December 1, 2011 by Butch · Filed under Scripture
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. – Matthew 5:4 ESV
Literally, “Happy are those who are grieving.” What are the ways that this could possibly be true?
- Tribulation matures patience (Romans 5:3-4)
- It grows the fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11)
- Godly sorrow will lead to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Jesus’ promise of comfort in troubling times is certainly a precious gift. Mourning is an emotion that can cause us to act on some serious matters:
- Christians should mourn the sinful world
- We mourn our own sins
- We mourn the family and friends who are lost
You see, only those convinced of the sinfulness of sin will ever be sorrowful for their separation from God and seek a remedy – much like one who is not sick does not seek out a physician. The Great Physician says “Come Unto Me all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
November 30, 2011 by Butch · Filed under Scripture
15 ”Greed has two daughters
named ‘Give’ and ‘Give.’
There are three things that are never satisfied,
really four that never say, ‘I’ve had enough!’:
16 the cemetery, the childless mother,
the land that never gets enough rain,
and fire that never says, ‘I’ve had enough!’ – Proverbs 30:15-16 NCV
Focusing on material things has no end but the kind of greed and covetousness described here. It is best to flee these things and “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11).
Its best to concentrate on contentment, learn to be generous, grow from godliness. When you do, the spiritual void in your heart shrinks. There will no longer be a need to fill it with things that do not have everlasting substance (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Imagine getting everything you ever wanted by giving away as much as you can! (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
