Fear Not!- Part 4

Fear Not: Your Promise Will Be Fulfilled! 

 
Gen 35:6-20
6 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. 17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. 18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. 19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.

How does a husband react in such a time? Do you grieve? Get angry? Blame God? Do you joyfully pass out cigars? Jacob has just watched the woman he worked 21 years for die giving birth to his son. For a moment it appeared to be in question if either would survive. Without knowing it, she was speaking prophetically, and true to her prophecy, the son was born-at the cost of his mother’s life!

Fair? Who can say, at least, who on this side of heaven? Rachael gave up her life to see what she desired come to pass. As cruel as this may seem, it is the way dreams become reality! Ever heard the old saying about waiting for my ship to come in?” The fulfillment of her dream meant the physical death of her earthly life. It changed everything for her, and for those about her. The birth of Benjamin changed the entire dynamic of the Jacob’s household. But fulfilled dreams do that! They change how we spend our time and here we spend our money. If our dreams do not modify our lives then we need to ask and believe God for something bigger-something life changing! Fear not, God is faithful. The end of one thing is the birth of a promise fulfilled!

Rev. John Watford

Lead Pastor

nbcornerstone.com

Fear Not!- Part 3

Fear Not Pt 3 Bullies Cannot Hinder Your Blessing!

The shepherd workers of Isaac, the son of promise to Abram, were being bullied by the locals. Each time they dug a well for water for Isaac’s sheep the locals would come and claimed them as their own. Time after time this occurred. It must have been frustrating. He had done them no wrong. I wonder if he was tempted to take matters in his own hands and “get even!” But he did not! He simply moved to another place and dug new wells. This must be an example of our Lord’s words, “Render not evil for evil but overcome evil with good!” Isaac committed himself to God’s care, and because he did, God took care of him. It was time to reward Isaac’s faithfulness and trust in God!

Gen. 26:23 From there he went up to Beersheba. 24 That very night God appeared to him and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father; don’t fear a thing because I’m with you. I’ll bless you and make your children flourish because of Abraham my servant.”

Compare what God gave to what Isaac gave up. He could have fought, argued and took vengeance but he didn’t. He kept a right spirit and in so doing God blessed him promising that He would take on His large shoulders the task of watching over Isaac and children yet to be born! Don’t give in to the temptation of fearing the actions of others. They cannot hinder the blessings of the Lord. They are test to pass, they are the means of advancement! Be blessed and “Fear Not!”

Rev. John Watford

Lead Pastor

nbcornerstone.com

Fear Not!- Part 2

Fear Not! God hears you from where you are!

Gen. 21:7And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.”

The story of Hagar is a sad saga of mistreatment, abuse, and abandonment. She was a young Egyptian slave girl, forced by Sara, her owner, to have sex with her husband, Abraham. It is the first recorded surrogate pregnancy. It worked, but afterward things went downhill fast! Envy and the green eye of jealousy filled her heart. She began to abuse Hagar to the point Hagar and her young child fled into the desert.

The desert showed no mercy on Hagar or even on the little boy who cried out in thirst! What she did not realize that the same God Who watched over Abraham also watched over her and her son. “God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.” God hears us right where we are! He does not wait for us to come out of the desert before He hears us and provides for us! He hears the voice of the abused, the abandoned and the alone! Right where you are and right how you are God is listening for you to cry out to Him! Do not wait! Do not hesitate. Your Father hears your voice right where you are! Call out, He is listening and eager to help!

Rev. John Watford

Lead Pastor

nbcornerstone.com

Fear Not!

                                                               

Fear Not!: Get Real-Get Honest

I am excited about our new Daily Devotions series “Fear Not!” Beginning in Genesis we will the path of “Fear Not” throughout the Scripture. There are more than 600 references concerning fear. Hundreds of these are prompts from our Father telling us to “Fear Not!” Fear is the fruit of believing; it is believing the wrong voice! Let’s get right into the series.

Gen. 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

After what “things?” Abraham had just experienced a great victory of the evil kings, but the great victory did not fill the emptiness in his heart or in his home! The next couple verses allow us to peer into Abraham’s inner being. Abraham desperately wanted a son, yet for some reason known only to God, his home lacked the chatter of a child’s voice and the joy that comes from your child’s arms! Sara, his wife was barren, unable to bear a child.

God knew what was on Abraham’s mind. Yet for some reason, Abraham had not been upfront with God-he had not shared his heart or feelings with Him. The very first way to defeat fear is by being open and honest with God! He knows your heart. He knows your thoughts and he knows what you are feeling. He is waiting for you to open up to Him and share openly with Him! David wrote, “I poured out my complaint before Him…and He heard me.”

Our Father is not offended that we don’t always walk in perfect faith, what He does want is for us to trust His love enough to be open and honest with Him! “Fear not Abraham, I am your shield and your reward!” Replace Abraham’s name with yours and take the promise as your own! See you tomorrow for another, ”Fear not!”

P.S. Don’t miss November’s series, “Yay God!”

Rev. John Watford

Lead Pastor

nbcornerstone.com

Unity- Part 5

Prepping for Persecution: “Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ"

Matthew 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of d the living God.” 17And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father in Heaven!"

Knowing Who Jesus is when facing persecution is critical to your victory! "All they that would live godly shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. 3. Study the following, they will help you PREP for the storms of persecution.

1st Prep Imperative: Revelation: God revealed to Peter Who Jesus was! Can I define a moment in my life where God drew me to Him, revealed Himself and my need, and I believed on Him as my Savior? Am I sure of Him that He is and will be all He promises?

2nd Prep: Relation
Peter spoke what was in his heart. Am I committed to Him? From the abundance of our heart our mouth speaks! Will you declare Him to be all He is when persecution comes?

3rd PREP: Resolve: What am I willing to endure for my faith in Him? The time to decide is before the storm comes! If He is Who He is then I believe He is worth the storm!

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Unity- Part 4

Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

 

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" Matthew 16: 21-26

 

In the first part of Matthew 16 we find Jesus asking His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" They commented that people thought Jesus was Elijah or one of the other prophets. And then Jesus asked "But who do you say that I am?" 

 

It is easy to decide who Jesus is when every thing's going right, but what about when things are not going right? 2 Timothy 3:12 says, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted". When you're being persecuted you've got to know who Jesus is. When dark days come you've got to know who Jesus is.

 

When we see the word persecution, immediately our mind conjures up an image of one being pursued. Believing that something or someone is after you. One who is persecuted is someone who is targeted. Some say that Jesus is for the weak minded or the sissies. But it truly takes a backbone of steel and the boldness of the Holy Spirit to stand by your faith during persecution.

 

The Bible says that in the last days perilous times shall come, but Jesus promised to be with us always! When the persecution comes to your life do not ask why did it come but ask, is my focus on Jesus? To be prepared for persecution we must be grounded in our faith and focused on Jesus!

 

You can watch, listen to, or download this sermon by clicking on one of the following links:

 

Watch/Download a video clip of this sermon here: https://vimeo.com/user5576097/videos

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Unity- Part 3

In our series “UNITY” we came to the part of unity prompted by persecution,  Persecution refers to being the target pursued by an adversary. Jesus warned that those who follow Him would face persecution-simply because they follow Him!  

It is not because of wrong committed, nor of failure, but just because you identify with Christ,   Can you accept this? Are you willing to endure this?  Jesus clearly set forth, “If any man would be My disciples, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me!”  Note the following;  it will help you carry your cross.

• Consider who Jesus is and confess, ”My steps are ordered are ordered of the Lord.”

• Count the Cost! Flee or Fight?  One writer noted when Jesus was about to be attacked by a mob,  He “Withdrew Himself.”  In the Book of Acts, the apostle Paul heard a mob was coming for him and left the city via a rope and a basket over the city wall.  Sometimes we stand and sometimes we take “the way of escape” available.  Only you can make that decision.

• Connect to Community!  Get connected with others in the Community of Christ.  Don’t isolate yourself.  We need one another and we support one another.  :There is no trial you are facing but that is common to man…”  We understand and we care.

• Corporately Pray!  Nothing builds unity like praying for one another.  When we hold each other up in prayer it creates a bond stronger than death!  We experience the ever deepening  awareness of belonging  as well as the strength of standing in the gap for one another!

• Commit yourself to God!  “Having done all stand!” declares the Holy Spirit. At some point you will have done all you can and you must commit yourself and your way to the Lord, trusting Him that “all things work together for good to them that love God and are called to His purpose.”

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Unity- Part 2

Unity Through Unshakable Faith!

Jeremiah 1:8  "Fear not for I am with you..." 

1 Thessalonians 4:13 "We do not sorrow like others who have no hope"

 

Every one of us has the choice to believe and have faith in God. When we make the right choice of faith, feelings come and assurance comes. Faith is not faith until it's been tested. 

 

In the scriptures above God is saying, "I don't want you to live like others. I don't want you to fret, worry, lose hope like others who don't have a God of hope!"

 

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Jesus promised us abundant life. Abundant life is the fruit of faith in the face of adversity. Many don't experience the abundant life because they don't live by faith, but the just live by faith (Hebrews 10:38)

 

What does it mean to live by faith? Simply to find out what God said, do it, and let God take it from there!

 

You can watch, listen to, or download this sermon by clicking on one of the following links:

 

Watch/Download a video clip of this sermon here: https://vimeo.com/user5576097/videos

Listen/Download the audio here: http://nbcornerstone.com/media.php?pageID=21 

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Unity- Part 1

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1 

This month Cornerstone church has been focusing on the subject of Unity.

When we hear the word Unity we think of a group of people united by the same passion, values, and purposes. People walking in the same direction. People united by a common identity.

Ideally, Community suggests a well planned and safe place to grow together, to raise children, and educate them in the knowledge of Christ. The Church is God's Gated Community!

Satan tries to disrupt the Unity within God's Community but Matthew 16:18 says, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." There's nothing that the enemy can do or say that can tear down this Christ established Community! 

Unity is a powerful tool in the kingdom of God. "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." Acts 2:1 It is always the work of the Holy Spirit that brings Unity among members in the church Community. 

You can watch, listen to, or download this sermon by clicking on one of the following links:

Watch/Download a video clip of this sermon here: https://vimeo.com/user5576097/videos

Listen/Download the audio here: http://nbcornerstone.com/media.php?pageID=21 

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Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31.   This Speaks for Itself: It needs No Commentary!

“The Woman Who Fears the LORD
An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than  v jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She  seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15 She  rises while it is yet night
and  y provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She  dresses herself [5] with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She  opens her hand to  b the poor”
“needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in  c scarlet.
22 She makes  bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is  fine linen and  purple.
23 Her husband is known in  the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25  Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,”“and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done  excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30  Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates”

It appears here is a woman who "gave God something to bless!"

Rev. John Watford
Lead Pastor
nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30.   You Can Trust God!

“5  Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”

Years ago I heard someone respond to a very unpleasant event where two opposite stories were told, "Time will tell!" Sure enough, time did tell!  One thing I have discovered and still discovering, "Every word of God proves true!"  The conflict is timing- the "when" the truth of God's word is manifested. The murderer may not be caught by the police and believes he has escaped justice, but that isn't true. He will stand before the Great Judge and give an account!

But leaving the negative aside follow with me the thoughts of the writer. It is clear that there had been some cataclysmic event in his life where he stood upon God's word and saw God's word true and faithful. So often I follow King David's example that when I am between a rock and a hard place I "encourage myself in The Lord." I remind myself of past events when I had a decision to make to either believe, trust and commit my way and myself to what God has said or to worry, fret and exasperate myself attempting to solve what was out of my control.

Take your refuge in The Lord! What He says, believe. What He says, do! Faith in Him is not something our minds at first will be in agreement. But as we take steps each step takes us closer to a life that rest in The Lord and in the power of His might. Give God something to bless like an opportunity to show Himself faithful and His Word true!

Rev. John Watford
Lead Pastor
nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29.    The Truth Is...

“18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people a cast off restraint,
but blessed is he who keeps the law.”

I have often quoted this passage and have heard many others do so.  But what does it really mean? Let's look in Scripture for the answer. From the prophet Malachi until the birth of John the Baptist there had been 400 hundred years of silence from God. Mankind did then as man does now, he established his own religion. He simply took enough truth from what had been, mixed it with rules and regulations, and established a religious hierarchy. It looked good and offered to man just enough to take the edge off his spiritual hunger for God!

Did it work? Well, Jesus "came to His own and His own received Him not!" Religion never draws men to God, it just blinds them to Who God is and how we can know Him. The "prophetic vision" is not the sham some use to convince and sway people that they are God's oracle, His mouth piece. But the "prophetic vision" is one that instructs people on how to know Christ and how to walk with Him! It is as simple as that!

Jesus said if we are willing to walk in His teachings we "Know His doctrine" that it came from heaven. Our willingness to learn and apply what He speaks allows His prophetic vision to be opened to us and as we do, more is given to us!  Do you want to hear His voice more clearly?  Begin by applying what He has already revealed to you! Your faithful obedience will open your spirit to His Spirit and His voice- His vision- become more clear. Give God something to bless, walk in the light He has given and more shall be added unto you!

Rev. John Watford
Lead Pastor
nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 28

Proverbs 28.   It is Up to You!

“13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
14 Blessed is the one who  fears the LORD always,
but whoever a hardens his heart will fall into calamity!

Many people are under the impression that because those who break God's law are not immediately judged and punished, that He is either unaware, uncaring about the victim, or doesn't have the ability to get involved. All of these are untrue!  In Genesis God gave man the right of self dominion-the right to choose his own path. But in counter balance to this God has decreed, "Be not deceived, for whatsoever a man sows, so shall he reap! There is "nothing concealed" from God. He sees all, He knows all and each of us shall indeed "give an account of himself" to God.

But note God's promise, "he who confesses and forsakes his transgressions will obtain mercy!"  What a great God we serve! If we confess and turn away from our sin, He forgives and forgets! True repentance means to turn from, to turn away because there has been a change in how we think about our transgressions. "I'm sorry" is not the same as confessing and forsaking actions, attitudes and ways. Without the turning from God's mercy cannot wash away our transgressions. But the moment we come into agreement with God of the awfulness of sin and the price He paid to free us from sin, at that moment God the Holy Spirit gives us the power to say "No!" To sin and "Yes!" to following Christ!

Give God something to bless, be in unity with Him against anything that would negatively impact your relationship with Him and the Body of Christ.

Rev. John Watford
Lead Pastor
nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27.  “Ouch! That Hurt!”

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

From the first day I read these two verses they ‘stuck’ in my memory. Jesus taught us that the “Holy Spirit will bring all things back to your remembrance,” and He has brought these back many times! Have you ever had a friend tell you what you needed to hear rather than what you wanted to hear? 

Two little girls were on the playground laughing ad having a great time! They were best friends. One told the other, “You should wait until it is your turn to swing and not jump in front of others.” To this her friend wheeled around, her eyes blazing and shouted, “You are not my friend anymore!” and stomped off! Ever heard that? Ever said that?

God tells us that “a friend loveth at all times,” not just when we are right. Years ago I heard someone say, “A friend comes in the door when everyone- even family- has walked out!” True friendship- Godlike friendship- tells you the truth in love, whether you want to hear it or not! Are you willing to listen?

Everyone needs someone in our lives to whom we make ourselves accountable. We all need someone who cares enough about our well being, in every area of life, to tell you the truth! We all need someone that not only has the right to speak into our lives, but also our respect and to whom we will listen. It is never easy to take rebuke, even if it is loving rebuke meant for our good. It hurts! It is painful! One wound of a friend who tells us what we need to hear is far more priceless than ten thousand empty, false accolades of false friends!

Consider the following and it will help you be more receptive the next time the ‘iron of truth’ rubs you the wrong way:

1. The friend who tells you the truth risks losing your friendship. But they believe in you and love you enough to risk losing your friendship to do so.2. They have nothing to gain when they “speak the truth in love” to you.3. Telling someone what you know they really don’t want to hear is extremely difficult. But you see, they love the other person more than they love the fellowship together!4. Ask yourself, “Is what they are saying in alignment with God’s word? Why am I resisting? Will their counsel me lead me closer to God or further away?

Give God something to bless and learn the value of listening to godly counsel!

Rev. John Watford
Lead Pastor
nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26.  Fools and a Mad Dog!

Verse 1-11 describe the fool and how foolish (we would say "stupid") are those who engage or involve themselves with fools.  When you do, you become just as much a fool as they are! He seems to be setting us up for verse 17.  "Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like a man who takes a passing dog by the ears."  Other translations describe it as a "mad dog!"

A fool grabs hold of both ears never realizing if he lets go of either ear the dog can turn his head and bite him. So it is with fools who meddle in the affairs of others!  If it does not involve you, don't get involved unless both parties are ready to get things right because they both know it is right with God for them to do so. Issues arise, but beware of opening the door for a fool to walk in and stir up more strife and division than is already there!

Fools get involved in the affairs of others. They meddle, they whisper, they tell what they heard, and even things they did not hear! They keep the fires of strife burning.  It makes them feel important, superior and it takes their mind off their own miserable existence!  Stay away from these! Avoid them like the plague they are.  You cannot reason with them, they will not accept it. You cannot show them the error of their ways, they cannot see them!

Give God something to bless, "A wise man walks with wise men and becomes wiser!" Choose carefully those to whom you bring into your confidence. Take your issues to the Holy Spirit, the Counselor and from Him seek wisdom!  Be blessed!

Rev. John Watford
Lead Pastor
nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25.   Live a Life Worth Copying

“These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.”

Solomon, king of Israel, ruled Israel for forty years. By all standards, he was the most wise and the most wealthy of all monarchs. Read again this verse, “These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah copied.”

They "copied" these wise instructions and brought them to their own king, Hezekiah. The reason? For the answer we have to look no further than the proverbs they copied such as, "Iron sharpens iron..." and, "A wise man receives instruction and grows thereby..." One of my favorites, "By wisdom a house is built..." But the greatest of all for me declares, "The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom!"

Solomon and the proverbs he shared had a profound impact on Hezekiah and his men!  Hezekiah adopted them as his own. They were the motivating source as to how he governed his own rule as king.  "A wise man receives instruction and grows thereby, but a fool will not be instructed!" wrote Solomon.  Hezekiah wanted to be wise, he wanted to be a king after God's own heart!

Not only did he want to lead and rule in a godly manner, but those around him wanted it as well!  Never belittle, or forget,  the life you live will have an impact on those around you!  Be a person who impacts others for good, for God! Do you recall the story of a man walking in the snow on his way to a night of drinking and infidelity? Hearing a noise, he turned and saw his little boy taking gigantic strides following him! The little lad smiled broadly and said, "See  daddy, I am walking in your footsteps!" The father fell to his knees, gathered his son in his arms and repented unto God!

Give God something to bless. Copy these not on paper but in your heart.  Truly, they came not from man but from God Almighty! They will make an impact on you as well as others! Be blessed!

Rev. John Watford
Lead Pastor
nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 24

Chapter 24 It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Coming!

10 “ If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”

There is very little encouragement in this verse. It is a wagging finger in the face of one who is already cast down by the adversity they are facing. The Hebrew word translated “faint” in the King James translation give the idea of one who pulls back, backs off, and or refuses to stand up to the oppressor. The old timers would say they are “whipped dogs” who cower in fear and submission-surrendering rather than fighting!

In Hebrew, the phrase, “the day of adversity” is an idiom, a slang saying. We have many of them in our version of the English language, such as, ‘A lot of water has passed under the bridge” or “I haven’t seen you in ages!” The Hebrews understood this saying. To them “the day of adversity” was a way of describing the intensity of financial, physical, or spiritual attacks.

Think of it as a farmer who plants his fields in great hope and expectancy of the harvest that will come to his family. He watches over it, talks to it, and does all he can to ensure a bountiful harvest. But just as he is about to reap his harvest, just before his dreams are realized, a swarm of locust come and devour all his crops, and with it, his hopes and dreams! Now repeat this often enough and as God declares, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick!” After a while the farmer loses hope and loses the will to fight and believe in hope. He is the poster child for the Scripture “A wounded spirit, who can forbear?”

What medicine does God prescribe for the weak and sicken spirit? King David realized the symptoms and demanded of himself, “Why are you cast down? I will yet praise the Lord!” He would tell you to “Encourage yourself in the Lord!” He prayed, sought guidance and did as God directed. The healing may not be instant, it rarely is, but it is sure! Remind yourself of Who God is and what He has already done for you. Give thanks to Him often and pray in the Spirit frequently! Give God something to bless like a heart who declares, “Quit? Never!”

Rev. John WatfordLead Pastornbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 23    Self Control

Chapter 23 stands unique in that Solomon gives us a list of “Do Not’s!”   He makes no excuses. He does not try to say things politely or un-offensively.  He gets right to the point, the heart of the matter, which is “self control!” 

He begins by teaching his son how to conduct himself when he is in the presence of people of power or esteem.  

V1. “When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.”  Rule over your desires!  Be sure of this, you are being judged to see if you are a person who practices self control!

V6.  “Do not eat the bread of a stingy man; though invited, he will resent every morsel you eat!”  

V20. "Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags."

Practice self control concerning with whom you associate.  Our God tells us “That as iron sharpens iron, so a man’s friends shape a man’s countenance.”  Simply put, “The people you spend time with will not only rub off on you, you will begin to take on their character!  Practice self control in choosing with whom you spend your time.   Give God something to bless, like a life of self control!

Rev. John Watford

Lead Pastor

nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22. Credit, the New Slave Master

Proverbs 22:7 "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender."

For some reason the issue of slavery, and with it all its horrors and injustices,seems to have its focus on that time in America’s beginnings, culminating in the Civil War of 1861-1865 when it was rightfully abolished. As difficult as it mayseem, the United States did not create this monster. It had been with mankindalmost as long as there has been mankind! Slavery in any form is wrong. It isevil at its core. But slavery is more prevalent today than it has ever been. Ithas simply changed its marketing approach.

In the days of old, one group would attack and capture another group andeither keep them or sell them as commodities. It was a common andacceptable practice- acceptable at least to the one doing the selling, not the one being sold that is! Slavery has not disappeared; some of it has goneunderground in the form of human trafficking, forced prostitution and or sellingproducts to create slave by addictions. How prophetically accurate the word ofour Lord that, “The love of money is the root of all evil!” Money is simply atool; it is the love, lust and greed for it that creates the problems!

But there is another slave master out there who cares little for your well being.Let’s call him “The Credit Master!” He captures his victims not with ropes butwith the snares of enticements! We have all heard his voice, “Get the credityou deserve!” or “No credit-no problem!” How easy it is for the simple to fallprey to the financial shackles awaiting them! Listen again to the wisdom of God, “The borrower is a slave to the lender!” Just because you can buy on credit- should you? There is nothing simpler, do with less while you are building your life. Don’t keep up with the “Jones'.” Don’t let your fleshly desires listen to the Credit Master. Give God something to bless, such as, a life free of prideful, instant gratification. Take time, work, build and save. God will help you! Be blessed and stay free.

Rev. John Watford 
Lead Pastor

nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21.  Trouble Free Living

No one can live a life totally free from trouble!  But a lot of it can be avoided if we listen, learn and live this powerful piece of wisdom"

“23  Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble”

The old Cajun fisherman pulled in his seventh or eighth fish of the morning and dropped it in his bucket.  He smiled as he glanced at my fresh, clean and empty bucket.  "Hey Pastor, ya know even da fish would not get in trouble if he kept his mouth shut-for sure yeh!"   My fish were doing quite well at keeping their mouth shut!  I wish I could always say that about myself- and others I have encountered along life's way.

God commands us in His Word to "Put a guard over our lips!"  We are to guard, govern all that goes out the gate of our lips. To this all would agree, but it is normally followed with, "I speak before I think." Or "We'll if I am thinking it I might as well say it, it is just as bad!"  One said all too often, "I just can't help it! Before I know what I have said, I have already said it!"  Ever heard or said that one? And finally the number one of all times, "I said it, but I did not mean it!" as if that would remove the poison their words inflicted.

If you wish to stay out of trouble, or at least out of much of it, listen and do what our Father commands us.  "A soft answer turns away wrath!" And "return not evil with evil, but overcome evil with good!"  How quieter lives would we live if we live "Be quick to hear and slow to speak!"  Remember the words of wisdom from my old Cajun friend, "hey Pastor, even a fish would not get caught if he kept his mouth shut, for sure, yeh!"  

Give God something to bless, like a "bridled tongue!"  For if our tongue is not bridled- controlled- the Holy Spirit said our "religion is in vain-worthless trash!"  Start today and ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond when He prompts you to "Be quiet!"

Rev. John Watford
Lead Pastor
nbcornerstone.com

Proverbs 20

Proverbs 20.   Along the Way

It has been forty years since I first read the Book of Proverbs.  At first, I thought the writer had Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) by the way he jumped from one topic to another then another and another....Well, you get the point.

But then I realized his writings were also Inspired by God the Holy Spirit just as Matthew, Luke, John and all the rest of the Bible. This Holy Book is filled with bite size nuggets, fitting just right in life's busy schedule!  They are clear, simple words of wisdom that we can apply on an instant and daily basis. I want to give you a few from chapter 20 that have helped and guided me along this Journey.

V1. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. "

In my B.C. Days (before Christ)  I, like so many others, believed I could handle alcohol.  I recall believing I was even a better driver after a few drinks!  How many tens of thousands of families have had their lives devastated with a knock at the door and standing there a messenger that there loved would was not coming home, a drinking driver killed them, but he walked away! Think about it!

My next one is verse 4, " A sluggard (lazy person) does not plow in autumn; he will seek at harvest but find nothing!"

My father was killed when I was four, leaving my mother to raise four children by herself. She never sat down to simply watch a television show, but in her hands was a needle and thread or some work that needed doing. I saw her her put her feet in plastic bags because there were holes in her shoes, as she stood long hours on wet, cold concrete floors in a local meat packing plant.  Laziness is a despicable sin!

A hand up is one thing, but handouts make slaves out of people! It teaches dependence and then expectations that that helping hand is their right.  "If a man will not work, neither shall he eat!" Says the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul.  Note it did not say "If a man cannot work, or cannot find work...but if a man will not work!"  Note the difference.

There is "honor in all labor!" Declares God.  The work available may not be what you want, or pay what you have made or think you deserve, but to refuse to work when it is available is a sin against God, your family and yourself!  Work builds character and as God gave us in verse 6, God looks for "a faithful man" to bless the "work of his hands!"

There are others, but time and space will not allow but this last golden nugget,
Verse 29, "the glory of a young man is his strength, the splendor of an old man is his silver hair!" Both have their time and  place in in our lives.  I am now in the "splendor" place of life. Still in pretty good shape, still strong in body.  But beneath these silver locks lies four decades of experiential wisdom that comes only with time of walking with God!  I tell you truthfully as King David did, "I was once young, but now I am old, but I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread!"

Give God something to bless!  Be wise enough to study His Word and discover the golden nuggets of wisdom that are yours simply for the taking! Be blessed!

Rev. John Watford
Lead Pastor
nbcornerstone.com