Category: Christian Living Page 1 of 2

Beside the Still Waters

On October 6, 2021

In Beside the Still Waters, Bible Studies, Christian Living, Christian Walk, Devotionals, Spiritual Growth

There are times when a believer needs to sit by the still waters and be encouraged by God’s Word. The words of life are found in the Scriptures. This devotional was originally done in 2006 and deals with various issues of life. I wrote it to be a blessing for a friend of mine with a chronic illness. Every person needs someone in their life to walk beside them in time of need. Just as we need that Balm of Gilead to heal our wounds, we need the spiritual Balm of Gilead to heal us spiritually.

My prayer is that you will be encouraged.

Morning Manna

By Kate Plourde

On September 26, 2021

In Christian Living, Christian Walk, Devotionals, Morning Manna

The title to this devotional came to me when I was doing my morning devotions. I did my devotions before breakfast and realized the importance of feeding my spiritual body. We need that morning manna in order to keep spiritually focused throughout the day. This devotional was originally written in 2007 with a desire to feed my spiritual self. I hope it is a blessing to you!

8 Steps to Living Peaceably With Your Unsaved Husband

By Kate Plourde

On September 22, 2021

In Bible Studies, Christian Living, Christian Walk, Marriage, Submission

Written in October 2006

Don’t look for a way out of this marriage. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. (1Co 7:12)

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. (1Co 7:13)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10)

Ask the Lord to reveal to you how HE wants you to act so He can complete His task through your current situation.

Be practical. Is it practical to think that your dear husband will act like a Christian? Do you expect your dear husband to get saved right now? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. (Act 1:7)

Rest in this … God is at work in your dh’s life as He promised.

Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. (Hab 1:5)

Do you remember why you are married? Do you wonder why God allowed you to become a Christian while you were married to an unbeliever? For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. (1Co 7:14)

The word sanctify means “set apart.” Your husband will receive extra opportunities to witness God’s grace and mercy. Another reason to stay married to your dear husband is for the children. This same verse says children living with a Christian parent are holy rather than unclean. Therefore, remember that your presence in their lives is of great influence.

Concentrate on your behavior. You MUST walk the walk and forget the talk. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1Ti 4:12)

You need to be salt and light in your home. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (Mat 5:13)

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Mat 5:14)

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (Mat 5:15)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Mat 5:16)

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; (1Pe 3:1)

While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. (1Pe 3:2)

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: (2Co 3:2)

Your life may be the only Bible your dear husband or children will ever read.

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (Phi 1:27)

Share your faith. There does come a time when you CAN share your faith but remember to do so “without the word” (1 Pet. 3:1). There are two very appropriate situations when you can verbally witness to your dh:

(1) Dear husband may notice something in your life (an attitude or behavior that glorifies the Lord) and he’ll tell you how much he appreciates you. At this moment, remind him that this was not the way you were before coming to Christ. Explain to him how much better your marriage would be if you could share these changes together.

(2) Wait until your dear husband is struggling with the emptiness in his life or is experiencing difficulty in a relationship with another person. Remind him that you once felt the same way, and this is why you surrendered your life to Christ.

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (Pro 15:23)

The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. (Isa 50:4)

Don’t hate your dh. If he continues to resist your words and rejects Christ, be VERY careful not to become resentful or angry toward him. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. (1Sa 8:7)

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. (Luk 10:16)

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2Co 4:4)

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luk 23:34)

Therefore, give your dear husband a little consideration based on your knowledge of his lost condition. Give him some space and patience, and pray that God will open his eyes.

Pray. Prayer is your greatest tool in the struggle to keep your unequally yoked marriage going. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (Jam 5:16)

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luk 10:19)

Pray without ceasing. (1Th 5:17)

Never give up!

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psa 27:14)

Kate Plourde
April 21, 2006

Are You Moving Forward?

By Kate Plourde

On September 22, 2021

In Bible Studies, Christian Living, Christian Walk, Spiritual Growth

Written in April 2008

Backsliding – we’ve all heard the term and some Christians are even in this state as I’m writing this. The term is not used in the New Testament but is found in Jeremiah:

Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. ~Jeremiah 8:5

According to Noah Webster, the word perpetual means:

1. Never ceasing; continuing forever in future time; destined to be eternal; as a perpetual covenant; a perpetual statute

Notice Jeremiah uses the terms perpetual, holding fast to deceit, refusing to return. The born-again Christian who is stirred by the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, will be under conviction when he/she sins against God. It is when we quench the Holy Spirit that we find ourselves in a state such as this. We all go through a dry spell from time to time. But when one is in this state all the time, it is very dangerous. We blaspheme the Word of God with our actions.

A Christian will either be moving forward for the Lord as he submits himself to God’s will for his life, or he will be standing still or moving backwards. Standing still can be just as bad as going in reverse, my friend. Neither one of these produces anything positive for the Lord. A believer who is stirred in his spirit by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit cannot stand still and will not go backward. He will move forward as he submits to the hand of the Potter. The stagnant believer, as well as the one who is going back to his old ways, is submitting to the work of the devil in his life.

~James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (7) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. ( 8 ) Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. (9) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (10)

The reason we get this is way is because we have strayed from God – we have not submitted ourselves totally to His will for our lives. That is why the devil can “have his way” in our lives. Verse 7 says that if we submit to God and resist the devil’s tactics in our lives, he (the devil) will flee from us. James was writing to believers and, therefore, he is not talking about being demon possessed here. The devil can influence us with distractions – he can cause the lust of our flesh to work against us. The devil can even use God’s work to distract us. If we are all consumed with doing the Lord’s work yet leaving our spiritual life aside, it is a distraction and it is keeping us away from our First Love!

Notice verse 8: Many quote the first part of this verse but they fail to quote the rest, which is what we must do to draw nigh to a Holy God: Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners – I don’t believe the Lord is telling us to wash our hands here – I believe He is asking us to examine our lives and wash away what is unpleasing to Him: ungodly music, unacceptable TV programming, etc. (you know what your weaknesses are). ~ James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Purify your hearts – Christ must be at the center of our hearts after salvation. Purify (according to Noah Webster) is to free ourselves from pollution. What is polluting your life today? It could be the things you discovered about yourself in the previous verse. It could be your walk with the Lord. Are you praying? Are you reading the Word? If not, go back to 12 o’clock in your spiritual walk and start over. Again, remember your First Love. When you don’t feed your body food, it becomes weak and you waste away. If you do not feed your spiritual body the Heavenly manna found in the Word and follow its convictions, you starve spiritually and your spiritual self will waste away. To the believer, conviction should be hard at work in the heart at this point. Don’t just listen to conviction but apply conviction to your life. This is the only way you will experience change and forward movement in your spiritual walk.
Ye double minded – When you are away from the Word long enough, you become double minded. You do not hold the same “standards and convictions” as before. You begin to doubt your convictions or slack off. You are unsettled in your thoughts. God provides your with conviction and you do not heed His command for you. This is not of God. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. That is why you are unsettled in your heart and you are not at peace.

So what do you do to get out of this rutt?

~Rev 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (4) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (5)

Return to the joy of your salvation day. Remember when you were in the Word every chance you got and you obeyed the voice of God when He told you to repent from a certain sin? Get back into the Word – obey His voice. As you start your new plan, don’t over schedule your time in the Word to the point where you will fail. Some people have the right intentions and spend 2-3 hours in the Word right from the git go. Although this is admirable, it may not be what is needed right here and now to keep you motivated and continuing to move forward. The devil will see your intentions and will cause all kinds of distractions to come your way. Instead, until you have re-established your habit, keep your time in the Word manageable. Schedule it like any appointment in your life. A scheduled appointment is more likely to be kept than to face the day with a list of things to do and no rhyme nor reason in its timing.

It’s O.K. to say no to too many commitments. After all, we don’t have to do everything that we are asked to do. Saying no is not that bad Look over what things you have committed to. See if some can be eliminated. If you’re in a quandry as to which one to eliminate, ask your husband or a spiritual adviser and get their opinion. A wife’s primary role in life is the Lord – right after that, she is to be a helpmeet to her husband. Then next on her list is to be a good mother. Church activities, ladies meetings, etc. must not take priority over these. When we have our priorities in order, everything else falls into place. If you must say no, simply say, “I would love to do this, however, I will have to say no at this time.” Simple – to the point – and usually no one pushes for a better answer after they hear no.

Don’t delay – don’t procrastinate – don’t give up! You’re under conviction for a reason and that is because of the Holy Spirit’s work in your heart. Once you are back in the Word, being nourished by the Spirit and heeding His convictions, you will see this discouragement melt away!

Will I Come Forth As Gold

By Kate Plourde

On September 22, 2021

In Bible Studies, Christian Living, Christian Walk, Spiritual Growth, Trials

(Job 23:10) But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

I’ve seen study after study and devotion after devotion on this verse. But until you personally experience a series of trials in your own life, and experience this verse, you really can’t fully appreciate what others are trying to explain. So it was for me! Although I was greatly blessed by reading those studies, I have to admit that it wasn’t until recently that I have fully appreciated Job 23:10! For those of you who do not know, I have two sons. Aaron just joined the U.S. Army and is at Basic Combat Training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Adam is a U.S. Marine and is wrapping up his MOS training in Coronado, CA. My husband and I recently sold our house and downsized to a two-bedroom apartment! We were planning our retirement and were scheduled to leave Virginia after May 1st. That is, until we found out a couple of weeks ago that John has been diagnosed with cancer. Radiation, chemo, surgery and follow-up treatments are what lie in store. I truly praise the Lord that at least I have my sons and my husband! I have not suffered as Job suffered, that is for sure! But I can surely sympathize with him and understand his account so much more as I go through these trials.

It is the first part of the verse that spoke to my heart, actually. The Lord knows the way that I take! This brings me much comfort knowing that my Shepherd knows my way. He has seen the future and knows the results of all that is going on in my life! My Creator, who has numbered the very hairs on my head, knows me intimately and cares for me. No matter how discouraged I may get, I can turn to the Word and the Lord gives me something that encourages my heart! (Psa 61:2) From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Our Heavenly Father hears our pleas of despair and comes to our rescue! (Psa 18:6) In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Thank You, Lord! I glorify Your Name on high!

Job’s reputation has followed him through the ages because he was able to claim this verse in the Bible. Even to this day, we hear the phrase “He has the patience of Job.” The trials that this man suffered are unbelievable, aren’t they? Job was attacked on every side by ole slew foot! The devil attacked Job’s character, he attacked Job’s belongings (cattle, etc.), he attacked Job’s servants, he attacked Job’s family, and he attacked Job’s own body! There is no one, that I know of personally, who has been through each of these in his life time – let alone within just a few weeks! I have learned that the Lord never gives us more than we can bear! With each burden, he provides us encouragement along the way. It is up to us to search out that encouragement! The Word should be our main source of encouragement! The title of my blog shows who that Source is: (Psa 121:1) [A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (Psa 121:2) My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

I also noticed that Job did not get to the point where he cursed the day he was born until after his friends came to “comfort” him! The devil kept attacking him and saw that he could not succeed so he sent along people he could “use” to accomplish his goal – discouragement. Where do you sit today, my friend? Are you one in need of encouragement or are you to be used of God to do the encouraging? Are you the type of friend that Job had? As I searched my heart, I realized that although I was experiencing trials of my own, there are many out there who are going through things that make mine look like child’s play! What kind of friend am I to those dear ones who are suffering?

If you are one who is experiencing trials today, do you surround yourself with whiners, complainers and nay sayers? It is these types of friends who will drag you down spiritually. Surround yourself with people who love the Lord, will pray for you and are there to lend an ear just in case you need one. Turn to your spiritual mentors who will not allow you to wallow in self-pity but will help you out of the pit of despair. You cannot expect someone who cannot swim to rescue you from drowning! Therefore, do not turn to those Christians who will nurture your discouragement instead of lifting you up in the Lord.

I don’t know why the Lord laid this on my heart today. Maybe I will need this down the road – or maybe you are going through a similar trial and need to be encouraged! With that said, won’t you say as Job did, (Job 23:10) But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Being a Good Sister

By Kate Plourde

On September 22, 2021

In Bible Studies, Christian Living, Christian Walk, Spiritual Growth

What is a friend? I think we can all think of one special person (not our husbands) who we can say is a very dear and close friend. I think of my dear friend, Vicky, who lives in my home town in Maine. Not only were we best friends all our lives, but our mothers were best friends also. We were always together. The Lord used Vicky to lead me to Him! What a wonderful friend she is and she is also my sister in Christ as well as my spiritual mother.

I think before we can look at the verses which talk about what a friend should be to YOU, let’s look at what God’s Word says about what kind of a friend WE should be. Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” The Lord tells us that before we can have friends to call our own (I’m not talking about acquaintances here), we must FIRST be friendly. Why do you think God threw this verse in here? The ball is in our court here. We have to be the initiator of friendships. Don’t wait for someone to come to you … go to them.

I remember when we switched churches and how I dreaded the thought of starting over in getting to know a new group of ladies. I’m a friendly person but I have to really work at being outgoing and the “first one” to start a conversation. Some women, on the other hand, are extremely shy and would rather die than to start a conversation with new people. Instead, they wait for those others to make the first move. Then you have those ladies who are just naturally friendly and outgoing and can talk to anyone! Which lady are you like? Whichever lady you are like, you must FIRST be friendly, right?

Let’s look on to what God’s Word says about the “qualities” of a friend so that we can learn to be this kind of friend. Firstly, we’re told a friend’s love doesn’t have a time table. Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. God says that you must love your friend at ALL times. You cannot be a “fair weather” friend, can you? You must love this friend at ALL times. I like that little three-letter word, “all”. It’s so small, yet it packs such a punch! You must love your friend whether she has her makeup on or whether she just got out of bed!

You must love her when she’s having good days as well as when she’s having bad days. You must love her and DEFEND her then walk away when others are “having her for lunch” in their gossip session! You must love her when YOU’RE having bad days. She should not just receive your love when you feel like giving it to her. It should be constant and consistent.

Next, God’s Word says that you must be faithful to your friend in spiritual matters as well. Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. You should love your friend so much that you will reprove and correct her spiritually when she sins. Of course, you do this with love and it is received with love. If she were to be walking off a cliff, you would stop her right? You should do the same for her spiritually. How you ask? Here’s a good example (one that I have experienced myself). Have you ever heard her dishonor her husband in her conversations with you when he’s not around? You KNOW better and you know that this will not bring God’s blessings upon her when she does this. Do you lovingly correct her with the verses she needs from God’s Word? Or do you let it go because you’re afraid to hurt her? Do you think you’ve helped her by not saying anything? No, what you’ve actually done is leave the door open for God to punish your friend.

Do you want God’s punishment on her? Of course you don’t. That’s why as a true and good friend, you should share with her things even if they will temporarily hurt her or cause her embarrassment. I have been spiritually corrected by two or three women in my life time whom I have respected. I didn’t despise them for their correction but was thankful that they loved me so much to help me and guide me. This is one characteristic of a friend which needs much prayer and forethought before exercising it.

Thirdly, a friend is spiritually wise, which means to be a good friend you must be in the Word and walking with the Lord. Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. A friend gives sound biblical counsel to you when you are in need. At times the Lord works through a dear friend to speak to us. It reminded me of another verse: Proverbs 15:23 “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”

A true friend will have words spoken in due season for you. They will be spiritual words that have been thought about and prayed over before speaking. I’ve seen too many times where women have opened their mouths and voice opinions and have only served to hurt the very person they were trying to help. Be sure you know this is what the Lord would have you say. Think before you give counsel. Pray before you give counsel. Look up verses before you give counsel. God will direct you for the benefit of your friend.

Fourthly, you must sharpen your friend’s countenance. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” How can you sharpen a friend’s countenance? I can think of encouraging words, sweet words (Scriptures) in time of need, rejoicing when she rejoices, weeping when she weeps. The countenance is another word for face. You can see a bright and happy face here if the sharpening has been of the Lord. I see someone whose friend has been encouraging her, uplifting her, rejoicing with her to the point where her countenance is affected. This means that this friend is close to her and knows her very well. Haven’t you ever been down in the dumps only to open your mail and find a sweet card from a dear friend that says exactly what you needed it to say? Didn’t that make your gloomy face change to a smiling one? Your countenance had just been sharpened by this friend! In turn, this is the kind of sharpening you must do to your friend.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the verses dealing with friends. I picked the qualities of a friend that I enjoy in my dear friend and expounded on those qualities. I’m sure you can all contribute several other verses and qualities that you see in your dear friend as well. Take a moment and meditate on what your dear friend means to you and what you like most about her. Thank God for her in your life and make a commitment to be that kind of friend to her or to someone else that the Lord has laid on your heart.

Now that we have seen what a friend IS … how can we, personally, BE that friend to someone else? This will take work on our part. Anything that we want bad enough, we must work for. As we first saw in the beginning in Prov. 18:24, we must FIRST show ourselves friendly before we can be blessed with a friend such as this. What can we do to teach ourselves to be this kind of friend to others? Let’s read on.

Incorporate your gift(s) from the Lord in nurturing your friendship. What gift(s) has the Lord blessed you with? Are you craftsy? Do you love to write poetry? Do you love to play the piano? Do you love to send cards? Do you love to cook? Do you love to sew? Take this gift that God has blessed you with and use it to bless your friend! I told you earlier that I wasn’t excited about having to get to know another group of ladies. I love to send note cards to folks. So I used this “love” to write to each of the ladies in the church thanking them for welcoming me and my family into their church family. This opened doors with these ladies and it did not take long before we got to know each other better.

Do you see where I’m going with this?

If you love to sew, make your friend(s) a Bible book cover or apron… you know, a “just because” you love her gift. If you love to play the piano, record yourself playing some of her favorite hymns and give her the cassette If you love to cook? Next time you make lasagna or whatever, make a little extra for her and her family. We always seem to wonder what we can do to bless our friend. There are so many ways. Can’t think of anything? Does your friend have children?

Babysitters are so expensive, why not offer your time to her? Watch her
children while she goes out shopping or watch them so she and hubby can have a date. Many times, the BEST gift we can give our friend is our “time”!

Praying is the BEST thing we can do for our friend(s). The BEST thing we
can do for our friend is to lift her needs daily before the Throne. There are always things that we don’t ask God about for ourselves… your friend probably has things she would never ask God about but YOU could ask God on her behalf. Ask her periodically what she needs you to pray about. Ask her to be specific, for example, baby needs new shoes this month or your friend would really like to have material to make a couple of new dresses. Lift your friend up to God frequently and thank God for placing her in your life. Ask Him to show you ways to be a better friend to her. Ask Him to show you what areas He wants to use you in. God loves a willing vessel.

Now … take your abilities of prayer, gifts, & love and get to work at being the best friend you can possibly be.

In closing, your gift of friendship does not need to be limited to just one or two friends. Be a blessing to someone in need. Be a friend to someone who is in need of a friend. I’m sure there is a lady in your church who needs befriending. I’m sure you can think of someone right now that appears lonely. Is there a widow in your church family? Is there a lady whose family lives out-of-state and she’s alone? If you can’t find someone, ask your pastor or your pastor’s wife if they know someone who could use a friend like you.

God bless you as you hone your “friend” skills in light of God’s Word.

The Fool

By Kate Plourde

On September 22, 2021

In Bible Studies, Christian Living, Christian Walk, Spiritual Growth

Written in January 2008

Sixty-three times, the Bible talks about “the fool” or “a fool.” What an eye opening topical study! Why would God concentrate so much on this teaching? We will let the Word speak for itself because the Word has all the answers to every question under the sun. (Ecc 1:9b) …and there is no new thing under the sun. I thought it would be interesting to see what defines a fool.

1. The fool is a sinner:The first time the phrase “the fool” is used in the Bible is in (1 Sam 26:21) Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly. The word is defined clearly here. There is no mistakening that the fool is a sinner who does harm to others and makes mistakes to a very great degree. This is not my interpretation but that of Noah Webster. Noah defines exceedingly as:

To a very great degree; in a degree beyond what is usual; greatly; very much.

2. The fool says there’s no God:

(Psa 14:1) [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] 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.

(Psa 53:1) [To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David.] The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

3. The fool troubles his own house:

(Pro 11:29) He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

4. The fool loves evil:

(Pro 14:16) A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

5. The fool will receive his due:

(Pro 26:3) A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.

(Pro 26:10) The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

6. The fool walks in darkness:

(Ecc 2:14) The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

7. The fool is lazy and will destroy himself and his household:

(Ecc 4:5) The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

8. The fool does not recognize nor understand that God is in creation:

(Psa 92:6) A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

9. The fool is easily captured by fleshly lusts and desires, i.e. adultery, prostitution:

(Pro 7:22) He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

10. The fool is a liar and a slanderer:

(Pro 10:18 ) He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

11. The fool does mischief:

(Pro 10:23) It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Noah Webster definse mischief as:

Harm; hurt; injury; damage; evil, whether intended or not.

12. The fool thinks he’s O.K. and doesn’t listen to wise counsel:

(Pro 12:15) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

13. The fool has a hot temper:

(Pro 12:16) A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

(Pro 18:6) A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

(Pro 18:7) A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

(Pro 27:3) A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.

14. The fool spreads his foolish talk and actions to all in his path:

(Pro 13:16) Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

(Pro 17:7) Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

(Pro 29:11) A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

(Ecc 10:3) Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

(Ecc 10:12) The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

15. The fool hates his instruction:

(Pro 15:5) A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

(Pro 17:10) A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

16. The fool does not seek to find wisdom with his money because he does not desire it:

(Pro 17:16) Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

17. Parents have no joy in having a fool for a child:

(Pro 17:21) He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

18. The fool has no wisdom and he is searching all over for fulfillment:

(Pro 17:24) Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

(Pro 18:2) A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

19. The fool is stubborn:

(Pro 19:1) Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Noah Webster definse “perverse” as:

2. Obstinate in the wrong; disposed to be contrary; stubborn; untractable

20. The fool does not take delight in spiritual matters:

(Pro 19:10) Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible states:

they do not know how to make a right use of their prosperity; nor to moderate their enjoyments, pleasures, and delights. Some understand this of spiritual delight in the Lord; in his ways and ordinances, which wicked men are strangers to: and a very uncomely thing it is for such persons to talk of spiritual joy and delight, and of their communion with God, when they live in sin;

(Pro 23:9) Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

(Pro 24:7) Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

21. The fool repeatedly goes back to his old ways:

(Pro 26:11) As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

22. The fool thinks he’s on the right path:

(Pro 26:12) Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

(Pro 28:26) He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

23. The fool does not change after chastisement:

(Pro 27:22) Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

24. The fool speaks before he thinks:

(Pro 29:20) Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

(Ecc 5:3) For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.

25. The fool is at a loss when making decisions of importance:

(Ecc 10:2) A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left.

Six Ways to Show that I am Saved

By Kate Plourde

On September 22, 2021

In Bible Studies, Christian Living, Christian Walk, Salvation

Written in May 2007

I have been overwhelmed at work as of late and not added to my devotional series on God’s Goodness for quite a few days now. I will finish it – I promise. I wanted to take a break today, however, to share with you a topic that recently resurfaced at Fundamental Baptist Forum which I had shared in June 2006. As I re-read it, the blessing was stirred again and I wanted to share it with you.

I took these notes on a message preached by Evangelist Hal Webb at our revival in June 2006. It was an awesome message! It was the first time I had ever seen a check list, so-to-speak, of how to prove your own salvation. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Moments of doubt arise within us at times of spiritual failures and defeats. Also, we’ve all met people who live like the devil but claim to be saved. They prayed a “prayer-ette” and thought this gave them insurance against hell. The born again creature is a new creature with new desires, desires for righteousness – if this is not true, then God is a liar. But God does not lie – man does. God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; (Rom 3:4a)

Re-reading my notes blessed me so much that I expanded on it and added verses. I have put it in my Bible so that I can share that with those who “think” they are saved but their lives don’t show it. I hope it is a blessing to you!!!

Six Ways to Prove That I Am Saved:

I have no desire for habitual sinning in my life. If I smoke, my desire will be to quit and I will succeed with Christ’s help. If I struggled with lying, my desire will be to stop and I will be under conviction each time I do so.

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (1 Jo 3:9) Our soul is converted at the time we are saved. This soul is no longer bound by sin but free. It is the “house,” our flesh, which desires to sin. That is why we battle sin in this body. No one explained that better than Paul himself in Rom. 7:14-15, For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (14) For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (15)

The born again believer will hate the fact that he has sinned. 1 Jo 3:9 is not talking about the flesh but the soul. Our flesh is corrupt and will not enter Heaven. It is our soul which will enter. God sees Christ’s blood upon us – He sees His Son when He looks at us. As Paul battled, our own soul battles daily with the flesh. The more we feed this flesh with the Word of God and the things of God, the flesh will sin less.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jo 1:9)

I have a personal belief in Jesus Christ. I truly believe He is God Who left Heaven to come to earth; in His virgin birth; His sinless life on earth; He is the Messiah of mankind Who shed His blood on the cross of Calvary for my sins; He was buried and on the third day, He arose from the dead; He ascended into Heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father awaiting His return to reign on earth.

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (1 Jo 5:1)

I was raised catholic and I learned about Jesus Christ. However, I never knew Jesus Christ. I had a head knowledge of who He was but I did not possess Him in my heart so He was just knowledge to me. It did not phase me in the least to use His name in vain. I did not have a desire to even “think” on Jesus Christ. However, after I was saved, I had a deep desire to get to know everything about Him. I could not stop reading the precious milk of the Word – the Gospels! I would call my spiritual mother almost daily with new things I had discovered and was excited to tell her what God had shown me in His Word! All these were golden nuggets to me and I was energized each time I read one!

I live righteously.

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. (1 Jo 2:29)

I will have a different holy life. Do I try to please Christ every day? Do I find myself trying to please Him? Am I doing His will? Do I avoid evil? The greatest joy in life is the joy of serving Christ.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Co 5:17)

Those who doubt their salvation can many times attribute this doubt to a lack of righteous living or doing God’s known will. Pastor Eugene Zorbas, of Tabernacle Baptist Church, preached a message on a similar topic last week. He said that being a Christian is not about keeping a list of rules but it is all about developing a relationship with Jesus Christ. The better our relationship, the better the results will be – keeping those rules because of your relationship with Him. Your desire will be to please Him with righteous living.

I will have a love for fellow Christians.

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. (1 Jo 3:14)

I can tell I’m saved by the crowd I choose to hang around with. Am I eager about Christian things? Do I desire to be around other Christians more than my worldly friends?

After I got saved, I wanted to be with other believers. I was so anxious to attend church for the first time just so I could share with others who believed as I believed!

I also discovered that this new nature caused my old friends to feel uncomfortable. It was not too soon after that they did not wish to “hang around” me any longer. As well, I did not enjoy being around them either. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Co 6:14)

I’m overcoming the world.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 Jo 5:4)

There’s always some Christian you know that “everything in their life is always going wrong”! Are they overcoming their circumstances? This is not to say things won’t go wrong, but what is their attitude as they go through these circumstances? Are they overcoming or are they defeated?

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (Joh 16:33) Jesus said that we shall have tribulation – not maybe. Christian, we will have tribulation in our life time here. However, Jesus said to be of good cheer! The Christian who does not overcome his circumstances does not fit here. That Christian has a “poor, pitiful me” attitude and is defeated already. However, Jesus said to be of good cheer! If it was not “do-able,” would Jesus have told us to be of good cheer? Of course not. Jesus went on to say “I have overcome the world.” Now put that with the following verse: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phi 4:13)

This is the Christian’s recipe for overcoming the world – through Jesus! Look at this example with me: A man had two dogs which he raised since they were puppies. They were kept in separate parts of the property away from each other. One dog was fed good dog food and nurtured with love and care. The other dog was given bits which would fall from the table. The nurtured dog was solid – sound muscular structure – and full of energy. The other dog was scrawny – his rib cage was noticeable – and he had no zest at all. One day, the two dogs were roaming free on the property and met each other for the first time. As their instincts took over, a territorial battle took place. Who do you think won the battle? Yes, the strong and nurtured dog won.

It is the same with Christians. If we feed our flesh with worldly things, we will be weak when it comes to spiritual battles. However, if we feed our spiritual nature with the Word and righteous living, we will be strong, ready and prepared for battle.

The world’s opinion is not to be my standard of living. My standard is the Word. I am not to please the world but I am to please the Lord, Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (15) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (16)

I will have a desire for purity.

We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. (1 Jo 5:18)

I am to care for my soul and protect it from evil. The flesh desires to sin. So protect yourself from evil. Whichever you “feed” the most will thrive in your life. If you feed your soul more, you will desire to be pure. If you feed your flesh more, you will desire the lusts of the flesh. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 Jo 2:16)

Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. (Amo 5:15)

Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1Th 5:22)

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. (Psa 101:3)

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Eph 5:16)

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. (1Ti 5:22)

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Phi 2:12)

I’m so glad I was brought to read this again this morning. Once again, I was blessed by Brother Webb’s words from a year ago!

Spiritual House Cleaning

By Kate Plourde

On September 22, 2021

In Bible Studies, Christian Living, Christian Walk, Spiritual Growth

Luke 10:38-42, Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

I love how God puts examples in the Bible that help us to learn His lessons for us. Here are two women, both raised in the same family but yet very different. There are a few spiritual applications we could glean here, that’s for sure. Martha could be an example of a person who is not saved and does not desire the things of God. It could be that Martha represents the saved woman who has not studied to show herself approved unto God. It could be that Martha represents the woman who has been saved a long time and has become comfortable in her Christian walk and feels she doesn’t need to grow spiritually anymore so she “works” a lot. Which Martha are you today, ladies?

Luke points that that Martha was “cumbered, careful and troubled about many things.” She was expecting Jesus and many others in her home. She was busy in her thoughts, laying out plans, what dishes to use, what meal to make, housework needed to be done, and everything in its place. In fact, these thoughts obsessed her so much so that she went to Jesus saying, “There’s so much to do, tell Mary to come help me!” Think about this for a minute. If you were receiving guests in your home and your sister wasn’t helping you with preparing, would you go to your guest and ask them to tell your sister to get to work? Is it me or was this a strange request to make? I think this goes deeper than meets the eye, don’t you? I think Martha wanted to draw attention to herself and all the work she had one by herself. SHE wanted the credit, in my opinion.

Jesus saw through this and told her that she was caught up in what needed to be done but was leaving her spiritual life unattended. He came right out and told her that Mary had chosen the good part and that this spiritual nourishment would not be taken away from her.

Is your spiritual housework all done, ladies? Is your house nice and spotless but your Bible study life is not? Do you put emphasis on cleaning your house but you leave your spiritual housework undone? What can we do to have a spiritually house clean?

1. Ask God to show you those secret sins in your heart and confess them.
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. (Psa 19:12)

2. Ask God to show you all your sins and to wash you thoroughly from them so you don’t repeat them. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (Psa 51:2)

3. How can we continually cleanse our hearts? By taking HEED to the Word. Not just reading it but taking HEED to it. BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Psa 119:9)

4. Again, the Word washes. It helps us to stay clean. What happens to water as it goes into a colander? It goes through the colander, right? But the colander is cleaned by that water, even though the water does not stay contained in it. That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Eph 5:26) The same with our spiritual lives. We may not remember everything we read in the Word or study, but continual reading and studying helps us to stay clean.

5. Getting closer to God will clean our hearts. It will bring conviction, repentance and a need to ask forgiveness from the Father. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (Jam 4:8)

6. Abstain from worldly lusts. The things of this world have a lot to offer the flesh. Think in your hearts today what worldly things God is revealing to your heart right now. Is it TV? Is it music? Is it a book? Is it a distraction that keeps you from His Word? Any of these things distract. (2Co 6:18) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2Co 7:1)

Are you having difficulties saying no to the things this world offers? Are you having difficulties in your spiritual walk in general? Do a spiritual house cleaning today. Ask God to show you what He wants cleaned out. You probably already know what needs cleaning. Then ask the Lord to help you keep your spiritual house clean. He can, He will and He promises to help you. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1Jo 4:4)

World-O-Meter

By Kate Plourde

On September 22, 2021

In Bible Studies, Christian Living, Christian Walk

How does the WORLD measure you as a Christian on the World-O-Meter?

Many times our Pastor has encouraged us from the pulpit to come out of the world and be different. We are called to be different in the Word: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2Co 6:17) In the previous verses, Paul is telling the Corinthians not to fellowship with the things of Belial (Satan). How could Christians be fellowshipping with the things of Satan? WHAT could they be doing? I meditated on this and thought I would share my findings with you.

My Mouth: Do I use slang for curse words? Everyone knows what curse word I was using so it’s just as bad as using the actual word! Am I always complaining? Everyone hates a complainer. Each time I open my mouth and complain, I cause someone to dislike being around me. Why would I want to chase my friends and family away? My mouth should be filled with words of wisdom and encouragement to those around me so they can see Christ, not hate the sound of His name because of my complaining. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: .(Pro 10:11)

My Dress: Why should I wear the same clothes as the world? Shouldn’t I be different? If the world goes to church in jeans, why should I? Doesn’t God deserve my Sunday best all the time? If the world revealing tops and tight skirts, does that mean it’s OK for me to wear them? What if a weaker Christian sees me “dress down” for church . will that weaker Christian think it’s OK for her to do it? Paul says But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. (1Co 8:9)

My Music: Does the music I listen to deal with Godly things? Or is it the world’s music filled with lyrics dealing with sex? If my sister in Christ has been struggling with worldly music and hears the kind of music I listen to, will this cause her to think that it’s OK? Will she be encouraged toward Godly music by what I listen to? Some weaker Christian is always watching.

My Books: Do the books I read come from the world? Are they romance novels, popular top 10 readers’ choices filled with sex and cursing? What if my sister in Christ sees me reading one of these books. Will she think it’s OK for her to do so since her Christian friend is reading it? Or are my books the kind that will help her to grow in Christ and mature as a Christian?

My TV Habits: Do the things I watch on TV have Godly principles? Or are they filled with sex, violence, drugs, etc.? Does my sister in Christ see the things I watch and figure it’s OK for her to do so as well?

My testimony is all I have on this earth to show others the way to Christ. My testimony is ALL I will take with me when I get to Heaven. Everyone there will then know just what kind of Christian I really was. OUCH! Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. (Mat 10:26) What about our families? No wonder it is so hard for our family members to get saved! They see us just exactly as we are … we walk like the world, talk like the world, and dress like the world … but yet we preach Christ. Such hypocrisy.

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and water rolls off its back like a duck . then it must be a duck. If a Christian walks like the world, talks like the world , and dresses like the world … then the Christian must be of the world.

Lord forgive us our sins and weaknesses. Help us to live more Godly lives for YOUR cause so we may be testimonies for You and not against You. I ask this in Jesus’ Precious Name.

Kate Plourde
May 9, 2006