Pastor Bryan's Devotions
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Good morning TBC, 

Another week has quickly come and gone and I pray your's has been a blessed week. Please remember, Sunday evening at 5 will be our Christmas celebration and Jesus Birthday party. Potluck dinner will follow at or around 6. Please remember the opportunity of sponsoring an Haitian child for a Christmas gift. The gift will be received at the Christmas celebration for anyone wanting to give. 

Proverbs 3:29-35 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.32 For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. 

Vss. 29-30 Conduct:In this world of fear and distrust our conduct as believers in Christ, should always secure our neighbors. We should never conduct our lives in a manner that would ever cause distrust or uneasiness from anyone we may be in contact with. Our lives should always gender trust and peace. 

Vs.31 Character: While conduct is what man can see, character is what God sees. While our conduct toward others may be acceptable, we must guard our hearts from the temptation of envying to be partakers of the deeds of the wicked. We must surrender our lives completely to the Spirit of the Lord each day, so that our conduct and character will match. 

Vs.31b Choices: The oppressor's ways are violent, hateful, cruel, false, unjust and greedy. As we are witnesses of such deeds and sometimes personally affected by them, we are to daily choose to walk in the paths of righteousness, love, grace and peace. 

Vss. 32-35 Consequence: God's promises of revelations, blessings grace and glory are on the habitations of the righteous, but His promise of cursing is in the house of the wicked. Which house would you want to live in? Yet so many choose the cursed house. 

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Joshua 24-15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 

Conduct and Character is important, God and man are watching. Choices have consequences! God bless your day with grace and peace. 

Love you all 
Good morning TBC, 

Thanks to all who attended the Business Meeting last night. If anyone or any family would like to sponsor a Christmas gift for an Haitian child through our Church sponsored Haiti Mission, you can do so for $10. Anyone that desires to do so can bring your gift to church either service on Sunday. Any amount will be ok, less or more, all donations will be combined. 

Proverbs 3:28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. 

Solomon Says that if we have the ability to help a neighbor, we are not to delay or rather make excuses for not helping our neighbor in his or her need. So the question of the Lawyer to Jesus, "who is my neighbor" in the Gospel of Luke 10:25-37 becomes very important. You can read the story here:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A25-37&version=KJV In Luke's account of the Good Samaritan there were a series of questions and answers, 1) what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 2) What is written in the law? 3) Love God and love your neighbor(abbreviated answer) 4) Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 5) "And who is my neighbour?" 6) Jesus answered by parable, and then Jesus asked a different question, (abbreviated version) 7) Who was a neighbor to the injured victim? The Lawyer answered, 8) the one who showed mercy and Jesus instructed him to do likewise. 

Jesus then turned the question of "who is my neighbor", to a directive, "Go, and do thou likewise." By showing mercy to those who fall victim to a cruel and hateful world we are being a neighbor, therefore everyone is a possible neighbor, known or unknown. If we have the "ability" to help someone up, clean someone up or render care to someone that's been abused or harmed or fallen in some way, we are to be a neighbor by helping them. Because this is your neighbor. "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Let us not pass to the other side, without at least seeing if we have the ability to help our neighbor in need. We would want the same for ourselves or one of our loved ones. 

God bless you with His grace and peace. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

I hope everyone rested well last night. Please remember the quarterly business meeting tonight at 7 pm. If you are an active voting member I encourage you to come tonight. We will be voting on the 2020 budget and committee leadership positions. We will also discuss some changes in the 2020 Church worship services. 

Proverbs 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 

Solomon instructs in honor and benevolence. When we have the opportunity to show or give "good", honor and tribute to someone it is due, we are to give it according to the power we possess to render it. Who is "due" such good? This small word due covers a rather large area. It can mean a spouse, parent, teacher an appointed captain or chief ruler, or someone who has served well under command or authority. To give "good" can mean material goods, monetary reward or payment and can be as simple as showing grace, gratitude, kindness, respect or a kind word or deed toward those worthy. 

In today's toxic society, rendering good, or honoring those to whom its due is the furthest thing from many people's minds. Let's keep a guard on our emotions and keep them from getting caught up in all of the poison that is being spewed out in today's society. The Apostle Paul said it like this to the Romans: 

Romans 13:1,4,6,7 1.Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 4.For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 6.For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7.Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 

Lets try to be aware each day of any opportunity to do "good" to those to whom it is due, they are God's ministers. God bless you with grace and peace. 

Love you all
Good Morning TBC. 

I pray that each one rested well last night. Thank you to all who attended the Church Council last evening. Remember the quarterly Business Meeting tomorrow night at 7 pm. Bro Al and Sister Penny asks for continued prayer for themselves and their team, Gary, Dale, Ioma, Terry and Yvonne as they prepare to begin their ministry in Brunswick Co. School System this coming Thursday after school. 

Proverbs 3:26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. 

Confidence, what is it? This word comes from a Hebrew word which means: fatness of the loins. We may understand it better as , "being able to stand on our own two feet". We want our children to grow up and be able to stand and we want to be confident in all our decisions we make. Governments want us to trust their intentions, companies advertise to gain our trust and confidence in their products. Many in this world and even in the churches are trying to gain our confidence. 

Paul said in Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 

In reality, we cannot put absolute trust in anyone or any system in this world when fallible man is involved. George Duffield wrote the song "Stand up, Stand up for Jesus". One line he wrote says, " the arm of flesh will fail you, you dare not trust your own". Solomon in all his God given wisdom instructs us today, that only in our trustworthy God and Savior can we put our total confidence and when we do that, we can have "Confidence" that we can stand and our feet will be on a firm and eternal foundation. 

Paul told the Philippians: Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 

We should do all we can to live a successful and confident life and teach our children the same, but never place our full "confidence" in any other person or system than our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who is able to make you stand and bring our lives to a successful conclusion. Jude vs 24 and Jeremiah 29:11 

God bless your day with His grace and peace. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC. 

I pray that each one will have a blessed week and have many opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ. There is a church council meeting tonight at 6pm Continue to pray for Al, Penny and their team as they prepare to enter the Brunswick County School system with the Gospel on Thursday this week. Quarterly Business meeting is Wednesday night at 7pm. 

Proverbs 3: 19-25 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 

Long before Solomon, long before Darwin, Einstein and Steven Hawkins, there was a Creator God, the intelligence behind intelligent design. The more scientist study the creation the more complicated they find creation to be. Even Mr Hawkins before his death declared that creation was to vast and too organized, just to be the results of an accident. Though as far as I know, he never just came out and said that God created the heavens and earth, he did say there had to be intelligent design behind our universe. He basically said it could not begin as an explosion and develop through evolution into the well organized, complicated universe man has come to know today. 

Solomon understood that everything he could see, was here because of the God of wisdom. God had established, settled and ordered creation by and through His wisdom. Solomon now instructs his son and us today, to lay hold on this wisdom that is available from God. This wisdom will give life to our soul and beauty to our life. This wisdom will order our steps in safety, and we can lie down in peace without fear of the things that are coming upon the wicked of this world. If God in His wisdom created all things and set them in motion, I am confident we can trust Him to direct our lives today, no matter what we may have to face. As the preacher and hymn writer, John Stockton penned, "Only trust Him, only trust Him, only trust Him now..." We can trust our God, Creator and Redeemer Jesus Christ, for He is wise and faithful. 

Have a blessed day and may it be filled with God's grace and peace 

Love you all
Good morning TBC, I hope your week has been good and that this day is blessed with the Lord's presence. Please remember Jen's family as her Aunt passed away unexpectedly this week, Jen's family will be having a memorial service at TBC on Saturday from 2 to 4. Continue to remember Sister Jackie Jones as she continues recovery at home. 

Proverbs 3: 13-18 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. 

God's value system is totally different from that of the world. When men are working and striving and spending their precious time to gain corruptible treasure such as silver and gold, God places the highest value on godly wisdom and understanding. The Father wrapped up all that valuable wisdom in His Son, Jesus and Jesus became our source of heavenly wisdom. What is the value of earthly treasure? What merchandise can you obtain through it? Well, you can buy a car, an house, an education. You can purchase all manner of things that will perish with the using, but all of earth's treasures and it's merchandise will remain on earth and will never afford Heavenly merchandise. Truly, what are we living for? What is our focus? What is our hope? If we seek and obtain the Wisdom of God, It's purchasing power is not only valuable in this world, but of the heavenly also. 

Wisdom exceeds all of man's expectations and desires. Nothing can compare to Her merchandise, which is, lasting beauty and value, length of days, riches and honor in this life. Her countenance is pleasant and her paths are peace, Wisdom is the Tree of Life and her fruit is abundant blessings for all who find Her and continue under Her shade. Let us make sure that our value system aligns with that of our Heavenly Father's. Let's spend time seeking the eternal treasures of Christ first and all the things pertaining to this life will be added to us. 

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

Now that's Wisdom! God bless you today with His grace and peace. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC, Hope everyone rested well. I want to thank each one for the prayers for our resent travels. In the last week we've traveled between 2300 and 2400 miles without a glitch, praise the Lord for His mercies. 

Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 

People today are seeking happiness in so many different ways, through pleasures, possessions, power, prestige and the list could go on. The Scripture today, instructs us that in finding wisdom and understanding we find the true source of being happy or blessed. The wisdom and understanding the Scriptures is talking about is the wisdom and understanding of God, which comes from diligently setting ourselves to seek His presence each day of life. As we search and dig through the word of God by the direction of the Holy Spirit, we begin to uncover hidden nuggets and jewels of the mysteries of God's glorious person. 

Most of the time treasures are found deeper than the surface. You and I must be willing to dig and stay the course if we are to find the true treasures of God that brings lasting happiness. However, our Lord is faithful to drop a few nuggets and jewels on purpose for easy finding, in order to keep us from being discouraged as we dig for the treasures of God. Do we really want true happiness or will we settle for a worldly counterfeit? Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened and ask and it will be given to you. Wisdom and understanding is worth the effort it takes to find them. 

God bless your day with His grace and peace. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC 

I hope all rested well last night. Remember prayer service tonight at 7 PM.  

Proverbs 3:11,12 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 

We have seen how to honor our Heavenly Father through giving. Now we will see how to honor our Heavenly father through receiving. Do you reckon that's what the scripture meant by "it is more blessed to give than to receive":) 

Hebrews 12 addresses these very verses and Hebrews 12:11 states: Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 

Chastening is simply the giving of appropriate correction. It can be done through verbal rebuke, removing of privileges and a rod of correction. We can be confident that chastening from our Lord is always for our benefit and always because we need it. The instruction of today's scripture is for us to not despise or rebel against the Lord's correction and to understand that He corrects only those that He loves and belongs to Him. 

Hebrew 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 

The blessing of correction in a child of God's life is that it produces righteousness and peace. Chastening is not enjoyable, but we can honor our Father by surrendering to His corrective voice or hand and become thankful, when we know that God always corrects in love. 

God bless you with His grace and peace. 

Love you all   
 Good morning TBC, 

I hope everyone rested well last night. 

Proverbs 3:9,10 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 

 Giving for the right reason is so very important, if we are to give with the right and proper motive. We have seen that our giving, whether by tithes, alms or offering, is to be done all for the glory and honor of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our giving to the Lord, to honor Him, comes with some very good benefits as we see in vs. 10. It would seem, according to Solomon, the more we are willing to trust God, which is shown through our giving back to Him, the more He will bless us, in order to be able to continue to honor and bless His Holy Name. Selfishness, stinginess, greed and covetousness are all ways of cutting off the flow of God's benefits to us and to others. 

I am always reminded of an incident that happened to me. A man that I knew, came to me quite often to ask to "borrow" some money. One day he came in where I worked, once again to borrow some money. I saw him coming and I told the ladies not to tell him where I was, so I hid. He stuck his head in the door and when he never saw me, he just turned and left. The ladies in the office told me it was clear and so I came out of hiding, but lo and behold he came back without me seeing him and he caught me. He asked to borrow $5. I was so aggravated, but grudgingly gave him the money. After he left, my boss asked me to pick up trash that had blown into the office yard the night before. As I picked up the trash, I found the worse $5 dollars I'd ever seen. The Holy Spirit said to my heart, that if that $5 meant so much to me I could just have it back. That was one of the toughest lessons on giving I had ever received, but probably the best one I could have ever gotten. 

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 

God bless you with grace and peace today. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

I hope all rested well and we thank the Lord for His many blessings He bestows on us each day. Continue to remember Sister Jackie Jones as she recovers from surgery, Remember Ladies prayer tonight at 6:30 PM, all ladies are invited to come. 

Proverbs 3:9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 

We come to the third way of giving, "the Offering". The Offering is a "ministering" gift, to minister to the Saints of God in need. In Paul's second epistle to the Church at Corinth, chapter nine, he commends and instructs them in their willingness to minister to the needs of suffering Saints in Jerusalem. Please take time to read chapter nine as time won't permit us to cover the whole chapter. 

2 Cor. 9:6,7 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 

The Offering is a purposed gift, it is to be prayerfully considered in the giver's heart before it is offered. The offering is not a dictated amount by the leadership of the Church, but is an amount settled on between the giver and the Spirit of God. Once we have spent time in prayer and settled on the amount to be given, then we will be able to give the gift with a cheerful, rejoicing heart. Paul also gives a few basic instructions on our attitude in giving an Offering. Paul says to give, without covetousness (holding back) vs. 5, not sparingly but bountifully vs.6 and in vs. 7, not grudgingly nor of necessity (being forced or shamed into), but cheerfully. 

In all of our giving, whether Tithes, Alms, or Offerings we are only giving back to the Lord a portion of what He has given to us. These three ways of giving are also three ways of showing thanks. 

1) Thankful that God trusts us. 
2) Thankful that we are not in the same condition of the poor and able to show God's love and compassion. 
3) Thankful to be partakers in the sufferings of Christ, by relieving the Saints that are suffering for Christ's cause. 

In this season of giving of gifts. I pray we all will consider how we give and with what purpose and motive. 

May God grant to each one His grace and peace throughout this day. 

Love you all
I hope all had a great Thanksgiving time with families and friends. Please continue in prayer for those traveling on these busy highways. 

Proverbs 3:9,10 9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 

We listed three ways to give unto the Lord, Tithing, Alms and Offerings. We saw that the tithe belonged to the Lord and the tithe was actually a trust or a stewardship on our part. The second means of giving was and is through the giving of Alms. Alms is the compassionate giving to the poor, needy and afflicted. Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:1-4, how the giving of alms were to be done. 

First, alms were to be done discretely if at all possible. Alms were not to be given in the sight of other men. Alms is a transaction between the giver and the receiver only and if possible we should give in a way that the receiver doesn't even know who we are. Second, alms are to be done quietly. We are not to announce to anyone that we have given an alms. The giving of Alms as Christ said, discreetly and quietly does two things, one, it saves embarrassment to the receiver. Second, it gives God all the glory because the giver is seen only as God's provision. If alms are given in the sight of men, the giver will lose their heavenly Father's reward. Likewise if after we do alms, we announce it to anyone and receive praise for our giving, our giving is considered hypocritical and we are considered hypocrites and lose once again our Father's blessings and reward. Alms giving is a delicate manner of giving, one's motive can be quickly exposed and rewards lost, both now and in glory, if not done according to the Master's plan. 

Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 

God bless your day with grace and peace, Have a blessed weekend. 

Love you all.
Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving Day TBC. 

Thanks to everyone for your prayers as we traveled, we made it without any trouble. Remember the Swans and Garvey's as they travel during the Thanksgiving Holiday. There may be others traveling from TBC that I'm unaware of also. 

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 

Holidays, instead of being a delight, can turn into something just the opposite, I pray that the peace of God rule,(orders, controls, and directs) each one's heart and family during this time together and make us at one with one another, so that we all can truly be "THANKFUL" 

God Bless you all with His grace and peace and give to each one a true spirit of Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!!! 

Love you all
Good Morning TBC. 

I hope you all rested well. Thank you for your prayers for Sister Jackie, keep her in your prayers as she recovers. No service tonight, Becky and I will be traveling today, thank you for your prayers. 

Proverbs 3:9,10 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 

There are basically three ways of giving of our increase to the Lord: 

1 The Tithe 
2 The Alms 
3 the Offering 

We will attempt to briefly define each way of giving unto the Lord. The Tithe according to the OT book Leviticus 27:30, belongs to the LORD. And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord. The tithe, which means the 10th part was, and is, a trust between God and his people. The tithe includes all of our increase. Israel was an agricultural economy, so the tithe was according to the harvest value of their crops. Our society is more a monetary economy so we measure the tithe accordingly, 10% of our total increase, belongs to the LORD. The tithe is not a gift from us to the Lord, but a stewardship of a trust, that He trusted us with and is the primary means of meeting the needs of the local church ministries and operations. 

Now, I know that some will immediately say, that's under the law and we're not under the law. Actually the tithe was given by Abraham before the Levitical law was given, (Gen, 14: 20) and Hebrews 7:9,10 says that Levi paid tithes in Abraham. As we contemplate the action of tithing, we must remember two things: first, the tithe is the LORD's and second, the tithe is a sacred stewardship between God and his child. 

Malachi in chapter 3 verses 8 and 9 says, that those who refused to give the tithe to the Lord was actually a thief. 8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 

Today, whatever the Lord has trusted us with, I pray we are found faithful.

 God bless you with His grace and peace. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

I pray everyone rested well and I pray every heart is filled this week with praise and thankfulness unto our God and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember Sister Jackie today as she prepares to have her surgery this afternoon. No mid-week service this week. Becky and I, Lord willing will be traveling to Falls Church Va. to be with Daniel, Darla and Carolina for Thanksgiving. We will return Saturday, but if something comes up, we will return sooner. 

Proverbs 3:9,10 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 

We often wonder how to give proper praise and honor to the God of our salvation. Solomon says to honor Him by giving back a portion of His bountiful supply. Giving is an act of worship to God. for His faithfulness in supplying for all our needs. By giving unto the Lord, we are saying thank you and we trust you. When we give back to Him, He allows us to partner with Him in blessing others and getting the Gospel of Jesus Christ out to the world. As a young child my Grandfather took us to church, but before we went into church, he gave each of us some money to put in the offering plate as it passed by. As a child I was so proud that I had something to put in the plate, but as I got older, I realized, I was only giving what my grandfather had trusted me with to give. What a lesson he taught me, not only that it was an honor and joy to give, but what I was giving, really wasn't mine. I really had nothing to give, except a trust from my Heavenly Father. So we really have nothing to give to the Lord of ourselves, but what we give back to the Lord and His Kingdom is just a portion of what He had trusted us with. 

Lets renew our thoughts and attitudes on giving and give to honor and worship the One who has given His increase into our lives. We really have nothing to give except from that which the Lord has given. 

God bless you with His grace and peace throughout this day. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC. 

I hope everyone rested well last night. Thank you to everyone for yesterday's service of Thanksgiving to our LORD Jesus Christ. There will be no Wednesday night service this week. Please continue praying for Sister Jackie Jones as she prepares for surgery Tuesday afternoon. Continue to pray for Dave, Iris and Matthew as Dave and Iris both are still recovering. 

Proverbs 3:7,8 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 

There is a fear that is harmful and unhealthy and there is a fear that if healthy and life preserving. The unhealthy fears are call phobias. These fears are defined as extreme or irrational fear, or fear with no real basis. Solomon said to fear the LORD and depart from evil. This fear is defined as: to morally reverence, exceedingly dreadful and fearful.  A healthy fear and reverence of God is both nourishing in child development and will bring us into spiritual growth and maturity. 

We don't have to be "afraid" of the LORD, but it is wise to fear Him. As we learn to follow Him, we understand His holy hatred of evil, which in turn give us the wisdom to stay clear of what ultimately raises God's anger, wrath and chastisement. When we learn to have the proper fear of God, we will have no need to fear anyone else. 

Jesus said to His disciples: Matt. 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. With fear on every side, let's choose to fear only one, the Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is our Father and God. 

May God's grace and peace be with each one today. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

I pray your week has been a blessed one. Remember after worship service Sunday, the Church membership present, will be voting on the nomination of Jason LeRay for the office of a Deacon for TBC. This vote must be a vote of at least 75% in order for the nomination to be approved. Please continue to lift up Bro Tim and Sister Elaine. Please continue to pray for Ricky Rambeaut's Grand Daughter's mother, Alisha in her recovery from her surgery and for the possible treatments that lay ahead of her. Pray for Sister Jackie Jones as she prepares for surgery on the 25th. 

Proverbs 3:5-8 5.Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 

Trust as we learn to trust the LORD for all our provisions, we must trust Him for all direction also. We must trust Him to be involved in every aspect of our life. We must trust Him to have the best for us in His heart and purpose. The Scriptures say to "acknowledge" Him in "all" our ways. To acknowledge Him is to recognize His right to direct and intervene in our journey here. We must also understand that it's not just His right but his heart felt desire to direct and give to us the best options in life. He who knows the beginning from the end and all things in between, should be gladly trusted with our every way on this earth, We are instructed by the writer to give the LORD this right, not just in our ways but in all our ways. Big or small God wants to be involved. 

What change in direction are we contemplating today, what business deal, what purchase are we thinking about? No matter how big or small, let's honor our Heavenly Father by first seeking His direction. He really desires for us to "trust" His wisdom in every matter of our life. No matter how fast we may feel we have to act on any decision, it will always be to our benefit to take time to seek God, so we can know that He is directing, whether it turns out as we had hoped for or not. Father Knows Best. 

God Bless you today with His grace and peace. 

 Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

 I hope all rested well. Prayer service tonight at 7. 

Proverbs 3:3,4 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 

Yesterday we defined Mercy and Truth. Mercy: is the absolute undeserved, benevolent action or gift of God and Truth: is the absolute, steadfast trustworthiness of God's character, God in His infinite wisdom, married Mercy and Truth together. When apart from each other, they can quickly be misidentified or misunderstood. God loves Mercy, but He cannot show Mercy without or apart from Truth, He will always show Truth, but Truth without Mercy is a bitter pill to swallow. Mercy shown without Truth can become compromise, entitlement and victimization. How? Mercy alone will never hold anyone accountable for their deeds nor reveal the nature of their condition. Mercy alone can cause people to accept any standard of morality. Mercy alone can make everyone entitled to the same benefits without having to hold to the same standard of ethics. Finally, Mercy alone may only see victims of their own society and surroundings Mercy without Truth, cannot give to "victims" a way out or the ability to change, just comfort in their mess' Truth is always truth, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" Truth can always stand alone. Truth never compromises.

 Truth's standards and ethics are never lowered to include anyone. As the old saying goes, Truth will be standing when the world is on fire. When there is no Mercy, there will still be truth. The truth is, we cannot handle Truth without Mercy, by His side. God will not compromise his Truth for any man, for any reason. Truth demands "Justice." So Truth, in His love for truth and need for Justice and in His great love for us, took His true love Mercy, and nailed Mercy to the cross, satisfying Justice and making a way out and giving power to change, for those who had broken and maligned His Truth. Hallelujah! Now that Mercy and Truth are together forever, they are able to save all that come to them to the uttermost. 

Thanks be to God for His Mercy and Truth God bless your day with His grace and peace.

 Love you all 
Good morning TBC 

I pray all rested well last night. Be in prayer as the Church will be voting on Jason LeRay's nomination as a Deacon this Sunday immediately after worship service this coming Sunday. In order to be approved, the candidate must receive a minimum of 75% approval of the voting members. 

Proverbs 3:3,4 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 

Today Solomon points us to Mercy and Truth. Mercy is the absolute undeserved, benevolent action or gift of God, given to those who deserve justice. Truth is the absolute, steadfast trustworthiness of God's character, which guides Him, in every action, judgement and desire that He possesses. Our Father not only possesses these characteristics but also expects his children to be possessed of the same characteristics. He wants them displayed around our necks as a necklace, so that men may see them lived out in our lives. He also wants them written on the tables of our heart so they are not just actions that men can see, but the controlling characteristics of our nature. 

When we practice Mercy and Truth that man can see, we receive favor from man, but when we allow the Holy Spirit to engrave Mercy and Truth, the very nature of God, on the tables of our heart and they become our nature, we then receive the favor of God on our life. In order for Mercy and Truth to become our nature, we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the glory of God our Father. 

 Romans 12:1, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

I pray our Lord will keep His grace and peace on each one throughout this day, 

Love you all 
Good morning TBC, 

I hope everyone rested well last night. What a wonderful time spent at church Yesterday morning with our Gideon speaker, Bro Shawn Stovall and and his wife were wonderful. The testimonies of God's glorious work through His Word thrills my heart to hear. Because of your generous giving around 225 Bibles or 500 New Testaments will be placed somewhere around the world, that others may know our Savior, GLORY! Thanks to each one who made the Thanksgiving dinner great, the food was wonderful and plenty. The Christmas Shoe boxes were packed and ready to go, I forget the actual number, but there was over 60!! Great job, AWANA Children, Youth, wonderful Leadership and generous donors; I believe one glorious day, each of you will meet some one on the Streets of Gold and they'll let you know what impact your gift and love for Jesus meant for them. Thank you and God bless you all. 

Proverbs 3: 1,2 1. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2. For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 

In today's scripture, I don't just hear a command from a father, but I hear a father's plea to his son. Don't forget what I've told you, please. I hear the same plea from the Holy Spirit of our Heavenly Father.  Satan is a thief, a liar and a murderer. He came to steal, kill and destroy. Every time our Heavenly Father speaks to us, Satan is not far away, trying to steal away God's word spoken to us. A thief only steals that which is of value and Satan understands the eternal value of God's word to us. A murderer wants to end life and a destroyer wants to take away any sense of normality and peace.  

We must set a guard on the vault our heart, that the precious treasure of God's word, placed within our heart won't be stolen away. What the enemy desires to do to us is exactly the opposite of what the Word of God can and will do for us. Instead of stolen and broken dreams, our Father gives "length of days" or abundant Life; instead of death, our Father's words are Eternal Life, and instead of destruction and chaos, His word gives peace. Sometimes our Father's words may seem kinda harsh, a killjoy, but in reality, they are life protecting and life giving. Let's not forget the value of our Father's Word, The thief knows its value, so let's make sure it's kept secure in our heart and safe from the thief that would steal it away. In doing so, we are also securing our own life. 

I pray you all have a most wonderful day and God grant you His Grace and Peace. 

Love you all
Good Morning TBC, 

 Tim's daughter, Shelley came through her surgery well, but I was told that time will tell the degree of success. Please continue to lift her to the Lord, especially for spiritual healing. Keep Elaine and Tim in your prayers also. Sunday after service is the Church Thanksgiving Dinner, the church is providing the meats. Gideon Missionary will be with us in the morning service. The AWANA children are packing Operation Christmas Child Boxes Sunday evening. 

 Proverbs 2: 10,11 10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 

 When the "Wisdom and Knowledge" of God becomes "Pleasant" (agreeable, beautiful, delightful, sweet) to the listening soul of the believer, they give unto their receiving host discretion (ability to distinguish). Discretion in turn becomes a preserver, a keeper, and a deliverer for those willing to follow Wisdom and Knowledge's directions. The word preserve means to hedge about with thorns, to protect by making aware of danger. The wisdom and knowledge of God preserves, hedges us in against the perverse and froward words (that which is contrary to established truth) of the wicked. 

 We are seeing and hearing more and more perverse teaching today, leading the simple and vulnerable astray from sound and established truth. However when such words or teachings come near those preserved by wisdom and knowledge, it come up against a hedge of thorns. What happens then? As the thorns of wisdom and knowledge sink in, we are warned by the increased loudness from the pain inflicted to perversity as it tries without success to get to the heart of the preserved. 

 Wisdom and Knowledge also keeps us in touch with reality and make us aware when flattering words come our way. Flattery means to speak smoothly in order to lessen the severity or extent of the actions requested or of a crime committed. If Wisdom and Knowledge are not heeded and Flattery gets her way: 

 Vss. 18 ... her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. 19. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. 

 No matter how convincing and smooth the words of the wicked sound, make sure that God's wisdom and knowledge is your heart's delight and has you hedged in. May God hedge you in today and give you grace and peace. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

 Please pray for Tim's daughter, Shelley as she under goes liver surgery today, pray for God's peace on Bro. Tim and Elaine also. We will be privileged to have Bro Shawn Stoval, of the Gideons International with us this coming Sunday morning. An offering will be received for the Gideon Ministry Sister Michelle, missionary to Haiti, request continual prayer for their deteriorating spiritual and governmental conditions. Michelle is having to spend most of the time almost like a prisoner in her own home, under lock down due to the violence and unrest. Remember Thanksgiving Dinner after service Sunday. 

 Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 

 In our Scripture today, Solomon makes two simple but very important statements: 
1. God is the source and giver of Wisdom. 
2. Knowledge and understanding comes from the mouth of God.

 I think it is important we understand that Solomon made these statements to his son. Why you may ask, because Solomon's son had seen kings and queens and ambassadors come from all over the known world, to give gifts and honor to Solomon, his father, and to witness his wisdom for themselves. Solomon was the wisest ruler any one had ever known. When the Queen of the south came to sit before Solomon and hear his words and see the glory of his kingdom and how he conducted himself, she was totally taken with what she witnessed.

 In 1Kings 10:6,7, she says, concerning all she saw and heard, 6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. 7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. 

 How grand and wonderful Solomon must have been in the eyes of his son, but Solomon knew that the source of his wisdom was not in his intellect, but from GOD himself. Therefore Solomon, in his great wisdom was pointing his son away from himself and to the real Source of wisdom, GOD, which would also be available to his son for the seeking. When God trusts us with His wisdom, knowledge and understanding, let's make sure we point those who are listening, watching and following, to the very source of wisdom and understanding, Jesus Christ. 

Corinthians 1:24,30: 24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 

 If given the chance to show forth your wisdom today, make sure they see your Source, Jesus. Give them wisdom, give them Jesus. 

 Matt. 12:42b ...she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 

Hallelujah!!! God bless you today with His Wisdom, Grace and Peace, to share with others. 

 Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

I pray all rested well. Its already Wednesday, seems like time sure does fly by these days. Please remember Brother Tim's daughter, Shelley, as she under goes surgery on the 14th, also remember Brother Tim as he ministers to his daughter both spiritually and physically and as well as for Tim's safe travels along the many miles. 

Proverbs 2:1-5 1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 

Today I pose a question to each of us. Do we really want to know and worship God, as our Lord instructed the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:24? God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. If our answer is yes, then we must be willing to start our journey and pursuit that will last a lifetime. Though this is a lifelong endeavor, it is always one step, one day and one revelation at a time and then we must do battle to retain the knowledge and wisdom gained or the enemy will steal it away and we must start over. 

I am going to list the actions Solomon gave unto his son in order to find the silver and treasures of the Holy One. Receive, Hide, Incline, Apply, Cry, Lift Up or Shout, Seek, Search, "Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." Philippians 3:10 

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; We must take time to know God, it's truly not, an overnight thing. God bless you with grace and peace throughout this day. 

 I love you all
Good Morning TBC. 

I hope everyone had a good day yesterday and was able to thank at least one veteran for their service and sacrifice. Remember that our Thanksgiving meal will be this coming Sunday after morning service. Brother Kenneth said he would cook the turkeys and the Boston butts, everyone else bring the sides and desserts.

Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. 

As I read today's passage, I began to understand why so often the knowledge and worship of God is so shallow, powerless and driven mostly by emotion, rather than deep knowledge of Holy God. Solomon compares the getting of God's knowledge and wisdom to mining silver and uncovering treasure. Mining silver, is a labor intensive operation today and especially in Solomon's day. Silver is not normally found lying on top of the ground, but in dark and dangerous mines. Digging, hammering, loading, sledding, sifting, heating and so on must be done, until the final silver is produced. 

Hidden treasure is just what it says it is, it's hidden. It is real, it exists, it's valuable, but it's hidden. To find it, one must dedicate themselves to the task of finding it, no matter how long, how discouraging, how dangerous, or how delusional people may think you are. We must determine in our heart, that the treasure is worth the hunt. Today, we can either be satisfied with shallow and unfulfilling knowledge and wisdom of the Holy, or we can set ourselves to dig and hunt for the deep treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge. 

Our Holy God wants to share Himself with us, but He wants us to determine in our hearts, whether the pursuit of the Holy, is the prize worthy of our pursuit. I pray your day is filled with God's grace and peace. 

 I love you all
Good morning TBC. 

Happy Veteran's Day to all our military vets. God bless you all for your service. Wasn't it great to see Stephen and his daughter in church yesterday! If you have the day off, I pray you have a great day, thank a Vet. 

Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. 

In verses 21-32 we saw a place where grace could not go. A place of no hope, after God's pleas and calls were continually rejected. What a dismal terrible place I left us in last time. "But", what a beautiful, wonderful. glorious conjunction. 

Joseph would tell his brothers in Gen. 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 

Paul, in Ephesians 2, says we were going the wrong way, following the wrong crowd, heading toward a hopeless end, But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Ephesians 2:4 We would all seem to be in a place where grace could not go, "but", Hallelujah the Lord makes a way, a door of hope in the valley of Achor, Hosea 2:15. 

Achor means trouble and in the midst of trouble, hopeless despair, we can find God's grace and wisdom saying, But... in verse 33 God is saying, while others may be going down a hopeless path into eternity, you and I don't have to travel that path of rejection. If we but hearken (listen with obedience) to God's call, we will avoid a life and eternity of hopelessness. But, we shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. 

God bless your day with His grace and peace. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

I hope each one rested well last night. Thank you for each one's faithfulness to pray for those who have been listed for prayer. Our Lord said, men ought always and not faint. The fervent prayers of the righteous avails much. Bro Dave M informed me that their case was continued to a later date. Please remember Tim's daughter, Shelly, as she prepares for liver surgery. Pray also that her heart will be softened to hear the good news of Jesus and receive the ultimate healing. Lord willing Bro Terry's son, Steven comes home today! Keep him in your prayers as now the real battle begins. Ricky's grandchildren's mother is in rehab and seems to be doing great. 

Proverbs 1: 24-29 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: 

There is a place where grace cannot go; sad, scary and sobering words. In these verses, God readdresses three men previously mentioned here in Proverbs, chapter one, The Simple, the Scorner and the Fool. The Simple was satisfied with being the town Jester, he never took eternity or the things of God seriously. He is satisfied being used by the world, always seeking the world's approval, but never seeing it's abusive end. He may say something like this, "well I was just put here to make people happy and I think my good will outweigh my bad, God understands." 

The Scorner, he is loud, arrogant and mocks at God's truth. He ridicules those who trust in Christ and he speaks sarcastically about eternal things. . You might hear Scorner say, "don't tell me about hell and anyway, if I do go to hell, I'll be in good company." 

The Fool, absolutely hates any knowledge of the Holy. He may say, "don't tell me about God, I make my own destiny, when you're dead you're dead. There isn't any such thing as God or heaven or hell". These three have rejected God's counsel, mocked at His cry and rejected His outstretched arm. They are entering eternity and as they do, for the first time, they cry, but no answer. They reach out, but no arm to rescue. They believe, but only to hear a laugh, no mercy, no hope, and no way out. Grace cannot go where these have chosen to go. My heart breaks as I write this, we must share this truth with those heading into an eternity without GOD and NO Hope. 

May God's grace and peace guide you today. 

I love you all
Good morning TBC, 

Continue in prayer for Amanda as she will need to go to Durham for further test and treatment. Lord willing Steven comes home tomorrow. Brother Dave and Kristine Moncuse request prayer, as they go to court today to maintain full custody of their foster child Jayden. Dave, Kristine and Jason are the only family little Jayden have ever known. Pray for God's best for Jayden. When I fail to mention someone or something for prayer, please feel free to let me know. I try not to be redundant, but I do want prayer request known, thanks.    

Proverbs 1:24,25 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

In 2 Peter 3:9, Peter says, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. In verses 24 and 25 we can see the distance the Lord is willing to go in order to keep man from his own demise. First, we see, God calls to man. The word "call" means to call out by name. God makes a very personal call when trying to stop a man in danger. This word call also can be interpreted as to continually call until agitated. 

The Lord wants to deliver man so much, that He's almost like a telemarketer; He calls and calls and calls until you either answer or block His calls. Second, He stretches out a hand of reconciliation or rescue. As a man who is willing to forgive wrongs committed or lift someone who has fallen, he will offer his hand, so does the Lord, offer His hand to those who walk contrary to His will or have fallen into sin. 

In Isaiah 59:1, the prophet says: Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 

Third, the Lord freely gives to the wayward, counsel. He gives directions for travel, advice in life's transactions and the true purpose and meaning of life. 

Psalms 33:11 says: The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. 

Fourth, The Lord gives reproof in order to correct the journeyer's path, so that he avoids the perils, that can and will bring him harm and disaster. The Lord wants everyone to arrive alive and well. 

Hebrews 12:6 says: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 

The Lord calls, He reaches out, He gives needed counsels and reproofs, just so man will not miss the best that He has to offer, which is eternal life through His son Jesus Christ. What a patient and loving God, our Lord is, praise HIS holy Name!! It surely pays, to listen and heed His calls and warnings and receive His hand up, in our journey into eternity. I pray you all have a blessed day, filled with grace and peace from our Heavenly Father.

I love you all
Good Morning TBC,

Please continue to pray for Amanda, Terry's daughter, also Terry's son Steven gets to come home at the end of this week. Please keep him in your prayers.. Please pray for Brother Reed and Sister Linda Callahan and their family. 

Proverbs 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 

If you're on the receiving end of God's Reproof, it is usually not a pleasant experience. However, if it is received properly, it will result in less pain and heartache and trouble avoided, or at least not prolonged. Obeying the reproof for our Heavenly Father comes with two promises:

 1. The outpouring of His Spirit unto us. 

 2. The understanding or revelations of God's word given to us. The pouring out of God's Spirit, after His reproof is given and received properly, is the spiritual oil that is poured over the wound of reproof, to heal, strengthen and soothe its sting. 

It is this outpouring that makes us realize, that God's correction, was for the purpose of life, not death. This experience now enables growth and fruit bearing in our lives, worthy of our Lord and Savior. The revelation of God's word, after the experience of reproof, reinforces the Father's love and intentions toward the erring child. Maybe some can remember receiving a sharp reproof from a parent or even a teacher, we thought our world had ended and then, the tone changed, they sat us down and further explanation is given and their heart of compassion and their desire for us to have the best in our lives is revealed. The words of reproof have now become words of life. When God's Word has to reproof us, let's turn and hear, the heart and wisdom of His reproof and receive the healing oil of His Spirit, to mend our broken spirit. 

God bless your day with His grace and peace. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC 

 I hope you all slept well last night. Please continue to pray for Ricky's Grand children's mother, Yavonne's cousin and Brother Matt Anker's father, Bill. Dave and Iris and Matt are still recovering and desire the prayers of the church. I think of our youth and I praise the Lord for them and the leadership the Lord has raised up for them, please keep both the youth and the leaders in your prayers. Please remember my Pastor Clifford's son, Clint, he is a severe diabetic and is in the hospital with heart problems. He has had bypass surgery in the past, but at this time they are not sure exactly whats going on. 

Proverbs 1:22,23 22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

In verses 22 and 23, I hear the cry of Wisdom turn from a cry of greetings in verse 20, to a cry of urgency. I can almost hear her say, "how long will you keep doing the same old thing, follow the same old advice and expect to get a different result? Why won't you listen, why won't you turn?" Wisdom's, cry is now out of frustration, she has cried and no one listened, she has made herself available and no response is given. To the simple, Wisdom says, "how long do you want to be misused and abused?"  To the scorner, she says, "how long will you make your scornful faces and show your contempt at my instructions?" And, to the fool, she says, "how long will you reject the knowledge and reality the the Almighty?" 

These three types of people, are not in trouble today because God has abandoned them. They are in the mess they're in, because they have rejected the invitational cry of God and his Wisdom, to: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

It is not wrong to want to help, those who seem to always be on the losing side, but most people who are there, are there because of their refusal to listen to the voice of Wisdom, calling them to "TURN". If we want a successful, God honoring journey, we must make the conscious decision to not follow after the paths of the simple, the scorner or the fool, but to follow the path and instructions of God's Wisdom. Her voice can be heard , if we just take the time to listen. 

 GOD bless your day with his wisdom, grace and peace. 
Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

I hope everyone rested well last night. Yvonne's cousin, Mr Register was taken out of ICU and put in a private room yesterday, please continue to pray for him. Please remember Ricky's grandchildren's mother in her recovery and battle with a brain tumor. 

Proverbs 1: 20,21 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, Solomon personifies Wisdom in Vs' 20-33.

In verses 20 and 21, she has a voice to be heard by those who will listen. Wisdom cries and invites people to come and receive her instruction. The first thing we can see about Wisdom, is that she is not hidden, she is not a recluse that cannot be found. Wisdom makes herself available to any and all who desires her. She is described as being daily in the public arena. Wisdom wants to be known. Wisdom wants to share her value with anyone who will stop and take time to listen to her voice. 

The gate of ancient cities was there for the protection of the city, business was also conducted at the gate, court was held at the gate. Both, residents and foreigners entered and left through the gate. The gate played such an important part of a city in ancient days and Wisdom was the watchman. It was almost guaranteed that every person of that city, would at some point come or go through that gate. The watchman was familiar with every one and every transaction that went on at the gate. If you needed direction, the watchman could give it. If you had business, the watchman could direct you where to go. The watchman was so valuable and had to be trustworthy. 

Just as a watchman of a city gate is familiar with the daily concourse, so Wisdom understands and is familiar with our life's happenings and she what to share with us her insight, in order for us to make our passage safe and prosperous. Today and every day, we will have business to conduct, a change in direction to consider, a judgement to make, or maybe a security concern. Will we conduct our business alone, or will we hear the cry of Wisdom, as she says, who goes there, what is your business, how may I help you? Before we conduct any transaction, we must always consult Wisdom, she knows what we need and will freely give it. If you lack wisdom or just need more wisdom, just ask. 

James 1:5,6 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 

God bless your day, Walk in God's wisdom, grace and peace. 
Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

I hope that everyone rested well and have had a good week. I hope to see each one at Church this Sunday. Remember our time falls back an hour Sunday. Continue to pray for Yvonne's cousin and David, Iris and Mathew. Terry's daughter was admitted to the hospital. 

Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

As we go out into the streets of this world, as the Son in verse 8 was going to do. The first voice we need to hear and acquaint our self with, is the voice of Wisdom. There are so many voices vying for our attention in this world, we need to know which voice to hear. Solomon said that Wisdom cries and her voice is heard. Her cry is not one of distress or anguish, but a cry of greeting, to attract us without causing apprehension or doubt in the heart of the hearer. Her cry is one that says, "this is the way, walk therein." 

The voice of Godly Wisdom can always be distinguished, by her reminding us of the Godly instructions and laws already given. She will have no new word or way, but she will take of what has already been instructed and give, with it the ability to apply the instructions we have already received. Whether we are just embarking on life's journey or we have been traveling for a while, God never intends for us to go about life aimlessly, without direction. 

In order to properly navigate the streets that we must travel in this world, God has given to us proper instructions and laws. Along with these, He also has given us His gps, the Spirit of Wisdom, to guide us through the hazards of the road we travel. Let me say also, life's journey is not just about avoiding the hazards, but enjoying the journey of a lifetime. The voice of Wisdom gives us the wisdom to travel with confidence, to avoid the pitfalls and enjoy the splendors of God's glory along the way. If we walk with God's wisdom we can complete the journey successfully, 

God bless you with grace and peace, have a great day and weekend. 

Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

I hope your week is going well. Time sure seems like its sped up. October has come and gone, wow. My Grandmother would say, the older you get the faster time gets. It sure feels like it to me. Paul said to redeem the time. Please pray for Yvonne's cousin as he undergoes a liver transplant. 

Proverbs 1:8,9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. 

 How of us want to be victorious in our walk with the Lord? I am sure everyone would answer, I do. Solomon is saying to his son and to us today, that to keep the law of our mother and receive the instruction of our fathers, we will be victorious. Paul compared our life in Christ, as soldier in war and a runner in a race. If we are to be a good soldier of the Lord, we must follow the Lord's instructions and laws of engagement. We must know our weaponry and we must be willing to suffer hardships in order to successfully defeat the enemy and bring our Commander glory. As a runner in this race for the Lord, we must also train, we must know the course set before us. We must leave behind any unnecessary weights and with patience, keep our eyes on the Savior, for He knows the way. 

When the soldier and the runner hear the rules and obey the instructions given to them to engage in the task set before them, they will receive the rewards of their sacrifice and faithful obedience. When we follow God's law and hear with obedience, His instructions, Solomon said it would be: "an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck." The ornament of grace, was the victors crown, for running the race successfully and lawfully. The chain on the neck was the reward of valor from his commander or king for going above and beyond the call of duty to achieve the victory for the kingdom. 

Sometimes we may feel that all these Laws and instructions are just a boring weight that is unnecessary, but when we fail to listen and forsake the teaching of God's word and Holy Spirit we fail to achieve the goal and endanger those that follow. There's a "crown" for our head and a "chain" of gold for our neck if we only keep and hear God's Laws and Instruction. 

God Bless your day with His grace and peace, I love you all.
Good morning TBC, 

I hope all rested well last night and those who have been under the weather, feeling much better. 

Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 

Solomon asks his son to do two things, Listen or "hear" and "Forsake not" To Hear, means to listen with attention, in order to be able to communicate with understanding and clarity, the instructions given. Solomon was saying something like this, "Son do you hear what I'm saying to you, tell me what I said and tell me what I meant." The word "instruction" envelopes several areas, which include: reproof, chastisement, restraint, warning, doctrine, and discipline. The word "law", or in Hebrew, Torah, means: teachings, precept or statute. 

In the days of Solomon, the mother's primary job was to instruct their children in the proper ways of godly living, set the standard of how and what was expected of them from God's word and what was pleasing to God. To forsake, (thrust away or cast off) a mother's godly teaching, was to the child's own hurt and demise. The father's job, as the child grows, is to be the force behind the mother's godly teaching. He is to recall to the child's mind, the teaching he has already received and instruct them deeper in those truths they and been taught. 

Today we are sons and daughters of the Most High God through faith in Christ. We have been born into His family by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. It is when we learn to listen and not forsake the the teaching of God's word and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and instruct us in the deeper realities and wisdom of God, that we become equipped to avoid the pitfalls of this world's allurements. No one in this world, loves us like our godly parents and no one ever cared for us like Jesus. Listen, call to remembrance the sound teachings and instructions that have come through our parents and our Lord Jesus and do not trade them or forsake them, for the teachings of this godless and perverted world. The truths of God's Word will stand when the world is on fire. 

God bless your day with grace and peace, Love you all
Good morning TBC, 

A big "THANK YOU" to all for making the Festival a success last evening, and not just for last evening, but for all you do to minister to the youth and their parents. 

Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 

Solomon addresses his son and his desire for his son to listen to his father's instruction and the law of his mother. Before we address the sons and daughters, let me address the parents or parent figures in the Church today. More than ever before, children are being indoctrinated in godless and ungodly teachings. The "light' that is being fed to our youth and to our adults alike, is pure darkness in many cases. 

Parents and parent figures, there has never been a time like what we're seeing and the teachings that are pushed upon and into our Children's minds. With that said, there's never been a time in history that godly men and women's voices of instruction, were needed, more than today. Fatherss and mothers, father and mother figures, make your voices of godly instructions heard, not only to your own children, but to the youth in the realm of your influence. 

The world is neither bashful nor afraid to push their ungodly teachings and indoctrination, so we must take up the fight for the souls of our youth and children and give to them the teachings and instructions that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If we don't give them instructions, we can be assured that the world will. Be aware of opportunities to share the wisdom that God has shared with you. 

May your day be filled with His grace and peace. 
Good morning TBC, 

I hope your week has been a great one for each of you. Remember the Fall fest this coming Sunday evening, invite your friends and family for fellowship,food and fun. If you need any information concerning the event, contact Jen LeRay. Let me say an early thank you, to all that are contributing, to make this Festival possible, Thank You. Bro David received a good report on his recovery yesterday, but the neck brace has to be worn another 4 weeks. Matt's father, Bill is through chemo, but is now going through radiation for about 2 more weeks. Please continue in your prayers for David and Bill, as well as their families, thank you. A praise, Brother Matt will become an active Deacon where he, Jodie and the Children attend in Kernersville, NC. Congratulations Lt. Colonel! Your Church is blessed to have you all. We miss you at TBC. 

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

Solomon has talked about the four men thus far, the wise man that hears and increases knowledge, the man of understanding that seeks wise counsels, the simple that can receive wisdom to make sound judgment and the young man that receives knowledge and discretion to guide his path. This morning we are introduced to a fifth man, the Fool. A fool can be defined as one that is silly, perverse or one that refuses sound and wise instructions. the Psalmist describes the fool in these terms: 

Psalms 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 

The fool, is not one that has been born with a mental handicap, but one, through the vain philosophies and wisdom of this world, he has corrupted and severely hardened his heart against true wisdom and instruction and the God of it. He despises, he has utter disrespect and contempt for God and any wisdom or instruction that is connected to God. Just as a footnote: Early US courts rejected an atheist's testimony as unreliable because of his inability to faithfully swear an oath unto God. In 1828 the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that an unbeliever in God or the afterlife was not competent to stand as a witness in the court room. Our nation's system today is just the opposite, rejecting Christianity and embracing godless humanism. Lets be aware of whom we partner with or trust our values and valuables with. The man with the highest IQ in the world is a fool, if he rejects the Wisdom and Knowledge of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us not, as the Church of Jesus Christ become fools, trading His wisdom and knowledge for the cheap wisdom and ways of this world. 

God bless your day with His grace and peace Love you all.
I hope all rested well last night. Remember the fall fest Sunday evening 4-7 

Proverbs 1:7 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

Someone once told me if you truly fear the Lord, you'll never have to fear anyone else. With that in mind what does this word fear really mean? The Hebrew definition of fear has a couple meanings that can be equally applied to today's verse. Fear: to morally reverence, exceedingly dreadful and fearful to morally reverence, is to hold someone in the highest, honor, esteem or order. When we approach the LORD we are to approach Him in humility, realizing the great honor that we have been given to be able to be in His presence, accepted by Him only through His son Jesus. We must never lose the reality, that we can never merit this great privilege given to us. We come to Him solemnly and with worship. 

Exceeding dreadful and fearful is best seen in the reaction of men and angels in the presence of God. When angelic beings are in God's presence they are said to cover themselves with their wings. When men have been given a vision of God or Christ in their glory, they fall as dead men in their presence. Our God is a consuming fire and rightly feared because He is The Eternal God of Glory. To properly fear the Lord, Solomon say is the "beginning", the principle thing that can properly guide our knowledge in life's journey here on earth. When we understand who the Lord is: Almighty, Most High, All Seeing, All Knowing, Holy, Merciful, Loving; this glorious knowledge of Him can guide our thoughts, actions and decisions throughout our lives, if we allow them to stay in proper focus in our heart. 

When the fear of the Lord is disregarded, man's life goes off track quickly. Without fear, poor judgement invades and sin enters in and leads down a path of ruin. With all that said, lest we go to far in the fear direction, we must "NEVER" forget that as born again children of God, we are accepted in Christ and can therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace Fear God, by giving Him Glory and Honor and Praise; Fear God, because we must give an account of our life's actions. 

God bless your day with His grace, peace and healthy fear Love you all. 
Good morning TBC, 

Thank you for your prayers this week, we were able to meet with the young man, Carroel, he was doing well and praising the Lord for His miraculous intervention and healing. It was so good to set and talk with him and his mother and to pray together and give thanks together with them. Allie, of course is still in great mourning and shock from losing her beautiful little boy. We talked for a while about her feelings, about not allowing this great hurt to turn her from the Lord, but allow this to become a ministry of hope to others that may face this horror. Please continue to keep Allie and Carroel in your prayers. Pray for Bro Marty as he travels home. 

Proverbs 1:5,6 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 

Today we finally come to the end of the introduction and purpose of the book of Proverbs. " To understand...the words of the wise and their dark sayings." There is a lot that can be said about "words". To define "words" we find these words, oracles, laws, promises, provision, reasoning, judgments, and commands. Words contain power. Jesus is known as the Word of God. God's last word to mankind came through his Son, 

Hebrews 1:1,2. When Jesus spake, the people who heard Him said, "no man ever spake like this man, He speaks with authority and not as a scribe". 

It is important to listen to words, because words define the "man" that speaks them. Dark sayings are defined as riddles or truth, that is hidden from plain view or understanding, truth that must be navigated with deep thought and attentiveness. For us to understand God's words and dark sayings found within scripture, we must be willing to sit still and listen attentively to the speaker, the Holy Ghost, for the Word of God is spiritually discerned. Natural ears cannot comprehend the saying of a supernatural God. "Be still and know that I Am God".   Often when Jesus spake His disciples would fail to grasp His words because they were preoccupied with other "important" things, such as who would get the right to sit beside Jesus in His kingdom. Others were busy worrying if the floors were swept, some thought of what they had given up to follow Jesus and what would they receive for their sacrifice. 

What preoccupies our minds today, that keeps us from hearing and knowing God's words of wisdom and His dark sayings? Let's determine to be content and polite and be still and quite, while the Master speaks to our heart. If we miss hearing His words of wisdom and dark sayings, we miss exactly what we needed, to be victorious today. Words are powerful and defining, choose yours carefully today and let them be full of Grace seasoned with Salt. 

God bless you with His grace and peace today. Love you all.
Good Morning TBC, 

I pray all is well with everyone. Please continue to remember Bro David, Iris and Matthew, as David continues his healing process. He returns for a check up on Thursday. 

Proverbs 1:5,6 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 

The desired outcome of verse 5 is revealed in verse 6, to understand a proverb and its interpretation and a wise man's words and dark saying. A proverb is defined as a maxim, an expression of a general truth or principle. To understan that the purpose of a proverb or parable is to reveal a truth or principle, helps us to also understand the need of studying God's word and seeking wise and Godly counsel from God's Holy Spirit. His gifted people may know the truths and precepts revealed in God's word. 

Solomon was not just interested in understanding, but to also be able to interpret the truth in a manner that one may also instruct others in the truth or principle revealed within the proverb. Truth that is not properly communicated is not worth very much to the one that is being instructed. Billy Graham once said that preaching over people's heads did not mean you were more intellectually superior to them, it just meant you were a bad shot. Let's seek to understand God's truth so clearly, that we will be able to interpret it clearly to any that's seeking truth. 

God bless your day with His grace and peace.  
Good morning TBC, 

I want to thank you all for your prayers for safe travels. I'm supposed to meet with Ms Allie around 10am. Please pray for God's grace to be poured out into Allie and her family's life. I will meet with the young man that was shot last week in the afternoon also, Lord willing. 

Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels 

Wisdom and Knowledge compels or drives us to deeper understandings. The words "will and shall", are words that declare an intentional act of the will or purpose. Wisdom and Knowledge desires to grow or increase. Observe a baby as it grows, God has put within that child a natural desire to grow and increase in both size and understanding. One of the first needs of a baby is to be fed. Everything a baby can pick up, goes straight to its mouth. The baby is learning what will satisfy its need to grow. We could call it curiosity or a need of exploring this new world, what ever we may call it, God placed within that baby a natural desire to grow and increase in knowledge and wisdom of things that will be beneficial to its growth and well being. If a child is not exploring or curious about its surrounding, but remains docile and lifeless, we determine that something must be seriously wrong with the child and we will seek immediate help to determine just why the child is unresponsive to its surroundings. So it is in the life of a professing Christian, The Holy Spirit lives within the believer, giving them a desire to know more and to grow spiritually. 

Peter says in 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby, If, in the professing believer, there is no hunger, no thirst, no inquisitive nature for the things of God, no desire to increase in wisdom and knowledge, then something is seriously wrong. 

They could have fallen into a snare of the enemy, they could be oppressed by the enemy, maybe neglected by other believers or abused by false teachings or false teachers or even worse, they may be dead, just a profession without possession. Any of these are extremely serious spiritual conditions and must be diagnosed properly, their spiritual life depends on a good examination. 

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 

Our appetite and our curiosity reveals much about our true spiritual health. 

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. In every opportunity, let's seek to know and grow in Christ. He is our wisdom. May His grace and peace guide you today. 

God bless, Love you all
Good Friday Morning TBC, 

Another week has come and gone and the Lord has supplied all our needs according to His riches in glory through Jesus Christ our Lord:).  Remember the third Sunday meal has been moved to the time of the Fall festival on the 27th, from 4-7 pm. Thanks to everyone for your faithful prayers for Brother David and Brother Bill as well as others you have been faithful to intercede for. 

Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. 

A man of understanding has the ability to separate, distinguish and discern between right and wrong and good and best. Most of the time though, it is easier to discern between right and wrong than between good and best. One of understanding will continually ask, seek, and knock for "counsels" of what God's best is for their life in order to give the greatest contribution to the Kingdom of God. He or she will strive to "attain" (procure, seek, purchase to oneself) God's best by surrounding themself with others that have the same desire and passion, to know God's best. To attain wise counsel is not just for self gratification, but to be able to give wise counsel or steering to those who are looking to us for God's best. 

Let me brag a little here: Becky, has taught in the public education system for nearly 30 years and she has never ceased to seek out ways of improving her ability to instruct her students. She's always been willing to receive wise counsel from reading, studying, listening, attending workshops, and so on, in order to be able to instill into her students the best there is to offer. She is now sought out by other education systems to give wise counsel to their instructors. 

AT&T came out with a TV commercial that states, "just ok is not ok". How true, especially in the work of the Kingdom of God. ( Read, Luke 17-7-10.) I'm reminded of an old hymn, "More about Jesus". One verse say this: "More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me."   Lets push ourselves beyond a life of mediocrity, to attain the best Counsel our God and Father has to offer, lets surround ourselves with Godly wise counselors and dig deep into our Father's words of Wisdom. Our Lord's work deserves us to be operating in His best. 

May the Lord bless each one with his grace, peace and counsel. 

GOD Bless & love you all. Hope to see you Sunday
Good Thursday morning TBC,

I hope everyone rested well. 

Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. 

A wise man will do two things, "hear and increase". When we think that we know all we need to know and refuse to hear what other sources have to offer, we become stagnant, slow in our mind and soon forgetful of what we thought we knew and then we become unprofitable to anyone. Doctors, Nurses, Firemen, Teachers, Military, Ministers, Engineers and the list can go on and on, must hear and increase learning, as information and technology changes. Daily we must maintain, a constant "continuing education" or we will lose our ability to do our positions or jobs effectively. We will become dull and slow and can even become a danger to those we are suppose to be helping. 

Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, understood this, while others were busy doing other things, she was at Jesus' feet hearing what the Lord had to say and having done so, it was she that got to anoint the Lord Jesus for His burial. If we are to be effective in the Kingdom of God, we must maintain a willingness to "hear and increase" in learning at the Master's feet. 

2 Timothy 2:15, the Apostle Paul instructed young preacher Timothy to: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

We might think that the older we get the less studying we would need, but the opposite is true, at least in my case it is. Many things can cloud our minds so we must "renew our minds daily" with the wisdom and learning that our Lord offers in His Word and by His Spirit let us be wise men and women and at every opportunity that we are afforded, let us "hear and Increase learning", in the Master's School of Continuing Education. 

God bless your day with grace, peace and wisdom
Good morning,TBC,

I can't hardly believe it's already Wednesday. Please continue to pray for Brother Bill Anker as he battles this cancer as well as the treatment. Keep Bro. David in your prayers as he recovers.  

Proverbs 1:4... to the young man knowledge and discretion. 

The next beneficiary of Proverbs' Instructors is the young man. A young man can be defined as a small boy to adolescence. It can also include a servant boy according to Hebrew tradition. With that said, we see it is never too early to begin training the young with a Biblical training, whether male or female. Young men are the object of a father's pride, through him we hope a continuation of our name for another generation. Through our young man we are able, in a way, to relive our own youth; however, we must be careful to impart to him more than ourselves. We are guilty of shielding and protecting our young ladies while pushing our young men to become men and rightly so (on both accounts). We encourage the young men to be strong, courageous, bold and chivalrous  -which are all noble character traits. 

If we instill these traits into the hearts of young men without instilling proper biblical instructions, we have only set them up to be self centered, self righteous and self indulging, without any discretion or concern for others. We must "give" them a biblical foundation on which to build and rely on. I remember as a youth at home and at school, the Ten Commandments were posted everywhere. Though I broke every one of them, they had given me the knowledge of God's holy requirements and they would lead me to realize I needed Jesus Christ. 

Knowledge is to make fully aware. Discretion is power to make proper and right decisions. Young men are like young stallions that need a bridle. The word of God, along with the Spirit of God, is just the bridle the young man needs to become the Man of God he was intended to be. 

Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 

I pray you have a day blessed with grace and peace. Love you all.
Good morning TBC 

I hope everyone is well and rested well. The 3rd Sunday Fellowship Meal is changed to the 27th Fall festival. 

Proverbs 1:2-4 kjv 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 

The four Instructors of Proverbs 1:3, Wisdom, Justice, Judgement and Equity empower those who apply themselves to Know, Perceive and Receive their instructions. Verse 4 tells us, that they give and bestow even to the simple in heart and mind. Simple, simply means those easily seduced, tricked or lead astray. The world has never given much time for these special ones, unless, they can be used to fulfill some selfish purpose and then they are set aside, out of sight, out of mind. Sadly though, even God's own people sometimes ignore these people and their needs. 

Fortunately however, the LORD does not determine value or investment worth in the same terms as the world. Verse 4 says He invests or gives to the simple, Subtility, which means, prudence and sound judgment in practical matters. I think of one of the dearest friends I ever had in my ministry. Her name is Shirley. She is considered simple or in today's society, special needs. She certainly is special. She desired to be wise and prudent in every way she conducted her life, The single mother of two, she instilled in her children the value of getting an education and she never ceased in her desire to be educated, especially in the Bible. She, without shame, would get Becky to help her read the Scriptures so she could participate in Sunday School Class and learn about Jesus. I can still hear her excited voice as she got on the church bus. "Griffey, Ms Becky let me read in class today and I'm getting a lot better at it too!"   

The world and Satan tried to deceive, seduce and lead her astray from Jesus, but as she continued in her desire to learn the Scripture, the Scripture made her wise unto salvation. Today my simple wonderful friend Shirley is in Glory, with the One who truly knew her true value and was willing to give and invest in her and empower Shirley to become a child of God. It doesn't matter how "simple" someone may be, give them wisdom, give them Jesus and He will turn the Simple into a Saint, Praise the LORD!!

God bless your day with grace, peace and wisdom
Good Monday morning, 

I hope everyone had a great weekend and I pray that this will be a week that each one of us can bring glory to our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus. Please continue to pray for David, Iris and Matthew, as David heals from his fall. 

Proverbs 1:1-3 1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 

The Proverbs of Solomon where given. As we have seen, for the readers to "know" and "perceive", and now, in vs 3 he says "receive". To receive means to seize upon opportunity, to accept or to carry away. We are to receive " the instruction" of wisdom, justice, judgement and equity. Instruction means, reproof, correction, doctrine, discipline and rebuke. It is one thing to "know and perceive" and another to receive. Solomon says we are to take away, to seize upon the opportunity to be instructed by four great Instructors. Dr. Wisdom, his specialty is navigation, he will instruct us how to discern our way through uncertain and uncharted paths we've never faced before. Dr. Justice, his specialty is ethics, morality and legality. He will instruct and guide us through the seemingly gray areas of life into the light of God's absolute Truth. Dr. Judgement, his specialty is evidence, in his class we will learn to gather and explore all the evidence in order to make a clear and proper verdict, whether favorable or unfavorable, but a true and perfect decree. Dr. Equity, his specialty is in sentencing. He will guide us in fair and equal application of the rule of law and grace, without partiality or hypocrisy. 

2 Timothy 3:14-17(KJV) 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 

Ask, Seek, Knock and we will, receive, find and have instruction opened unto us. Let us with grateful hearts receive "the Instruction", that our four Drs. specialize in and we will be well equipped for the journey our Savior has trod before us. 

God bless your day with grace, peace and instruction.  
Good morning TBC,

I hope your week has been blessed. Thank you all for the prayers this week. Carroel is doing well and at home. Brother Anker is gaining much needed strength, I am told by Jodie and Matt. Janet and Billy made their trip to Chapel Hill without any trouble. Please continue to pray for these. 

Proverbs 1: 2,3 KJV 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 

The Words of understanding in the book of Proverbs and the entire Scriptures are words of perfect understanding. The definition of this Hebrew word (bee-naw), translated as “understanding,” is: to have and maintain perfect knowledge and understanding. This is so important for us to grasp this reality concerning God’s holy Word today; even in this age of increasing knowledge and ever changing technology, God’s words of understanding and wisdom are never, and will never, become outdated or irrelevant, in spite of what the world system may think or say. 

Psalms 119:89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. 

Though we may not have that perfect understanding in ourselves, we can be assured that the Scriptures are perfect in their understanding. The Scriptures are the perfect source for mankind to find understanding in any age or circumstance. The Words of God’s Understanding can, and will, answer any need of anyone that earnestly seeks God’s answers to life’s simple and sometimes complex questions. We serve the God that “knows” it all and He wants us to “Know and Perceive” His words of understanding. 

If today you find yourself in need of more understanding, seek the One who Understands it all and died to share it with you. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday today and forever, the Wisdom of God. 

God bless your day with His Grace, Peace and Understanding. 

 Love you all
Good morning TBC,

I hope all rested well and enjoying the cooler days and nights. Please remember to bring the notes of encouragement for the persecuted in Nigeria, Sunday, so we can get them mailed to the Voice of Martyrs. Thank you for your continued prayers fro Brother Anker and Carroel. Please remember a young lady, Allie and her husband who just lost their little boy unexpected Tuesday morning. Allie rode the school bus I drove when I drove up in the mountains, thank you. 

Proverbs 1:2 KJV To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding. 

Today we will begin to look at Solomon’s second statement of purpose of Proverbs: “...to perceive the words of understanding.” The word perceive, means to be eloquent or able and skillful with words, to be able to express in an acceptable and proper way. You and I may have the knowledge and wisdom of God, but to be able to express it openly and correctly, is a totally different thing. Solomon, the wisest man of his time, (and his wisdom came directly from God) knew that for wisdom to be profitable it must be communicated properly. His desire was to perceive or be eloquent in God’s words of understanding; not to show off how wise he was, but to communicate properly to others the Wisdom of God. The purpose of becoming eloquent in God’s words of understanding is that we might be guided by, and able, to properly guide others by the same understanding given by God’s Word and Holy Spirit. 

How many are afraid to testify because of a feeling of inadequacy in the Scripture? This feeling can be conquered by obeying what Paul told Timothy, 2Tim. 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We should never let inadequacy be an excuse, because it will not hold water when we stand before the Lord, we must not forget, we have the Spirit of Wisdom living in us. We should desire to become eloquent in God’s words of understanding. Doesn't our God and Savior, deserve the best communicators? I think so, don’t you? 

Remember this: to be eloquent does not mean we are to become someone or something we’re not, or to show off our ability; we are to become so familiar with the words of understanding that we can communicate properly God’s wisdom in Christ Jesus to anyone that may ask us about our hope. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:1Peter 3:15.

God bless your day, with grace, peace and His perception.  

Pastor Bryan

Good morning TBC, 

I pray all is well and each one rested well. 

Beginning last light until tonight is the most holy day on Israel's calendar, Yom Kipper or The Day of Atonement. 

Leviticus 23:26-32 King James Version (KJV) 26 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. 28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the Lord your God. 29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. 30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. 31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath. 

The Day of Atonement was the only day of the year that the High Priest could enter into the Holy of Holies where the Arc of the Covenant was at and the presents of God was over the Mercy Seat, which was the covering lid of the Arc. The High Priest,alone, had to first fill the Holy of Holies full of smoke from incense to cover the Ark, then apply the blood of a sacrificed bull on the Mercy seat by dipping his finger into the blood and sprinkling the blood seven times. This blood made the atonement for the High Priest, then he would take two goats, cast lots over them (sort of like drawing straws) one goat would be sacrificed, the other would become the "scapegoat".

The blood of the sacrificed goat would then be taken, alone by the High Priest into the Holy of Holies and applied in the same manner as the bull's blood. This would be the atonement for the sins of Israel for the year. The High Priest would then put his hands on the head of the Scapegoat and confess all of Israel's sins. A "fit" man would lead the Scapegoat out of the camp, far away to an uninhabited place and release the goat to wander in the wilderness alone,bearing the sin of Israel, thereby atoning for Israel's sins for another year. 

What an elaborate and bloody system to atone for sin the Lord had given and it had to be repeated every year without fail or compromise. Today we can celebrate the fulfillment of this Day of Atonement through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

Praise the Lord Jesus for His eternal sacrifice for our sin, "once and for all". For Israel, this is the most solemn day, fasting and afflicting their soul for forgiveness. To us, who have trusted Christ, we can, and should be rejoicing. All of our sins are gone, carried away by our Scapegoat, the Lord Jesus Christ. Rejoice in the Lord and again I say Rejoice!! God bless your day for your sins are atoned! 

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Pastor Bryan Griffith
Topsail Baptist Church
18885 US Hwy 17N
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-9038