God's Truth In Love

Archive for the ‘Blessings’ Category

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:17 Cruelty and Mercy’s Rewards

In Actions, Attitude, Biblical Principles, Blessings, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Cruelty, Decision Making, Evil, Grace, Mercy, Proverbs, Reactions, Rewards, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Wisdom on July 25, 2022 at 3:53 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(s).

17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Cruelty and Mercy’s Rewards

Cruelty is its own punishment and goodness its own reward.

Our soul (our mind, body, and spirit) are effected physically and affected mentally, emotionally, and spiritually by our own conduct. If we seek to be merciful toward people, we will find a goodness in our lives. In the same token, if we seek to be cruel in our dealing with people, we can expect our lives to be filled with trouble. We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8).

What does it mean to be merciful? Well, let us examine the word merciful as defined in the Hebrew language.

“merciful” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

2617. חֶסֶד cheçed, kheh’-sed; from 2616; kindness; by impl. (toward God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subj.) beauty:— favour, good deed (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity.

2616. חָסַד châçad, khaw-sad’; a prim. root; prop. perh. to bow (the neck only [comp. 2603] in courtesy to an equal), i.e. to be kind; also (by euphem. [comp. 1288], but rarely) to reprove:— shew self merciful, put to shame.

Within the definition of merciful we find one of rewards “beauty” subjective beauty. To be merciful to someone is a beautiful act. Mercy is given to “kindness” toward others, as well as “kindness toward God” displayed in our “piety” or godly conduct. Mercy actually corrects the brother or sister who needs correction (“reproof”) so they might find “shame” over their conduct and repent. Mercy shows” favor” to other people over oneself. It does “good deeds” whenever possible. Merciful behavior is found in “courtesy” toward people. Mercy, true merciful conduct, shows ‘mercy to ourselves’ when mercy is needed.

Now a look at the “good” that comes to us from mercy we show other people.

“good” in the Hebrew is defined this way:

1580. גָּמַל gâmal, gaw-mal’; a prim. root; to treat a person (well or ill), i.e. benefit or requite; by impl. (of toil), to ripen, i.e. (spec.) to wean:— bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, + serve, mean, yield.

Mercy feeds our souls. When ‘we treat ourselves and other people well’ – when we are merciful – being treated well will mean being well. Our spiritual fruit will “ripen” as we treat other people and ourselves with mercy. We mature as a person as we seek to show mercy all around. “Good” things come our way as we walk in mercy, we receive the “recompense” or “reward” for our godly conduct. As we show mercy to those who oppose us God is freed to take action on our behalf to “requite” (avenge) the wrongs done to us. Mercy brings a willingness on people’s part to “yield” to us when we are walking in God’s Will.

Now a look at the other side.

“cruel” is defined in the Hebrew as:

394. אַכְזָרִי ˒akzârı̂y, ak-zaw-ree’; from 393; terrible:— cruel (one).

393. אַכְזָר ˒akzâr, ak-zawr’; from an unused root (appar. mean. to act harshly); violent; by impl. deadly; also (in a good sense) brave:— cruel, fierce.

When our conduct toward other people is “terrible” or “cruel” not in line with God’s Will and Ways we too reap the rewards of such. When we are a person given to “acting harshly” we expect the same. The “violent” and “deadly” are always looking over their shoulders for the “fierce” forces coming for them.

“troubleth” in the Hebrew is defined this way:

5916. עָכַר ˓âkar, aw-kar’; a prim. root; prop. to roil water; fig. to disturb or afflict:— trouble, stir.

If you are such a person who acts with harshness and cruelty you can expect your life to be filled with “roil” (agitation) and distress. Your soul will be constantly in a state where it is “disturbed” and your life “afflicted” with regularity. Your life will be a pot of hot mess that is continually “stirred” with “trouble” and peace you will not see on any level, mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

There is so much good that comes from being merciful, I cannot imagine why we would want to do anything different, expect that the sinful nature would like to rule us and take way the good we could have if chose mercy over cruelty.

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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Valentine’s Love

In Advice, Biblical Principles, Blessings, Christian Lifestyle, Godliness, Obedience on February 19, 2022 at 1:40 pm

This Valentine’s Day I urge you to consider loving yourself enough to obey God and follow His Will, that your life might be blessed by following His Plan and His Purpose for your life.

This is the greatest love you could show God and yourself.

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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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).

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

27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 28 The 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 berâkâh, 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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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 10:2-5 – Temporary Treasure

In Advice, Attitude, Blessings, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Discernment, Discretion, God's Voice, Godly Counsel, Laziness, Proverbs, Prudence, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on April 5, 2020 at 1:59 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(s).

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. 3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Temporary Treasure

Christians no doubt see those who appear wicked, who seem to care nothing for the things of God, become wealthy and roll in the lap of luxury. They must ask themselves why? Why not the godly?

Some godly people are wealthy and enjoy the luxuries of life. However, more than not, do not find themselves in this group. I do not think it is important to know why, but instead to focus on what God says about ill gotten gains.

The “treasures of wickedness” have no true value in life (v.2). As verse two states they “profit nothing” which when you examine those words in the Hebrew language means that they hold no, “rightness, rectitude, objectively justice, moral virtue or figuratively aka spiritually prosperity.” (Interesting side note the reference number used for the word “nothing” is “6666” – as in 666.) These types of treasures have no real value in life, only earthly worldly value.

In contrast “righteousness delivereth from death” (v.2). When the meaning of “death” in this verse is examined in the Hebrew language we come to realize that it is addressing ‘certain types of death (both natural or violent); or being among the dead, their place or state in hades aka hell and figuratively pestilence or ruin.’ How many wicked people do you often see come to utter ruin within a few days (v.3-4). It happens often actually if you pay attention. They ride high and crash hard.

I am going to jump to verse five now for a moment. Wise people are people who gather their resources, work hard, and do not squander what they have been given by God (v.5). Whereas, lazy people are a cause of “disappointment” to God and those who know them (v.5).

God satisfies the soul of the righteous, He meets their need (v.3). That does not mean that God is going to give a Christian everything they want. I am confident you have heard the say, ‘Thank God for unanswered prayers.’ God knows what is best for us and often denies us out of love.

Those who are righteously “diligent” I add “righteously because any interpretation of Scripture must be taken in context; the Christians who are righteously diligent God will “maketh rich” (v.4). Again, what do the words mean in the Hebrew language? Looking into “maketh rich” in the Hebrew we can gather no general meaning since the word “rich” is not defined. I think this is intentional on God’s part. The riches that God gives His righteous people are beyond worldly, they are indescribable.

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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Godly Grateful Heart

In Attitude, Biblical Principles, Blessings, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Contentment, God, Godliness, Gratitude, Suffering, Thanksgiving, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized on November 25, 2019 at 4:32 am

Find out what a godly grateful heart actually is and reflects.

I am hosting a book discussion and a recent section of the book that was reviewed had to do with being thankful. Therefore, as a special Thanksgiving Posting here is an outtake from the book discussion.

Chapter 11: The Attitudes of a Godly Heart (Grateful Heart)

This chapter is broken down into sections that cover various aspects of what a godly heart looks like. I will cover one characteristic per posting.

It is such a God Thing that we are here just before Thanksgiving and this is the section of the book that I am currently on, a section that covers the topic of having a grateful heart. God is so good!

The author points out that people who are ungrateful in life grumble and complain about everything and everyone, for them nothing is ever good enough and this becomes a way of life for them. For the Christian the opposite should be true, they should be grateful to God in all things, good or bad circumstances.

Biblical Principles of a Grateful Heart:

1. To be grateful for God’s grace through Christ Jesus, (2 Corinthians 9:15).

2. Showing God gratitude is part of worshipping Him, (Psalm 100:1-5).

3. To be ungrateful to God is reflect the character of an unbeliever, (Romans 1:21).

4. It is a command to be grateful, (Colossians 3:15).

5. Be thankful for whatever GOD brings your way, (1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Job 1:21).

Practical Ways of Living Out A Life as a Person with a Grateful Heart:

1. Look for the grace of God in your trials.

2. Do not be bitter or angry with God when adversity comes your way.

3. Do not live in the land of sinful disappointment instead give your hopes, desires, and dreams to God then wait to see what He wants to do with them.

4. As a thankful person be a joy to be around, do not grumble and complain be cheerful.

5. Worship God with a thankful heart full of gratitude.

At the end of this section, the author makes quite a statement, a statement with which I agree. ‘We must have the right thoughts about God in order to truly be emotionally stable.’

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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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

In Blessings, Gratitude, Praise, Thanksgiving on November 22, 2018 at 9:00 am

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Today remember to give thanks to God for all the blessings in your life.

Think you have no blessings, look again, you woke up this morning, so you have at least one blessing in your life.

New posting next week to gobble gobble on.

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.