Author: BCI Step by Step

WHY OUR JUDGMENTS FAIL

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

So many people fail to make wise judgments about their important decisions in life. No wonder there are so many divorces and broken families. Wrong judgments lead to decisions and actions that may not be the best or can have bad results. The Bible was given to guide us. It is important to study the Bible daily to grow in knowledge and wisdom. However, when pressed with difficult situations and facing important decisions, Godly counsel is a great help.

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 11:14 KJV)

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
(Proverbs 19:20 KJV)

For example, when you have a limited budget and are planning to buy a used car, getting the advice of the best-experienced mechanic would be very beneficial. However, many people follow their feelings as they make important decisions in life and do not feel the need of godly wisdom and counsel.

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
(Proverbs 15:32 KJV)

WHY OUR JUDGMENTS FAIL

Because our judgment is… WITHOUT GODLY WISDOM

MANY PEOPLE REJECT KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD

Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
(Proverbs 1:20-23 KJV)

PEOPLE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK FIND KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM

If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
(Proverbs 2:4-6 KJV)

Because our judgment is… WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING

A PERSON WILL NOT TRULY UNDERSTAND UNTIL HE APPLIES WHAT HE KNOWS IS RIGHT

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
(Proverbs 4:7 KJV)

HAPPINESS IS FINDING WISDOM AND ALSO UNDERSTANDING

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
(Proverbs 3:13 KJV)

A WISE PERSON WILL KEEP ON LEARNING AND WILL LISTEN TO WISE COUNSELLORS.

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
(Proverbs 1:5 KJV)

TRUE REPENTANCE AND OBEDIENCE ARE NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND MORE.

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
(Proverbs 9:6 KJV)

WISDOM IS THE APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE SO WHEN HE FEARS GOD, HE OBEYS AND EXPERIENCES THE TRUTH IN HIS LIFE.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
(Proverbs 9:10 KJV)

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(James 1:22 KJV)

Because our judgment is… WITHOUT SELF-EXAMINATION

IT IS BETTER TO JUDGE YOURSELF FIRST BEFORE OTHERS TO AVOID UNFAVORABLE CONSEQUENCES

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
(Proverbs 14:8 KJV)

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
(1 Corinthians 11:31-32 KJV)

EXAMINE YOURSELF IF THERE IS A WRONG ATTITUDE OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS OR SELF-PRIDE

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
(Luke 18:9-14 KJV)

CONSIDER YOURSELF BEFORE JUDGING OTHERS.

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
(Matthew 7:1-3 KJV)

Because our judgment is… ACCORDING TO APPEARANCE

JUDGE NOT ACCORDING TO APPEARANCE BUT JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
(John 7:24 KJV)

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
(James 2:4 KJV)

MAN LOOKS ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE BUT GOD LOOKS ON THE HEART

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
(1 Samuel 16:7 KJV)

Because our judgment is… WITHOUT RIGHT COUNSEL

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 11:14 KJV)

THEY DO NOT SEEK GODLY COUNSEL

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
(Psalms 1:1 KJV)

THEY LISTEN TO GOSSIPS THAN SEEKING THE TRUTH

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
(Proverbs 26:20-21 KJV)

SOMETIMES THE COUNSELLOR LACKS EXPERIENCE UNABLE TO GIVE THE BEST ADVICE

But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:
(1 Kings 12:8 KJV)

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 24:6 KJV)

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.
(2 Samuel 17:14 KJV)

Because our judgment is…BASED ON FEELINGS

YOU CAN BE DECEIVED BY YOUR FEELINGS

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
(Jeremiah 17:9 KJV)

YOU CAN MAKE A MISTAKE BY FOLLOWING YOUR FEELINGS

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

YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO WISE COUNSEL AND APPLY THEM WITH UNDERSTANDING.

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
(Proverbs 2:2 KJV)

Because our judgment is…WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF FACTS AND TRUTH

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)

A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
(Proverbs 14:6 KJV)

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
(1 John 3:20 KJV)

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
(2 Corinthians 13:8 KJV)

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Intercessory Prayer

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

The word “Intercessory” from the dictionary (Thesaurus) is an adjective which means “having the function of interceding”.  The word “intercede” is a verb that means “to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition”.  We know that prayer is talking to God, expressing our appreciation and praises of Him, thanksgiving, supplication, and confession.  God speaks to us through His words, the Bible.  Thesaurus dictionary defines prayer as “a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession”.  Its simple definition is, “a petition; entreaty”.  So, we can have a clearer grasp of what intercessory prayer is, we need to understand the meaning of the words.  It simply means “praying for others” or “praying on behalf of others”.  

Jesus valued prayer.  In fact, it is the backbone of His ministry.  Early in the morning he rose up to pray:

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)

He usually went to a place where he would not be disturbed.  Where he can have time alone with the Father.  Prayer is essential in the life of our Lord Jesus during his earthly ministry.  Especially when he makes a very important decision in how he would spend his life and with whom he spends much time in prayer. 

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)

It is a question to us if we ever give much time to prayer when we make important decisions in our lives and our ministries, on how we should spend our time, talent, and treasure to impact more people and influence them for the Lord.  Do we consider how we can be a blessing to many, by praying for God’s laborers and their outreaches?  Do you ever pray for the salvation of the lost? Your prayer can be a blessing to many.  

Prayer is most important in the ministry of our Lord Jesus.  He brought salvation for us by his death and resurrection.  But after he ascended to heaven, he continued to minister to us by intercessory prayer.  

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25)

Jesus continues to save lost people and “he is ABLE TO SAVE them to the uttermost that come unto God BY HIM”.  It is clear in this passage that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus.   This is related to Ephesians 2: 8-9:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. (Psalms 3:8)

Man cannot be a Savior, only God is the Savior.  Jesus saves and he always prays for us, believers and for the lost. 

In John 17 we find Jesus praying for believers and for the lost.  

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

(John 17:15-20)

In Luke 19: 10 we find that the very purpose of Christ is to seek and to save that which was lost. 

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

(Luke 19:10)

Do you find it a great privilege to talk to God in prayer and intercede for others, for those who reach out for the lost and for the lost people to respond to God’s message through them?  

Consider these Scriptures:

And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. (Isaiah 63:5)

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:10-11)

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

(Luke 22:31-32)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Take time to pray today… Praying for you 🙂 God bless — E. J. 

Grow Spiritually Through Prayer

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

How can you grow closer to the Lord?  Prayer is communicating with God and it is through constant communication with Him that you will be closer to Him.  

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

(James 4:8)

PRAYER PROMOTES SPIRITUAL GROWTH 

You grow by self examination. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

(Psalms 139:23-24)

You grow by acknowledging and confessing your sins to Him. 

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

(Psalms 51:2-3)

You grow as you ask for wisdom 

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

(James 1:5)

You grow as you study God’s word. 

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

(Psalms 119:18)

You grow as you apply God’s word and your life changes. 

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

(2 Corinthians 3:18)

May you continue to grow in Him. 🙂 

How do your respond to instructions and corrections?

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

(Proverbs 15:32)

We need instructions in our daily life to grow in wisdom and understanding. In all fields of work, whether he is a doctor, engineer, businessman, mechanic, or whatever work he does, he needs instruction. So, in our Christian life, we need instruction, how much more if you minister to others. We need instructions in order to live the Christian life, to find success, and to avoid failures. We also need instructions when we fail so that we can do it right and not repeat the same mistakes over and over again. We need instructions to motivate us to do right. But a person who does not want to listen to instruction is proud, thinking he knows all. He thinks he is a better person than others. It takes humility to listen to instructions. He who refuses instruction is depriving himself of the opportunity to learn and grow. Thus, King Solomon said, he that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul. How can a person gain understanding if he refuses instruction? People dislike criticism but if there is indeed a contradiction to one’s belief or ways, and he will not listen to correction, he will not improve and he will not know that there are errors in what he believes or does. You must hear first, and be willing to be reproved and you will get understanding.

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Food for the Soul

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
You care for your body and you do not want to be hungry. When you feel hungry, you eat. Sometimes you eat a lot. Here is my question, do you also care for your soul? Jesus said:

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
-Mark 8:36

He also said:

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” -Matthew 4:4

To view the lesson, click here

BE WATCHFUL

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
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The meaning of “Be watchful” is to be observant, careful, vigilant, and prudent. We are to be watchful because the devil is seeking for every opportunity to destroy lives.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
(1 Peter 5:8)

We are to be careful with our thoughts, words, and actions.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
(Proverbs 15:2-4)

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
(Ephesians 4:29)

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
(Psalms 119:133)

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
(Psalms 19:13)

To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
(Psalms 39:1)

We are to be prudent.

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

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

The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
(Proverbs 14:15)

WATCH AND PRAY THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION

Satan appeals to our flesh and our minds

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
(Matthew 26:41)

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
(Mark 14:38)

We wrestle against the devil and spiritual wickedness

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(Ephesians 6:12)

Lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride is not of the Father.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.(1 John 2:15-17)

Satan tempts in times of afflictions.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
(1 Peter 5:8-9)

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
(Psalms 34:19)

WATCH AND PRAY FOR YE KNOW NOT WHEN THE TIME IS

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
(Mark 13:33)

Pray always

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
(Luke 21:36)

Have fervent charity among yourselves

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
(1 Peter 4:7-8)

Watch with all perseverance and supplication for all saints

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
(Ephesians 6:18)

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The difference between God’s gift of salvation and God’s rewards

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Please click on the link to view the lesson.

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BE THANKFUL

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Our grateful attitude is the key to victorious prayer.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
(Philippians 4:6)

Being thankful is a demonstration of our faith that there is no need to worry because…

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28)

A prayer of faith is pleasing to the Lord and is effective.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
(James 1:6)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6)

Thanking God is believing that God has a purpose for every circumstance

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

A thankful and praising attitude is a sign of maturity.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
(Proverbs 15:13-15)

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