The Lamp of the Lord (Proverbs 20:27)

If you truly want to find what lies in the depths of your heart, read the Word. As we read the Word, we become more in tune with the things of God and better understand our own spirit.

"The spirit of man [that factor human personality which proceeds immediately from God] is the lamp of the Lord, searching the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27, Amplified

Our own spirits are the lamp of the Lord. It is interesting, because we initially become our own judges. It is like this event that happened at my job last week. I was so angry at the people involved and the administration and even myself. But as the week progressed, my spirit was my own lamp. I didn't dwell on what happened necessarily, but I prayed that the Lord would reveal what I needed to do. I eventually wrote a letter of apology, which became more therapeutic for myself. As my spirit searched out my own heart, the Lord revealed the disgusting thing that my heart had become. I actually like to liken this light more to a black light which illuminates al the nasty an dingy stuff that a regular light cannot expose.

Separation (Proverbs 20:26)

It is so important for us to separate from ourselves the bad elements in life.

"A wise king winnows the wicked [from among the good], and brings the threshing wheel over them [to separate the chaff from the grain]." Proverbs 20:26, Amplified

To winnow is to slowly shave a piece of wood into a small sculpture. The wise king does this in order to leave himself surrounded by a group of people that is true, just and noble. It is so important for us to ensure that we are surrounded by righteous people and not unrighteous. This separation needs to be a violent one as well, sort o like a band aid being ripped from the skin; the slower you go, the more it hurts.

But the king also brings the threshing wheel over his people. This is in order to crush the undesirables and keep what is good. This action is a part of the harvest process. What this does for the grain, is it breaks the outside of it, the chaff, and separates it from the good grain inside.

These actions spoken of today are not just for kings, but for us as well. The Lord will bless our lives just as soon as we start taking our walk with Him more seriously. A part of that seriousness is a separation from wicked things and unrighteous people. Yes, we are all unrighteous, but there are some of us who just don't care and there are others who are striving towards the righteousness of Christ. We all know who they are in our lives.

Vows (Proverbs 20:25)

Vows, or promises, are a serious thing. Especially when we vow something to the Lord.

"It is a snare to a man to utter a vow [of consecration] rashly, and not until afterward inquire [whether he can fulfill it]." Proverbs 20:25, Amplified

As a young man, I cannot tell you how many fasts I have broken. I set aside my needs for the Lord, then later in the day, I just could not complete the vow that I had made. It was foolish of me to make those vows to fast. But, as the years have passed, I have become older and wiser in the Lord. There was a day, however, that I did fulfill my vow, and let me tell you, I was so blessed.

There is a great example of this in the Old Testament. Though the vow was made rashly, the man still fulfilled it. There was a man by the name of Jephtha who was a judge in the land of Israel. The Israelites were up against the Ammonites and he told the Lord, "If you will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, then it will be that whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering." (Judges 11:30-31, NKJV) When Jephtha returned home in victory, this is what happened. "When Jephtha came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter. And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, 'Alas my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot go back on it!'" (Judges 11:34-34, NKJV)

Did this Israelite actually perform a human sacrifice. I do believe so. The language of the verses seems to suggest it. Plus Jephtha had a pagan background and there was a spirit of rebellion in the land of Israel during the time of the Judges. Was his vow rash? Yes. Could he have worded it differently? Yes. I also want to point out that there is no indication that this vow was commissioned by the Lord. The Lord has never asked anyone to perform a human sacrifice, except Abraham, in which account He stayed his hand. Human sacrifice is a purely pagan practice.

When it comes to vows, we need to firstly, choose our words wisely. Secondly, we need to make sure that we can fulfill whatever it is that we have vowed to do. In everyday life, we make these kind of vows. We borrow money from friends and promise to pay them back, and we do. We buy a car or a house and we sign a contract promising to pay back the loan, and we do. Why should it be any different with the Lord?

True Motive (Proverbs 20:24)

The Lord directs our steps. Everywhere we go and everything we do is ordained by Him.

"Man's steps are ordered by the Lord; how then can man understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24, Amplified

This is another one of those complicated verses. God is above all other gods and the one true God. There is nothing that we may be able to do that would catch the Lord off guard. The Lord understands us better than we will ever understand ourselves. Every motive to every action is truly understood by the Lord. The verse above is not suggesting that we cannot understand why we do the things that we do, rather it is pointing out that the Lord discerns everything about us. We may be able to mask the motive to our fellow man, but we cannot hide it from the Lord.

Cheating (Proverbs 20:23)

Cheating is something that is covered quite frequently in the Proverbs.

"Diverse and deceitful weights are shamefully vile and abhorrent to the Lord, and false scales are not good." Proverbs 20:23, Amplified

To have diverse weights menas that you have various weights that all labeled x amount of pounds, but the actual weight of each varies. This is cheating whoever is buying from you. Whats more than that, is this is also favoritism. In essence you are giving guy one a break on what he is buying from you, whereas guy two is paying more to make up for the break that you just gave.

The good thing about Christ is that He paid the same price for all of us. His life covers me just as much as it covers Donald Trump of even President Obamah. I do not have to do more to earn my way into heaven because I am more poor, nor do they have to do more because they are richer than I.

Revenge (Proverbs 20:22)

Revenge is something that brews within the heart and slowly kills kills the host.

"Do not say, I will repay evil; wait (expectantly) for the Lord, and He will rescue you." Proverbs 20:22, Amplified

It is not in our best interest to repay evil for evil. Why? Because it affects our focus and concentration. Our focus and concentration should be on the Lord and nothing else. Paul wrote, "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." (Romans 12:17-19, NKJV)

To repay no evil for evil is not a suggestion, is a commandment. Paul said we need to have regard for the good things in life and that no man should see us wanting to get revenge. We need to do everything that is within our power to be at peace with everybody. It has been said that the only Bible one reads is us. In other words, our lives reflect the love of Jesus.

Our pursuit should be the good things in this life. "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for yourselves and for all." (First Thessalonians 5:15, NKJV) Revenge is never a good thing. It takes all the focus off of the Lord and places it solely on the person that offended. I know first hand how nice it would be to repay evil with evil. Recently at work, I had my integrity called into question. I understand how my actions could be interpreted as something other than what I meant them to be. It offends me that people that I know are placed in the position to question how I conduct myself. It makes me feel like they do not trust me. But I know and understand that the Lord knows the truth and He will reveal all.

Inheritance (Proverbs 20:21)

To inherit means to receive something that was not yours. But an inheritance is usually gained because of death.

"An inheritance hastily gotten [by greedy, unjust means] at the beginning, in the end will not be blessed." Proverbs 20:21, Amplified

Inheritance comes at the death of another. Usually it is a parent who leaves something behind for his children, or a husband for his wife. When I read this verse, all I can think about is the parable about the Prodigal Son. He demanded his cut of the inheritance from his father so he could go live abroad. He was basically saying, "I wish you were dead, dad!" He had many friends after coming into his share of the inheritance. But when the money left, so did the friends. His end was a destitute one.

Sometimes, the Lord just wants us to exhibit patience. Could we use the blessing now? Maybe. But to gain what is not rightfully mine until it is time can never be blessed the way the Lord intended it to be.

Honor Your Father and Mother (Proverbs 20:20)

We all have lights, and we all have the potential to be lights. But our lamps can and will be put out under certain circumstances.

"Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be put out in complete darkness." Proverbs 20:20, Amplified

We are called to love and respect our parents. I also want to point out that the Bible is mot sexist. Just because it says "he" does not mean it excludes you girls. All children are called to love and respect and honor their parents. In fact Paul wrote, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise: 'that it may be well with you ad you may live long in the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:1-3, NKJV)

The Tongue of the Talebearer (Proverbs 20:19)

Secrets are such an integral part of who we are as people. To have one violate that trust can be so destructive.

"He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore associate not with him who talks too freely." Proverbs 20:19, Amplified

Talebearing, or gossipping, is strictly prohibited by the Lord. If we were to reveal all the secrets of everyone that we knew, divisions would arises where there were no schisms to begin with. There is that line of honesty that a Christian must follow, and to harbor ill will for someone can be detrimental to a relationship. But it is not anybody else's job to reveal that ill will. As Christians we are called to speak the truth in love, not to have someone else do it for us.

We all know those in our own lives who are the gossipers. They are those who talk way too freely about everyone else. And if they speak of everyone else so freely to you, you can guarantee that they speak just as freely about you when you are not around. The best thing about a gossiper, is that they are not easily concealed, everyone knows who they are.

Paul wrote to the Roman Christians about this very thing. "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:17-18, NKJV) Their intent is very clear, they want to cause schism. It has been said that a miserable being must find a more miserable being, then he is happy.

Counsel II (Proverbs 20:18)

Counsel is always a good thing. Advice comes from an outside party, one that should be unaffected by your emotions.

"Purposes and plans are established by counsel, and only with good advice make or carry out on war." Proverbs 20:18, Amplified

To say that we are going out to complete a certain task or even fulfill a life long dream, counsel still must be sought. We have our own brains and emotions that seem to always muddle with things. But counsel comes from someone who is outside the equation. Counsel can come from many different places. But the most important place that counsel can come from is from the Lord. He speaks to us in many different ways and on many different levels. To be sure it is His voice we are hearing, we must first speak and understand His language. How do we do this? By reading the Word everyday. As you hear Him speak to you on a daily basis, then you will learn how to distinguish His voice from the chaos that surrounds us. We may not be able to see Him, but we can still hear Him.

Satisfaction II (Proverbs 20:17)

Deception is a wonderful thing when one gets away with his deceit. But what happens when he is found out? Or is he truly satisfied when he receives his goods through deceit?

"Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterword his mouth will be filled with gravel." Proverbs 20:17, Amplified

This food can be anything gained by deceit. What he is doing is looking for fulfillment. As he basks in his prize, it is sweet for him. He has attained something that he desired without the means of hard work. But the thrill of it lasts for only so long. What the verse implies is that the satisfaction does wear off. He will need more to satisfy himself. The same can be said of any kind of sin. Sure, a little makes one feel good, but soon more and more debase things will be viewed by the sinner because the old satisfaction is not enough.

Checks and Balances (Proverbs 20:16)

This next verse is a very hard one.

"[The judge tells the creditor] Take his garment who is security for a stranger, and hold him in pledge when he is security for foreigners." Proverbs 20:16, Amplified

Verses fourteen through seventeen have to do with the buying and selling of items. Everything has its price. But what happens if we place ourselves on the line for someone else? To be security for someone is the modern day version of cosigning for something. And when the Bible speaks of the "stranger" it is referring to a non-Jew.

Remember that the Proverbs were written by a Jew for the Jew. They are now applicable to us because we are grafted in, we have been adopted. To make this applicable for us today we must place it into a spiritual context. Jesus payed the ultimate price for us, His very life. How then do we feel we have the option to place ourselves as security for someone or something else? To give ourselves over to drugs, alcohol or even pornography is to sell ourselves to those things. How can something that has been purchased by someone be sold to another? Today it is referred to as fencing. When we turn our backs on the Lord, we have basically stolen ourselves away from him to become subject to another.

Knowledge from Above (Proverbs 20:15)

In the physical world, there are many riches. But many forget about the spiritual riches that we all have at our disposal.

"There is gold, and a multitude of pearls; but the lips of knowledge are a vase a preciousness [the most precious of all]." Proverbs 20:15, Amplified

Gold and pearls, or even rubies, can buy you whatever you want. But knowledge is so much more valuable than any bit of natural riches. Yes the Lord made the gold, pearls and rubies that we find in the earth, but He bestows upon us knowledge. These earthly minerals cannot compare with knowledge. "But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. It cannot be purchased for gold, nor can silver be weighed for its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir in precious onyx or sapphire. Neither gold nor crystal can equal it. Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or quartz, for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold." (Job 28:12-13, 15-19, NKJV) True knowledge and wisdom come from our heavenly Father. All the riches in the world cannot compare with the wisdom and understanding and knowledge that the Lord gives.

Where is the Value? (Proverbs 20:14)

Have you ever downplayed the value of something just so you can get it cheaper?

"It is worthless, it is worthless! says the buyer; but when he goes his way, then he boasts [about his bargain]." Proverbs 20:14, Amplified

The Bible seems to make no indication that this is a wrong practice to take part in. The buyer, himself, sees the value in an item and downplays it to the owner. But I do have to say I do see that the buyer goes away boasting about his bargain. In other words, he tells everybody how he got over on a poor schmuck. To see the value in something and want it for cheaper is not a bad thing in and of itself. I am a collector of comic books and I always peruse garage sales looking for these little gems hoping that no one sees their value. It is an exciting feeling to get your hands on that hidden treasure, on that found thing. This is exactly why people want to brag about the bargain.

But I do not see this here in the verse. It seems that the language implies the buyer is telling the seller that his wares a no good. He wants a batter deal despite the livelihood of the seller. He is a miser who wants to press the value out of every penny in order to get over on everybody. His boasting may cause others to go to the same seller and get the same deal, thus stripping the seller of most of his profits.

Sleep is for Sleepers (Proverbs 20:13)

Let the sleepers sleep. But if you wish to succeed, then you must awaken and get to work.

"Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes and you will be satisfied with bread." Proverbs 20:13, Amplified

Sleep is for those who wish to rest and that rest will come for those who have been faithful to work. As good Christians, we must work for poverty comes in many forms. We can be physically and spiritually poor. If we are to open our eyes and do the things that we are called to do, we will be satisfied with bread, both spiritually and physically.

Eyes and Ears (Proverbs 20:12)

God is the Creator of all things. Our bodies are a magnificent representation of His creative abilities.

"The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them." Proverbs 20:12, Amplified

The ear and the eye are the Lord's creation. Neither were formed by accident. "Consider how a complex organ such as the eye evolves over millions of years. Let's assume some mutations have sensitized an area of the skin to light, so that certain areas are more sensitive to light. What good is this? By theory, this has no benefit to the species so would be selected out. But let's suppose it survives, and goes on to develop into an eye, complete with lens, retina, and the muscles needed to focus automatically. How this happens over millions of years is unknown, for unless the entire eye is complete, it is useless. But let's assume it happened; the eye is complete. Without the nerve connecting it to the brain, and the brain being able to process the information, the partially formed eye is useless, and would be selected out since it gives no advantage to the species. How did two eyes develop [though]? What told the species you needed two? Since you wouldn't know the benefits of two eyes working together to provide depth perception unless you already had two, how did this develop?" (Darrin Yeager, Unfinished Works Volume I, pg. 24)

It is no accident that we were formed with eyes and ears that see and hear. Is this to say that the Lord was not involved in the creation of a child who is deaf or blind? Of course not. Our sin nature introduced such birth defects. In fact I feel that those with birth defects have a more powerful testimony for how the Lord shows Himself mighty and powerful in their lives.

But tot the point I intended to reach this morning. The Lord has made both the eyes and ears. Should we not filter what we place inside of them. The movies that we watch, the jokes that we hear. There are many things that we might change in our lives to change for the better in what we watch. Though science tells us that nerves takes electrical impulses to the brain, I say that our eyes and ears have a direct flow if information to the heart. Don' get me wrong. I am just as guilty as the next guy. I, too, need to watch what I watch and listen to. I can attest however, that when I do gauge what I listen to or what I watch, my heart is more in line with the Lord and it is easier for me to make better decisions.

Do it for the Children II (Proverbs 20:11)

Everyone has characteristics that they are known by. But what of actions? The Proverbs are very clear on this question.

"Even a child is known by his acts, whether or not what he does is pure and right." Proverbs 20:11, Amplified

The Bible says that a child is known by his deeds. Whatever he does, everybody knows the intent of his act. At my job, I supervise children. I do not know how many times I have called children out because what they have done. Sure they act all innocent, but there is something inside of myself and every other adult that sees the maliciousness behind the deed. It may be the instantaneous pointing of fingers, or the talking under the breath or even the faintest hint of a smile. But the intent is always known.

It is at this tender age that the indoctrination of the child must begin for if the child knows to cover up his misdeeds then he also knows how differentiate between right and wrong. It is our responsibility to do it for the children. One cannot stress the importance of mentoring. One minds need stable backgrounds to help the find root in the truth.

Diverse Weights (Proverbs 20:10)

This is a verse that his been covered before, but where the Lord repeats Himself, we must listen.

"Diverse weights [one for buying and another for selling] and diverse measures, both of them are exceedingly offensive and abhorrent to the Lord." Proverbs 20:10, Amplified

To have differing weights is to be a liar. You are no longer trying to get the best deal for your dollar, but you are trying to deceive someone into almost stealing from them. There was actually a law put in place in Israel to keep this from happening. "You shall not have a bag of differing weights, a heavy and a light." (Deuteronomy 25:13, NKJV) The Lord even posed a question to the Jew through the prophet Micah. This question, however is now not only for the Jew but for the believer as well since we have been grafted in. "Are there yet treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the short measure that is an abomination? Shall I count pure those with wicked scales, and with a bag of deceitful weights?" (Micah 6:10-11, NKJV) WE absolutely cannot be counted pure when we have the intend to deceive. The question is rhetorical. The Lord will never bless those who are deceitful. Yes, it may seem that they are blessed, but the Lord will not be mocked.

Works Don't Work (Proverbs 20:9)

There is only one way to wash the human heart, and that is with the blood of Jesus.

"Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" Proverbs 20:9, Amplified

No one can utter these words and be truthful. This statement here deals with works and makes the sacrifice of Jesus of no consequence. There are many religions out there that place the sinner on the road to redemption, but sadly he or she will never get to heaven for there is nothing good in and of themselves.

The Lord told Jeremiah, "The heart os deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV) These are the Lord's words, not man's. Job even understood this concept. "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one!" (Job 14:4, NKJV) It is in the nature of man to be sinful. Ever since Adam and Eve transgressed, man has been born into sin. How then, can a sinner who knows nothing but sin cleanse himself from that very same sin? We are born into it, the Word tells us so. "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." (Psalm 51:5, NKJV)

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (First John 1:8, NKJV) Deception is that name of the enemy's game. He longs to deceive us so that our focus is not going to be on the Lord. So if he can replace that focus with works, then why not. Works is an institution that man understands, he can see the progress he is making by the work that he does. But salvation is not about the works of man, it is about the work of Christ. One act to redeem all man kind. So where does the answer lie? "If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (First John 1:9, NKJV)

Judgement (Proverbs 20:8)

A king sit son the throne and is supposed to have no evil surrounding him.

"A king who sits on the throne of judgement winnows out all evil [like chaff] with his eyes." Proverbs 20:8, Amplified

A king must sit on the throne of judgement, for if he does not do so, evil is allowed to run rampant in his kingdom. Jesus is not that King as of yet, but He will come to take possession of HIs throne very soon. The signs all point to the end being near.

Evil hides from righteousness. When we die, we will all face a judgment. There are those who never accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Those will have to go through the White Throne Judgement, which will ultimately end in Hell. Then there are those of us who have accepted the work of Jesus on the cross. We will have to face a judgment as well. "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." (Romans 14:10, NKJV) This judgement in the original language translates to beama, this is the beamaseat of Christ. It is that time in our lives when we will have to answer for everything that we have done, separating the wheat from the chaff if you will. Paul talks about this concept elsewhere. "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is." (First Corinthians 3:11-13, NKJV) That fire is the judgement; all our works will be judged by fire, burning the wood, hay and straw and leaving the gold, silver and precious stones.

Do it for the Children (Proverbs 20:7)

It is so wonderful to have a legacy.

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed - happy, fortunate [enviable] - are his children after him." Proverbs 20:7, Amplified

There is a phrase used four different times in the Bible which speaks about a father's children. "...visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations..." (Exodus 20:5, 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9) If the iniquity of the father shall come upon the children, how much more will his integrity? We are the examples for our children. What we do, what we say, how we react. If we translate those into the spiritual, then it could be concluded that we again our the examples for our children. I am not saying that they will be perfect little angels (because they will make their own decisions) but they must have an example. Be the example for the children so that they may be blessed.

Boasting (Proverbs 20:6)

Everyone wants to talk about how good he or she is. But how good are we really?

"Many a man proclaims his own loving-kindness, but a faithful man who can find?" Proverbs 20:6, Amplified

In the New King James Version, loving-kindness is replaced with goodness. Every man wants to proclaim his own goodness. We boast about our goodness because we want to be valuable in the eyes of someone else. Hell's Kitchen is on right now, and it is hilarious to watch the aspiring chefs in their confessionals. They proclaim how good they are. They will mop up the competition. They are going to win Hell's Kitchen. Then you watch them as they loose challenges or have horrible dinner services. There is no action to back up the words.

The same can be done in our spiritual lives as well. We can boast about how spiritual we are, but what is actually happening in the heart? Spirituality is not just words, nor is it even action. It is a state of being, the position of the heart.

There is no need to boast of our own goodness or even loving-kindness. Our value was already established as Jesus bought us with His own life.

Counsel (Proverbs 20:5)

To get counsel is always a good thing, but we must have the tools and know-how to receive it.

"Counsel in the heart of a man is like water in a deep well, but a man of understanding will draw it out." Proverbs 20:5, Amplified

Yes. Notice what I said. We need the tools and know-how to receive, not to distribute. Sure, going to school to become a counselor or a psychologist is a great thing. But the real key to therapy, advice and counsel is on the receiving end. Counsel is good for nothing is the it was meant for does not want it.

The receiver must want to draw out the counsel. It is like someone going grocery shopping. He or she fills the fridge and pantry to their own detriment if no one in the house is hungry. But when hunger sets in, the wealth of food stuffs stored up are there for the person to draw nourishment from.

Always be ready to give the counsel that you have in your heart, you never know when someone might be hungry.

Excuses (Proverbs 20:4)

There are so many different excuses for us to use on a daily basis. Which one best describes you?

"The sluggard will not plow when winter sets in; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing." Proverbs 20:4, Amplified

I actually prefer the New King James Version of this verse, "The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing." Excuses are like armpits, everyone has them and they all stink.

In this verse, the lazy man will not plow because winter is upon him. There are many different excuses concerning winter. "It's snowing, or it's too cold, etcetera." But what must be understood is that plowing and harvest happen year round. Different produce ripens at different times during the night. So the farmer must be diligent in plowing, for when it comes time for harvest he will have nothing to eat.

The same can be said about our spiritual lives. There are a plethora of excuses that one can use to not do the will and work of God. "I am too scared, or I am not a good public speaker, etcetera." In the kingdom of God, our excuses are useless for the Lord can give rebuttal to any of them. Moses was a great man of God who when first commissioned told the Lord that he was not eloquent of speech, later in his ministry addressed the nation of Israel. The Lord said, "I will certainly be with you." (Exodus 3:12, NKJV)

When we are afraid the Lord says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV) When we doubt, Jesus reminds us, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea.' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:23-24, NKJV)

Now these are only two human emotions dealt with in this verse. I challenge you to find anything else that you may be struggling with and the Lord has the answer.