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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 10:22, 27-28

In Bible, Bible Study, Blessings, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Godliness, Proverbs, Uncategorized, Wisdom on September 3, 2021 at 3:39 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

²²The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

²⁷The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. ²⁸The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

The Greatest Blessing

Verse twenty-two must be examined very carefully, as well as in light of and in reconciliation with the rest of Scriptural Truths.

In the Hebrew language the word “blessing” in verse twenty-two is defined as:

1293. בְּרָכָה b^erâkâh, ber-aw-kaw’; from 1288; benediction; by impl. prosperity:— blessing, liberal, pool, present.^{^[1]}

God’s “benediction” which is also His approval is the greatest blessing we will ever receive from God. When you know you have it in general or in a specific situation it filled the soul and spirit with a feeling there is no way to describe. There is a wholeness that fills you (v.22).

There is also a spiritual blessing that comes from God. This includes our personal spiritual growth and growth in our relationships. This may also include growth in our ability to fulfill our purpose or accomplish a God-given God-driven goal. Part of the definition in the Hebrew for the word “rich” is “to grow” in some form to make rich, it does not specify that those riches are monetary in nature (v.22).

That said, I do believe that God takes care of His Obedient Children monetarily. Obedience is often the key to enjoying the blessing(s) of God. I have witness people change, turn toward God more fully, and have the finances of their life brought into order with easy, almost miraculously, therefore, I cannot deny God’s hand in His children’s financial state (v.22).

The way the blessing is brought about is key to knowing it is from God. It comes about without “sorrow” being attached (v.22). When you look at what that word “sorrow” refers to in the Hebrew language you see that the blessing from God often come without “usually (painful) toil; also a pang (whether of body or mind):— grievous” as “sorrow” as defined in verse twenty-two. Hence, my earlier statement about finances being brought in alignment with easy almost miraculously for those of His children trying to fully live for Him according to His Principles and His Will.

Our struggle with receiving our blessing comes when we refuse to obey and thus cannot experience the blessing of growth God wishes to bring about in our life or when we worry, worry, worry, instead of getting right with God and then trusting Him to put other things in our life right.

Turning our attention to verse twenty-seven we see that godliness or the lack thereof, effects a person’s longevity. When we choose to “fear” the LORD (YHWH aka Jehovah the Sovereign God) it means according to the Hebrew definition that we are choosing to show “moral reverence” for Him understanding His place and power in the universe.

That said, prolonging our lives is not to no end. When you examine the word “prolongeth” in the Hebrew language you see that the meaning “3254. יָסַף yâçaph, yaw-saf’; a prim. root; to add or augment (often adv. to continue to do a thing)” : – the purpose for adding days, months, or years to our life is so that we might honor Him, service Him, bring Him glory, it is for the purpose of continuing in something; ultimately it is for God’s Purpose not for us that He prolongs our days (v.27).

The opposite is found to be true for the wicked. Those people without the hope of redemption, their days upon the earth shall be shortened. Now what it means for those days to be shortened is very interesting and will take a good bit of examination of the Hebrew definition of the word “shortened” to grasp (v.27).

“shortened”

7114. קָצַר qâtsar, kaw-tsar’; a prim. root; to dock off, i.e. curtail (tran. or intr., lit. or fig.); espec. to harvest (grass or grain):— × at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap (-er), (be, wax) short (-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex.

Those who participate in wickedness will find that their days on earth are shorter than they had to be, days that are filled with ‘much discouragement, grief, trouble and vexing’ according to the above definition. A short sad life. It makes you sigh at the thought.

Verse twenty-eight reinforces these truths. The “hope of the righteous” is “gladness” in life and what the wicked can expect is to perish in many forms. The Hebrew definition describes that “expectation” as “literally a cord attachment” that brings about their end. This to me indicates little chance of escape. However, someone who is truly wicked beyond redemption most likely has no desire to escape from their wickedness.

What about the child of God who loses their way and wonders into wickedness or some form[s] of ungodliness. They too may find themselves or their life perishing in various forms. When you look at the word “perish” in the Hebrew language you find that it means the following:

“perish”

6. אָבַד ˒âbad, aw-bad’; a prim. root; prop. to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by impl. to perish (caus. destroy):— break, destroy (-uction), + not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, × and surely, take, be undone, × utterly, be void of, have no way to flee.

How can the Wayward Christian relate to this definition? When we get caught up in sin, one sin or one hundred sins, it does each of these things described in the definition to our life.

a) We “lose oneself” losing site of who we are, a Christian, and whose we are, God’s child. As we “ wander away” from God into our sin we begin to lose purpose and direction for our life. This leads to us seeing aspects of our life begin “to perish” aka go away or cease to exist or “cause to be destroyed” in some manner.

b) Our sin will “break” parts of our faith, our resolve, our life structure, relationships, etc. Sin will always bring about some form of “destruction” to the life of the person sinning.

c) Sin often so enfolds a person that they begin to feel they will “not escape” its grasp, it causes them to “be void of” the hope, goodness, and courage they once felt God’s grace shed upon them, leaving them with the false belief, Satan’s lie, that they “have no way to flee” from what their life has become, yet they do, that way is called REPENTANCE, turning away from the sin and back to God.

d) There is no doubt that your sin or sins will cause you to “fail” in life in many, many areas. Repeated failure can break the spirit of a Wayward Christian.

e) Finally, continual sin will lead the Wayward Christian to “be undone” in the end if they fail to repent from their sin and turn back to God and God’s Will for their life.

We are blessed if we have “the fear of the Lord” because with a proper fear of the Lord we will seek to honor the Lord with our life, which will lead to the blessing of the Lord upon our life; for even when we are wayward and lost in sin that “fear of the Lord” will be the tool that God uses to bring us to repentance and back to Him, where we can once again experience His “blessing,” God’s “benediction” aka His approval and “blessing” in life and upon our life.

^{^[1]} Strong, J. (1996). The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Throughout this study, if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Lifestyle, New Year’s Resolutions, New Years, Resolutions, Righteous Living, Righteousness

A New Year’s Thought – Living the Righteous Life

In Attitude, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Lifestyle, New Year’s Resolutions, Resolutions, Righteous Living, Righteousness on December 31, 2020 at 11:13 am

A New Year’s Thought – Living the Righteous Life

Before you take action to make all those resolutions about what you are going to do or not do, who you are going to be or not be, take a moment and reflect on God’s method of change.

Read the thoughts of a young woman desiring honest change in her life, and my response to her.

Quote = “When I pray and read the Word and worship as I have been recently, i am experiencing more of a closeness and a love… like i am coming back to my first love. I do not think I am explaining it well but I want to live a righteous life and spend time with my Father becuase I love Him and want to, not because there is this list of "do’s and don’ts" to follow.” = End Quote.

You need not worry sister…you are not going to live a “righteous life” without it being a manifestation of God’s grace in your life. Any desire you have for God is a manifestation of God’s grace in your life.

Some thoughts…

A ship is not going to move along steady by being propped from the outside. In order for a ship to be balanced, it must have ballast within the ship in order for the ship to move along steadily. The same is true for us as God’s children. Nothing on the outside of us is ever going to make our lives steady and balanced. It is only through and by the grace of God that our lives ever become consistent, steady, and balance. All three of which God wants for us and all three of which He is more than willing to shed out His grace in service to perform.

Therefore, God’s grace becomes our ballast. Ballast being:

bal·last

1. stabilizing heavy weights: heavy material carried in the hold of a ship, especially one that has no cargo, in the keel of a sailing boat, or in the gondola of a balloon, to give the craft increased stability

2. something that gives bulk or stability: anything that serves no particular purpose except to give bulk or weight to something or that provides additional stability

3. foundation material: stones or gravel when used as a foundation for a road or railroad track

4. industry gravel used in making concrete: gravel used in making concrete and in earthworks

5. electrical engineering circuit limiting current flow: a circuit that limits the current flow in a fluorescent lamp

Encarta ® World English Dictionary

A play on the definitions and a connection to God’s grace.

1 – God is the weight that holds us steady when life blows and blows; only He and His grace provide us stability.

2 – Grace is simply there to bring stability to our souls, our spirits, and our lives.

3 – Grace is the foundation of our relationship with our Savior Jesus.

4 – The endless grace of God turns our liquid hearts and jelly backbones into faith stronger than concrete.

5 – God’s grace is always poured out in just the right dose at just the right time so that we might not become overwhelmed spiritually.

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Birth, Christ, Christmas, Christmas Star, Jesus

Christ of Christmas–Christ of Scripture

In Bible, Biblical Principles, Birth, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christ, Christ Birth, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Christmas, Christmas Star on December 24, 2020 at 9:02 am

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

Praise God for His Glorious Gift to mankind, Jesus, in the form of a precious baby.

Take a moment as you celebrate Christmas to remember the true meaning and purpose of Christmas and read the wonderful Truth found in Luke 2 and Matthew 2. –

Luke 2:1–35 (NKJV)

Christ is Born

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

⁴Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ⁶So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Angels Announce Jesus to the Shepherds

⁸Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The Shepherds Visit Jesus

¹⁵So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Christ is Circumcised

²¹And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

²²Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord ²³(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), ²⁴and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Simeon’s Prophecy

²⁵And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, ²⁸he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

²⁹ “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,

According to Your word;

³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation

³¹ Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

³² A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel.”

³³And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. ³⁴Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against ³⁵(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Matthew 2:1–12 (NKJV)

Visit of Wise Men

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ²saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

³When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

⁵So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

⁶ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;

For out of you shall come a Ruler

Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

⁷Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. ⁸And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

⁹When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. ¹¹And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

¹²Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 8:17-21 – Wisdom, Substance, and Treasures

In Advice, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Confusion, Decision Making, Discernment, Discretion, God's Voice, Godly Counsel, Proverbs, Prudence, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on January 13, 2020 at 5:42 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

¹⁷I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. ¹⁸Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. ¹⁹My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. ²⁰I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: ²¹That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

Wisdom, Substance, and Treasures

Wisdom, much like our relationship with Christ, is something that is more easily assimilated into our life when it is taken on and developed in our youth. When developed in youth both seem to be sustainable for a lifetime. Thus, God’s encouragement in verse seventeen to “seek me early” a reference to wisdom, and God is Wisdom.

Note that verse eighteen points out that honor and riches follow the use of godly wisdom. The verse even makes the point that such riches and righteousness are “durable” which according to the Hebrew means that they will last a very long time, but it also means that they will highly “valued” as well.

Now for a moment of transparency. Though I came to know Christ at an early age I did not by any means learn to use godly wisdom at an early age. Today, well into middle age, I find myself at times still struggling to use wisdom, as it is still not second nature to me to do so. People tell me that God has blessed me with a great deal of godly wisdom to share with others, but I personally do struggle at times in the application of godly wisdom for myself. Had I learned to use and trust in God’s Wisdom at a young age my struggle may not exist today.

The great value of using godly wisdom can never be explained, it can only experienced by the one who uses the godly wisdom. If you avail yourself to godly wisdom and you apply godly wisdom, it brings so much fruit, joy, and peace to your life just as verse nineteen points out. However, you have to trust God enough to seek His Wisdom, and trust Him enough to apply His Wisdom.

God will never fail you; He will always lead you in the path of righteousness through His Wisdom, just as verse twenty states. No matter what man thinks of your actions, if you follow God’s Wisdom, He will lead you into righteousness.

Verse twenty-one lets us know what God desires to do for those who follow His godly wisdom. God wishes to lavish upon their life “substance” and “treasures” beyond anything they might imagine.

In the Hebrew language “substance” and “treasures” are defined as follows:

“substance” in the Hebrew language means the following:

3426. יֵשׁ yêsh, yaysh; perh. from an unused root mean. to stand out, or exist; entity; substance

“treasures” in the Hebrew language means the following:

214. אוֹצָר ˒ôwtsâr, o-tsawr’; from 686; a depository:— armory, cellar, garner, store (-house), treasure (-house) (-y).

686. אָצַר ˒âtsar, aw-tsar’; a prim. root; to store up:— (lay up in) store, (make) treasure (-r).

This substance, and these treasures, which stand out in our life may be literal or figurative, spiritual or physical, tangible or intangible or all of the aforementioned.

There is nothing but good, righteousness, and blessing to be found by following godly wisdom. Let us each seek to do so with consistency and dedication. I know that is my personal prayer.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 8:13 – Can You Love God and Hate?

In Advice, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Discernment, Discretion, Evil, Godly Counsel, Hate, Hatred, Proverbs, Prudence, Wickedness, Wisdom on November 7, 2019 at 8:30 am

Please forgive my absence in posting, I have been dealing with some personal matters.

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew or Greek definition(s).

¹³The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Can You Love God and Hate?

People do not often think of hate as a part of the true Christian godly experience. Nevertheless, if hate can be a part of God’s experience (v.13) why would it not be a part of a godly person’s experience? Are we greater than or better than God? There is such a thing as good or godly hate.

The Scriptures tell us we are to abhor evil and cling to what is good. To abhor evil, sin, or wrong-doing is to hate evil, sin, or wrong-doing.

Romans 12:9 (NKJV)

⁹Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Let us examine what to “abhor” is as defined in the Greek language and by the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary.

“abhor” in the Greek language is defined as:

655. ἀποστυγέω apŏstugĕō, ap-os-toog-eh´-o; from 575 and the base of 4767; to detest utterly:— abhor.

“abhor” in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary is defined as:

to regard with extreme repugnance : LOATHE synonyms see HATE

From the Scripture above we know we are “to detest utterly” and “regard with extreme repugnance” to the point of ‘loathing’ and ‘hating’ what is evil, sin, wrong-doing or against God’s Principles. So yes, godly people can hate, but only in the same manner that God hates – the hatred of evil – the hatred of evil, not the hatred of the person doing the evil, there is a difference.

Verse thirteen of chapter eight in Proverbs tells us that hating evil and sin is a way in which we show fear or reverence for the Lord, for to fear “the LORD is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy.”

Most people, even the secular world, accept that evil is a bad thing, but the secular world’s ideas of what is evil do not match God’s ideas and devout Christian’s ideas about what is actually considered evil. The secular world respects in a way and even rewards pride and arrogance, but in God’s economy they are worth nothing, they are things He himself hates.

We are all guilty of pride and arrogance in some form at some stage in our life. However, I challenge you to examine yourself before God to determine just how much pride and arrogance is in you, in addition to whether or not you are partaking in what God would consider evil.

Evil, wrong-doing, or sin is simply anything that is against God’s Will, God’s Word, and God’s Principles.

“pride” and “arrogancy” is defined in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as:

“pride”

the quality or state of being proud: as a : inordinate self-esteem : CONCEIT b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship

Synonyms CONCEIT, egoism, egotism, self-consequence, self-glory, self-importance, self-opinion, self-pride, swellheadedness, vainglory

Related Words bighead, cockiness, overconfidence, self-assurance

to congratulate (oneself) for something one is, has, or has done or achieved

“arrogancy”

an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions

Synonyms PRIDE, disdain, disdainfulness, haughtiness, hauteur, loftiness, morgue, superbity, superciliousness

an insulting way of thinking or behaving that comes from believing that you are better, smarter, or more important than other people

offensively exaggerating one’s own importance

an exaggerated sense of one’s importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims

Lastly in the Hebrew language this “froward” mouth that God hates is defined as:

8419. תַּהְפֻּכָה tahpûkâh, tah-poo-kaw’; from 2015; a perversity or fraud:— (very) froward (-ness, thing), perverse thing.

When a person distorts God’s Word, Ways, and Principles they are partaking in perversity against Him.

Do not take after the prideful arrogant person, but instead steer clear of them as much as you are able. If you are indulging in pride and arrogant, I have good news for you, Jesus is ready to forgive you, just ask Him and turn from your pride and arrogance.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 6:6-11 – Lazy, Poor, or Both

In Advice, Anxiety, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Godly Counsel, Laziness, Poverty, Proverbs, Prudence, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on May 2, 2019 at 9:00 am

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition(s).

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Lazy, Poor, or Both

These verses must be dealt with and written about with delicacy. Poverty is not an indication of a person’s laziness, but laziness will certainly lead to poverty. Please note there is a big difference between the two, between the two statements.

Notice that the ant in these verses is self-motivated, “which having no guide, overseer, no ruler” (v.7). The ant does not require an outside motivation for doing its necessary labor. The ant knows what is required to meet its needs, work, and it does the needed work.

Notice that excessive sleep is the hallmark of laziness (v.9). A person who likes to sleep a great deal when examined closely is typically also a lazy person who does only what they must do. They are always tired, and no amount of sleep can satisfy the hunger of their laziness.

The end result of laziness according to verse eleven is ‘poverty, travelleth, and want.’ Moving often, wondering around without purpose, with want as their constant companion or as verse eleven puts it, as their “armed man,” meaning in the Hebrew their” shield,” the thing that goes before them.

This” want” that the lazy suffer from is inclusive of, “deficiency; hence, impoverishment: — lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want” according to the Hebrew as the language defines that word “want” in verse eleven.

We all have times when we want and need a bit more relaxation and/or sleep than normal, but nothing good comes of lazy behavior, and it is just that behavior, and as so I have good news for you – it can be changed, you do not have to remain lazy.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 16 – “Authority” Who or what holds authority?

In Abuse, Advice, Apostasy, Authority, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Church Growth, Confusion, Decision Making, Religious Freedom, Remnant, Renewal, Repentance, Revival, Truth, Uncategorized on January 31, 2019 at 1:26 pm

As we take on a new year, 2019, we will take a different approach to finishing both our series on Church Growth, or lack thereof, and the Study of the Book of Proverbs. Instead of alternating weekly between two subjects, as we have in the past, we will proceed this year by carrying one subject to completion and then next to completion. Please be assured we will finish each subject, Church Growth and Proverbs. We will begin by finishing the series, “Why My Church is NOT Growing” with the focus for the next several weeks placed upon the issue of how “authority” affects church growth.

Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 16 – “Authority” Who or what holds authority?

The Word of God is authority to the highest degree because of its ability to address all life matters that concern us. Even though it does not always provide a literally specific answer to a question, such as where to live or what car to buy, it does always provide the life principles that make those decisions answerable in a godly manner. The overall guidance needed for any situation is found in the authority of God’s Word.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Through the use of God’s Word, we are not only able to find guidance for our life situation, but we are also able to have our own hearts and motives revealed to us as we search the Word for our answers. Through our submission to the process of seeking God’s guidance by means of His authority found in His Word, we are able to allow Him authority over our thoughts and the intents of our heart.

It is God’s desire to help us, protect us, keep our lives on course, and lead us out of any places of ungodliness but we must trust His authority in our lives to make that possible.

Ephesians 6:17 (NKJV)

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Salvation is to be saved from something. To be delivered from sin, danger, difficulties, to be preserved from destruction, etc. This is what God wants for us in this life and in the life hereafter. The Word of God is the authority through which He often makes that possible, if only we would adhere to its instructions.

The authority of God Word, the Bible, exists because it is the mind, heart, and will of God. It is not the ideas of man but instead the ideals and very nature of God Himself revealed to man. The men who wrote the words down on paper were mere secretaries of sorts taking shorthand for their Boss.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV)

¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

The idea that only a portion of Scripture is true or that it does not mean what it says is simply a lie, one that Satan perpetrates. Where you see the existence of lies Satan reigns because he is the Father of Lies according to Scripture. Lying is a direct by-product of Satan’s influence in a situation or in a person’s life. God’s Word is just that, God’s Word, all of it, always good, always correct, and always righteous in its nature. It is meant to enhance mankind’s life and lead them to godliness in all things.

Psalm 119:160 (NKJV)

The entirety of Your word is truth,

And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

The greatest display of the authority of God’s Written Word is the impact and transforming power it has on the individual who allows the Word to be the authority of their life. Sanctification comes by the Word of God. Meaning both through the person of the Word found in Christ Jesus and through the power and authority found in adherence to the Written Word.

John 17:17 (NKJV) Jesus speaking.

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

James 1:22 (NKJV)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

If we refuse to appropriately follow the Word of God, then we will not find the process of sanctification to be manifesting in our lives. By refusing to allow the Word to be our authority we are making ourselves people who simply hear the Word but do not do the Word. We are commanded by God to do both, hear and do the Word. Truth is found in the Word, the Word submitted to becomes Authority, and when truth is discovered in the Word and applied sanctification is the result.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 15 – “Authority” What is in a word?

In Abuse, Advice, Authority, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Church Growth, End Times, Exhortation, False Doctrine, Godliness, Persecution, Prudence, Religious Freedom, Remnant, Renewal, Repentance, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Wisdom on January 16, 2019 at 12:07 pm

Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 15 – “Authority” What is in a word?

Authority according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is as follow:

authority

Function:

noun

1 a (1) : a citation (as from a book or file) used in defense or support (2) : the source from which the citation is drawn b (1) : a conclusive statement or set of statements (as an official decision of a court) (2) : a decision taken as a precedent (3) : TESTIMONY c : an individual cited or appealed to as an expert

2 a : power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior b : freedom granted by one in authority : RIGHT

3 a : persons in command; specifically : GOVERNMENT b : a governmental agency or corporation to administer a revenue-producing public enterprise <the transit authority>

synonyms see INFLUENCE, POWER

Concerning the definition identified by the number 1, for the Christian Community, this relates to the Written Word of God, which is the Holy Bible. The Written Word of God is the final authority in all things. We do not, regardless of who might instruct us; government, Pastor, husband, wife, parent, boss, etc., sin against God’s Written Word. Anyone who is asking us to violate God’s Word is in sin himself or herself and we are not to follow them into sin. We follow God’s Word first, then man second. We also follow God’s Word when our own desires and wants contradict His Word. This is what it means for God’s Word to be the final authority in our lives. We are to subject all of our decisions to what God’s Word says on the matter.

In reference to the definition labeled number 2, we must subject ourselves to God so that any authority we have, in any type of relationship, is properly administered to others. If we hold a position of authority where we are able to teach or through other means influence the thoughts and mindset of another human being, then we owe it to God, them, and ourselves to daily self-evaluate and make sure we are submitted to the greatest Authority, God, our Creator. Without our daily submission to the Almighty, our authority is worthless.

The final definition number 3, puts or pits God’s agenda either in line with or against the agenda of societal government and/or institutionalized religion’s governing bodies. This situation is a bit trickier to deal with. God calls for us to obey the laws and ordinances of man and our Christian spiritual leaders expect when to do so would require us to disobey Him. One might think, ‘Would we really ever have to disobey God in order to obey government or a church leader?’ Yes, I believe that at times we might be forced to make that choice and answer the question of whom we will obey, for ourselves as individuals. The apostles made ever attempt to obey the laws of their land but when they were told to stop preaching the gospel by the authorities in their land, they declined to do so because they knew their greater obligation was to Christ. Our greater obligation will always be to Christ and what Christ wants us to do. We live in a time and in a country that is rapidly changing, and those changes are becoming more and more ungodly. As our society changes, we may find ourselves in the very real position of having to decide to obey God and possibly go to jail or having to obey man and suppress truth.

Acts 5:26–32 (NKJV)

²⁶ Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. ²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, ²⁸ saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

²⁹ But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. ³¹ Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

This is a wonderful example of how we should respond to and interact with governing authorities.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 13 – Response to Apathy and Indifference

In Apostasy, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Church Growth, Exhortation, Renewal, Revival, Truth, Uncategorized on November 15, 2018 at 8:00 am

This blog will alternate with each post between two subjects. One week will address why churches are not growing, and the coming move of God. The alternate week the blog will continue with the in-depth study through the Book of Proverbs.

Jesus clearly warns His people in the Book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3 against being a cold, loveless, lukewarm, compromising, corrupt, and/or dead church. Instead, we are to put off all callousness, hardness, coldness, and lukewarm-ness and be alert, enthusiastic, and sensitive to the Spirit of God as well as others. Remember the warning in 1 John 2:9 (NKJV) “He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.” We must practice love toward those within the household of faith.

We find within the Body of Christ a sense of removal from the world around us. We are different from, but still a part of, this world and our society. The idea that we as a Body are not called to impact our society and world is simply ridiculous. Scripture clearly teaches us that we are to be a light in the darkness and a light to the world around us.

Philippians 2:15 (NKJV)

that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Ephesians 5:8–11 (NKJV)

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), ¹⁰ finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. ¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

We are not to sit by and watch our society and world thrive in darkness. We are instead to expose evil by sharing its godly superior. Truth must win out over a lie. God’s ways are to be held up over the ways of Satan or man. We cannot tell ourselves that the issues of the day in our society are of no importance one way or the other to us. Of course, they are important, important to us, important to our future and the future of all the other Christians who will follow behind us. We cannot just pretend that issues are neither right nor wrong, for they are, because God has said they are in His Word. Whether or not we have a particular interest in, opinion on, like or disliked for a topic or issue is irrelevant. What is relevant is what God’s Word has to say about the issue or topic and what God’s Word has to say is what we are supposed to be saying.

We must let go of all apathy and indifference that has permeated our lives personally and our walk with Christ, and instead embrace His Will and His Way of doing things. We must also let go of all apathy and indifference that has permeated our willingness to speak up and reach out in our society or world and instead hold up the Standard of, the Way of, and the Purpose of God as found in God’s Word.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 4:20-24 – Guarding the Heart

In Advice, Anger, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Discretion, Encouragement, Godly Counsel, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Spirituality, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on November 8, 2018 at 8:00 am

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition.

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

Guarding the Heart

‘Keeping one’s heart with all diligence’ is such a massive job and entails so much the ability to do verse twenty-three justice in one segment is simple not possible. However, I will make the primary point of the importance of guarding our heart. For an in-depth examination of verse twenty-three you might find a book I wrote about the verse enlightening. It can be purchased in either softback book or Kindle eBook form from Amazon. It is titled, “ The Heart – Why Does It Hurt So Often? – Proverbs 4:23”

Every aspect of our life is affected and effected by what is going on in our hearts. If our hearts are not healthy we are not healthy. The above book examines how we can both get, and keep, our hearts healthy. One of the first and most important things we need to know about ‘keeping our hearts with all diligence’ is that it is we who must be a watchman over our own hearts.

Here is an excerpt from the book, “The Heart – Why Does It Hurt So Often? – Proverbs 4:23”

“Heart Watchman

“with all diligence” – What a phrase, but not one that can be separated from “for out of it – the issues” and retain its proper meaning or communicate its proper understanding.

Hebrew Definitions:

“keep”

5341. נָצַר nâtsar, naw-tsar’; a prim. root; to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.):— besieged, hidden thing, keep (-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve (-r), subtil, watcher (-man).

“with all diligence”

4929. מִשְׁמָר mishmâr, mish-mawr’; from 8104; a guard (the man, the post, or the prison); fig. a deposit; also (as observed) a usage (abstr.), or an example (concr.):— diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch.

8104. שָׁמַר shâmar, shaw-mar’; a prim. root; prop. to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; gen. to protect, attend to, etc.:— beware, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep (-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch (-man).

In the first half of the Hebrew definition for “with all diligence”, there is language in the definition that communicates the need for us to be much like a prison guard in how we approach the need to “keep” our hearts. Both “keep” and “with all diligence” have the concept of being a “watchman or keeping a “watch” in their definitions.

There are individual who are called to be Watchmen over the Body of Christ, also often referred to as Prophets/Prophetess, just as there were men who were called to be Watchmen over Israel, and we are called to be Watchmen over our own hearts. Therefore, we will take time to look at some Scripture about what it means to be a Watchman so we can understand the severity of the task.

Ezekiel 33:7–9 (NKJV)

7 “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

Questions to Ask Ourselves

What does it mean to you when I state that the heart is the center of our being and the retainer of our spirit?

The Scriptures are filled with information about the heart and through this sheer volume and content of the Scriptures we can deduce that the heart is not only the center of physical life but also of spiritual life. Spiritually we are often asked to examine our hearts because the heart is the inner most being.”

– End of excerpt –

When we fail to keep watch over our hearts, when we fail to keep them with all diligence we are acting in one of the most unwise ways possible, which is why King Solomon warned his son so strongly to ‘keep or guard his heart with all diligence.’ I urge you also to, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Verse twenty-four can also be associated with keeping one’s heart healthy as well as standing alone in the principle of godly talk versus ungodly talk. What we say, what comes out of our mouths, has an effect in the spiritual realm and thus an affect upon our hearts.

From the Hebrew definition we find that we are warned in verse twenty-four against using our words in the form of “perverted, distorted, or crooked (dishonest)” talk, words that would cause other people or ourselves “to turn aside or depart” from God’s Ways, God’s Will, and God’s Wisdom.

People often talk just to talk. Don’t! Actually have something fruitful or useful to say when you speak.

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 12 – Apathy and Indifference

In Apostasy, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Church Growth, End Times, Exhortation, Renewal, Revival, Spiritual Remnant, Uncategorized on November 1, 2018 at 9:00 am

“We crucify ourselves between two thieves: Regret for yesterday and fear of tomorrow.”

Fulton Oursler [1893-1952], American Journalist and Author

Apathy and indifference are often signs of great fear, fear of making another mistake and/or fear of the unknown. This fear renders individuals without the freewill to choose. Their wills have been given over to the unknown, or better stated, to fear of the unknown. Yet, living in regret of the past or fear of the future has never prevented one catastrophe.

The Body of Christ is filled with apathy. Apathy and indifference according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary are defined as:

apathy

Function:

noun

1 : lack of emotional responsiveness <hid her sorrow behind a dull brooding apathy>

Synonyms impassivity, insensibility, phlegm, stoicism, stolidity, unresponsiveness

Related Words inertness, passivity, supineness; aloofness, detachment, indifference, unconcern; lethargy, torpidity, torpor; listlessness, numbness, stupefaction, stupor

Contrasted Words ardor, fervor, passion, responsiveness, warmth; alertness, awareness, concern, solicitude

Antonyms zeal; enthusiasm

2 : lack of interest or concern <public apathy toward the school crisis>

Synonyms disinterest, disregard, heedlessness, indifference, insouciance, lassitude, lethargy, listlessness, unconcern, unmindfulness

Related Words callousness, hardness, insensitivity, obduracy, unawareness; coldness, halfheartedness, lukewarmness; calmness, dispassion, dispassionateness

Contrasted Words attentiveness, concern, heedfulness, interest; awareness, mindfulness, sensitivity, solicitude; ardency, fervency, passion, warmth, zeal

indifferent

Function:

adjective

2 : of no importance one way or the other

3 : marked by no special liking for or dislike of something

6 : being neither right nor wrong

Having pondered the meaning of these two words, apathy, and indifference, let us examine how we see them played out within the Body of Christ.

There is a lack of emotional responsiveness both to the Person of God and to what our brothers and sisters in Christ are experiences or going through in life. We stand at the threshold of Greatness beyond measure in Christ Jesus and often just walk away without feeling anything or feeling very little. We are not to lose control of our emotions in a negative way, but we are not to be unresponsive either. We are to love Jesus with a passion, and passion prompts some level of emotional response.

We are called upon by Scripture to share in our fellow Believers’ joys and sorrows. Romans 12:15 (NKJV) instructs us to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” More times than not what people receive from their fellow Believers when they share their joys and sorrows is detachment and unconcern. This ought not to be. We should be interested in and happy for those who are celebrating a success among us. Equally so, we should be sensitive to their hardships, dealing with them with warmth, love, and affection.

There is equal apathy and indifference when it comes to the things of God, what is going on spiritually within the Body of Christ, the issues that concern of our country, and the events going on in the world around us. There is a sense of lethargy and numbness among Christians. The Bible however calls us to pursue God, the things of God, and our life in God with passion and zeal.

1 Corinthians 14:12 (NKJV) Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

Galatians 4:18 (NKJV) But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.

Revelation 3:19 (NKJV) (Jesus speaking) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

We are to have a passion and a zeal for the spiritual gifts and talents that God has given us, so that those gifts and talents can be used to build up and edify the Body of Christ. That desire to pursue God in life, and the godly life, should always be present in us. When we find out we are on the wrong side of what God wants for us we should be willing, and quick, to repent.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 4:14-19 – Wicked and Evil or Wise and Shining

In Advice, Anxiety, Apostasy, Bible, Bible Study, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Evil, Godly Counsel, Proverbs, Prudence, Truth, Uncategorized, Wickedness, Wisdom on October 24, 2018 at 1:32 pm

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition.

14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Wicked and Evil or Wise and Shinning

Wickedness and evil behavior however severe or minor in the eyes of man is something to be avoided at all cost. God warns us to turn from evil before it consumes us or consumes parts of our life. (verse 14-15)

There are those who hunger after evil even to the point of losing sleep if they cannot find a way to partake in the evil they desire. Almost like a drug that someone is addicted to, evil calls after the wicked person. There are people who simply enjoy causing hurt for other people – hard to conceive for those who truly love God, but it is true. (verse 16-17)

You can see evil on a wicked person. There is a darkness on their countenance and vacancy to their eyes, an aura of darkness around them that cannot be described in words. Similarly, it is true of a Believer when they are actually living for God, there is a light that shines from their countenance, a light in their eyes, an aura of godly spirituality that is seen and detected by most people, sensed with mixed reactions. (verse 18)

Some people are draw to, and interested in, the light they see in this type of Believer, while other people are uncomfortable around the godly spirituality they can sense coming from the person. This tends to be true whether either type of person can detect exactly, or understand fully, what it is they sense coming from the dedicated Believer.

When you look into the Hebrew language at the meaning of the words and phrases in verse 19 it is extremely interesting and supports a principle we find in many other parts of Scripture. “As darkness” and “not at what they stumble” denotes the concept of those people who regularly do evil, sin, not understanding why “misfortune” and problems seem to continually plague them. The definitions define the person’s life as a life in continual decline, “decaying” and filled with “misfortune.” (verse 19)

The godly Believer continues to grow and shine brighter and brighter as their spiritual life with God progresses, they grow and slowly change for the better, whiles the evil person continues in a life of misfortune and trouble, they rarely change or grow as a person, have little desire to grow or change, and their life is slowly decaying away. (verse 18-19)

Which type of person will you choose to be?

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

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Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 11 – The Acceptance Factor

In Abuse, Apostasy, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Candy Cane, Christian Living, Church Growth, Exhortation, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Remnant, Renewal, Repentance, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on September 20, 2018 at 9:00 am

Please note this will be my last posting until mid-October. I have something I must attend to. Please keep me in your prayers.

A church that finds the appropriate balance between lovingly accepting people while at the same time remaining true to God’s Word and Principles will grow.

If there is one thing that false religions have learned it is the art of acceptance. Multitudes of people have been dragged into sin and evil out of a desire to be accepted. It is a form of validation we all need to some degree.

Knowing that we are all in need of acceptance, the question then becomes what form of acceptance should be given and what degree of acceptance should the church give. There is a delicate balance between upholding the Word of God while at the same time loving and accepting people. We do not have to validate someone’s sin in order to accept him or her. We can accept them without accepting their sin. We will make that our jumping off point.

The church is called to love people regardless. Loving them does not mean we keep silent about their sin or that we ascribe to a “don’t ask don’t tell” mentality. It means we treat the individuals with the same kindness and respect we would anyone, and we share God’s truths with them as He allow us and opens the door for us to do so. We never reject them because of their sin or because they do not agree with us, and we also never validate their sin or partake in their sin as a means of showing love.

When pressed to accept something in someone’s life which is in contradiction to God’s Written Word we should express our care and love for the person but also express a refusal to embrace that aspect of the person’s life or that particular belief they ascribe to. We explain, with Scripture, why we believe something different than they believe and reaffirm our desire to accept and love them despite the fact that we do not agree with them.

There are those individuals who are hard to accept not because of their choices in life, lifestyle, beliefs, or sin but because they are wounded, difficult, because of their attitude, or perhaps a physical, mental, or emotional handicap which makes relating to them more challenging. In these cases, we must call more upon our own character and spiritual development to step up to the task of acceptance. The ability for change or modification by the individual may not be an option or at least not an option initially. A person with a handicap cannot change their circumstances. A person with wounds cannot change until emotional, mental, and spiritual healing has begun. A person with a challenging demeanor or attitude will mostly likely never change without a community of people who offer them love and acceptance. Therefore, in all such cases it will be up to you to allow God to stretch you spiritually, mentally, and emotionally in order to exhibit His balanced and appropriate form of acceptance.

More individuals would embrace the church if the church would embrace them. If we refuse to accept individuals because we do not agree with them, we are limiting our capacity for love. When we refuse to accept another person, it is because in some way, we have judged that person, or we have judged that person’s actions. Furthermore, our lack of acceptance of them to some degree, despite their sin or issue, is a form of condemnation. Judging that results in condemnation, is not discernment judging [1 Thess. 5:19-21, 1 Corn. 2:14 & 12:3, 1 John 4:1-6, Ps. 119:18, and 1 Kings 3:9-14], it is sinful judging [John 7:24, Rom. 14:1-13 and Matt. 7:1-6]. No one can hear us until they can see us, and no one can see us until they feel a certain level of acceptance from us.

Individuals who have never felt accepted have found a home within the Christian Community and some individuals within the Christian Community have never felt accepted. Fear can hinder a person’s ability to accept another person. If they fear the person’s lifestyle, sin, demeanor, ideas, and/or points of view, they will not be able to accept the person. However, if they can accept the seventy-five percent of the individual that they do like and agree with, they will find themselves to be in a better position to influence the other twenty-five percent of the person or to grow themselves as a person.

Acceptance never makes room for sin, but acceptance makes room for sin to be abandoned. The next time you see the individual whom no one else seems willing to accept and embrace, make room in your heart to do so yourself. You just may find that the Kingdom of God is expanded by one because you did.

Please note this will be my last posting until mid-October. I have something I must attend to. Please keep me in your prayers.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 4:10-13 – Wisdom Sustains

In Advice, Anxiety, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Confusion, Decision Making, Discretion, Godly Counsel, Learning, Peace, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Revival, Spirituality, Trust, Truth, Wisdom on September 13, 2018 at 9:00 am

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. 11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Wisdom Sustains

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definition.

Verse ten states that the person who consistently uses godly wisdom as a guide for how they live and manage their life will see that life extended by “many” years. In the Hebrew language “many” means both to “increase in respective time” and to “bring in abundance” – that covers quantity of life and quality of life.

Verse twelve makes it clear that the person who consistently applies godly wisdom will have little need for their choices and actions to be corrected by God or man, nor will they find themselves stumbling a great deal in life. It is not possible to live a perfect life, but it is possible to live a godly life ruled by godly wisdom that has little encounter with failure or correction.

Verse thirteen speaks to the fact that godly wisdom applied is “thy life” for all truly real purposes. You may ask how could godly wisdom applied be someone’s life, what does it mean? Take a look at the Hebrew definitions for the phrase “thy life” – examine them one by one as see the “thy life” found within.

· "alive; hence, raw (flesh)” – godly wisdom applied will literally keep us alive.

· “fresh (plant, water, year)” – godly wisdom applied will keep us and our life fresh and renewed each year in personal growth and spiritual thirst.

· “strong” – godly wisdom applied will keep us strong mentally, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and physically.

· “life (or living thing), whether literal or figurative:— + age, alive, appetite, company, congregation, life (-time), live (-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, + merry, multitude, + (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. to live” – godly wisdom applied will rightly order every area of our life and relationships.

· “whether literal or figuratively; causatively to revive” – godly wisdom applied will restore us and sustain us through the challenges of life.

· “keep (leave, make) alive, × certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, (× God) save (alive, life, lives), × surely, be whole.” – godly wisdom applied will restore our life to God’s Purpose and repair the life damage we have caused and suffered, it will “give promise” to our life.

There is no doubt that the use of godly wisdom on a consistent bases in our life will sustain our life to God’s glory.

What does it mean to “sustain” something or someone? Sustain according to the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary is defined as follows.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Merriam-Webster’s definition.

The author’s thoughts follow each definition in [brackets].

1 : “to give support or relief to” – [godly wisdom applied will support the quality and quantity of your life and bring relief in times of distress.]
2 : “to supply with sustenance : NOURISH” – [godly wisdom applied will bring nourishment to your body, mind, spirit, and soul.]
3 : “KEEP UP, PROLONG” – [godly wisdom applied will extend the length of your life and improve the quality of your life.]
4 : “to support the weight of : PROP; also : to carry or withstand (a weight or pressure)” – [godly wisdom applied will makes facing the challenges of life so much easier, and your response to them is less likely to be filled with anxiety.]
5 : “to buoy up £ sustained by hope” – [godly wisdom applied will keep you afloat in life’s rough waters and give you hope.]
6 “a : to bear up under b : SUFFER, UNDERGO £ sustained heavy losses” – [godly wisdom applied will keep you from despair during your darkest days in life.]
7 “a : to support as true, legal, or just b : to allow or admit as valid £ the court sustained the motion” – [godly wisdom applied will anchors your life in something much greater than yourself, it anchors your life in God, in God’s Principles and Truths.]
8 : “to support by adequate proof : CONFIRM £ testimony that sustains our contention” – [godly wisdom applied will end up being self-proving, as you will see the proof of godly wisdom’s worth through its results over time.]

Godly wisdom will be a tool by which God sustains you and your life. Will you let it sustain you? Will you let Him sustain you?

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 4:5-9 – Wisdom and The Ornament of Grace

In Advice, Anxiety, Bible, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Confusion, Decision Making, Discretion, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on August 29, 2018 at 9:00 am

The Scripture passages are identified with bold upright font and the author’s notes are identified with italic regular font.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

It certainly appears that God, through King Solomon, makes it a point to repeat over and over in Proverbs the need for obtaining and applying godly wisdom. How easily we must forget this important aspect of life, otherwise, God would not have seen the need to mention it so often within just one of His books of the Bible, not to mention all the other books of the Bible He saw fit to bring the subject up in (verse 5).

Wisdom, the gathering of godly knowledge, godly understanding, godly insight, learning from your experiences with God, learning about God, His character, His expectations of us, and the application of all of these rolled into one, wisdom, will dramatically change your life for the better if you stick with the practice. Here are just some of the things God has stated in these verses that it will do for you.

Note – All words or phrases found in quotation marks are actual parts of the Hebrew definitions of the word or phrases found in the verses we are examining.

If you continue in that practice mentioned earlier of obtaining godly wisdom and applying godly wisdom and understanding, it will preserve and keep your life. Meaning according to the Hebrew language it will place a “hedge of thrones about” you that will “guard, protect, and attend to” the care and preservation of your life, from the forces without and the forces within that would seek to harm or destroy you (verse 6).

It is easy to understand that godly wisdom applied to a person’s life will enable God’s divine protection from evil forces and the evil actions of other people but understanding how it protects us from ourselves is a bit more difficult to understand.

When we seek, obtain, and apply godly wisdom, and it must be godly wisdom, not the wisdom of the world or man, it instills in us an alarm that sounds via the Holy Spirit when we should “beware” or ‘be circumspect” or “take heed to ourselves” or be cautious to “keep ourselves” on the “narrow path” being ever so careful to “observe” our motives, desires, and actions to ensure we are walking in wisdom. We are required by God to be our own “watchman” with the aide of the Holy Spirit, to see to it that we are walking in the Wisdom of God. To “obey” God and His godly wisdom is to allow Him to “keep” us by His Wisdom. This is what it is to be preserved and kept by wisdom (verse 6).

Verse seven makes it clear that in order to walk in that care and protection a person must make godly wisdom “principal” in their life. For something to be principal means it holds the highest of rank, according to the Hebrew “the first, in place, in time, order or rank – among our firstfruits.” Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines principal as, “a matter or thing of primary importance.”

Godly wisdom must take priority over our own ideas, our own desires, our own thoughts about what is best, worldly wisdom, ideas or principles set down by man regardless of how worthy those principles might be, and godly wisdom must take priority regardless of what other people think is best for us. In order for godly wisdom to preserve and keep you properly it must be your number one source of instruction for how you will choose to live your life and make your decisions (verse 7).

Once we have truly embraced godly wisdom and are applying it consistently to our life, we can expect to see the benefits that God has ordained for those who listen to Him and apply His Wisdom. Wisdom will bring promotion and honor to the life that embraces living by its principles (verse 8).

The Hebrew language makes it clear that to be promoted by Wisdom through God is to “rise and be raised in a variety of application both literally and figuratively – to bring up and exalt, to extol honor.” That “honour,” honor that comes from God as a result of applying wisdom will “bring a weighty richness” to life that results in God’s ‘glory being able to shine through your life’(verses 8 and 9).

Application of wisdom results in living a “noble” life where you “prevail” thanks to God’s “ornament of grace” that He has placed upon you because you have chosen to “obey” Him in obtaining and applying godly wisdom (verses 6, 7, 8, and 9).

An “ornament of grace” how splendid! Grace become “attached to” a person who embraces godly wisdom and applies godly wisdom (verse 9).

Throughout this study if you need the wisdom of God on a matter, and you wish to receive the counsel of another Believer in Christ, please use the “comments” link to send your question to me.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

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Archive for the ‘Bible’ Category

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 10:22, 27-28

A New Year’s Thought – Living the Righteous Life

Christ of Christmas–Christ of Scripture

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 8:17-21 – Wisdom, Substance, and Treasures

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 8:13 – Can You Love God and Hate?

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 6:6-11 – Lazy, Poor, or Both

Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 16 – “Authority” Who or what holds authority?

Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 15 – “Authority” What is in a word?

Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 13 – Response to Apathy and Indifference

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 4:20-24 – Guarding the Heart

Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 12 – Apathy and Indifference

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 4:14-19 – Wicked and Evil or Wise and Shining

Why My Church is NOT Growing – Part 11 – The Acceptance Factor

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 4:10-13 – Wisdom Sustains

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 4:5-9 – Wisdom and The Ornament of Grace

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