbs 1-9: Wisdom

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1) What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs in v1-6?

To which three groups is the book written?  Why?

(1, 4, 8) What does wisdom teach us (1:1-4, 4:11, 8:1-8)?

How are wisdom and righteousness related?

(1-3, 8-9) How is the fear of the Lord related to wisdom (1:7, 1:29, 2:5, 3:7, 8:13, 9:10)?

(2) Where do we find wisdom in v1-6?

What value does wisdom offer in v7-15?  Can you think of some current or recent examples?

(9) Describe wisdom (v1-6) and folly (v13-18).  How are they similar?  How do they differ?  What lessons can we learn?

(2, 5-7) What wisdom is highlighted in these passages (2:16-19, 5:1-23, 6:20-35, 7:6-27)?

What are the results of failing to follow this wisdom?

What further truth is presented in 5:21 to deter us?

(3, 9) What does wisdom teach us in the following verses?  What would it look like to apply this wisdom to our lives?

3:5-8 –

3:9-10 –

3:11-12 –

9:7-9 –

(4) What challenge is laid out in v5-9?  How will you respond?

The Need To See Jesus

On By BrianIn PASSION Quotes1 Comment

LovingJesusMoreThe more trouble we have seeing Jesus, the more we wander into foolish thinking.  The consequences are devastating: sinful patterns of self-indulgence, angry conflicts with other people, and bitter thoughts about ourselves as well as others.  If these are some of the struggles that we have – habitual sin, broken relationships, self-loathing – then we must not be seeing the love of Jesus the way that God wants us to see it.

– Phil Ryken in Loving Jesus More

Sermon Songs: Revelation 2:8-11

On By BrianIn Revelation Hymns

MusicNotes

We face tribulation – pressure
We may know some poverty
From the mouths of others – slander
Suffering may come daily
But do not fear, Trust in Jesus
Be faithful to Him each day

In tri-als consider Jesus
First and Last, died now risen
Knows our troubles, He is with us
Gives His riches, works His plan
A crown of life, No second death,
Focus on the joyful goal

To the tune of “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”

Reflections on I Kings 8-10

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Solomon dedicates the temple for the Lord.  Note:

  • The Glory of the Lord – After Solomon moves the ark into the temple, the glory of the Lord fills the temple – just as it filled the tabernacle earlier. Yet the temple can’t contain God, for God is greater.  Ponder the glory of the Lord and praise him!
  • Prayer – Solomon prays that God would hear the peoples’ prayers and forgive their sins that the people of the earth would know that the Lord is the one true God. What do you need to pray about?  What sins do you need to confess?  Are you seeking to spread the name of the Lord?

Current

On By BrianIn Current Collection

Here are some recent posts related to religious freedom:

The FAQs: Supreme Court Delivers Religious Liberty Victory to Hospitals – Joe Carter (TGC)

Two U.S. Senators Apply an Anti-Christian Religious Test for Government Officials – Joe Carter (TGC)

East Lansing Farmer’s Market: Isn’t There a Better Way? – Kevin DeYoung

Christian Reflections on Ontario Bill 89 – Steven West (TGC-Canada)

Classic Hymn

On By BrianIn Hymns

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

– Elizabeth Payson Prentiss

Same author as the Classic Quote earlier this week.  May this hymn and the quote be reflected in our hearts and prayers!