All In His Hands by Brother Curtis Hansen

         The theme or subject of the message this morning is about leadership. The scripture we are going to be reading from is more about the sovereignty of God, living a life of righteousness, justice, and highlighting the contrast between the wise and foolish. We put a lot of emphasis on decision making but don't do a lot of decision management. It's one ting to make a decision but whole other thing to manage that decision. It's why life is best to go one day at a time. Live in the now. Too many of us perceive the past as great because we see the future as bright. Living in the now is torture for us. We either want to be back in a spot where we were perceived our best in the past or we want to jump ahead down the line where we perceive greater things await for us. This is a completely wrong mindset. Live today and be present minded.

        We are going to read from Proverbs chapter 21 and we will start our reading with verse 1.

        The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

        This verse is on the sovereignty of God regarding the man's systems and governments. God doesn't have a favorite party or team. God id God and it's his will to be done, regardless who is in charge.

        2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.

        If we are justified by our judgement, action, scripture, whatever you are judging things by in life, God is more about the intent of our heart. Because we are designed to be fearful, we lust and because of our lust we try to control things. Many people want to control things. If you relinquish control and not your fear or lust, you will eventually fail in parts of your life. 

        3 To do justice and judgement is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 

        This proverb is an echo of an event in the past. For further context, read 1 Samuel chapter 15. It is the account of King Saul doing wrong when he thought it was right and Samuel calling him out on it. To do exactly what should be done is justice. Judgement is what will be. God cares of you having a clear view of your life rather than all the sacrifice you made in your walk. It's in following his principles and his word is what matters.

        4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. 

        You are going to have neighbors in life will be either one of three categories. There are the righteous, a sinner, or wicked. If your neighbor is the last one, you, or they, may consider to move. Wicked people have no regard for God whatsoever. They will go on through life doing wicked things because that's man's inherited nature. The heart of man is evil.

        5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

        Diligent in the bible is a persistent, conscientious, and dedicated effort in all endeavors, particularly in faith and service to God. To be diligent is to be centered in the now and often have more than they want. People who often make rash decisions, operate in emotion, they are constantly going to need.

        6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

        Another scripture says that the wages of sin is death. They gained treasures through a lying tongue. There are many figures who have been elevated to admiration that are full of these wicked traits today.

        7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgement.

        God's problem with sinners is that they don't judge and they don't want to be judged. The robbery of the sinner committed is no judgement.

        8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

        To be froward is to be confrontational or in someone's face. The pure is achieving balance in life.

        9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

        This scripture is not a relationship verse. You can apply this verse to your workplace, your church, anywhere where you are with people. You're not fighting with someone but they are arguing and unpleasant. 

        10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.

        Man longs to do evil. He is conditioned to cause problems for himself and others. Ideally, Godly people are trying to live Godly. That life can be sporadic because you are living in the spirit or in the flesh. Watch on how your light is being reflected in the world.

        11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

        Often you obtain contempt through familiarity. It usually brings acquired hate over things. A scorner has contempt or disdain for things or even life. When the problem is dealt with, the answer is often simple. Solomon says instruction brings knowledge. Man tries to apply complications to his life, but the reality is quite simple. Judging yourself consistently will bring you righteousness. 

        Solomon is saying you take principles established and apply them to your life. You gain knowledge when the principle works in your life.

        12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

        Take an inventory of things around you. Observe the scene and what happens. The wise man doesn't have blinders on and is aware of his surroundings. Don't let your house be run by the world and your sitting on the bench off to the side. The enemy fears the authority given to you in the name of Jesus.

        I will close with this quote form John Maxwell. "He who thinks leads and not have any followers is merely taking a walk."