Accept the Challenge--Be a MAN

Accept the Challenge –Be a MAN!

      Some “men” really are not men. Yet, some “boys” really are men. Let’s look at the Biblical definitions of a man: he provides for his family (1 Timothy 5:8), he is a servant leader (Eph. 5), he is humble (1 Peter 5:5), he is committed to Christ, (Phil. 3:12-14), and he is diligent (Heb. 6:11). There are many more Biblical qualities of a man, but we do not have enough space to go into them all.

"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Luke 16:13 KJV

 

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV

 

         Are you obedient, submissive, and dependent to the Father? Are you bold, confident, and sure of your Faith in Christ? Men . . . .  and boys, you like a challenge, don’t you? Here’s one: accept the challenge of genuine manhood. You can never be perfect, but by God’s grace you can improve, grow and learn (from the Holy Spirit and Scripture). Dwell on these character traits of manhood below, really think about what they mean. You might even want to write down ways to apply the two or three that you need most right now.

V  Humility               Initiative                 Motivated

V  Loving kindness 

V  Strong Character             Grounded

V  Strength               Providing Spirit        a Defender

V  Warrior                 Patience                Firmness

V  Resilience             Peaceableness       a Slow Tongue

V  Conviction            Frugality                Fruitfulness

V  Diligence               Responsibility           Commitment

V  Willingness to Listen

 

 

 

Resource: Biblical Manhood

 

 

 

 

 

 

Punch First Talk Later

Punch First Talk Later

(Works for defense of women and in battle against the devil)

{A Contemplative Poem}

 

When I battle against my enemies—

This World, My Flesh (PRIDE), and The Devil—

I must not cower, but fight with the strength my God supplies.

For my strength is small, but Christ’s is very great!

 

Step up O boy!

Become a man!!

You strength is not within, but in

HIM!

 

Take a stand!

Punch that old snake first and talk later!

Punch your old flesh first and talk later!

Punch this sinning world first and talk later!

 

The peace must be maintained, it is not sporadically gained.

So which side will you be on?

 

The victorious side that is punching, wrestling, sparing, and winning the ultimate battle or

 The unrighteous ranks that stand for everything evil.

There is nothing great or good about evil!

Only God is good and great!

Therefore align thy banners with Him.

 

Well, when all is said and done in the spiritual, the physical must be

Fixed upon and the actions necessary applied.

 

When a woman, young or old, girl or grandmother;

When Eve’s mysterious race are harmed by fellow or by country

Who will stand?

 . . . .

You?!

You, man of God are to stand!!

Who will give their lives for the protection of others?

Not a woman, not that tis not right in God’s sight

For a woman is not to defend in the place of a man.

 

You! You, young man, are the one to die for the enslaved! To fight for the oppressed!

 

The only question is will you do it?

And will you follow HIS leading?

You are created to be a leader; every man is to some degree.

Some rule a city others a country, but all rule their homes in either justice, righteousness and peace or in slander, malice, hate, and pride.

 

Choose young man . . . . . You must! . . . .

WILL YOU?

ALL WORK LEADS TO PROFIT

 

ALL WORK LEADS TO PROFIT

 

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

Proverbs 14:23 (KJV)

 

    By the grace of God and the revelation of the Holy Spirit, I’ve learned that this Scripture is always true. This Word from God does not only apply to earning money. Instead, every time I work hard in writing, in ministry, in study, in reading, or in investing in a person THERE IS PROFIT. As we go on, I pray that you see why and that the Holy Spirit uses this principle to transform your life.

      Notice the second half of this verse says, “but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Often times our human tendency is to talk and talk about what needs to be done or what someone needs to do or how we should respond next time; but mere talk gets nowhere. I’ve spent many hours talking with people about the condition of our country, politics, the worldly American church, my failing generation, or other countless “downing” topics. But what I’ve discovered is that merely talking gets nothing done. Instead, I have changed my mindset and I try to talk less and do more. Instead of investing so much energy in repeating a conversation, I try to do something to influence my generation for the better, help struggling church members, and stand up for what’s right amidst a country that has abolished absolute right and wrong.

      No matter what arena you find yourself in; if you work hard, God will bring fruit, there will be a profit: it’s the principle of sowing and reaping. If I sow mere talk and ideas but don’t do anything, I get nothing but rotten fruit that shrivels up soon after it has sprouted, but when I work hard to learn, teach, earn money, study, pursue the Lord or anything else there is reward, there is benefit, there is profit in some form.

         As a young man, how are you working hard?

         What profits have come from your labor?

         Where do you need to work hard?

          Get still and quiet and listen for the Holy Spirit. Close this time, communing with Him.

 

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Lessons from the Life of Joseph

Lessons from the Life of Joseph

“…and he left his garment in her hand, and fled.” Genesis 39:12 (KJV)

  Today there is a belief that young men and women who “like”
each other should go off on their own and “date” to find out if they’ve found the right one. They place themselves in a place of zero accountability and at the very feet of temptation (see James 1:14-15 for more explanation). Millions of children have been aborted or born out-of-wedlock in result of such choices—sadly, even amongst “Christian” circles. . . . we see Joseph respond differently, though, to a very direct temptation to “go to bed” with the wife of his master. We see Joseph wisely avoid being around her as much as possible. If we are going to act in wisdom around members of the opposite sex as well, shouldn’t we be careful about being alone with a significant other?

   The Word says in 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 that “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee… (KJV).” In light of other passages, this promise only applies to those who don’t give the devil a foothold; in other words, this promise is for the Believer who is following after Christ, not for someone who merely wants God for a crutch so they won’t get into trouble. But our God is merciful, He rescues so many from temptation when they only call upon Him.

    Like Joseph, we should flee temptation at the first opportunity. Staying isn’t a sign of manhood or toughness, but stupidity, or in nicer words, a lack of understanding. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that “God will provide a way out” but also “flee temptation!”

Question for Transformation

Where do you need to flee temptation and set some boundaries so you won’t give Satan a foothold?

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An Encouragement for Men who Seek God

Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.  4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.  5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. 9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. 10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Psalms 112:1-10 (KJV)

Principles of Godly Manhood

Principles of Godly Manhood

Get the Free Booklet Here

By Ryan M. Marks

Reputation

   Popularity isn’t important, how God views you is. Don’t place your value and worth in how others view you, place your worth in how God sees you. Who you fear you serve, so don’t fear people and seek their approval; serve and fear God.

Deut. 6:13,10:20 Josh 24:14 Prov. 9:10 Ps 111:10 Ecc. 12:12-14

 

Seek Wisdom

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! Prov 16:16 (KJV)

Prov.1:1-9,8:11,9:10,16:16 Ps 111:10 Ecc. 9:16-18

Buy Truth, Wisdom, Instruction (learning), and Understanding

  Today, there is a battle for truth, foolishness abounds, people brush learning to the side, and understanding and even common sense are seldom seen.

Prov. 23:23

 

Don’t Follow your Heart

Ecc. 11:7-10  Jer. 17:9  Prov 4:23

 

A Good Name

   What do people think of when they hear your name? Can you look people in the eye and give a firm handshake?

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Prov 22:1 (KJV)

  Do you understand the implications of this verse?! A GOOD NAME is better than silver and gold! It is better to have a godly reputation (like Daniel or Joseph) than to have great riches. Our culture has this backward. They view the supreme object of value to be obtaining the easy life with riches (Luke 12:15-21)

Hate Evil

Prov 8:13 Matt. 21:12 Ex 18:21

 

Work: 

Working Hard    Prov 14:23, 21:5 Ecc 9:10 Col 3:23-24

Created for Work Gen 2:15  Ex 18:20   1 Tim 5:8

Dominion Gen 1:26-30

 

Your Wife—your Helper, your Companion is a Gift from the Lord—so pray for her

Gen 2:18,21-25 Prov 19:14, 31:10-31, Titus 2:3-5, 1 Tim 2:9-15

 

Be Honest, Trustworthy, Faithful, Dependable, Humble & Punctual

Prov 12:27

Be honest: Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor (Eph. 4:25).

Do what is just and merciful: And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Mic. 6:8).

Accept responsibility for your actions and admit your wrongs: First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother’s eye (Matt. 7:5).

Keep your word: Simply let your “yes” be “yes,” and your “no” be “no” (Matt. 5:37).

Be concerned about the interests of others: Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4).

Listen carefully to what others say: He who answers before listening, that is his folly and his shame (Prov. 18:13).

Overlook minor offenses: A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense (Prov. 19:11).

Confront others constructively: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Eph. 4:29).

Be open to forgiveness and reconciliation: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Eph. 4:32).

Change harmful attitudes and behavior: He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy (Prov. 28:13).

Make restitution for any damage you have caused: If a man uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the owner of the pit must pay for the loss (Ex. 21:33-34).

 

Appoint the Right Men: Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens (Ex 18:21)

 

Oppose Evil by Standing Firm

Eph 6:10-17, Daniel 1,3,6 Gen 39

 

Oppose Evil with Good

Matt 5:38-48 

 

Conversation.

   When I was young, I was a gossip and frequently shared laughs over dirty jokes with my friends. The Holy Spirit pricked my conscience and reminded me that what I was doing is not Christlike. I know you are under many pressures, guys. Hormones rage (trust me I’ve been your age not so long ago) and the thrill of talking about so and so’s relationship and such and such physical jokes produce such an emotional high that is addictive.

    But, guys, what about our future wives one day? Will you be able to look her in the eye and tell her how you lived as a young man? And what about the Lord’s heart that we break as we talk about the things done in darkness that He tells us not to discuss (Eph 5:12)? It is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. Eph 5:12 (KJV).

       I pray that you will all be raised up by the Lord to be Faithful Men in this country and our perverse generation. I pray that you will love your wives with a Christlike and passionate love that you have for no other; but guys, talking about sex in the locker room simply cheapens the intimacy you have with and the value you will place in the companionship of your wife in the future. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you 2 Cor 6:17 (KJV)

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Psalms 119:9 (KJV)

   God wants your relationship with Him to be vibrant and full of life. Think of the intimacy with God the prophets had, Jesus Christ had with the Father, the Early Church had with the Holy Spirit, and Adam and Eve had with God. What you watch, listen to, and say affects your heart in tremendous measure. I’m not saying it will be easy. Medical science says that the high men get when looking at porn and discussing sexual content is more addictive than heroine. But guys, there is REAL LIFE. What feels good is actually not always good for you (Heb 11:25). God has given you intense sexual desire because He created you that way. It is right and proper for you to have that passion for your wife. But until marriage, God expects you not only to abstain in your physical body, but your spirit—because if your heart is corrupt, your whole body is in darkness (Matt 6:19-23). God will give you the strength to guard your minds if you depend on Him!

1 Cor 10:12-14   Phil 4:6-7   Phil 4:8-9  Lev 10:3

 

Focusing on the Mark Ministries

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2013 © Ryan M Marks

Experience is a Hard Teacher

Experience is a Hard Teacher

 

      I will attempt to list reasons why experience is a hard teacher. To start off, we often learn lessons repeatedly from experience either because we disregard the advice of our parents and those in authority over us; or we never really grasp the message or principle that experience attempts to convey. Likewise, we often experience failure along the road to success and thus we view experiences as a dreaded teacher from whom we cannot escape. Furthermore, experience seeks to stretch us to improve our character and this is not enjoyable, thus we shy away when we can. In continuance, it takes time (which in our day and age is precious) to learn from experience. Similarly, learning from the experiences of others seems childish and out of our way, so we ignore this option. In addition, you have to live with the consequences of your experiences which are often painful aside from the healing of Jesus Christ. Lastly, sometimes our experiences could have been avoided altogether if we had not run from God like Jonah, thus we learn that experience is a hard teacher.

Faithful Men & Biblical Men Scriptural Vision

Faithful Men

&

Biblical Men

Scriptural Vision

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Tim 2:21-26 (KJV)

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.

Eccl 11:9-10 (KJV)

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in the

Eccl 12:1 (KJV)

Psalm 119

Various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience

ALEPH

1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

BETH

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

GIMEL

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. 18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. 19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. 20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. 22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. 23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

DALETH

25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. 26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. 27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. 28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. 29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. 30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. 31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame. 32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

HE

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. 36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. 37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. 38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. 39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. 40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

VAU

41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. 44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. 46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. 48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

ZAIN

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. 52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself. 53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law. 56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

CHETH

57 Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words. 58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. 59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. 64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

TETH

65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

JOD

73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

CAPH

81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts. 88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

LAMED

89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. 96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

MEM

97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. 102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

NUN

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. 107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments. 109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

SAMECH

113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. 114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. 118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

AIN

121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. 126 It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law. 127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

PE

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. 131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. 132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. 133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

TZADDI

137 Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments. 138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. 139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. 140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. 141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. 144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

KOPH

145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes. 146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. 147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. 148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. 149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment. 150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. 151 Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. 152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

RESH

153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. 154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. 156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments. 157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. 158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. 159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness. 160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

SCHIN

161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. 162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. 163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. 164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. 165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. 166 Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. 167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. 168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

TAU

169 Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word. 170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. 171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. 172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Psalms 119:1-176 (KJV)

 

I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.

1 John 2:13 (KJV)

 

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matt 6:14-15 (KJV)

thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Matt 6:18 (KJV)

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Matt 6:25-34 (KJV)

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Prov 16:16 (KJV)

 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Prov 8:11 (KJV)

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Prov 23:23 (KJV)

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power

Col 2:6-10 (KJV)

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

1 Tim 6:20-21 (KJV)

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

1 Tim 4:1-5 (KJV)

 

 

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Tim 4:6-16 (KJV)

 

Righteous Men Get Back Up

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. 17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. 19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; 20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. 21 My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

Prov 24:16-22 (KJV)

 

A Good Name (and reputation) is very, very Valuable!

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Prov 22:1 (KJV)

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Matt 5:37 (KJV)

 

Walk the Straight and Narrow

Few find it

Joseph

Daniel

I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.

Psalms 101:1-8 (KJV)

 

Titus 2:6-8--How to mentor young men

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Titus 2:6-8 (KJV)

    What the Scripture says is not appealing to most ears’ today and is completely in opposition to the plan of just being shallow and avoiding offending someone with the truth. Scripture’s pattern is to teach the truth in love, yet nonetheless speak the truth boldly and live it.

 

 

thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: 22 And let them judge the people at all seasons

Ex 18:21-22 (KJV)

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Tim 2:21-26 (KJV)

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Tim 2:2-3 (KJV)