“Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” — 1 Timothy 1:4

The older preacher, Paul, tells the younger preacher, Timothy, to avoid conversations and discussions that sidetrack him from doing his job. They were “endless” issues that caused disputes (“minister questions”).

There are some things in life that may never be understood, or they are just plain mysteries. They leave you with a question instead of godly edification. Such topics do not edify, so the Bible says don’t heed to (don’t waste your energy or time on) such conversations. The idea is to stay on point; don’t be lured in and sidetracked by such conversations.

Here are a couple of questions to help detect if conversations are really worth having:

1. Does your conversation matter in eternity? It’s so easy to jump on issues that are based on politics, preferences, or personal views. The debate may seem important at the moment, but does it really matter in the scope of eternity?
2. Does your conversation edify? Losing your temper doesn’t get your point across. Making enemies of other brethren is not Christlike. Is your conversation, debate, or discussion constructive or destructive to others? Is your tone, your texts, or your typing skills lifting up Christ or hurting the cause of Christ?

With social media, podcasts, videos, and articles readily available to anyone, it is easy to get caught up in discussions, debates, and conversations that sidetrack us from sharing the gospel, discipling believers, and enjoying the work of God. For the good of yourself, your family, and your ministry, discipline yourself to stay on point.

by Jeffrey Bush

“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” — Proverbs 20:7

Every parent wants the best for their children’s future. Setting your children up for a good future is more than being wise or logical, it is a Biblical principle. Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children” and 19:14 says, “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers.” 

The focus of Proverbs 20:7 is not on the future financial stability rather the future spiritual stability. How a parent lives now will affect their children later. When a parent walks in integrity (honesty, uprightness, character), the children will be blessed. Your lifestyle now affects your children. When you live a life of integrity, it is the best thing for your conscience, for your stress, for your own life, and for your children as well. Your life in the present affects your children’s life in the future. 

by Jeffrey Bush

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. — Proverbs 17:22

Your thoughts/focus can determine your health. Seems crazy, right? But, according to the wisest man on earth, Solomon, a happy heart is like medicine whereas a sad or broken spirit brings painful, dried-out bones. 

Stress, worry, anger, and sadness are a few of the emotions that lead to a broken spirit, and that broken spirit dries the bones. The bone structure is what holds up the body, yet the broken spirit appears to cripple the body (physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally). When your spirit is cast down, it takes a toll on the body. The smile is wiped away, shoulders slump, eyes look down, and the body language suggests defeat. 

If you look to God and how good He has been to you, it’s like an immunity booster that keeps you on the right track. If you focus on your struggles and problems around you, you’ll begin to feel the pain of your bones drying. Fix your focus and attitude, and according to this verse, it takes care of a big portion of your health. 

The psalmist is quick to say that it is God that makes one glad (Psalm 92:4). The Apostle Paul reminds us to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). And the Psalmist teaches that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Psalms 16:11). Your focus affects your health. Fix your focus and it’ll be one of the greatest medicines offered in this world. The Spirit of God that made the spirit of man has the answer for your satisfaction, and it appears to be connected to your focus. Know God, grow in God, and focus on God, and your health will thank you for it!

by Jeffrey Bush

“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: And a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” — Proverbs 17:27-28

This proverb goes against popular culture and practice. It’s thought that the more someone knows, the more they should speak. There are certainly times to speak up and speak out, this verse bluntly says that the best advice is to spare your words. 

Though you may strongly be tempted to say something, remember that knowledge and understanding choose NOT to respond in many situations. You might want to justify or be witty, but hold your peace.  In fact, even a fool looks wise if he’ll be sparing in his words. So the next time you’re provoked, choose knowledge and understanding by sparing your words.

“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” — Jude 9 

Michael wasn’t just an angel; he was an archangel. He had status and rank. At this time he was contending with the devil about the body of Moses. Maybe they were discussing the location of the body, but whatever it was, Michael stopped and said, “The Lord rebuke thee.” There was no need to fight a fight that belongs to God. No need to carry a load that God can carry. Turn it over to the Lord!

The accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), the devil, loves to remind us of why we are unworthy and unfit to serve God. A Christian can beat himself up with guilt and depression because of something they did, said, or saw. It might have been wrong, but our loving and forgiving Father casts our sin from the east to the west and remembers it no more. Confess and forsake sin (Proverbs 28:13), and then move on for the Lord. Don’t allow the devil to drown you in depression or guilt you into gloominess. Instead of trying to argue with the devil, just tell him, “The Lord rebuke thee.” God forgives and restores no matter how bad the devil makes you feel. God lifts and loves. Don’t try to justify or defend; turn it over to the Lord. As 1 John 3:20 says, “if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart.” It may feel like our conscience, mind and heart beat us down, and very likely the devil is the one feeding that fire, but God is greater than feelings and emotions. Trust God. Throw it to God. Tell the devil,  “The Lord rebuke thee” and let the peace, joy and truth of God’s Word flood your heart. Don’t fight the devil, rebuke him. It’s not your fight, it belongs to the Lord.