Do You Flatter or Rebuke? Do You Love Me or Hate Me?

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

2 Timothy 4:2

Greetings,

Why is it that many Christians only want to hear the exhortion, but never anything else? How do you grow when all you hear are the good about you? That makes absolutely no sense, especially since we already know God said not one of us is good, no not one. So that right there says there is some correction and teaching in order.

Some believe that rebuking another Christian is not the right thing to do. So do not even believe we are to use the Word of God to show people error in their ways. That is not true at all as the above scripture shows, God's Word is for ALL things (good and bad). Some believe that we shouldn't even openly rebuke someone. Like it should be done in private. That is not the case when it concerns groups of believers (even in the church we are to openly rebuke). For It Is Written:

Proverbs 27:5Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.

1 Timothy 5:20Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

I personally do not always like to hear the truth about me or when I am out of order, but I have learned that is pride rearing its ugly head when I get offensive. If something someone says about me is truly not true, I have learned to ignore it, most of the time. Hey, I'm still growing. I also know that I go to God's Word to see if what one says to me lines up with His Word. If it does not, then I know they were speaking from their flesh and not from the spirit.

Yes, we are to do and say all things in love, BUT, you must admit, that if someone is telling you about you, it does not always come off as "lovey dovey" and you know it. As loving as jesus was and is, when He spoke with authority and was rebuking people and turning over the tables in the temple, the people was plotting to kill him! So, if you lived back then, and you saw Jesus flipping tables and rebuking people, would you accuse Him of not being loving? The definition of love, is someone who will tell you the truth even when they know it may hurt your feelings. People who truly care about you will love you enough to speak the truth because they want the best for you. They want to see you grow. I have learned just as the Word says, those that flatter me all of the time, really don't love me and THEY are who I watch. To tell someone the truth is better than saying what they want to hear all in the effort of being liked by that person. We actually should not be striving to flatter anyone. Uplifting and flattery are not the same.


Proverbs 28:23He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.

Job 17:5He who speaks flattery to his friends,Even the eyes of his children will fail.

Job 32:21Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone;Nor let me flatter any man.

Job 32:22For I do not know how to flatter,Else my Maker would soon take me away.

Psalm 12:3May the LORD cut off all flattering lips,And the tongue that speaks proud things,

Romans 16:18For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.


If a brother or sister sins against you, we are to rebuke them (bring it to their attention so they may ask for forgiveness) For It Is Written:

Luke 17:3Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.



Let me say this, if the Spirit of Christ lives in you, why is it hard for you to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and rebuke another that is clearly "doing wrong"? Why is it hard for you to receive a rebuke? Jesus rebuked all unclean spirits.

Mark 9:25When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!”


There is no need for us to hold on to our past. If that were the case, why are we told in God's Word, to forget the things which are behind us and look towards the things in front of us? Why keep complaing or grumbling? All sins. For It Is Written:

Philippians 3:13
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

Jude 1:16These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.


Allow the Holy Spirit (which is from Jesus) to cleanse you so He can present you to our Father in Heaven:

Luke 9:42And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father.


So, in closing I say this, we need to let go of pride and not always think someone is out to harm you just because they say something you feel is hurtful. Instead of attacking, just look to FGod. If what the person said is true, God will confirm it to you. If the person is false, that will be confirmed to you as well. If we walk by the flesh, then we need not be so sensitive because the flesh feels everything. the spirit discerns.

God speaks through His children. If we do not listen to the rebuke of a human being who is a believer, you best believe the Lord God will get your attention, because none of us (no matter what your gift is or who you think you are) is above being rebuked. For It Is Written:

2 Peter 2:16but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.

So please, stop the madness. Amen.


Shannon E.Robinson~Child of the Most High~
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~JOHN 14:6

He Is Willing. Are you?

30 Therefore the LORD God of Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ But now the LORD says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.
1 Samuel 2:30 (NKJV)

Many times Christians question God's love for them. Many times people question because they feel their prayers have gone unanswered or ignored. However, we tend to want to receive from the Lord, but yet we are unwilling to give Him all of us, let alone any real time (a quick two minute prayer per day is just not right and you know it). Yes, He deserves all of us, not just part of us. He wants to be included in every decision and activity of your daily life. God deserves to be honored and placed before everything (including ourself) else in our life.

Yes, He meets our needs. Now, if you want your desires (wants) fulfilled and you feel they aren't being granted, I suggest you evaluate your relationship with the Lord. Is He truly your everything? Do you spend time with him in prayer and in His Word? Just like the father of the Prodical's son, God is waiting for you with open arms. He loves you. He wants to give you all of your hearts desires. But He must be the one you seek. Don't turn to the world. Turn back to God. He is willing and able. Are you ready to let go of self and hold on to God? Amen.

Shannon E.Robinson~Child of the Most High~
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~JOHN 14:6

Hard Work Really Does Pay Off

Weekly Devotional of ~September 18, 2009

19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

Proberbs 28:19-20 (nkjv)

Hello,

I don't know about, you, but the above scripture truly applies to me. Many of us want the money, minus the hard work. We say we need extra income, yet we don't want to take the steps to earn it. We want shortcuts and easy roads to the end result. We want to 'drop out', or 'give up', or say something is a 'scam' when we don't see profit within 30 - 60 days. However, the question is, how much time have you put in? When one has a 'dream' or a 'vision' we tend to 'see it through' no matter the current forecast. When we believe in 'something' or in 'someone' we give our 'all'. And if it does not turn out as we had hoped, we step back, re-evaluate, and begin anew. Look at how God didn't give up on mankind.

So, instead of being quick to count, people, places and ideas, out, make sure that you truly are putting your 'all' into the matter. Anything 'worth' having doesn't come easy. You must, study and prove yourself worthy. This isn't just a "Biblical" principal, this is a life principal. How are you going to sell yourself, your product to potential clients, if you come off unsure and uneducated about your product(s)? And anything gained, easy, isn't worth having, because if it takes no effort to gain a thing, then you need to 'proceed with caution'. God is a worker (and we were created in His image), a creator of all things. Nothing was done in a day and what He created, was good. Our day is like a thousand to God. So, that being said, should help you rest assured that your hard work, will pay off (as the above scripture states), in the end. Keep your eye on the prize, do not listen to nay sayers, and don't judge anything or anyone until you at least give it a full, honest, hard effort. The next time someone tries to deter you from trying something (career wise or a dream) kindly say - "It may not have worked for you, but it may work for me. I will give it a try before I count this out." Amen.


Shannon E.Robinson~Child of the Most High~
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~JOHN 14:6

Every Thought/Feeling Does Not Need To Be Shared

A fool vents all his feelings,

But a wise man holds them back.

Proverbs 29:11
(nkjv)

Hello,

We are all guilty, I am sure, of "venting" our feelings to friends, family and loved ones (and even strangers). No one is perfect, right? I have met many Christians who say it is OK to vent to each other. However, God clearly states it is not OK, to an extent. I do believe it is quite OK to vent (let off steam) to a select few close confidants (wise people who will be objective and not always agreeable to apease you). However, we should not vent every feeling and thought. We should still take ALL of our cares (feelings and thoughts) to the Lord as His Word instructs us to do. I believe when we go to Him, in prayer, before we turn to people, the things we initially felt needed to be vented, really do not. You will notice, when you turn to and rely on the Lord, that those cares are lifted as He promises to do in His Word, if you allow Him to lift them. Because we all will need to turn to people for counsel every now and again. However, if you want godly counsel, you will turn to wise, godly people. If you want someone to agree with your "mess" then you will turn to the ungodly. The means you take to gain counsel will determine the advice you receive. Pray to God, first and allow Him to show you whom to go to, which equals godly advice. For example, if you want relationship advice (dating and marriage), will you turn to the many times divorced, always single and bitter (always venting saying how men/women are worthless), person? Or, will you turn to the person with a proven, stable track record? This applies to ALL areas of life (work, kids, etc.).

I have learned and still am learning that, we must be very careful who we "talk" to. Have you ever wondered why things did not work out in your favor even though you asked many people to "pray" for you and your family? That answer is simple. Just back track and list all of the people you asked to pray for you. It doesn't take a truck load of people to get through to God. It takes the right people (people in right standing) to get through to God. Do not just ask any and everyone to pray for you and your situations. Why? Because every spirit is not from God and everyone claiming to be from God is not (You will know them by their FRUIT of the Spirit). Guard your heart (mind and mouth), says the Lord. Be weary and on alert of those who are open to hear everything (good, bad, gossip, etc.) about, you and your life. Amen.


Shannon E.Robinson~Child of the Most High~
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~JOHN 14:6

More Than Entertainment

Many people do not realize the effects of music on them, nor do they realize the differance between Hip Hop and Rap. Hip Hop is being cast in a bad light. A lot of the music played on the radio is actually, Rap music, not Hip Hop. Most of these Rap artist (Lil' Wayne & the likes) are disguising themselves as Hip Hop artist because if you are labled as Hip Hop, you have a better chance of having your "music" played and purchased, over Rap "music". Most Hip Hop music is positive. When most Rap music glorifies killing, shootings, sell drugs, fast money and calling women all types of derrogatory names, outright disrespect for women (whom God holds high & speaks on how a woman is to be treated. If you haven't already, I strongly advise that you listen to the lyrics of some of Lil' Wayne's (who is the top selling Rap Artist in the world & sold 1.5 million copies of his most recent album the first week it was released! Come on people, that is sad given the content of his music and his lifestyle.) music.

Rap music has the same negative effect on society as heavy metal and death metal do. They both glorify negative behavior and attitudes. While the positive Hip Hop (which rarely gets air play) uplifts you and the community. Such Hip Hop artist are, Common; Mos Def, and the likes. I know many of you will say all Rap is not bad. OK, you are correct. However, I am referring to what is being played on the radio, and selling millions of albums. Those demons are the ones getting into the spirits of the masses through the airwaves. Of course we can go buy positive music. However, most people tune in to the radio for their influence on the "latest" songs, rather than sticking with what they know to be positive. So many people want to follow the so called "in" crowd, when in actuality that "in" crowd is leading them far from the God of Heaven.

The sad part is, most of these Rap artists are lost themselves, as is the Radio DJs who promote the music. Anybody who sings praises to themselves and their lifestyle and how they did this and that, that music is not of God. If God isn't getting the Glory and the Praise, then we need not listen. In actuality, they are idolizing themselves. God says let another praise you, not your lips, another, praise you. What do Rappers do? Praise self, and show how money and staus are their idols. Most Hip Hop artist bring awareness to negative issues that require change for the better in our communities (racism, poverty, etc.). Listen to the lyrics of Rap & Hip Hop and then you be the judge.

Proverbs 27:2

Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

What we listen to has just as much effect on us as does what we watch. Guard your heart (mind and ears), for it determines the path of your life. The people and things we surround ourselves with, do, have an impact on the choices we make. This is why a good parent is attentive to what their children listen to, and who they befriend. Most dads don't want their daughters dating a thug. Ironic, isn't it. Given the fact they many dads listen to Rap. Many women do not want their sons dating a "questionable" female. Ironic. Given the fact that many women support a woman's right to do whatever to make a dollar (be exploited in videos and the likes). So you see, we all need to examine our lives to make sure what we do, coincides with what we believe. Whatever is in our heart, is what will come out.

Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

You may think it is just entertainment, but it isn't. Everything is relevant and with every cause there is an effect.

Prayer For You:
May the Peace of God surround you, and the Truth of God guide you, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Shannon E.Robinson~Child of the Most High~
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~JOHN 14:6

What spirit lives in you?

He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
Proverbs 17:27 (nkjv)

I have learned that the truth needs no help. God, does not need us to defend Him. His words stand alone. Hence, if you know without a doubt, what you speak is truth (regarding your life and/or situations), you can remain calm and secure in the fact that the truth always prevails. A hasty person reacts and assumes without obtaining full knowledge of a matter. A person with many words, really doesn't know what they are saying and they are fueled by pride not humbleness. Pay attention in how one speaks. Are they speaking words filled with bitterness and hate? Are they hot tempered and full of pride (PSALM 59:12) looking like an oncoming wreck? Are their words to you hurtful or helpful to you? A truly wise man knows that many words lead to sin (PROVERBS 10:19), so they don't say much, only the facts (truth). Jesus showed us how we are to conduct ourselves. He calmed the storms and ignored the nay-sayers. He answered every question asked and when He was faced with opposition, He moved on to the next city (person and place). He never stayed where not welcomed or received and He never argued to prove He was right. Why? Truth needs no help. It always prevails. Amen.


Shannon E.R.~Child of the Most High.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~JOHN 14:6

It Is Relevant



15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:15-17

Have you ever noticed that people don't mind you quoting the Word of God to them as long as the quotes are blessings and good news? I have noticed many Christians take offense when you quote scripture that doesn't agree with their situation. Why is it that when someone asks you something and instead of your words, you offer God's Word, they accuse you of being too spiritual?

I will tell you why. It is just as God said. A wise man (or woman) accepts the Word of God and grows, learns, matures. They welcome knowledge. A foolish man rejects what he does not know and is too prideful to accept as truth over his own theory. A true man or woman or God will not take offense. Nor will they ever say you are too spiritual (as if there can be too much spirituality in this world). Anyone who knows the Word of God knows the above scripture. All scripture is relevant (useful) in every situation, circumstance. His Word was before all! So what makes us think we know all of the answers? We don't. Let go of pride and grasp on to His Truth because it is relevant! Amen.


Shannon E.R.~Child of the Most High.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~JOHN 14:6