Proverbs 23:17-19

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

Alright, I would like to dissect and define this verse for you guys, as it was on my meditator yesterday. First thing I would like to notice is that it says “let not thine heart.” You are completely in charge of the trigger position of your heart. You are completely in charge of whether or not you’re thinking Philippians 4 thoughts or if you are thinking Romans 1-3 thoughts. When you recognize a Romans 1-3 thought, then cast it down, and think about whatever it is that God gave you that morning. Don’t remember? Carry a meditation card with you and memorize it, and then meditate upon it.

Alright, so, don’t let your heart envy a sinner. What’s envy? Envy is discontentment with the superior service of another. Aren’t we Christians? Should not we be praising God when others do well? Is it worthy of praise? Philippians tells us to think on it. Is it good? Philippians tells us to think on it. Are you thinking on those things? Why not? Who are the sinners this verse is referring to? Everyone. It’s that simple: do not let yourself meditate upon discontentment with the performance of others. Don’t do it. Yield to the Spirit, because when you start to think on these other things it will ruin your day, and your spirit.

Next, live in the fear of the Lord. Allow each moment of the day to be one of reverance for the character and person of God. If you are in the fear of the Lord then it will be rather difficult for you to be envious of someone else’s position because you know you are exactly where God wants you to be, and they are exactly where God wants them to be, and you can rejoice with them. Can I just tell you that it is hard to rejoice with someone when you are not in a spirit of care and brotherly love? You can weep with those that weep, but it’s hard to rejoice with someone who got a job promotion, or a raise, or a new car, or some other blessing that you’ve been praying for and think you deserve. Rejoice with them my friend.

Why should we live in the fear of the Lord? Because our hope will not be deferred when we rest assuredly in Him. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when you’re resting in the fear of God, then there is an expected end, and you’re expectation shall not be cut off. You don’t have to worry about your hope being deferred when God is in the center of your meditations because then you’re looking at it from His perspective. You can say

Alright God, I know what I want, but I would like to thank you for this cross, the opportunity to die to myself, and live to the Spirit, and accept these circumstances that you’ve placed me in. All will happen in your time. Thank you for what you’re doing in my life.

Be wise, hear and listen to these sayings, and guide your heart. Again with the having control over your heart. You hear these sayings, guide your heart, and then you’re wise. You might not do it right every time, but at least you’re listening and doing, and you are likened unto a wise man. Isn’t that what we all want? Wisdom?

Hope you were thoroughly blessed. May God be with you all.

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Recently, I have been taking a class at Bible College, Baptist History and Heritage. It has been absolutely amazing to learn the history of my Baptist forefathers. Also, to realize that American Liberty has only been given because of the Separate Baptist movement during the time of the Revolutionary War. All you atheist out there: if it weren’t for us you would be FORCED to attend a church service of the Congregationalists. Isn’t that interesting? The Baptist pushed for pure freedom of liberty of conscience, and not a state sanctioned religion with tolerance. In New England, in the beginning times of our country, especially in the state of Massachusetts, there was a tax that was required to be payed, by law, to the preachers of the churches. It was against the law not to tithe! I’m sure preachers of America would appreciate it if that were the case today, but that would be enforcing something that only the Bible could enforce on someone. It’s a persons love of God that makes them tithe, not respect for the law.
Also, that people were willing to die over the issue of infant baptism because it was considered the badge of the antichrist is amazing! I never realized the importance that the local churches need to place on the ordinances of the church.
I recommend American Crimson Red by James Beller for anyone who is interested in learning about their Baptist forefathers.

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