“He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)

Sin should only be disclosed as far as it must be to heal rifts and bring about repentance.  This principle is laid out in both the Proverbs and in Jesus’ admonition to rebuke your brother in private if at all possible in Matthew 18:15-17.

Sin cannot be ignored, but it must be viewed as a disease to be surgically removed.  We cut and open the wound only as much as is necessary for healing.  Don’t openly shame someone over their sin.  There is no need is to devalue their soul.  Wisdom and love cry out for discretion.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 19-26; Psalm 17; Proverbs 17

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.” (Proverbs 17:21)

There are two major ideas which are to be addressed here.  The first is practical – do not raise your children to be fools.  Foolish behavior is entertaining in a two-year-old, but it is disgusting and deviant in an adult.  A child’s selfish indulgence must be disciplined out of them.  They must learn self-restraint, selflessness, and a sense of duty above indulgence.

The second is empathetic.  Many of the most faithful people have adult children who bring them great sorrow.  There is nothing we can do to change this, but we can comfort and love and pray for them.  We all have a responsibility to show mercy and grace to those who have done their best by their children only to see them choose the wide path instead of the narrow.  Such pain needs our love, not our judgment.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 19-26; Psalm 17; Proverbs 17 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“So Balaam arose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the leaders of Moab.” (Numbers 22:21)

         The story of Balaam is the story of a prophet who focused on the profit.  Balaam had a reputation as a man of God who spoke truth and walked with integrity, but when Balak came offering money to curse the people of God, we find out that Balaam’s integrity had a price.

         The problems all started when Balaam saddled his donkey to go where he shouldn’t have and joined himself to people he should have avoided.  If you want to keep your integrity intact, learn the lesson of Balaam: just don’t go there.

         Avoid the places and people which tempt you.  Don’t even go to Moab.  Temptation is much easier to deal with from a distance.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 19-26; Psalm 17; Proverbs 17 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food.” (Numbers 21:5)

         One of the clearest signs that you are complaining is when the grumbling is self-contradicting.  When we start using words like ‘always’ or ‘never’, it is likely that we are exaggerating.  When the Jews complained that there was ‘no’ food and then complained that the food was miserable, it begs the question:

How does no food also taste miserable?

         Check your complaints for contradiction and exaggeration.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 19-26; Psalm 17; Proverbs 17

This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Speak to the sons of Israel that they bring you an unblemished red heifer in which is no defect…” (Numbers 19:2)

         Right now, war continues to rage between Islamic militants and the modern country of Israel.  One of the accusations recently leveled against Israel by Hamas is that they are “bringing red cows” to the land.  What on earth does that even mean?

         Turns out, the answer is in Numbers 19.  To cleanse and dedicate the temple, it takes the ashes of an unblemished red heifer.  Israel supposedly found some from some ranchers in Texas and shipped them across the ocean in hopes that they can rebuild the temple, rededicate it, and reestablish Judaism.  So Hamas continues to do horrible things in the name of Mohammed.

         The answer isn’t Mohammed, and it isn’t a new Jewish temple either.  The answer is Jesus.  He already sacrificed the temple of His body and now He sits at the right hand of God.  The only path to God is Jesus, and the only temple we need is the heavenly one.

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”

But He was speaking about the temple of His body. When therefore He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (John 2:19-22 ESV)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 19-26; Psalm 17; Proverbs 17 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“…and the LORD heard it.” (Numbers 12:2)

         When Miriam and Aaron grumbled about their brother, Moses, they probably thought they were alone… or at least that they were in receptive company.

         Who hasn’t cursed someone behind their back or spoken against another when they believed themselves to be in the right?  Phrases like, “somebody has to say it…” or “bless their heart” are bookends to criticism, grumbling, and murmuring the world over.  Even the word ‘murmur’ sounds like critique said quietly.

         But God heard those two that day.  God hears us, too.  Whatever you said yesterday, remember, the LORD heard it.  Choose your words carefully.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 11-18; Psalm 16; Proverbs 16 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“You will make known to me the path of life…” (Psalm 16:11)

         It is not in God’s character to hide from us.  He desires to be known by those who desire to know Him.  As Paul would later say of God’s relationship with mankind, His desire is “that they would seek God… though He is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 19:27)

         When we consider the detail and care God has placed in creating this world and placing us within it, it only makes sense that the same God who makes Himself so visible to us through the very creation would also make a path to Him known, too.

         The Scriptures are the path of life because within them is revealed the will of God and the character of God.  The gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 11-18; Psalm 16; Proverbs 16 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.’” (Psalm 16:2)

         I think one of the greatest dangers of affluence and prosperity is that it makes it much harder to say, “I have no good besides You.”

         I have a lot of good things.  I live in a powerful country with a strong economy and robust healthcare system.  I’ve got knowledge at my fingertips in the form of the internet and comfort never farther than a couch away.  It is easy to lull myself into believing that I have many good things besides the Lord.

         However, that’s like saying I have lots of water without the river.  The source of blessings is God, and everything else flows down from Him.  He is the headwaters of all that is good, and when I forget that, I dam myself off from the fountain of life.

         It is good to acknowledge this truth in our prayers.  There is value in speaking in His presence and our own, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.”

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 11-18; Psalm 16; Proverbs 16 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 16:25)

         Just because you are confident doesn’t mean you are right.  The builders of the Titanic were confident, too.

         Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 11-18; Psalm 16; Proverbs 16 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Proverbs 16:18)

         I’m not worried about the parent who doubts their ability – they will seek advice.  I’m terrified about the confident parent.

         I’m not worried about the nervous Bible teacher – they will study hard and do their best to find God’s truth.  I’m terrified about the teacher who thinks they know it already.

         I’m not worried about the Christian who doubts and struggles – they will cling to the Lord, pray often, and humble themselves.  I’m terrified about the Christian who never doubts themselves.

         I’m not worried about the leader who feels the impostor – they will try and live up to who they know they should be (but fear they aren’t).  I’m terrified of the leader who never questions themselves.

         I’m not worried about the humble – the humble will improve.  I’m terrified for the proud because I know their only teacher will be consequences.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

This Week’s Reading: Numbers 11-18; Psalm 16; Proverbs 16 This year, #Biblebites are looking at lessons from the history of the Old Testament.  Each week reads a section of history with a Psalm to meditate on and a dash of Proverbs to dwell upon.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2024-vision