LOL, sometimes the Bible doesn't pull any punches!

 This just cracked me up for some reason.  I don't know about you but I think society today is too worried about offending others or hurting others feelings.  It's gotten to the point that society is going to some really weird extremes to avoid doing so.

 

Now add to that the fact that when our kids were growing up we taught them that they were not allowed to call each other stupid.  Maybe that is why this tickled my funny bone!

 

Proverbs 12:1(NKJV)

    Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,      But he who hates correction is stupid.

 

LOL!  Look at how nicely the first part was worded.  The second part could have been worded nicely too.  Something like "but he who hates correction has the intelligence of a newborn" or "but he who hates correction should blame his mommy and daddy". 

But no.  Solomon says dude if you hate correction your just flat out stupid!!!  :) 

The Bible's guaranteed path to riches!!!

Want to be rich?  The Bible gives a guaranteed path to riches.  And the best part is that it is totally in our control!  All it takes is a decision.  Take a look!

 

Proverbs 11:25(NKJV)

    The generous soul will be made rich,     And he who waters will also be watered himself.

 

Make a decision to be generous to others, whenever possible.

 

I'm sure you have all had the experience at one time or another of going out of your way to help  a stranger.  It feels good doesn't it?  That feeling is your soul being enriched!  The more generous you are to others the more your soul is enriched.  Why do you think that is?   

 

Being generous of spirit can be as simple as getting someone to smile, giving someone an encouraging word.  It can also be that emergency bag of groceries to someone who is down on their luck, or a ride to a medical procedure, or a thousand other things. 

Think of some of the most generous people you know.  Those who have a generous spirit towards others.  Don't they seem to exude a sense of joy and hope?  That is the richness of the soul that Proverbs is talking about I think. 
 

If you want a rich full life and a very satisfied soul, then make a decision to let generosity define you!

 

"But wisdom is justified by her children." What does it mean?

I've been sharing my faith journey on this blog for over 11 years now.  One of the challenges for me is finding new things to write.  As a Type A personality I have very little patience for repeating others repeat themselves.  That extends to the things I write as well.  I've read the Bible so many times in my life that sometimes it seems that everything I am reading I have already commented on.

 

But today this phrase caught my attention.  "But wisdom is justified by her children". 

Has a cool sound to it doesn't it?  Almost sounds like some of the platitudes thrown around when I was a teenager in the 70's.  Had a cool sound to it as you scanned over it but if you thought about it you were left thinking what the heck does that mean?  Know what I mean?  :)

 

Here is the passage so you can get the whole context.

 

Matthew 11:18-19(NKJV)

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”

 

In the context of what is going on here, this is the life lesson that I take from it.

 

In all aspects of society we have to make decisions about things.  Some things we know about and can make those decisions with not much problem.  No big deal. 

Other times we have to listen to others who say or can demonstrate that they know more about an issue than we do.  It may be relationship issues, religious issues, medical issues, political issues, whatever.  Doesn't matter.  The point is we have to get input from others to form an opinion of our own.
 

So who do we listen to?  How do we determine who's opinions or views of the "facts" are worthy of our consideration? 

 

First and foremost pray about it.  Ask God to lead you.  Does that mean that God is going to put a halo around the head of the person(s) you should listen to and put horns on everyone else?  LOL!  Nope!

What God will do is lead you to a way to make that determination.  This is one of the reasons it is important to be in the Word continuously.  By being in the Word God can direct you to parts of His word that may help you.  Words like this phrase.

 

"Wisdom is justified by her children"

 

Here is what this phrase says to me.  Before you listen to someone, take a look at how correct they have been on previous occasions with their pronouncements.  Think of their previous pronouncements as their children.  If they are more often wrong then correct (bad children vs good children so to speak), why the heck would you continue to listen to them?

 

If you have read my blog long enough you know that I try to look for confirmation of my interpretations in both the OT and the NT.  In this case I think I have an easy confirmation.

Isn't "Wisdom is justified by her children" pretty much the same thing as when Jesus said " you shall know them by their fruits"?  I sure think it is.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

 

"…inquire who in it is worthy…" That requires a judgement does it not?

On of the things that bugs me is the mis-use of the "thou shall not judge" Scripture.  There are many who use this Scripture to support their position that no one should ever be judged for anything. 

 

There are many examples where Jesus gives specific instructs to His disciples and to all of us that require that we make judgements.  Here is one such example.  Jesus is giving the disciples specific instructions as he sends them out.  Check it out.

 

Matthew 10:11-15(NKJV)

“Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 

And when you go into a household, greet it. 

If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 

And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 

Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

 

The disciples are given the task of deciding who is "worthy".  Jesus doesn't give them detailed instructions on how to make that determination.  Jesus trusts that to their judgement.

Imagine that!  :)
 

Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared?

 

Proverbs 6:28(NKJV)

    Can one walk on hot coals,     And his feet not be seared?

 

Actually, yes.  Yes you can.  My wife and I along with a couple thousand people did it at a seminar back in around 2010 or so.   18 foot long trough of red hot glowing embers.  I don't have an explanation of why we didn’t get burned, but we didn’t. 

 

:)

 

"When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,…"

Proverbs 2:10(NKJV)

    When wisdom enters your heart,      And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,

 

Have you ever had wisdom enter your heart?  It's really cool.  You may have experienced it but didn't think of it in this way.

Ever been facing an issue and you weren't really sure how to proceed?  Then out of nowhere and idea pops into your head.  A solution like no other solution you had been considering.  That is what I think the phrase "when wisdom enters your heart" may be referring to.

 

Just one of the benefits of living in God's favor!
 

 

What does it take to find the knowledge of God?

 

EFFORT!!!

 

Proverbs 2:1-5(NKJV)

    My son, if you receive my words,      And treasure my commands within you,

    So that you incline your ear to wisdom,     And apply your heart to understanding;

    Yes, if you cry out for discernment,     And lift up your voice for understanding,

    If you seek her as silver,     And search for her as for hidden treasures;

    Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,     And find the knowledge of God.

 

It takes effort to find the knowledge of God.  It takes effort to build that relationship.  God is always there waiting for us but we need to be proactive in reaching out to God.

It takes effort.…and it is soooo worth it!!!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Were any truer words ever written?

 

Proverbs 1:7(NKJV)

    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,      But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

 

I needed a break from my regular study routine so decided to visit one of my very favorite books of the Bible.  As you can see from the passage above, that book is Proverbs.

 

I have always loved Proverbs for it's simplicity, it's common sense.  I kind of think of it as the Farmers Almanac portion of the Bible.  (No disrespect intended by the comparison)  There is just a down home folksiness to the wisdom found in Proverbs. 

It doesn't take long to find nuggets in Proverbs.  Seven verses into the chapter I found this one.  The part I see so much of in society today is the second part.  "But fools despise wisdom and instruction". 

Look at the venom and vitriol of some towards the wisdom and instruction that comes from the Bible.  Scripture tells us those people are fools.  That isn't us judging them.  That is Scripture identifying them for us.

OK, that's all well and good but what do we do about, to, or for them?  I think the only effective thing to do is pray for them.  Very seldom will you ever convince them in a debate or discussion.  Jesus warned us not to cast our pearls before swine and I think this is exactly what He was talking about. 

 

There has to be a change of heart and I think the only one who can bring that about is God, so pray for them! 

 

Have people gone crazy? Nope. Read Revelation17:17

It shouldn't be a surprise.  There is plenty of warning in Scripture.

 

I have to admit though that the depth and breadth of the total ludicrousness and depravity in our country and world astounds me at times.  It seems to me that some people have lost total touch with reality.  We have actual doctors testifying to Congress that men can get pregnant and deliver babies. 

We have cities that no longer keep their criminals locked up.  The cities arrest them and then let them right back out on the streets.  And then they complain that crime is out of control.  Well duh!!!

Have people gone absolutely crazy???  How can their view of the world be so completely different than mine?

 

I ran across this verse in Revelation today and it answered that question for me. 

 

Revelation 17:17(NKJV)

For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 

 

There is the explanation.  This isn't something that is "just happening".  It is part of God's plan.  It leads to Armageddon and the return of Jesus. 

I sometimes wonder though why we have to build to this mighty battle?  God is all powerful.  He could, right this minute, crush the opposition and send Jesus back to earth to start the 1,000 year reign…..but He doesn't.

Why not? 

What is the purpose of putting the human race through this?  What is it we are supposed to learn?  
 

Not sure I have the answer.  I have a guess or two, but they are only guesses.  I just trust God and I will add this to the list of questions I have for Him when I get there! 

Hope you all have a blessed day!  :)

 

 

 

Torment as a spectator sport!

 I love how different things come to my attention every time I read the Bible.  I saw this verse in a whole new way this morning, especially the highlighted part.

 

Revelation 14:9-11(NKJV)

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 

he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

 

Did you catch that?  Those who accept the mark of the beast will be tormented "in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb."
 

I had always thought of the punishment/torment taking place down in hell while Jesus was up above in Heaven.  It's kind of weird thinking of Jesus and the angels sitting there watching the torment actually happen.  Seems like shades of the Old Testament to me.  That isn't a bad thing in my opinion.

To be clear I am not criticizing God in any way about this.  I think in this day and age it might be good to teach more about this side of Jesus.  Too many people, in my opinion, think of Jesus as peaceful and all forgiving and they don't really believe there is a final punishment coming to those who don't accept Jesus.

According to Scripture they are in for a big surprise!  Not only is there punishment coming but Jesus and the angels are going to watch the punishment!

 

So here is a question.  Have you accepted Jesus yet?  If not, why not accept Him right now.  Just have a quiet conversation with Jesus.  Let Him know what you are looking for and He will lead you from there.  "Dear Jesus….."

Amen!

"…a still small voice."

Do you hear the still small voice?  Do you hear God whisper in your ear? 

 

1 Kings 19:11-12(NKJV)

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 

and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

 

In the cacophony of life you have to make an effort to hear the still small life.  How do you do that?  By SEEKING God.  By making an intentional effort to communicate with God throuhg prayer and the study of His word.  By listening to God instead of talking at Him. 

Make an intentional effort to find the still small voice and I guarantee you will hear it! 

 

Who ya going to listen too?

 

This seems like common sense to me.  When God takes the time to communicate with you directly, why would you listen to anyone else on the same matter if it differed from what God told you?

 

In the passage below you have a man of God (prophet) who confronted the king.  Afterward the king invited the man of God to stay and eat with the King.  See the response below.

 

1 Kings 13:6-10(NKJV)

Then the king answered and said to the man of God, “Please entreat the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” So the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him, and became as before. 

Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.”

But the man of God said to the king, “If you were to give me half your house, I would not go in with you; nor would I eat bread nor drink water in this place. 

For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came.’” 

So he went another way and did not return by the way he came to Bethel.

 

Seem simple enough.  So the man of God heads out.  Then another guy approaches the man of God and this guy invited the man of God to his house to eat.  The man of God tells him no, God told him not to eat there.  This new guys claims to be a prophet and he says that an angel told him to tell the man of God it was OK if he went back and ate.

Here is my question.  If God is speaking to you directly, why would you listen to what some other person claims an angel told him that directly contradicts God? 

In the story of Joan of Arc, the one time she listened to people instead of God was the time that led her to be burned at the stake. 

So how did it work out for the man of God?  He got killed by a lion!  :)

Who ya going to listen too?  :)

Is this where "mansplaining" originated? :)

I ran across these verses today. Check it out.

 

1 Kings 10:2-3(NKJV)

She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart. 

So Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for the king that he could not explain it to her. 

 

If this happened today I think  Soloman would be hounded by some for "manplaining"!  :)

I hope you all have a great week.  Look to God first in all you do and you can't go wrong!

One of my biggest questions for God is…

 

Want to know what it is?

 

Why is there no condemnation of slavery in the Bible? 

 

The whole idea of slavery seems evil to me.  The idea that one human being can own another human being and do anything they want  with that human being is simply abhorrent in my opinion.

 

Yet, I don't see it condemned in the Bible.  In fact the Bible mentions slavery or "forced labor" as a if it is the natural order of things.  Here is the verse from today that prompted this question. 
 

1 Kings 9:20-21(NKJV)

All the people who were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not of the children of Israel—

that is, their descendants who were left in the land after them, whom the children of Israel had not been able to destroy completely—from these Solomon raised forced labor, as it is to this day. 

 

The next verse goes on to say that Solomon didn't enslave and of his countrymen, only his enemies.  So according to Scripture it is A-OK to enslave those whom you defeat in battle?

 

In the NT there is the admonition for slaves to obey their masters and for masters to treat their slaves well.  How come their isn't an admonition to abolish slavery all together?

Just gonna have to add this to the list of questions to ask God when I get there!

He who overcomes!

 

I'm sensing a theme in Revelation 2.  See if you can pick up on it.  :)

 

Revelation 2:7(NKJV)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’

 

Revelation 2:11(NKJV)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’

 

Revelation 2:17(NKJV)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’

 

Revelation 2:26(NKJV)

And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

 

He who overcomes!

Overcomes what? 

 

Overcomes the trials and tribulations of life.  Overcomes the attacks on our spiritual lives.  Overcomes the mental battle that we fight between our ears every day.  That battle between faith and fear.

 

What does it take to overcome?  It takes faith!  Faith that if you keeping battling and working God's plan things will work out!  And not just faith in a general cosmic way but faith  in God and Jesus.  Faith that God has your back!

 

Do you have faith in Jesus?  Is he leading your life?  If not maybe it is time to have a little talk with Him.  "Dear Jesus…….."

How do we make our soul "prosper"?

If I remember correctly I used this verse as the basis for the first sermon I ever gave.  It has been one of my foundational verses since that time. 

 

3 John 1:2(NKJV)

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 

 

What exactly does it mean for our "soul to prosper"?

The passage doesn't answer that question but I will give you my take on it.

 

Our soul prospers as we develop and deepen our relationship with God in my opinion.  We can be good people who go to church all the time and never cheat anybody and all of that but is our relationship with God actually growing or are we just going through the motions? 

That is the key difference to me.  To make our souls prosper takes the effort of actually seeking God on a continual basis.  It takes the effort spending time in prayer, not just talking to God but more importantly, listening to Him.  It takes effort to learn how to trust God and follow His lead even when it makes us uncomfortable.  These are the things that will lead to our souls actually prospering. 

 

Make sense?

 

 

 

I didn't realize Solomon was rebelling right from the start!

Through out the Old Testament God uses imperfect people to further God's plans here on earth.    Today's reading brought to light an example that I had not noticed before.  Solomon was imperfect right from the start. 

 

Just to be clear I get the whole Jesus was the only perfect man thing.  That's not what I am talking about here.  Let me give an example. 

Both King Saul and King David were pretty good guys when God started using and blessing them.  God even described David as a man after God's own heart.  As time went by however, both of them faltered.

 

Take a look at this section of Scripture about Solomon.  King Solomon was faltering right from the start.

 

1 Kings 3:2-14(NKJV)

Meanwhile the people sacrificed at the high places, because there was no house built for the name of the Lord until those days. 

And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places.

Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place: Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 

Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 

And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 

Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 

Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 

behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. 

And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. 

So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

 

So Scripture points out that Solomon is doing pretty much what God would have Solomon do except that Solomon is already breaking the rules by sacrificing and burning incense at the high places.

 

Not only that but Solomon is actually at one of the high places doing what God really isn't cool with when God meets with Solomon at the high places!  God doesn't chastise Solomon for being there or for doing what he is doing.  God instead asks Solomon a question and based on Solomon's answer God rewards Solomon with even more!

What are we to make of this?

 

For me it is a bit of confirmation of something I have written about in the past regarding the NT. 

While Paul and others in the NT said to be saved you had to take specific steps (believe in your heart, say with lips, etc), for Jesus it was simply a heart issue.  In one passage Jesus even tells a guy "close enough".  That is what I see in this story about King Solomon. 

 

It's a heart issue.  Don't get too focused on the minor details.  Guard your heart and keep it focused on God and all else will work itself out!

Make sense?

Settling Scores - With God's Approval?

I'm reading 1 Kings.  The first two chapters are about then end of King David's life and the transfer of power to King Solomon.  What strikes me is that the intrigue isn't much different than we see today.  As Ecclesiastes says "ain't nothing new under the sun!" 

 

For example here is King David giving Solomon instructions on how to settle a couple of old scores.  I especially liked the second one where King David says something like 'hey I said I wouldn't kill him but after I'm gone you do what you think is best (hint, hint).'  :)

1 Kings 2:5-9(NKJV)

“Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed. And he shed the blood of war in peacetime, and put the blood of war on his belt that was around his waist, and on his sandals that were on his feet. 

Therefore do according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace.

“But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

“And see, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a malicious curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 

Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but bring his gray hair down to the grave with blood.”

Then the rest of the chapter tells a couple of stories about how Solomon wacked several of the folks from the old guard who had wronged King David and replaced them with is own people.  Solomon even went so far as to have one guy killed on the alter. 

 

The guy was clinging to the alter thinking it would keep him from being killed.  Solomon gave the guy a chance to come down before they killed him and he refused so Solomon had him killed on the alter.

 

What strikes me about this is that I don't see God disapproving of this anywhere.  And why should he?  These were not innocent men.  They were men who had wronged King David and were now simply reaping the consequences of their actions.  But I'm sure there are people who read 1st Kings 2 and think "it isn't fair".

 

Another way of saying "isn't fair" is "isn't just".  Since I don't see God condemning this anywhere are those people saying that God is unjust?

"Toxic masculinity" - LOL!

I just finished reading 2nd Samuel 23 and the thought that struck me was "I guess God didn't get the message about how bad "toxic masculinity" is."  :)  I am being facetious of course. 

To set the stage it is getting to the end of David's life.  It is chronicling the "Might Men of David".  Here is an example.
 

2 Samuel 23:8-12(NKJV)

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time. 

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. 

He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder. 

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. 

But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.

What I noticed  is that the men God holds up as examples and heros here are all men of valor.  Men skilled in the art of war.  Men willing to fight to the death for the things they believe in. Men loyal to their King. 

In other words.…masculine men!  :)

"Gird up the loins of your mind" What???

Is that Scripture's way of saying get some cajones?  :)

One of the things we intentionally taught our kids was mental toughness. 

Here is just one example of how that paid off.  My youngest son Jed was pitching in a Little League game.  I think he was 11.  There were two adults on the other teams sideline just mercilessly verbally harrassing my son.  So much so that the home plate umpire called time and went over and told them to knock it off. 

The thing is, the harassment didn't bother Jed at all.  He had a smile on his face and just kept pitching, and pitching well.  What the umpire didn't know was that the two adults who were harassing him were two of his travel ball coaches.  They knew he was mentally tough enough to take it! (Yeah, that was a proud Pappa moment :)

So I ran across this verse this morning and it seems to be preaching mental toughness although with some strange wording. 
 

1 Peter 1:13(NKJV)

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 

 

Loins of your mind?  I don't know about you but with the reference to the loins it seems to me that Peter was telling people to get some mental cajones or in other words get some mental toughness. 

Pretty cool!

Here is an interesting concept

We think of sinning as an active verb.  It is something we "do".  But is that always the case?  Are there time we sin by not doing something?
 

James 4:17(NKJV)

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

 

Now we know the answer don’t we? Not doing something can sometimes be as sinful as doing something. 

 

I love when Scripture keeps it simple.

 

Is this "discernment" training?

There are several places in the Bible that leave me wondering exactly what I am supposed to learn from the text.  Things in the text that just make you go 'huh?".  Here is one that I ran across today.

 

2 Samuel 9:11-13(NKJV)

Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will your servant do.” “As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.” 

Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. 

So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet.

 

Here is what I find odd about this.  When Mephibosheth is introduced earlier in this chapter it is noted that he is lame in his feet.  I just find it odd the way God ends by noting again that he was lame in his feet.  Why?

 

The fact that God took the time to point that out again makes me think that there must be some reason he did so.  Must be something I am to learn from that maybe?  But for the life of me I can't figure out what it is!  :)

That is what makes me think that little things like this are "discernment" training.  We need to learn to discern the important from the inconsequential.  Seems to me that this is one way to accomplish that goal.  Make sense?

Some things I just don't get

 There are several things in the Bible that I just don't get and this is one of them.

 

2 Samuel 6:6-7(NKJV)

And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 

Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God. 

 

Why was God angry about that?  Uzzah didn't do anything out of disrespect or anything.  He did it out of love and concern.  He didn't want God's ark to fall off of the cart.  God is supposed to be a God of justice.  Where is the justice in this? 

 

2nd Samuel 5 - simple but important lesson

In 2nd Samuel we see David consolidating his Kingdom over not just Judah but all of Israel.  The Philistines decide it is time to take David out.  Now here is the lesson.

Both times, before committing to an action, David inquired of God.  David let God guide him. 

 

But does that always mean you will be successful if God says proceed?  In this case it worked out both time for David.  But it isn't always so.  Why is that?
 

Here is my take on it.  In my life there have been times when I have taken a certain action or strategy that I was sure God was leading me to.  Does that mean God got it wrong?  It could certainly seem that way in the moment. 

But with the benefit of hindsight I can see that in the situations that didn't work out I generally learned lessons or new skills that I needed for down the road.  God is a really awesome long term thinker!

So if you find yourself in that situation where something you were sure God was leading you to didn't work out, don't doubt God.  Do what I try to do.  Follow Gods success plan in Romans 5:3-5 and keep the faith!

 

When did this change?

This has always puzzled me.  In the Old Testament there are many examples of men of God having multiple wives and concubines.  Here we have David taking not one but two wives after  Nabal died.

1 Samuel 25:41-43(NKJV)

Then she arose, bowed her face to the earth, and said, “Here is your maidservant, a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” 

So Abigail rose in haste and rode on a donkey, attended by five of her maidens; and she followed the messengers of David, and became his wife. 

David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel, and so both of them were his wives.

 

I don't see that it was condemned by God at all.  Then all of a sudden it seemed to disappear and it became one wife only. 

 

What I find so puzzling about it is that there is no decree by God in Scripture that it be change.  It just changed.  Seems weird to me that it just changed like that.  Societies don't normally just spontaneously change centuries old behavior in that way. 

And just to be clear, I have a great wife and am not looking or another one or anything.  Just find it puzzling. 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God

 

I believe that is true.  But does that mean that every word in Scripture is true and has to be taken literally or is some of Scripture to be taken as an allegory or parable?  Does God put some weird stuff in there just to see if we are paying attention? :)

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17(NKJV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 

that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Here are a couple of my thoughts on the subject. 

 

Jesus told us that he often He taught with allegories and parables.  So is it not probable that God did the same thing in other parts of the Bible? 

 

Scripture also tells us in multiple places that we need to learn to discern God's word.  If every single word in the Bible was to be taken at face value their would be nothing to discern would there?  Part of discernment is learning to separate the wheat from the chaff so to speak. 

 

 Lastly I think God has a great sense of humor.  I truly believe that God puts some stuff in there just to mess with us and see of we are paying attention! 

 

As a father I used to good naturedly screw with my kids just to see if they were paying attention.  As God the father, would it be out of character for God to do the same?  Its part of what I love about my study of Scripture.  :) 

If you had but one goal per day, this would be a great one!

 

What a great goal to have at the beginning of every day and what a great yardstick to measure against at the end of the day!

 

2 Timothy 2:15-16(NKJV)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 

 

My prayer for us all today is that we are all diligent to present ourselves approved to God.  Today and everyday.  Amen!

"…but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

 

I am reminded this morning of another foundational verse.  It just happened to be in my daily reading.  I so love how God's word through Scripture can speak to me that way.

 

2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV)

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

 

I recently had coffee with my sons and my grandsons.  My son Jed came up with this idea.  The guys have coffee on a Saturday morning once a month.  Its an opportunity to start teaching the boys how to become young men.  At our last coffee I shared my belief that if you expect good things to happen, they usually do!

 

For me this Scripture fits right in with that belief.  It is an approach to life.  Too many people act out of fear instead of faith.  I understand how that can happen because fear is a powerful emotion.  Fear can be paralyzing.  It can make people feel helpless.

 

Memorize this Scripture!  Next time you are feeling a bit paralyzed remind yourself that God gave you a spirit of Power, and of Love, and of a sound mind.  Expect good things to happen. Take joy in the struggle, and step out in power built on your faith that God has you covered!!!

Good advice-especially in these times!

1 Thessalonians 5:21(NKJV)

Test all things; hold fast what is good. 

 

I'd say that is good advice.  It seems to me that too many people take things at face value instead of testing them.  Apply a little wisdom, knowledge, and understanding and see if what your are being told holds up.

It's good advice in our spiritual lives as we study Scripture and I think it is good advice regarding what we see going on in the world around us!

 

Interesting parallel

 

As you know I love finding confirmation of things between the OT and NT.  Here is a great example.  The comparison in the NT is when we receive the Holy Spirit and are transformed into new men or women. 

 

 

1 Samuel 10:5-7(NKJV)

After that you shall come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is. And it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying. 

Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. 

And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you. 

God has a funny way of putting things sometimes.

I've got to tell you that the illustrations God put in the Bible leave me scratching my head sometimes.  Here is an example.

 

1 Samuel 8:16(NKJV)

And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. 

 

What?  How do you lump your finest young men in with the donkeys and the servants? 

Not sure what to make of it but it sure gave me a chuckle!

 

I hope you have a blessed day!

 

"…but also in power…"

I think sometimes we forget the power part.  I know I do.

 

1 Thessalonians 1:5(NKJV)

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

 

One of the things I wrestle with is balancing relying on God and going out and developing and executing my plan.  On the one hand I want to rely on God for His direction.  I want to make sure my plans align with His will.  On the other hand God still needs us to go out and take action, do the work

 

So how do we balance the two sides of this equation?

 

For me this Scripture helps.  Scripture came to us in word and power.  Here is how I apply that to this situation.  I pray for guidance as I develop and execute my plan.  I pray that God helps me develop a plan that aligns with His will for my life.

 

Once I've done that then I can "power" forward with positive expectation that my planning and execution are being guided by God.  I don't need to stop and pray over every situation or decision. 

 

Does that make sense?

 

Then as long as I stay in the Word and pray consistently God can guide and correct my course.  The key take away for me here though is to execute with power.  To me that means moving forward strongly in complete faith, not timidly, hoping it works out. 

 

Always remembering that the power comes from God, not our selves. 

"Let your speech always be seasoned with grace, seasoned with salt,…."

Colossians 4:6(NKJV)

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

 

Not entirely sure what it means but I like the sound of it. 

The first part I get.  Exhibit grace in your speech.  It's the second part that could be taken a couple of different ways.  Does it mean seasoned with a little common sense?  That is what makes the most sense to me.  

 

Something to ponder.  Have a great day!

Enjoying God's bounty!

I live in Michigan.  We have reached the time of winter when it is time to tap the maple trees to gather sap and make maple syrup.  I did this for the first time last year and it is so cool!

 

It is really easy.  The maple run is just getting started here so there is time if you want to try it. 

 

You can order the taps on Amazon.  Around $20 for 12 of them.  You'll need a five gallon bucket with a lid for each tree.  I am only doing 4 trees.  You need some clear tubing that you can get at Lowe's or Home Depot.  The last thing you will need is a drill and a 1/4 drill bit.

 

You drill about 3 feet up the tree you drill a hole 2 inches deep (no deeper) and at a light upward angle.  When you pull the drill bit back out the pulp that comes out with it should be moist.  Push in a tap, attach the tube and run the tube into the top of the bucket.  That's it.  Gravity does the rest.  Check this out!

 

 

Now you may be wondering where I'm going with this?

 

I just see this as being analogous to life with God.  God's bounty is just sitting there waiting for us to tap into it!  It take just a little effort on our part.  Scripture tells us that we need to seek God.  Once we tap into God the blessings can flow to us as naturally as God's bounty flows from this tree!  All we have to do is tap in!

 

Thank you Lord!!!

 

Now if I have peaked your interest in tapping maple trees here is my set up.

 

 Collect the sap and boil it down.  I've got about 4 gallons here.  When it comes out of the tree it is clear as tap water.  Notice how you can see to the bottom of the bucket?  You can hardly detect any sweetness at all in the taste. 

 

It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.  I use a roasting pan in the garage to boil mine down.

 

 

As it boils down I keep adding more sap.  Took about 4 days to process 20 gallons.  The I got some canning jars and bottled it up.  Made great gifts! 

 

Folks, it really is that simple.  Great project to do with the kids or grandkids.  You can teach them about tapping into God's bounty!