Proverbs 25:26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“A righteous man falling down before the wicked Is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.” (Proverbs 25:26 KJV)

This speaks to the sad reality that plagues humanity since the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden, and will always be until the Lord returns. Even the righteous falls, especially when walking un-circumspect in the midst of this wicked world. He is likened to a muddied spring and a polluted well. Which answers the question: why a righteous man falls? And, why the wicked seems winning?

The answer lies in the analogy of a troubled fountain and a corrupted spring. When the fountain and the spring are cut off from its source it can become polluted and ultimately dries up. It can be caused by intentional disruption or by onset of drought. On the same manner, a righteous person (he who received the saving grace of Jesus by faith) slowly weakens as he is pulled away and disconnected from God, the source of righteousness. It could be deliberate turning away from his Savior Jesus Christ. Or, it can be by events that distract his focus on his Savior. Most especially, the distractions of religions with its doctrines and rituals made by men, and concepts of the world like political correctness, allowing it to replace the living precepts of God. And, as he neglects to meditate the bread of life day and night, which is God's holy and written Word, he stumbles. He gropes in the dark. Ultimately, he falls before the wicked.

But, as the sons and daughters of the Most High God, by grace through faith in Jesus, we have His assurance that as we come before Him when we are broken and fallen, He restores. Being still in the world, it is likely that we slip and fall. And, we just have to keep rising up and come before His throne of grace. We have this promise, as it is written: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.” (Proverbs 25:25 KJV)

This passage tells of the refreshing comfort of good news, like cold waters to a thirsty soul. Having been relieved by the satisfying nature of cold waters for our thirst, we can relate very clearly with this metaphor. We all experienced thirst and quenching, often. We know how relieving it is to our being.

That same satisfying nature we also experience when we hear good news from afar we haven't heard from for quite a while. Especially, the good news, that is not just from a far, but from as high as the heavens. When our Lord Jesus came down from heaven to earth, the GOOD NEWS for all creation was and is announced and declared. “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” What a GREAT NEWS it is that the God of all creation came to live among us - His creation. Yes, the King of Kings Christ Jesus our Lord, brought heaven down, so we can go up to heaven with, in and through Him. He came to save us.

Announcing the good news to the shepherds, it is written: “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:10-14 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.” (Proverbs 25:24 KJV)

Again, this passage is reminding the obvious - it is not good to be contentious and quarrelsome. Hence, this tells us not to be one. Though it highlights one party as a brawler, this counsel is for both parties in a conjugal union. Marriage, by design, is founded on love, with mutual care for each other. The goal is to draw in closeness not to drive away each other to the corner of a rooftop. But, of course, every relationship is marked with flaws, passed on by the sinful DNA of Adam. That, we must be sensitive, with trust in the Lord's spirit of grace and love.

Marriage is formed by two imperfect individuals. With that reality, living with a brawling woman or man in a wide house is a likely scenario, as this reminder highlights. Without the solid bonding of God's love, this possibility could happen. So, as children of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus-who must be in the heart of every marriage, the counsel of His Word is our rock of help and hope.

For every home to be a dwelling of joy and peace, Apostle Peter exhorts with these words: “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1 Peter 3:1-2, 7-8 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The north wind driveth away rain: So doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.” (Proverbs 25:23 KJV)

This passage is reminding that gossips and slanders should not have a place in our place of habitation. Our clear displeasure over it should be expressed to cut it out and drive it away, like wind from the north drives off rain. When Siberian north wind blows through the land of the Bible, it brings fair cold breeze in, and drives the rain away. It signals a pleasant day for enjoying the pleasure of nature and picnic in a cool summertime.

That's what our facial look of displeasure does over people who talks behind the back of others around us. And, it serves as a pop-up alert that they will be talking about you when you are not around. Our countenance should expressly send off a look of loving rebuke. When signs of gossip appear, it must be killed right there, lest it grows like perennial thistles and weeds. It destroys harmonious lives in loving relationships.

As God’s children of grace by faith in Christ Jesus, we are to be mindful always that God's Word through Apostle Paul says - “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:21-22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-22 NKJV)

What a very great counsel of God's word it is!? The best way to fight your enemy is kindness!!! Who is your enemy, anyway? Well, as God's children by faith in Christ Jesus, our enemy is one who hates and persecutes us because of being His children! Yet, we don't hate in return. And, as in regard to the curses of the world, God promised: “The Lord your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you.” (Deuteronomy 30:7 NIV)

Our weapon against them, is love! That's our stone of choice to hit them back, so to speak. Lord Jesus gives us this command: “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”(Luke 6:27-28 NLT)

These passages tell us that when we bless them, God's vengeance falls on them. We are blessed and rewarded. That's 'two birds with one stone of love that we throw' on our enemies. Apostle Paul affirms it with this exhortation: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” (Proverbs 25:20 NKJV)

This analogy of ripping off one's comfort from the cold of winter, tells of a cruel and heartless behavior. Only a person devoid of compassion would do such a thing. It is likened to another analogy of mixing vinegar on soda which produces explosive reaction. A new different state of matter is formed. As when warm clothes are taken from someone in a frigid place it results to new state of being, which could lead to harmful effect in a person's physical health. In another way of saying, singing songs of celebration to a wounded heart is like "rubbing salt on an open wound."

These illustrations give insight of the right care to give in times of comforting one another. No one is exempt. We all pass through the harsh realities of changing seasons in this life. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT).

As God's beloved, by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, He called us to:

“... Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” (John 15:12b NLT)

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV)

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15 NIV)

At times, lest we become like one who rips a person's garment in winter or like vinegar on soda and singing revelry to a mourning heart, it is best just to be there with the comforting presence of Christ Jesus. If physical distance hinders, be there in spirit with prayers. If privileged to be in physical proximity, gather around those with a heavy heart. No songs. No words. Just be in their presence with a readily available shoulder to cry on. In Christ Jesus, we have His assurance: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”” (Matthew 18:20 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.” (Proverbs 25:19 NKJV)

This passage puts forward a scenario of trusting an untrustworthy person in a dire situation. I suppose, nobody would, unless of course if one would want to cradle the pain of disappointment, like that of a throbbing bad tooth and an excruciating broken ankle or dislocated joint. Such a graphic description of a situation to be in!

There is only one truly faithful friend in whom we can put our trust – the Lord, our Savior Christ Jesus! We have the assurance of God's holy and written Words: He is a "very present help in trouble" (Psalms 46:1). The Psalmist declare: “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up” (Psalms 27:10). “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalms 118:8). Lord Jesus said to the disciples: “ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15 NIV)

So, by faith in Christ Jesus, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)

And I Say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.” (Proverbs 25:18 NKJV)

Gossip, defamation and slander are what this passage warns. It smashes like a club. Like a sword, it cuts right through the heart. Flying from afar, zooming through fiber optics in the web in this hi-tech age, like an arrow it pierces into the soul. Yes, lying lips are destructive. It kills dreams and hopes.

Hence, this passage serves as caution for us to walk in the path of honesty and truth, guided by the Spirit of the Lord and by the counsel of His Words. In Christ Jesus, having Lordship in our life by His grace through faith in Him, we have His promise: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:12-15 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.” (Proverbs 25:17 NKJV)

This passage is a pop up alert about what some call, "high-maintenance" people. We should not be one! But, chances are we may encounter them. This warning is to keep us mindful, as this relates to every level of relationships with others in our proximity.

Relationships do demand time spent together. This is not about discouraging closeness. This is not promoting distance. This is just cautioning to refrain from being a load and burden on your friend or kin or neighbor. Yes, it is hinting us to have the attitude to help lift a burden off mutually, where setting our foot in our neighbor’s house is essential. Our attitude should be as an unloader of burden, and not a loader of trouble. In Christ, we are to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NIV).

In this life, affairs of living are a mix of ease and trouble, joy and tears, starry and stormy nights, sunny and rainy days. Our mindset is to share together in seasons of celebration and lamentation. Our posture, as a Child of the living God in Christ Jesus, is readiness to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.” (Proverbs 25:16 NKJV)

Moderation! That's one caution this passage conveys. Every good thing, as sweet as honey, becomes bad to our well-being when taken excessively. Wisdom tells us to maximize the use of this life’s potentialities, but not to abuse it. Excess is detrimental to all aspects of living. That's an important rule to watch for life of excellence. Yes excellence! Not in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of the Lord!

As children of God, by grace through faith in Jesus, we are richly provided with every good thing to enjoy (1Timothy 6:17b). We have the Lord’s promise: "With long life, I will satisfy you and show you my salvation" (Psalm 91:16). We do not to put our hope on it, nor be arrogant and abusive with it. Our hope is in the Lord (Psalm 71:5)!

We are to set our eyes on heaven, by living with temperance, as we await upon our Lord Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul exhorts us with these words to reflect on: “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:17-21 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.” (Proverbs 25:15 NKJV)

The tongue doesn’t have the crushing blow of a hammer to smash a hard object like a bone. But, by the gentle pressure of the word it speaks over time by patience can bring about the same result: it breaks a bone! This statement demonstrates the power of soft and gentle words as opposed to harsh and abrasive words. Words that a tongue spits can break or make, so to speak. In time, like the persistent water drip softens a rock. So too, gentle whispers soften the heart. Borrowing the context of an adage: "Words are more powerful than swords."

This passage tells of the power of persuasion over a ruler or authority or a person of might. At some occasion in this world, we watched harsh rulers that need hash words or demonstration or even rebellion to be persuaded to change the way they rule. But, this passage tells us that God’s way is with forbearance. And, the same result can be done by the power of gently spoken words. So, it is in every aspect of general interaction with all types of people in our day to day living. In Christ Jesus, having Lordship of our life, we are given the gift of patience and gentleness. And, the Holy Spirit helps us when we call.

This passage aptly reminds us. We at times could be coaxed to react by impulse and blurt unintended words. As members of the body of Christ by grace through faith in Him, gentle words are our tools of persuasion, always. In the scriptures, Nabal a haughty rich man angered David who at that time was in fighting mode. He was being pursued to be killed by the jealous king Saul. But Abigail, the beautiful wife of Nabal, found her way to intercept David who was on his way to massacre Nabal and his men. 

She persuaded David with her gentle words. It is written, Abigail said to David: “Please forgive your servant’s presumption. The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my Lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live. Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my Lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. When the Lord has fulfilled for my Lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my Lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my Lord success, remember your servant.” David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. Otherwise, as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak.” Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him and said, “Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request.”” (1 Samuel 25:28-35 NIV) 

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.” (Proverbs 25:14 NKJV)

In this life, there many are promises made and never kept. And, we may have been the one promised to or perhaps, unfortunately, the one who made the promise but failed to deliver. Unfulfilled promises may be caused by circumstances beyond the control and foresight of the giver or receiver or both. Those, may be, are a bit easy to let go in the hands of fate, and move on.

But, this passage is stating the fact of false promises made with intent to boast and deceive. It is likened to a passing dry cloud and blown by arid southern wind, with no rain, over a parched summer ground. Which we must not be one, I believe that's the caution we are being nudged to refrain from doing.

But in this world, we could be caught up by deception of promise boasters. Many are the hopes, dreams and lives they have broken. Sadly, we can't see the content of a person's heart. By ourselves, we are easy vulnerable targets when we cross their path.

But, if ever we have been deceived and dismayed by false boasts, we have the Lord's assurance as we hold on our faith in Jesus. It is written: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV)." Whatever the circumstance, in Christ by His grace through faith in Him, we are equipped to move on. We always have hope in the Lord. In Him we come out victorious!

Hence, the reminder is, we need to stay secure always in the mighty hands of our heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ. There, we are safe! We have guidance, and protection from false boasters, deceivers and all workers of evil. They can't snatch us from the hands of our Savior, as Lord Jesus, the One True Promise Keeper declares in His holy and written Word: “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”” (John 10:29-30 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.” (Proverbs 25:13 NKJV)

We are all sent as envoy, ambassador, emissary, messenger and servant to represent Him who chose us wherever we set our feet on (2 Corinthians 5:20). The question is, are we faithful in our assignment? Do we represent as we should the way He expects? That's the nudge this passage is stirring me up.

Am I faithful in doing the task I am appointed to discharge? Am I giving my master pleasure? Am I that cold breeze through the snow that gives a fresh breath of satisfaction to him who dispatched me? Do the works that I do refresh the soul of my master? There are so many questions to ask for self-evaluation. And, it is essential. All these relate to our self-refreshing, as well, in this temporal dimension of life. And, it is vital for our soul to enter into the joy of our Master in the eternal realm. And, we must be rooted in the truth that it is by faith in Him that we give Him pleasure, His Word reminds in Hebrews 11:6. And, regarding the work that we do, Lord Jesus also said in John 6:29, referring to Himself: "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent." 

And in this life, when we refresh others, we will be refreshed, Proverbs 11:25 also reminds. So, as prompting to all who are called children of the Most High God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, we have this passage to reflect on. The Lord Jesus declared to the faithful servant in one of His parables: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:23 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:11-12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.” (Proverbs 25:11-12 KJV)

This passage, pictured in a beautiful poetic analogy the majestic beauty of wise words spoken at the right time and right place, like a setting of gold in a silver frame. And, the person speaking such life-changing words of reproof is likened to a jewel of adornment to a receptive ear. This talks about words carefully crafted for the occasion.

This is a reminder for us to frame the words we declare for edification, not degradation. We are to utter words of construction, not destruction; words of acceptance, not rejection. And, we all are to expose ourselves to Words that bring life to an obedient ear. We are to welcome words that reprove, coming from the mouth of God.

Day by day we posture to hear fitly-woven Words of life. We lean our ears to Words of direction leading to eternity. When many are turning away from following our Lord Jesus, we go against the tide of the world. We come to Jesus and receive His Lordship by faith in a personal intimate relationship with Him. We enter His grace! Certainly not the way of religion. Religion is of man and not of the true God who sent His only Son our Lord Jesus Christ. We are to take the attitude of Apostle Peter, when many of those early followers of the Lord are turning away. Let's hold on by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, as it is written: “So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”” (John 6:67-69 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:9-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another; Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.” (Proverbs 25:9-10 NKJV)

As the idiom says "don't wash dirty linens in public", this passage reminds not to take your spat with your neighbor in the hearing and sight of others. With a tool called the internet or the web, in this day and age, it could spread on social media worse than wild fire. With a simple slip, it won't be kept secret no more. As it crawls on the cyber space, seemingly harmless, it leaves wreckage in its wake.

To all children of God by grace through faith in Jesus, the counsel of God's Word charges to resolve your differences with your neighbor or brother or sister, one on one. Lord Jesus said: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” (Matthew 18:15 NIV)

Not settling your case quickly with your neighbor or perhaps adversary on whatever issues of dispute, the consequence could be more than a ruined reputation. In another setting, Lord Jesus said: “When you are on the way to court with your accuser, try to settle the matter before you get there. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. And if that happens, you won’t be free again until you have paid the very last penny.”” (Luke 12:58-59 NLT)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?” (Proverbs 25:8 NKJV)

This tells me, stop! Ponder things out, give time for prayer. Don't hasten. It could lead to disgrace and pain. In a conflict, do not react quickly. Do not rush to action. Calm down; slow down; sit down. Pray! Examine every angle carefully, so as not to miss the obvious and be put to shame by your adversary. In court, when witnesses are examined and cross-examined, ugly realities can be exposed like a can of worms. In such unpleasant event, Lord Jesus gives this counsel: “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” (Matthew 5:25 NIV)

Passion in friction ends in prison. Action driven by emotion often results in regrettable conclusion. When the heart is pounding and emotions are raging, cool off before doing anything. Scripture says: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”(James 1:19-20 NIV)

As a child of God by grace through faith in Jesus, when shoved in an adversarial setting, Lord Jesus fostered to consider this posture of action: “Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.” (Luke 14:31-32 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:6-7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great; For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.” (Proverbs 25:6-7 NKJV)

Not everyone has the privilege to be in the presence of a king, but everyone can be in on the spot with a chance to be recognized and perhaps admired and exalted. Maybe, share the limelight with a celebrity and be looked up to by peers and the public in general, just by being in the proximity of one famous, standing for a moment of fame. Tempting, indeed! Sans the push and shove of their security!

This passage fittingly reminds us, as children of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, that the best and right way to climb and rise to the top is to start from the bottom. It is true in every venues and affairs in life. Starting from the top, there is only one way to go - down! And, the certain danger of falling - a great fall, that is!

The Lord Jesus Christ in one occasion, while attending a banquet, tells this lesson and reminder: “When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”” (Luke 14:7-11 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:4-5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.” (Proverbs 25:4-5 NKJV)

These passages tell of the great difficulty to root out corruption in government bureaucracy. As with the refinement process of silver, it is a very daunting and tedious effort. To remove impurities from silver is an enormous and risky task. Silver is extracted from an ore called galena, in three basic obnoxious steps. First, the ore is heated to remove the sulfur content with extreme care not to inhale the toxic fumes of sulfuric acid. Second, it is oxidized (burned) in a shallow pan to remove the dross. Thirdly, the pure silver is collected as it is separated from the dross and settled at the bottom of the pan. After this dirty and long difficult operation, only then the silversmith can fashion his jewelries and silverwares, and coins can be minted for use in commerce.

This apt metaphor for establishing righteousness in authority, shows how difficult it is to remove corrupt bureaucrats and politicians from a kingdom’s and a nation's offices of governance. It is a tough task. Hence, we see corruption getting deeper in corridors of power. It reveals the sad reality that rule of righteousness remains elusive to grasp in our own human ways,

But, it is not impossible with God, if only we honor His ways to reign. Like in the court of king Darius of Mede and Persia, he was able to remove the corrupt officials from his court, because he honored the God of Daniel, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is the God who sends His only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we rest in grace by faith in Him in this post-resurrection period we are in. Those corrupt officials in the court of King Darius, banded to kill Daniel for being trustworthy in his job (Daniel 6:4-8). Jesus is our hope for our nation to be established in righteousness, if we allow Him to reign in our every heart, especially our leaders.

The rule of righteousness was established during King Darius' reign, on account of Daniel’s presence. He honored the One True God of Daniel and declared, as it is written: “And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces. Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.” (Daniel 6:24-26 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, And the heart of kings is unsearchable.” (Proverbs 25:3 KJV)

This figure of speech tells us that, as the height of heaven is unreachable for man and that the depth into the core of the earth is unfathomable to man, no one can comprehend the heart of a king and any leader or any person for that matter. In another way of saying, we can never know the content of person's heart. A person vying to lead a group of people, or a kingdom, or a nation, especially in a democratic country like ours, may come falsely as 'angel of light in a sheep's clothing but wolf inside (Matthew 7:15).'

This is a reminder that in every aspect of our life's activities we need God and the Holy Spirit. God alone sees the content of a person's heart. He sees our destiny which is written in our heart. We can only observe a person's deceiving body language and see the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). So, we need Him! He sees and declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). 

And, as we have the Lordship of Christ Jesus by His grace through faith, we have Him to guide us. He gives us this promise: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-15 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 25:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” (Proverbs 25:1-2 NKJV)

We are reminded that these are proverbs which God revealed through Solomon the wisest king the world ever have - he sought wisdom from God and wisdom he was given. These words, which king Hezekiah's scribes copied, clearly helped Hezekiah king of Judah unto repentance, and spared his kingdom from the wrath of the Lord (2 Chronicles 32:26).

And, these reminds us too, that there are matters concealed by God in His Words that will stay hidden until we are ready to uncover in that right time of our search, as we grow in our faith and closeness with Him. Like King Hezekiah and other righteous kings of Israel and Judah, it is wise and glorious to continuously seek the wealth of wisdom in the holy and written Words of God.

When we SEEK, we will FIND! That’s for certain! Hence, we must be careful what we seek for. If you seek for trouble, you will find it, too. So, we ought to seek things of heaven and of the Kingdom of God! As God's children of grace by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, He gives us this promise: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:33-34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:33-34 NKJV)

This passage is alluding to the kind of rest and sleep that are aversion to work productive. Like the wicked servant the Lord Jesus told in the parable of the talent, who intently did not do anything, so to keep the talent he was given from increase. It is driven by selfishness, contempt, laziness and wickedness. Result is crystal clear - poverty!

Yes, physical rest is essential to refresh and restock energy so we can work fruitfully. Rest and sleep at its proper time and place is in the system of God's plan for living under the sun. God sets the example when He rested after six days of creative work. On the Seventh day we are to rest and every night we sleep. As we rest, God works. 

We sow seeds of resources, skills and talents we are given. Then, we sleep. As we sleep, the seeds grow. Then we rise in the morning of a new day - we see the seeds sprout and we don't know how (Mark 4:26-27). God's system works. We just have to do our part - no stolen rest, no little sleep and no sneaky slumbering. But, rather we are to be focused while we are on the job. Our true rest is not in slumbering, but in the finished work of Jesus on the cross by His grace through faith in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).

We are expected to make an increase of what we have been entrusted, with full trust in the Lord, to honor Him. As His children of grace by faith in Christ Jesus, we should be like that servant in the Lord's parable who doubles the talent he was given. Not the sluggard and contemptuous one. In the parable, Lord Jesus said to the lazy servant: “So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” (Matthew 25:28-30 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:30-32 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction.” (Proverbs 24:30-32 ESV)

Such a picturesque analogy of the field and the vineyard which are untended! Sadly, the picture is pitiful and unpleasant, with overgrown thorns, nettles covering the ground and protective barriers falling apart. Unfortunately, it is in the hands of a sloth. Yes, it is under the watch of sluggard that wastes resources - one that lacks sense of responsibility. This passage reveals that the heart of a lazy person is not much to care of the blessings in his hands! He is devoid of understanding what God placed in his stewardship.

This is a challenge for us to reflect on and learn a lesson from. We are to consider it with seriousness. And, open up for correction and discipline to receive instruction of God's Word. Let the Lord guide our everyday life by His Word. Be a person that sows. Energetic in the calling we are in. As children of God by grace through faith in Jesus, being reborn in spirit, we are to emulate a wise farmer that plows his field and scatters the seeds.

Lord Jesus likens the wise farmer, who gladly receives instruction, with the work in the Kingdom of God. He is blessed to see the beauty of the field turns green as the seeds sprout which lead to harvest in a miraculous manner. That’s the picture the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to. It is written- “And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”” (Mark 4:26-29 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:28-29 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips? Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.”” (Proverbs 24:28-29 NKJV)

Truth is the undergirding principle in a functioning society. Neither self-defined truth nor truth concocted by the world, but truth that aligns with the Word of God. How scary it would be to interact and transact in our daily living in a dishonest society. It is only when honesty and truth reign that we can feel safe in our civic, economic and social system. Without the guidepost of God’s truth, out there is a jungle of wild beasts: Each one snarling against each other; Neighbors lying and vengeful one to another; airwaves filled with deceptions and warp values of the wicked holding the loudest microphones. What a scary place that would be? And, sadly that’s the jungle we are in in these dark days of the world.

Hence God, in these verses, reminds not to tell tales about other people, especially those that are close to our proximity and those that impact the lives of many. One must beware! Deceitful lips are self-destructive. It may be aimed against someone for a personal real reason. But it could ricochet back. Better heed this warning from God's word - 'do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause.'

You want vengeance? Leave it to the Lord! As His children of grace in Christ Jesus by faith, we have this reminder to live by: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:16-18 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God says …

“Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.” (Proverbs 24:27 NIV)

We are given a very practical instruction for home building. Though the example is agrarian, this covers the whole spectrum of livelihood available to man.

Putting the outdoor work in order is about establishing one's physical source of living. It is essential for a person to be able to build a home right. For the farmer, there is much work to do. God and nature play a massive role for a productive farming. He provides the rain for crops to grow in a supernatural mystery. And, the farmer must plow the earth and sow the seeds. Then, the rain comes. The seed sprouts, though he does not know how (Mark 4:27). Using this process as analogy for every field of endeavors, we are reminded to cooperate in the system of seed time and harvest – be it in agriculture and in blue collar or in white collar venues of undertaking. Metaphorically, this applies across vocations. For God to bless our work, what is our part? We just have to operate in the system by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There is no sense building your house before you have the means to sustain it. Doing it the other way is like putting the plow before the horse. It is leveraging for instant gratification. But sadly, affirmed by $ 31+ Trillion debt, the American way seems running that way - the worldly way. As children of God in Christ, we should be conscious and be set apart from the world. Relationship with God must be established to be the foundation of a home, most especially a nation!

This passage practically teaches us to prayerfully plan. Take care of the source, before the house. Plan and prepare before the build. Resting in God’s grace by faith in Christ Jesus, we are to seek guidance looking to our heavenly source (1Corinthians 8:6)! It is written, Lord Jesus said this subtle warning: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’” (Luke 14:28-30 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.” (Proverbs 24:26 NKJV)

This passage compares the depth of giving an honest answer with the intimate expression of kissing the lips. Honesty is a kiss! It is signifying love, devotion, sincerity, and commitment (the dominant culture of the times). It is an outward expression of what is in the heart. It is an apt and profound illustration of telling the candid truth.

Like a kiss, a just and upright answer express affection and intimacy, the hallmark of genuine relationship in every interaction of humanity. Most especially, in a relationship bound by the love of God, it is undergirded by grace and truth in Christ Jesus.

Relationship at every level grounded in honesty brings forth joy, peace and restoration. Apostle Paul advocated this in his exhortation to greet with holy kiss among believers in Corinth. Hence, as children of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, we are reminded by these words: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:11-14 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:23-25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says…

“These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.” (Proverbs 24:23-25 NKJV)

Partiality is frowned upon. Showing bias or prejudice for someone in particular - favoritism is not in sync with the Lord's way. Treating someone who has done wrong with partiality is an injustice - to the offender who is being shown preference, to the victims of the offense and to the society as a whole.

When we start calling wrong things right, and right things wrong, that would be total corruption of conscience. Sadly, that's what is happening in this great country, at its present state, reaching the highest echelon of influence. This nation's sense of judgement is rotting to the core in many levels and sectors. Hence, life becomes a living hell of torment for many, especially the helpless and the innocents. Absence of peace is emerging. And, that's not the kind of living God has for us. The reason He came and gave us the way to live in His grace and truth. These, we apply to deal with both the sinner and the saint. And, He calls us to get hold of the handle of wisdom in our choices for good judgement and decision making.

Life of blessings we will have when we abide in His Word. We will be reminded in our day-to-day conduct of living. We make life-changing calls neither to condemn nor to pander. We stand counseled by the Words of God to invoke correction and redirection, for those who need it, towards a righteous living. We affirm to edify those who do their life by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, we are as well. It is written: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17 ESV)

And I Say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:21-22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king?” (Proverbs 24:21-22 NLT)

These passages charge us to reverently fear the Lord and honor those who have authority over us in God's order of accountability and responsibility. In this context, God is giving a command. We are to respect and uphold them. They are God ordained. When this was written, kings of Israel were God anointed through His prophets. God placed them on their position for the good of His people.

Those who rebel against them, answer to God. David understood this fully, even when King Saul was pursuing to kill him. Though he had several opportunities to have taken King Saul, he restrained himself and his men. “He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my Lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul.”(1 Samuel 24:6-7 NLT)

Disaster hits those who rebel against God's anointed authority, as what happened to one of King David's son who rebelled against him. Absalom led a coup d'etat against his father the Second king of Israel whom God had Samuel anointed. This is a lesson for us to learn as God's children of grace by faith in Christ. We are to reverently fear the Lord and honor those who have authority over us. As in the case of Absalom, despite his father king David's desire not to harm his son, punishment caught up with him. “And ten young men, Joab’s armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him and killed him.” (2 Samuel 18:15 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:19-20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.” (Proverbs 24:19-20 NKJV0

This passage warns that there will be settling of accounts and there will be no good future for the wicked - that's the person who rejects God. This states the reality, 'the wicked have no hope of things to come.' They have no hope of everlasting joy. Yes, they may have their temporal seemingly good things now - in the view of the world. But, their evil days of torment are in the hereafter. They are therefore not to be fretted at and envied on. No reason to fuss about the lifestyles they flaunt. This world is their only best glimpse of heaven.

This lets us know, there is only one better way for us to live - that is in God's grace by faith in Christ Jesus. In Him, this world is our only worst glimpse of hell. Every way, other than through Christ Jesus, is the way of evil. Living that way, this warning clearly says that when their lamp is put out, their flesh withers and bites the dust. That’s it! There are no more prospects for a better end for the ungodly unless they turn around, believe and accept the Lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ. Staying their course, they are cast to languish in eternity. Lord Jesus said: “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons." (Matthew 25:41 NLT)

At the seat of judgement where accounts are settled, the God of all creation, our Lord Jesus Christ, will declare to the wicked, to those who reject God and the religious pretenders of faith: “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:23 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:17-18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him.” (Proverbs 24:17-18 NKJV)

The counsel of our Lord's Words is very clear in how to deal and treat anyone who takes an adversarial posture on us. In this world, as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, we will always run into them. We are not their favorite tribe. They hate us, as they hated the Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus warned us of it in His Words, when He says: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”(John 15:18 NIV)

We always find enemies wherever we go. We are in enemy’s territory. But they won't find an enemy of us. If we hate them in return tit for tat, they will be absolved of accountability. Love is what we give. We are loved by our Creator. And, His love is given us to give, even to those who make themselves enemies against us. The command of His Word is clear. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”(Matthew 5:43-44 NLT)

This love flows through us not by our self-effort. This is not of us. This is the fruit of the Spirit by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, as we now live by the faith of the Son of God (Galatians 2:20). So, by this faith of Christ Jesus in whom we depend, Apostle Paul further exhorts us with these words: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:18-21 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:15-16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.” (Proverbs 24:15-16 NKJV)

These passages warn the wicked not to mess with the children of God. It can’t be denied that evil and his minions work in the dark. They aim to create havoc in the lives of those who are in the light. They follow the cue of their father the devil. He is the enemy of God. And, God's children are his prey. These workers of evil are thieves who come to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). In these passages, the Almighty God of all creation, our Father, is warning them not to touch the habitat of the righteous.

God is declaring to us, who are righteous by grace through faith in Christ, as He declared to Abram "I am your shield." We may seem fallen at times. But resting on the finished work of our Lord Jesus by faith, we will always rise up. And, those who attack us will meet a calamitous fall. Like Daniel, he was falsely accused by his wicked enemies of a crime he did not commit because of their envy of his righteous way of doing his job. He was nefariously cast into the lions' den. And, they thought they succeeded. But, God shut the lions' mouths.

As in the testimony of Daniel, resting in God’s grace by faith in Jesus, the righteous always wins - no matter how it looks in the sights of men. And the wicked falls all the way to a fateful end, as it is written: “Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.” (Daniel 6:21-23 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 24:13-14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 24:13-14 NKJV)

The authority of God's Word tells us to eat honey for it is good. And, we should. We all know it. Honey is good for our health and for our taste. Especially when it comes fresh direct from the honeycomb. And these passages say that so as wisdom is good for our soul. A daily diet of wisdom from the Word of God will give us blessings that last, even unto eternity!

This illustration gives us the benefit of consuming wisdom like we eat honey. Like honey to our physical being, wisdom is good and sweet to our soul. In true wisdom, we have prospects instore ahead. We have hope. The Godly wisdom we have is the driving force of our being. 

The more we take in the knowledge of the living Word of God, we increase in wisdom. Yes, that is wisdom direct from the mouth of God. We are restored in and transformed by the grace of Christ Jesus our Lord. By faith in Him, we can confidently walk with sustaining assurance. Wisdom keeps us reminded and rooted that God promised: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.