cornerstonesalem

Striking Hands

cbcsalem@gmail.com (Sean Hicks) — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 04:58:34 GMT

Striking Hands

Proverbs 22:26-27 " Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?"

“Striking hands” is not a warning against fighting but rather in context of the traditional handshake of sealing a deal. Be careful with putting your good name on the line for another. The warning is against loaning money, or rather being a co-signer. Especially for someone who is a high risk of not being able to repay. In such situations, one ought to consider if they can afford the loss, and if so, be prepared to do so. In certain situations, a financial gift ought to be considered rather than a loan.

From this Scripture we are also shown how that there ought to be mercy and forgiveness of those whom cannot repay. One ought not to be so harsh as to take the bed out from under the debtor. Such behavior would have nothing to do with recouping loss and everything to do with revenge and expressing anger. We should be grateful our Lord is not so! (See Luke 7:40-47). Those who have obtained forgiveness and mercy ought to extend it (See Matthew 18:23-35).

Several years ago I use to work for a used car dealer. Among my many duties, I was sometimes required to help repossess cars. On one such occasion, we went looking for a guy who had been difficult to catch up to. After some time of making phone calls and visiting some of his family and friends, we learned he was at a local lake fishing. We explored the various fishing sites accessible to vehicles and soon found the car we were looking for. Without looking to notify the guy of the situation, my boss took the car. We had left the guy to not only discover that the car was gone but that he was also stranded. I later learned that the guy had only one payment left that he owed on the car. Perhaps there was more going on than I knew, but I felt it was a rotten thing to do.

We would be wise to remember that the Lord is an observer of the behavior of both the debtor and the lender. May both be wise, honest and merciful in their dealings with one another.

Up, Not Within

cbcsalem@gmail.com (Sean Hicks) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 20:52:55 GMT

Up, Not Within

In Jeremiah 10:23 it says “...the way of man is not in himself”. Then in Proverbs 20:24 is says "Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?"

These verses illustrates the fallacy of the modern teaching “be true to yourself” and “all that you need is within you” or “follow your heart” and etc. Such teachings are simply telling you to do what feels right at the moment, wing it and let the ever changing tied carry you. Which is the best mankind looking inward can do because “the way of man is not in himself” therefore “how can a man then understand his own way?"

Quit looking in and start looking up! Quit trusting in self and start trusting in the Saviour! Christ is called the Good Shepard for a reason! Invite Him into your heart, trust Him with your life and give Him your hand! In so doing, you will find meaning, purpose and direction! Start by looking to Him, not within!

Dirty Feet

cbcsalem@gmail.com (Sean Hicks) — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 03:57:15 GMT

Dirty Feet

The Lord who parted the Red Sea so His children could tread foot upon dry land is the same Lord who washed His disciples feet. Showing us that He is able to both deliver us and cleans us. For the born again Christian, The Lord has given us the victory over this fallen world. However, our pilgrimage is not without its blemishes. Thus the Lord washes the dirt of sin that so easily gathers upon the feet of the sojourner. Not just once but everyday! What a mighty God we serve. He is not only of great majesty but also of great humility. For such a worm as I, so easily lured to filth, where would I be if He didn’t continually make me clean?

May we be as Peter who said: “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?

Which Child Are You?

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 04:12:36 GMT

Which Child Are You?

“When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.” Psalms‬ ‭94:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Christian life is filled with ups and downs, triumphs and failures. The difference is some make an effort to move forward and others don’t. Falling for a trap or falling into a temptation isn’t the same as living in open rebellion to God. A stumble and a slip isn’t the same as a slide! We have experienced and witnessed a father walking with his child. Steps can often be a struggle for little ones. And as they try to stay in step and up to speed they sometime trip or fall. But the guiding hand of the father is there to help them up and even at times carry them on! God be thanked that when we stumble and when we fall, Christ is there to hold us up! Much like Jesus did with Peter! (See Matthew 14:30-31)

But we have also witnessed the rebellious and stubborn child, who despite their frailty, lack of understanding and ability, will fight to get away. They resist the hand that tries to help them. It is that child that is often in the most danger and acting in opposition to their own selves!

Which child are you?

DUH!

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 03:22:24 GMT

DUH!

“DUH!”

As I think upon running our race in the Christian life, I am reminded of a touching story. Once there was a Special Olympics race where there was a gathering of people with diverse forms of handicaps. Yet all were running and all wanting to win. They didn't let their disabilities keep them from entering the race and they didn't let it keep them from trying to win. One particular gentleman who had some sort of issue with his legs not aligning correctly as he walked, was trying to run! He didn't make it far before collapsing. Some of the onlookers, looked at him with pity, some were horrified and shocked, while others pointed and laughed. All of the other runners just stepped over him or went around him. Except for one particular runner, who was struggling in his own way and with his own disabilities who stopped to help him up, so that they both could complete the race together. Even those who beforehand had laughed, were now moved to tears of compassion.

Later when asked why he stopped to helped the fallen runner? He simply said "Because he fell! DUH!" What a lesson from the lest likely. A man suffering from mild retardation and a physical handicap just schooled thousands of "normal" people on common sense and compassion for his fellow runners.

If only us Christians could learn to do the same. We are all in the race together. Our abilities and our disabilities are not all the same. Some will slow and some will fall but all should stop to lift one another up. When it comes to serving the Lord, don't hesitate to enter the race because of you're concerned about your handicaps. Don't stop just because you're tired. Don't quit just because you have fallen. And if you're running strong, stop to help those who aren't.

The next time you hear or see of another brother or sister in Christ falter or fall to sin or some sort of circumstance, don't stand there wagging your head, turning the other way or pointing and laughing about it. Be the one who is to come alongside them and help lift them up! Why? Because they fell! Duh!

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” - Galatians‬ ‭6:2‬

Victory In Jesus

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 02:56:12 GMT

Victory In Jesus

Faith, faith lends hope to the future because of its proven past. Today’s victories are the result of yesterday’s battles. Battle tested Christians are faith strengthened Christians. Discouraged? Remember, our faith and our hope began from victory. For we serve a risen Saviour! Therefore, soldiers of the cross, ask not how it is I have faith. Ask rather, how is it you do not?

There is victory in Jesus! Have you Christ? Then you have victory!