Rebuke in the presence of all.

But wait a minute.  Wouldn't that require a judgment?  To decide if they are sinning or not?  :)

1 Timothy 5:20(NKJV)

20Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

Just another example that the command "thou shalt not judge" is not the final word in the matter. 

Don't let those who know a little Scripture here and there mislead you.  We are charged by God to know our Scripture well enough so that doesn't happen.

Stir Up the Gift Baby!!!

What an awesome passage!

2 Timothy 1:6-7(NKJV)

6Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 

7For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

The first thing I get from this Scripture is that our gift from God is not a passive thing.  We are instructed to stir it up!  What does that mean?  Not sure but here is what it means to me.

To me it means to actively seek and build your relationship with God.  We are told in other parts of Scripture to diligently seek Him.  All of these things point to the fact that we need to take action to build and strengthen our relationship with God.  It isn't a passive thing 

Along those same lines I think it means we need to take life by the horns.  Live life on purpose and live it to the fullest.  Don't sit back and passively experience life. 

One of my favorite sayings is that I would rather wear out than rust out!

If you look to the Parable of the Talents, it was the one who played it safe who had the worst outcome.  The only one of the three who was penalized was the guy who played it safe.  I think the message is pretty clear there.

Why do so many play it safe?  I think it is because they live in fear.  Fear of failure or whatever.  As I have written before, how can you expect God to bless you when you live in fear, which demonstrates to God a concrete lack of faith?

Verse 7 tells us what type of spirit God has given us.  It's not a spirit of fear.  God gave us each a spirit of power, a spirit of love, and a spirit of sound mind.  Now it is up to us to use that spirit in the may God intended.

Let's stir up the Gift!

Great Advice From 1 Timothy

Wow, lots of great advice from 1 Timothy 6.  I'm going to highlight and comment.

1 Timothy 6:6-10(NKJV)

6Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 

7For we brought nothing into this world, £and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 

8And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 

The first thing that strikes me is God telling us that as long as we have food and clothing, we should be content.  Does that mean we should settle?  I don't think so.  We are taught to strive for excellence, to win the race as Paul says.  I think it just means that from a financial perspective, we should be content with what we have.  As we strive for excellence, we most likely will earn more and that is OK because we weren't doing it for the money, the money was just a consequence of excelling at what we do.

9But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Here is where it is reiterated that we should be motivated by doing the right thing, not out of a lust for money.  There is nothing wrong about having money in and of itself as long as you keep it in it's proper perspective.

How do we do that?  I think the next verses from 1 Timothy give us a good idea.

1 Timothy 6:17-19(NKJV)

17Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 

18Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 

19storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I personally find I pretty easy.  I just constantly remind myself that it is because of God that I have what I have.  He is the one who gave me the intellect and the abilities to accomplish what I have accomplished so far in life.  It was all accomplished with His guidance.

Therefore, anything I have, God is welcome to it.  The Scripture above tells us that if we follow God, He will bless us richly, including wealth.  That wealth is given to us as a tool to serve Him.  If we are "rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,…", God blesses us even more!

Now that is easy to say but a bit tougher to put into practice.  Wait til the first time God says to you "Hey, you know that $1,000 you got sitting in your savings account?  I need it.  Cut me a check please.".

Man you talk about a come to Jesus moment.  God will give you a chance to prove what you claim.  My advice to you is that if you really believe that God is telling you to give, then give without hesitation or regret.  Just simply trust God.  I promise you that He won't let you down.  You just simply can't out give the giver. 

After you do it the first time, God will occasionally call on you again.  It get's easier and easier to write that $1,000 check.  Then one day out of the blue God will up the ante.  "Hey, you know that $10,000 that is sitting in your savings account?  I need it."    :)

Did he ever fail you when giving Him the $1,000?  No.  Then step out on faith for the larger amount.  You will never be sorry if you always answer God's call!

 

How Come We Are So Closed Minded?

When we talk about the exclusivity of Christ we often hear that our belief is awfully closed minded.  There are many that believe that Jesus is just one way to God.  In fact there is a bumper sticker that is familiar to most that says coexist.

But is that Scriptural?  The answer is no it is not.  The Bible tells us quite clearly in more than one place that Jesus is the one and only way to be saved.  Jesus is the one and only mediator between us and God.

1 Timothy 2:3-6(NKJV)

3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 

4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

5For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 

6who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 

Now each of us has free will and can chose to believe that or not.  Each and every one of us will be held accountable for our decision.  I believe it is the truth!

Faith….with….Power!

Faith

Power

Two words that many people never think of together. 

Faith…..with….Power

Hmm.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12(NKJV)

11Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 

12that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith with power through Jesus Christ. 

As we grow in our faith we accumulate power that goes with that faith.  That power flows to us through our belief and faith in Jesus Christ.  I've often said that faith is like a muscle.  The more you use it the stronger it gets.

Back in August of 2013 I was pondering this very issue as I was dealing with Satan screwing with me.  It wasn't any deep spiritual crisis or anything.  It was just Satan screwing with me over a week's time trying to spoil my attitude and trying to sway me from Romans 5:3-5.

You know, the verse where we are told to glory in our tribulations?  That is one of my foundational verses.  I believe that the spirit in which we deal with out tribulations is very important to God.  We need to deal with them with a smile on our faces.  Satan was trying to steal my smile and I wasn't going to allow it!

Let me first tell you that he didn't even come close to winning because I have Jesus on my side.  That is when it occurred to me that as a mature Christian, I didn't have to go whining to Jesus about mean old Satan screwing with me and begging Jesus to protect me as so many do. 

I already had the power, delegated to me by Jesus, to rebuke Satan on my own; provided I never lose sight of where that power came from!  If I were to lose sight of the fact that the power came from Jesus and started claiming it as my own, I would be headed for trouble.

It was such a comforting feeling to be able to say to Satan, "Dude you can screw with me all you want but the most you can be is a minor irritant because  I will have final victory through Jesus.  So take a hike and no you can't have my smile!"   

Would you like to experience the power of Jesus in your own life?   The first step is accepting Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior.  The second step is to get to know Him, build a relationship with Him.  I can help you with the first step.  The second part will be up to you and will take a lifetime.  But what a great lifetime it can be!

The first step is to simply ask Jesus to lead your life.  Have a conversation with Jesus.  Let Him know what you are looking for and then ask Him into your life.  "Dear Jesus…."

This is just so weird!

There are a few things in the Bible that I just find weird.  This is one of them.

1 Timothy 2:8-15(NKJV)

8I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 

9in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 

10but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 

11Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 

12And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 

13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 

14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 

15Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

I just don't see much difference here from what the Muslims teach about their women. 

The other thing that strikes me about it is how it is completely ignored or rationalized away by modern day Christianity. 

Now let me be perfectly clear.  I don't think women should have to learn in silence.  I think women have plenty to teach.  I don't get why this is even in the Bible. 

That being said, it is in the Bible.  It says what it says.  And yet we have many great Christian women out there teaching and preaching today.  The church I attend is led by a husband and wife team and I think it is great. 

The problem I have with it is that so many will tell you that the Bible is the inherent and infallible Word of God and yet they will totally ignore an inconvenient passage like this. 

Just seems hypocritical to me.

That Would Take A Judgment Wouldn't It?

Add this verse to the long list of verses that contradict "Thou shall not judge",  probably the best known verse by sinners.  :)

2 Thessalonians 3:6(NKJV)

6But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which £he received from us. 

As I've written repeatedly, the Bible is a book of balance.  The interesting thing that I've noticed about most of the Scripture that does tell us to make a judgment is that it gives us the basis for that judgment.  The above Scripture is a great example.

Who does it tell us to withdraw from?  Those not following the traditions received form the Apostles.  In other words those not walking in the ways of Jesus.  So we look to what we have been taught about the way of Jesus and compare that to a persons behavior.  That takes a judgment doesn't it? 

A Very Present Help!

Is this the way that God seems to you?

Psalms 46:1(NKJV)

1    God is our refuge and strength,      A very present help in trouble.

A lot of people seem to have the view of God being out there somewhere.  He's not really real for a lot of people.  That's too bad because God can be a very real and present help for those who take the time to build a relationship with Him.  I have that type of relationship with God and it is the coolest thing. 

Now let's look at the next two verses in chapter 46.

Psalms 46:2-3(NKJV)

2    Therefore we will not fear,     Even though the earth be removed,     And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3    Though its waters roar and be troubled,     Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

How we react and deal with the trials and tribulations of life seems to matter to God.  I believe there are two things that God seems to look for.  We are told repeatedly not to fear and we are told repeatedly to take joy or glory in our tribulations. 

I think both of these things are linked to our faith.  If we truly believe that a real and present God has our back then there is no reason what so ever to fear.  Fear just shows a lack of faith that God has it covered. 
 

Along the same lines, when we handle our trials and tribulations in a joyful, expectant attitude or spirit, I believe we again demonstrate our faith that God is very real, He is very present, and He takes a very real and concrete interest in each and every one of our lives.  Whatever it is, He has it covered!

Would you like to have that type of relationship with God?  It starts with accepting Jesus, God's son, as your personal Lord and Savior.  It starts by asking Jesus to come into your life and lead you.  Not in some mystical and far off way, but in a very real and personal way.

Why not do that right now?  Just have a conversation with Jesus.  Let Him know what you need.  "Dear Jesus…."

When is Jesus coming?

As I've written before, I'm not a big fan of those who try to predict when Jesus will come.  Scripture tells us that even Jesus doesn't know.  So if Jesus doesn't know, what makes anyone on earth think they have it figured out?

Scripture does tell us however that we need to be watchful and prepared.  Scripture tells us to look for signs.  Some of what Scripture tells us to look for is of such a general nature as to be of no practical value. 

As an example Scripture tells us that there will be wars and rumors of wars.  That's just not all that helpful because there have been wars going on forever and that will continue to happen.

I ran across something today however that I believe is a much better sign to look for because I think it is more concrete.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4(NKJV)

3Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of £sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 

4who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits £as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Now I'm not sure exactly what "the falling away" means but I think the rest of the verse is pretty self explanatory.  Jesus will not come until the Anti Christ has established himself in Jerusalem.  We're not talking about people guessing who the anti Christ is.  We're talking being at the point where the anti Christ has actually declared himself publically.  That will be hard to miss.

Now I think we should be prepared and ready at any time but this at least gives us something that we can really watch for.

Jesus Takes Vengence? I Thought Jesus Loved All!

I don't know why this is so heavy on my heart but here again we have an example that contradicts the Kumbaya image of Jesus.  Actually I may know why but I'll get to that in a minute .

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10(NKJV)

6since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 

7and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 

8in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

9These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 

10when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who £believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

OK, why is it so important to me?  We took an assessment of our Spiritual gifts at church that was based on Romans 12.  One of the aspects of one of my spiritual gifts is that it is very important to me to be very accurate in the interpretation of the Bible and Bible doctrine.  

I think part of the issue here is that the Bible tells us the truth shall set us free.    So when I hear false doctrine like Kumbaya Jesus (that it is totally OK with Jesus if you reject Him because He loves everybody.  Live and let live.) I don't believe it is giving people the truth.  Scripture clearly tells us that it isn't OK with God or Jesus that you reject Jesus.  Scripture tells us that those who reject Jesus, whether they know it or not or believe it or not, have declared themselves enemies of God! 

They simply can't be set free with false doctrine.  If you look at the highlighted parts it clearly tells us that Christ is coming to take vengeance.   Who is He coming to take vengeance on?  Those who don't know God and those who don't obey Christ. 

Now what does vengeance mean exactly?  Let's take a look. 

venge·ance

1. infliction of injury, harm, humiliation, or the like, on a person by another who has been harmed by that person; violent revenge: But have you the right to vengeance?
2. an act or opportunity of inflicting such trouble: to take one's vengeance.
3. the desire for revenge: a man full of vengeance.
4. Obsolete . hurt; injury.
5. Obsolete . curse; imprecation.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/with%20a%20vengeance>

Wow, that doesn't sound very loving does it?

Many will ask "how could Christ do that to someone He loves?".  He didn't "do that" to anybody.  Each and every one of those people made a personal choice to reject God and Jesus.  They made an intentional declaration that they were an enemy of God.  They did that to themselves. 

Just as any good father punishes his children for bad behavior and choices, God punishes His children for bad behavior and choices as well.  Does it mean you love your kids any less because you punish them?  Of course not.  Well, it doesn't diminish God's love for us either. 

Each and every one of those people has the opportunity to change their mind and come back to God and He will take them back with open arms, provided they believe in Jesus.  But again, it is their own free will, God isn't "doing" anything to them.   

So here's a question.  Have you accepted Jesus yet?  Have you asked Jesus to come into your life and guide you?  Have you had a talk with Jesus about what you are looking for, what you need in life?  Why not do it right now?  Just have a talk with Jesus and ask Him to come into your life.  "Dear Jesus…."

Jesus Takes Vengence? I Thought Jesus Loved All!

I don't know why this is so heavy on my heart but here again we have an example that contradicts the Kumbaya image of Jesus.  Actually I may know why but I'll get to that in a minute .

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10(NKJV)

6since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 

7and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 

8in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

9These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 

10when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who £believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

OK, why is it so important to me?  We took an assessment of our Spiritual gifts at church that was based on Romans 12.  One of the aspects of one of my spiritual gifts is that it is very important to me to be very accurate in the interpretation of the Bible and Bible doctrine.  

I think part of the issue here is that the Bible tells us the truth shall set us free.    So when I hear false doctrine like Kumbaya Jesus (that it is totally OK with Jesus if you reject Him because He loves everybody.  Live and let live.) I don't believe it is giving people the truth.  Scripture clearly tells us that it isn't OK with God or Jesus that you reject Jesus.  Scripture tells us that those who reject Jesus, whether they know it or not or believe it or not, have declared themselves enemies of God! 

They simply can't be set free with false doctrine.  If you look at the highlighted parts it clearly tells us that Christ is coming to take vengeance.   Who is He coming to take vengeance on?  Those who don't know God and those who don't obey Christ. 

Now what does vengeance mean exactly?  Let's take a look. 

venge·ance

1. infliction of injury, harm, humiliation, or the like, on a person by another who has been harmed by that person; violent revenge: But have you the right to vengeance?
2. an act or opportunity of inflicting such trouble: to take one's vengeance.
3. the desire for revenge: a man full of vengeance.
4. Obsolete . hurt; injury.
5. Obsolete . curse; imprecation.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/with%20a%20vengeance>

Wow, that doesn't sound very loving does it?

Many will ask "how could Christ do that to someone He loves?".  He didn't "do that" to anybody.  Each and every one of those people made a personal choice to reject God and Jesus.  They made an intentional declaration that they were an enemy of God.  They did that to themselves. 

Just as any good father punishes his children for bad behavior and choices, God punishes His children for bad behavior and choices as well.  Does it mean you love your kids any less because you punish them?  Of course not.  Well, it doesn't diminish God's love for us either. 

Each and every one of those people has the opportunity to change their mind and come back to God and He will take them back with open arms, provided they believe in Jesus.  But again, it is their own free will, God isn't "doing" anything to them.   

So here's a question.  Have you accepted Jesus yet?  Have you asked Jesus to come into your life and guide you?  Have you had a talk with Jesus about what you are looking for, what you need in life?  Why not do it right now?  Just have a talk with Jesus and ask Him to come into your life.  "Dear Jesus…."

Does That Mean God Isn't There?

Today is one of those rare days where I got nothing.  I've read a chapter from both the OT and the NT.  I've asked God for guidance, for a Word to pass on.  Nothing.  Does that mean God isn't there for me?

Don't be silly!  It just simply means what it means, I got nothing today.  Some days are like that.  Doesn’t mean God isn't listening.  Doesn't mean I need to feel bad about it.  Doesn't mean I've done something wrong and God is pissed and not talking to me anymore.  Just means today nothing really spoke to me today.

The reason I wanted to bring this up is that there are people out there that would take this as some kind of sign that they have sinned or something.  I would simply say listen to the Holy Spirit.  If He is giving you a sign that something is wrong then deal with it.  But don't go making yourself feel guilty for something you have no reason to feel guilty about.

If you've got a good or great relationship with God, then in my opinion the dynamic is like any other family dynamic.  What I mean is that with the people you are close to, you don't always have to talk.  Sometimes you just sit and enjoy each others company.  Well guess what, you can enjoy God's company in the same way!

Is It Christian To Be Crafty and Cunning?

Is It Christian To Be Crafty and Cunning?

Thursday, March 27, 2014

11:29 AM

This Scripture caught my eye.  These are the words of the Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians. 

2 Corinthians 12:16(NKJV)

16But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! 

Not really sure what to make of it.  Is he saying that he tricked those people into  being Christians?  Is that really a valid way to bring people to Christ?

Let's take a look at the definitions of crafty and cunning.

craft·y

1. skillful in underhand or evil schemes; cunning; deceitful; sly.
2. Obsolete . skillful; ingenious; dexterous.

Now if we go with the second definition which is considered obsolete, this would make more sense.  Since the 2nd letter to the Corinthians was written a long time ago it could easily be that he was using what is now the obsolete meaning. 

cun·ning

1. skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner, as in deceiving; craftiness; guile.
2. adeptness in performance; dexterity: The weaver's hand lost its cunning.

One other thought I'll throw in here about craftiness is that Jesus was sometimes crafty in dealing with people as well.  There were times when those opposed to Jesus would ask Him questions to trick Him.  Instead of playing their games,  Jesus replied with a question of His own.  That was pretty crafty.

So all in all I would have to say that it is at time perfectly OK to be crafty.  Jesus set the example for us to follow.

Redistribution of Wealth-Is It Christian?

The Pope said something today that I really disagree with.

"Pope Francis called Friday for governments to redistribute wealth to the poor in a new spirit of generosity to help curb the "economy of exclusion" that is taking hold today.

Pasted from <http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_REL_VATICAN_UN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-05-09-06-31-28>
 

That sounds more socialist than Christian to me.  What is the difference?  Well first off, the way I read Scripture it calls on us as individuals to care for the poor.  What does that mean? 

I'll tell you what it doesn't mean.  It doesn't mean the government taking something from one person and giving it to anther.  That is not generosity.  That is simply social engineering.   
 

Nowhere in the Bible does it tells us that we need to turn the poor into middle class citizens.  The Bible tells us to feed the poor and it also gives examples to follow. 

Leviticus 19:10  ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest.   10And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the Lord your God.

Notice it didn't say harvest all the food and just give it to them.  It said leave enough food that the poor can go out and scrounge enough leftovers to feed themselves.  It doesn't say bring them a 7 course meal.  They still have an obligation to fend for themselves from the standpoint of getting the food. 

Leviticus 19:15  ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.

The Bible also tells us that the poor don't deserve special treatment just because they are poor.  As I've said before, a lot of people are poor because they haven't been following God's word to begin with! 
 

Are the poor thirsting after knowledge like Proverbs instructs us?  Are they running the race to win as the Apostle Paul instructs us, or are they doing just the minimum to get by?  Are they putting God first and giving to God as Malachi instructs, or are they off doing their own thing and totally ignoring God?  If you truly follow God's plan, it's really pretty hard to be poor.

I'm not even saying that they need to accept Christ to benefit from God's plan, although I would highly encourage it.  Even if they don't believe in God, if they would simply read and put into practice all that they find in Proverbs it would be almost impossible to be poor!

Examine Yourselves….Build Your "I Believe" List!

 

2 Corinthians 13:5-6(NKJV)

5Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.  Test yourselves.  Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 

6But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.

In case you haven't noticed, there is a lot of false Christianity going around.  That's why I think it is good to pay attention to this Scripture.  Every now and then, examine yourself to make sure no false doctrine has snuck into your belief system.

One of the ideas that God has given me to do this is to start am "I believe" list.

Write down the things you believe.  Then go find Scripture to back it up.  In other words, make sure your beliefs are aligned with Scripture. 

Let me give you an example.

I believe that we all get "equal" salvation but that our rewards in Heaven are based on our service to God.  In other words, our salvation is free, everyone who wants it can have it, all they have to do is accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Ephesians 2:8-9(NKJV)

8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 

9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 

Our rewards in Heaven however will be different based on the service that we have provided to God. 

Psalms 18:20(NKJV)

20    The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;      According to the cleanness of my hands     He has recompensed me.

Psalms 18:24(NKJV)

24    Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,     According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.

1 Corinthians 3:8(NKJV)

8Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Revelation 22:12-13(NKJV)

12“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 

13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the £Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Have some fun with this folks.  Examine yourselves and build your own "I believe" list.  I'm sure you'll be blessed by doing it!

God's Justice!

 

Psalms 37:28(NKJV)

28    For the Lord loves justice,     And does not forsake His saints;     They are preserved forever,     But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.

Justice.  What does the word mean?

jus·tice

1. the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness: to uphold the justice of a cause.
2. rightfulness or lawfulness, as of a claim or title; justness of ground or reason: to complain with justice.
3. the moral principle determining just conduct.
4. conformity to this principle, as manifested in conduct; just conduct, dealing, or treatment.

5. the administering of deserved punishment or reward.

It seems to me that many people have perverted the meaning of justice in regards to the poor.  They seem to think that the mere act of being poor is somehow credited as righteousness to the poor. 

As an example, in the US today people seem to think it is morally acceptable to take money from the wealthy and give it to the poor just because they are poor without regard to what extent their own actions and disobedience to God contributes to their being poor.   That is not justice.

There are many Scriptures in the Bible that talks about God not showing favoritism to anyone, rich or poor.  Here is just one example.

Exodus 30:14-15(NKJV)

14Everyone included among those who are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering to the Lord. 

15The rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when you give an offering to the Lord, to make atonement for yourselves. 

To require the rich to give more just because they can is not justice. 

….vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind….

Found this warning interesting.  Especially that fact that God felt it appropriate to warn us twice in the same chapter. 

If you are on FB any amount of time I'm sure you have seen people post stuff that sounds "vaguely Christian" while at the same time not seeming quite correct from the Bible you remember.  I believe these verses are a warning about listening to people like that.

God holds us accountable to study and know His word.  If we allow ourselves to be led astray by people like that, God says it is our fault.  Be on your guard!

Colossians 2:8(NKJV)

8Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 

Colossians 2:18-19(NKJV)

18Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has £not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 

19and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Science in the Bible

Way before we had scientific studies we had the Bible.    Here is a great example.  We hear all the time about how bad stress is for you.  Where does stress come from?  From worrying.  What is another name for worrying?  Fretting.

Psalms 37:8(NKJV)

8    Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;     Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Pretty cool!  Don't fret.  Don't worry.  Don't fear.  They all cause harm and more importantly they all demonstrate a lack of faith to God.

Who Inherits the Earth? Not Just the Meek!

I found this kind of interesting.   One of the common Scriptures we hear quoted, especially by the Kumbaya Jesus crowd, is that the meek shall inherit the earth.   And they seem to equate meek with wimpy.  I had never really noticed before but Scripture tells us that more than just the meek shall inherit the earth.  Before we look at that though, let's take a look at the definition of meek and see if it means what they think it means.

meek

1. humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.

2. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame.

3. Obsolete . gentle; kind.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/meek>

Now I'm not sure exactly which definition the Bible is referring to put I'm pretty sure it isn't definition 2.  I don't believe God calls us to be spiritless.  I think humbly patient is the best fit in my book. 

Now let's look at the Scriptures.

Psalms 25:12-13(NKJV)

12    Who is the man that fears the Lord?      Him shall £He teach in the way £He chooses.

13    He himself shall dwell in prosperity,     And his descendants shall inherit the earth.

Here it tells us that the descendants of a man that fears the Lord shall inherit the earth.

Psalms 37:9(NKJV)

9    For evildoers shall be cut off;      But those who wait on the Lord,     They shall inherit the earth.

Those who wait on the Lord shall inherit the earth.  Well if we use the humbly patient definition of meek that would fit.  Humbly patient sounds like waiting to me.

Psalms 37:11(NKJV)

11    But the meek shall inherit the earth,     And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

This is the one we are all familiar with.

Psalms 37:22(NKJV)

22    For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth,     But those cursed by Him shall be cut off.

Those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth.  Doesn't say anything about being meek does it?  There were many warriors throughout the Bible, King David comes to mind, who were blessed by God.  There was nothing meek about David if you equate meek with wimpy.  Even King David was meek however if you use the definition of humbly patient.  He was blessed by God and based on this Scripture it tells us that King David too, shall inherit the earth. 

Also note what it says about those cursed by God.  They shall be cut off.  Who does God curse?  His enemies.  Those who have rejected His son Jesus.

Matthew 5:5(NKJV)

5    Blessed are the meek,      For they shall inherit the earth.

And here we have it affirmed in the NT.

Gives it a bit of a different understanding doesn't it? 

Humbly patient, I like that!