God's Truth In Love

Archive for the ‘Christianity’ Category

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 12:15 Willingness to Listen

In Advice, Attitude, Behavior, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Change, Christian, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Correction, Counsel, Decision Making, Decisions, Discernment, Discretion, Disobedience, Fool, Foolishness, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Learning, Listening, Pride, Proverbs, Stupid, Truth, Uncategorized, Unwise, Wisdom on June 9, 2024 at 7:43 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 or Greek definition(s).

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Willingness to Listen

This is going to be a long one but well worth the read as it hits the snake dead on the head.

As the readers know this is written in order verse by verse through the Book of Proverbs. Wow, what a powerful verse and a timely one, as I have had some recent encounters with various people who showed some were “a fool” and some “wise” in their actions and responses. I will get into some examples later in this piece.

We have all met those people who know everything they need to know. They need no help or counsel from other people and certainly not unsolicited counsel, counsel they cannot control, even if that counsel speaks directly to their situations. Such has been the case recently. It is sad to see people so steeped in their own spiritual, intellectual, and emotional ignorance or denial or self-deception that they cannot or refuse to see Truth when it is brought to them. ‘They perish for a lack of knowledge.’ (Hos. 4:6) However, the fool always thinks they are right, that their way is right.

What is a fool according to the Hebrew language. When thoroughly researched it has great and in-depth meaning.

“fool” in the Hebrew language means all of the following, with author’s notes:

aphrōn ἄφρων Strong’s Greek #878

mindless, i.e. stupid, (by impl.) ignorant, (spec.) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (mor.) unbelieving:— fool (-ish), unwise.

191 אֱוִיל [ʾeviyl /ev·eel/] adj m. From an unused root (meaning to be perverse); one who despises wisdom. 1a2 of one who mocks when guilty. 1a3 of one who is quarrelsome. 1a4 of one who is licentious.

ESL

Note:

A fool has a perverse view of life, of how things should be done. Their views and actions do not line up with God’s Ways, God’s Truth, or God’s Will. I recently encountered a “spiritual leader” who though warned by not one but two unconnected, unrelated, servants of God that he should not allow a man steeped in sin to lead worship at his congregation, has chosen instead to do so. How perverse is such a thing! Disgustingly so! Leading worship of all things. Then again, at one time Satan was the worship leader in heaven.

And yet another person whose life is literally being destroyed day after day, while she celebrates her ignorance as enlightenment, and tries to persuade others to do the same; their life blood will be on her hands, and she will answer to God for it one day; as will the earlier mentioned “pastor” for his choice.

Yet another, who is missing out on what God has for her because she has chosen to allow a sinful man to bring her down to sin and dictate her life. This one is horribly sad. Some people long for love so much they are too easily controlled.

FOOL ˒ewil (אֱוִיל, 191), “fool.” This word appears primarily in the wisdom literature. A person described by ˒ewil generally lacks wisdom; indeed, wisdom is beyond his grasp (Prov. 24:7). In another nuance, “fool” is a morally undesirable individual who despises wisdom and discipline (Prov. 1:7; 15:5). He mocks guilt (Prov. 14:9), and is quarrelsome (Prov. 20:3) and licentious (Prov. 7:22). Trying to give him instruction is futile (Prov. 16:22).

VCEDONTW

Note:

People should not be given leadership roles when they lack the ability to understand True Wisdom when it is presented to them. God must remove these people when they reach the point that giving sound wisdom and “instruction is futile” due to their lack of willingness to listen. Why should they listen after all, they know it all…right. How pathetic.

˒ĕvı̂yl אֱֱוִיל Strong’s Hebrew #190

to be perverse); (fig.) silly:— fool (-ish) (man).

hâlal הָלַל Strong’s Hebrew #1984

to celebrate; also to stultify:— (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool (-ish, -ly), glory, give [light], be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, [sing, be worthy of] praise, rage, renowned, shine.

keçı̂yl כְּסִיל Strong’s Hebrew #3684

fat, i.e. (fig.) stupid or silly:— fool (-ish).

Note:

These people revel in their wisdom ignorance. Yet, in reality they show just how silly or down right stupid they truly are.

nâbâl נָבָל Strong’s Hebrew #5036

impious):— fool (-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person.

Note:

These types of people’s actions (the foolish and unwise) are both heartbreaking and disgusting at the same time. I feel so sorry for them and their lack of understanding but at the same time I am appalled at their ungodly behavior. Both feelings are normal as God both loves the sinner and hates their sin.

çâkal סָכַל Strong’s Hebrew #5528

5528. סָכַל çâkal, saw-kal’; for 3688; to be silly:— do (make, play the, turn into) fool (-ish, -ishly, -ishness).

çâkâl סָכָל Strong’s Hebrew #5530

5530. סָכָל çâkâl, saw-kawl’; from 5528; silly:— fool (-ish), sottish.

anŏētŏs ἀνόητος Strong’s Greek #453

sensual:— fool (-ish), unwise.

asŏphŏs ἄσοφος Strong’s Greek #781

particle) and 4680; unwise:— fool.

mōrainō μωραίνω Strong’s Greek #3471

act) as a simpleton:— become fool, make foolish, lose savour.

mōrŏs μωρός Strong’s Greek #3474

from the base of 3466; dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (mor.) blockhead, (appar.) absurd:— fool (-ish, × -ishness).

Pamphulia Παμφυλία Strong’s Greek #3828

Note:

I often think about the fact that these people, along with so many in our society, sound so ridiculous when they speak about their beliefs, and at times I am amazed by how skillfully Satan can blind so many people to Truth.

3828. Παμφυλία Pamphulia, pam-fool-ee´-ah; from a compound of 3956 and 5443; every-tribal, i.e. heterogeneous (5561 being impl.);

Note:

As you think about our society today, I will let that aspect of the definition speak for itself.

paraphrŏnĕō παραφρονέω Strong’s Greek #3912

3912. παραφρονέω paraphrŏnĕō, par-af-ron-eh´-o; from 3844 and 5426; to misthink, i.e. be insane (silly):— as a fool.

Note:

As I have listened to these types of people, their ideas, their beliefs, their intended action, I have often thought to myself, ‘Are these people completely insane?’ and in a spiritual sense, intellectual sense, and emotional sense they are.

phullŏn φύλλον Strong’s Greek #5444

5444. φύλλον phullŏn, fool´-lon; from the same as 5443; a sprout i.e. leaf:— leaf.

Note:

They, as a young “sprout” of a plant, certainly display their spiritual immaturity, intellectual immaturity, and emotional immaturity. All of which they shall never recover from until they are ready to listen to true godly wisdom and counsel.

I am going to repeat the following aspect of the definition of “fool” as it is the core of the problem with foolish people.

aphrōn ἄφρων Strong’s Greek #878

mindless, i.e. stupid, (by impl.) ignorant, (spec.) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (mor.) unbelieving:— fool (-ish), unwise.

These people often absolutely believe they are right, even when everything they believe is right goes against what God has established as right. God’s RIGHT is the only right! But let’s look at why they like their “right” instead of God’s right.

“right” in the Hebrew language, in this verse, from the unwise person’s perspective of right, meaning with author’s notes:

3477. יָשָׁר yâshâr, yaw-shawr’; from 3474; straight (lit. or fig.):— convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet (-est), + pleased well right (-eous), straight, (most) upright (-ly, -ness}.

3474. יָשַׁר yâshar, yaw-shar’; a prim. root; to be straight or even; fig. to be (caus. to make) right, pleasant, prosperous:— direct, fit, seem good (meet), + please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright (-ly}.

Note:

They believe it is the “straight” or the right way for many reasons; among them it is often the “convenient” way, and might also produces a perverse form of what they view as “equity” among people. They believe it right because it is “pleasant” to them; if it feels right do it or if you think it is right for you then it is, both of which are simply garbage. However, to them their actions “seem good” so they view themselves as “upright” in their behavior. And we cannot forget that people think their actions are right because it makes them “prosperous” – we cannot dismiss the greed factor. It is not only greed for monetary gain or possessions but it can often be greed for power, position, praise, etc. This frequently ensnares spiritual leaders.

Foolish unwise people simply do not want to listen to wise godly counsel. Additionally, listening to that counsel involves much more than hearing with your ears, as you will see from our review of the definition.

“hearkeneth” in the Hebrew language, meaning with author’s notes:

8085. שָׁמַע shâma˓, shaw-mah’; a prim. root; to hear intelligently (often with impl. of attention, obedience, etc.

Note:

When a person does not act on what has been spoken to them, they have not heard in a godly sense.

We should all know what “counsel” is but we will review the definition, and we know this speaks only of godly counsel.

“counsel” in the Hebrew language means:

6098. עֵצָה ˓êtsâh, ay-tsaw’; from 3289; advice; by impl. plan; also prudence:— advice, advisement, counsel ([-lor]), purpose.

3289. יָעַץ yâ˓ats, yaw-ats’; a prim. root; to advise; refl. to deliberate or resolve:— advertise, take advice, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel (-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose.

A person can be a fool for a day, a year, or a lifetime and still come back from this characteristic, if they are willing to turn from their ways (repent), listen to and act on wise godly counsel – then they too can one day become wise.

“wise” in the Hebrew language means:

2450. חָכָם châkâm, khaw-kawm’; from 2449; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful):— cunning (man), subtil, ([un-])wise ([hearted], man}.

2449. חָכַם châkam, khaw-kam’; a prim. root, to be wise (in mind, word or act):— × exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser.

++end++

All content generated by a human being, 100%, no AI. 

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.

, , , , , ,

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 12:11,24,27,14 Work and Words

In Attitude, Behavior, Biblical Principles, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Grace, Money, Proverbs, Stealing, Suffering on June 5, 2024 at 2:36 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).

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

Work and Words

What we say, what we do, both, have a major impact on the quality of our life. People speak death to their own lives then wonder why their lives are continually in lack. People want much but do little, then wonder why they do not have what they want or need.

If you work you eat (v.11).

This word “diligent’ that is used in verse twenty-four in the Hebrew definition has the meaning of being “eager” and having “determination” as qualities. A determined person finds a way through their eagerness to do what is necessary, and lawful, to take care of and provide for their family. They end up on top in a good sense for to “bear rule” as found in this verse, means to “to rule:— (have, make to have) dominion, governor, × indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule (-ing, -r), have power.”

Looking at verse twenty-seven, we find that the “substance” which the “diligent man” has, is according to the Hebrew language, “wealth” and “implies enough” is the condition of the “diligent man” and lack is the condition of the “slothful” lazy man. Again, the idea of the man “hunting” for his food indicates he is actually doing something to produce this “substance” that he enjoys. And get a load of what this “precious” “substance” consist of according to the Hebrew language.

“precious” =

3368. יָקָר yâqâr, yaw-kawr’; from 3365; valuable (obj. or subj.):— brightness, clear, costly, excellent, fat, honourable women, precious, reputation.

3365. יָקַר yâqar, yaw-kar’; a prim. root; prop. appar. to be heavy, i.e. (fig.) valuable; caus. to make rare (fig. to inhibit):— be (make) precious, be prized, be set by, withdraw.

Wow, this type of man even draws a certain type of woman, an “honourable woman” (honorable). Be careful however about what your view of an “honourable woman” is because she definitely does not have the qualities viewed by the world as good, she has the qualities, often difficult ones for people to accept, but nevertheless qualities that God, not man, views as honorable.

Verse twenty-four has a very serious warning for the “slothful” person – a note here that this word “slothful” in the Hebrew language also means “deceitful” as well. That type of person will “be under tribute” in life. However, what does that mean? It is bad, very bad!

“shall be under tribute” in the Hebrew language means:

4522. מַס maç, mas; or

מִס miç, mees; from 4549; prop. a burden (as causing to faint), i.e. a tax in the form of forced labor:— discomfited, levy, task [-master], tribute (-tary).

4549. מָסַס mâçaç, maw-sas’; a prim. root; to liquefy; fig. to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief):— discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, × utterly.

This is not a good life. I have seen firsthand people with this life. People living this type of life and they were extremely lazy and deceitful people. That is all I will comment on that, as the meaning of the words say it all.

However, going back to verse eleven we find that people who have made the choice to follow “vain persons” which is inclusive according to the Hebrew language of people who are “empty fig. worthless” find they lack the “understanding” to ever make a life of true meaning or substance, and they always seem to try and blame someone else for that reality. Do people effect and affect another person’s existence? Yes, to a point depending on the depth of the relationship and the day to day interactions of the relationship. (This could lead to so much to write so I will just leave it there.) People are so vain; many think their education alone is cause for “enlightenment” of which they have none and their life reflects this fact. Nevertheless, people follow these “vain, empty, worthless” people down a path titled “enlightenment” that only leads to their misery and destruction – usually “death by a thousand cuts” sinful cuts, that is.

Be careful of what you say about yourself and other people. Be careful what you choose to do and not do in life for it will effect and affect every part of your existence.

Side note: on both spelling and grace

FYI for those of you who might not know; in Britain, which is where the King James Bible originated, the letter “u” is used in many more words than we use them in, here in America. I recall once I had another minister and his wife over for dinner. I had a tapestry on one of my tables. The wife pointed out that they had spelled the word “colour” (British) vs. color (American) incorrectly. She was a school teacher by trade but I knew it was due to her lack of exposure to other cultures that she was unaware of the differences, therefore, I said nothing. Nevertheless, it stuck with me and I learned a valuable lesson about grace as we never know the extent of another person’s background.

++end++

All content generated by a human being, 100%, no AI. 

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.

, , , , , , , , ,

An Old Man’s Christmas

In Bible, Biblical Principles, Birth, Charity, Christ Birth, Christian, Christianity, Christmas, God’s Promises, Love on December 14, 2023 at 6:15 pm

An Old Man’s Christmas

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn’t been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn’t hate Christmas, just couldn’t find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don’t mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you’re busy, I’ll just go."

"Not without something hot in your belly." George said.

He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain’t much, but it’s hot and tasty. Stew … Made it myself. When you’re done, there’s coffee and it’s fresh."

Just at that moment, he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell.. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old ’53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold the car was dead.

"You ain’t going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help …." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain’t the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night.. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave ’em the truck, their tires were shot too. That ‘ol truck has brand new." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the block hadn’t cracked; it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.

"Those tires ain’t gonna get ’em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife’s old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn’t going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car, an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic.. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin’," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills.. "You hang in there; I’m going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two-way radio.

He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."

George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain’t gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is.. Bullet passed right through ‘ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."

George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked.

"None for me," said the officer.

"Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain’t got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

"That’s the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."

The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I’ll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"

The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, its Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain’t much but it’s all I got. Now put that pea shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I’m not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I’ve lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week."

George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein’ stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin’ in here with a gun ain’t the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we’ll sort this thing out."

The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I’m sorry officer."

"Shut up and drink your coffee,” the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.

"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread.. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don’t know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.

"That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued.

"Yep,” George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy … and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go something for the little woman. I don’t think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can’t take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That’s all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell.. "Here’s something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.

"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I’ll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I’m closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where’d you come from? I thought you left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don’t celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn’t see what all the bother was. Puttin’ up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin’ cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn’t the same by myself and besides I was gettin’ a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George’s shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.

The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.

"You see, George … it’s My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus"

Merry Christmas!!

Titled by me – Author Unknown – Sent to my ministry anonymously on December 25, 2010

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.

, , , , , , , ,

Movie "The Shift"

In Apostasy, Biblical Principles, Change, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Decisions, Demon, Demon Possession, End Times, End-times, Evil, Godliness, Left Behind, Mental Illness, Movie - The Shift, Obedience, Renewal, Repentance, Righteous Living, Satan, Suffering, Trust, Uncategorized on December 2, 2023 at 4:27 pm

Movie "The Shift"

Okay guys another movie review and recommendation for Christians and all people. Again, another movie that on the surface you would not think it is a Christian themed movie but it absolutely is Christian.

The trailer for the movie seems to be very odd but it truly is a good movie and well done. I am going to provide you with just a few bullet points about the movie because I do not want to give away any of the plot.

† Job – Modern day take on the book of and biblical character of Job.

† Trials – An examination of what it truly means to go through trials in our lives.

† Choices – An examination of the effects of our choices on our life and our very existence.

† Movie Type – Sci-fi version of end times, a disguised Christian movie meant to look secular, with a love story thrown in.

† Suffering – God revealed in suffering.

† Characteristics – The power of selfishness and selflessness.

The Shift… The last sentence of the film.

"This is not my world but this is my home."

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.

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 12:5-8, 12-13 Righteousness vs. Evil

In Authority, Behavior, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Evil, Holiness, Lifestyle, Obedience, Proverbs, Prudence, Renewal, Revival, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Sanctification, Uncategorized on October 14, 2023 at 12:50 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).

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Righteousness vs. Evil

In these verses the meaning as far as application to life is fairly straightforward. It is in an in-depth look at the definitions for the words in this verse that the nuggets of spiritual gold are found.

Hebrew definition for:

v. 5 “wicked”

7563. רָשָׁע râshâ˓, raw-shaw’; from 7561; morally wrong; concr. an (actively) bad person:— + condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.

The fact that “morally wrong” is part of the Hebrew definition indicates that there is a moral standard. We as Christians know this to be true, but the world, and some people who say they are Christians, indicate that there is no concrete moral standard. They are wrong! God has clearly laid out a moral standard for humanity and there are consequences for not following that Standard and blessings for doing so.

Note that the definition states that the “wicked” persons referred to here are those who are, “an actively bad person” not a person who sins at times or does wrong on occasion. None of us are perfect and we are going to sin at times, though we do not have to do so habitually thanks to the freeing power of Jesus, but we are not a person who actively seeks to do wrong or is comfortable with doing wrong. There is an element of being “condemned” that comes with being “an actively bad person” or someone deemed to be a “wicked” person.

Hebrew definition for:

v. 5 “deceit”

4820. מִרְמָה mirmâh, meer-maw’; from 7411 in the sense of deceiving; fraud:— craft, deceit (-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery.

7411. רָמָה râmâh, raw-maw’; a prim. root; to hurl; spec. to shoot; fig. to delude or betray (as if causing to fall):— beguile, betray, [bow-] man, carry, deceive, throw.

Wicked people are filled with “deceit” and they seek to deceive other people. Where you find a deceitful person you find Satan, the Father of Lies (John 8:44), deep at work. They cannot and should not be trusted because they are “feigned” (insincere or pretend) people. Deceitful people will always bring hurt to your life.

Hebrew definition for:

v.6 “upright”

3477. יָשָׁר yâshâr, yaw-shawr’; from 3474; straight (lit. or fig.):— convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet (-est), + pleased well right (-eous), straight, (most) upright (-ly, -ness).

3474. יָשַׁר yâshar, yaw-shar’; a prim. root; to be straight or even; fig. to be (caus. to make) right, pleasant, prosperous:— direct, fit, seem good (meet), + please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright (-ly).

Hebrew definition for:

v.6 “deliver”

5337. נָצַל nâtsal, naw-tsal’; a prim. root; to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense:— × at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, × without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, × surely, take (out)

There is a right way to God in life and that is God’s Way. It is only through following God’s Standards for life that we can fulfill life in a meaningful way, in the way God intended. When we follow God’s Way for our life, He then delivers us in our time of need or distress. Following God’s path for our life makes our life “prosperous” as well. Note that to be prosperous is not just about money, it is about life, health, godly spirituality, relationships, all the things that make up life. Follow, look to, “the straight way” in life, God’s Way.

I want to focus in on the “deliver” aspect of verse six. Have you ever had God remove something from your life you did not want removed? There are times when God will “snatch away” something or someone from our life and at the time it appears to be a horrible thing to have happen to us. We definitely in these times view the snatching away as being done in “a bad sense” at least from our LIMITED perspective. Yet, after we wait a while, maybe years, we finally see that God in the snatching away of what we viewed as important or precious, was instead actually us being delivered by God from something or someone that did not need to be in our life, or that had its season for our life, was now over, yet, we had not yet let go of it, so God snatched it away. Whatever or whomever from which God sees to “deliver” us, is intended for the purpose to “preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, or defend” our life in accordance with God’s Will. Trust God’s deliverance.

Hebrew definition for:

v.7 “overthrown”

2015. הָפַךְ hâphak, haw-fak’; a prim. root; to turn about or over; by impl. to change, overturn, return, pervert:— × become, change, come, be converted, give, make [a bed], overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way).

It is the destiny of the wicked to be “overthrown” at some point and time. Perhaps, even to the point where they will “be converted” to God’s Way of life. When God makes your life “tumble” it is quite the tumbling, and life is never again the same.

On the other hand the life “of the righteous shall stand” thanks to God.

Hebrew definition for:

v.7 “stand”

5975. עָמַד ˓âmad, aw-mad’; a prim. root; to stand, in various relations (lit. and fig., intr. and tran.):— abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be [over], place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.

The absolute greatest security in the world and in the world to come is a relationship with Jesus the Christ.

Hebrew definition for:

V.8 “commended”

1984. הָלַל hâlal, haw-lal’; a prim. root; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; caus. to celebrate; also to stultify:— (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool (-ish, -ly), glory, give [light], be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, [sing, be worthy of] praise, rage, renowned, shine.

Note that in this definition there is both positive and negative meaning. Since a person is “commended according to his wisdom” positive and negative would have to apply. “According to” indicate a degree and type of commending. For the godly wise this would mean they are “renowned” – “they shine” – people “sing their praise” – their wisdom is “cause to celebrate” for themselves and other people – they bring “glory” to God the giver of their wisdom. For those who lack in wisdom they too are “commended” for their lack of wisdom – they ”boast and thus tend to be clamorously foolish” – they show they are a “fool” – people tend to “rage” against them instead of praising them.

The wicked cannot give godly wisdom because their heart is “perverse” and not seeking the heart, will, and mind of Christ. This leads to them ultimately being “despised” by people, hence the “rage” people feel against them.

The wicked are their own worst enemy for they are “snared by the transgression” of their own life, their own “lips” not by other people.

Hebrew definition for:

v.13 “transgression”

6588. פֶּשַׁע pesha˓, peh’-shah; from 6586; a revolt (national, moral, or religious):— rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass.

6586. פָּשַׁע pâsha˓, paw-shah’; a prim. root [rather ident. with 6585 through the idea of expansion]; to break away (from just authority), i.e. trespass, apostatize, quarrel:— offend, rebel, revolt, transgress (-ion, -or).

Wicked people choose to rebel against God, to reject Christ, to live in “revolt – morally and religiously” on a daily basis. They have chosen “to break away from just authority” the authority of God, their Creator.

However, “the just shall come out of trouble” thanks to God. Note that it does not say they will never enter trouble or have trouble, what it says is that they “shall come out of trouble” and they shall, every single time.

++end++

All content generated by a human being, 100%, no AI. 

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.

You can sign up to have each blog posting sent directly to your email. Just find the “follow” button on the bottom of the main page, then enter your email address. All email information remains confidential and is never shared in any manner.

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.

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:29 – Wisdom or Enslavement

In Anger, Attitude, Behavior, Biblical Principles, Change, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Enslavement, Fool, Money-management, Proverbs, Responsibility, Spiritual Change, Wisdom on June 7, 2023 at 10:10 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 or Greek definition(s).

29…and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

Wisdom or Enslavement

These above mentioned individuals could fall into the category of what people might view and the Bible might refer to as a fool. A fool always ends up in subjection to the wise in some manner, which is what it means to be a servant to the wise, which is mentioned in the second half of verse twenty-nine.

“servant” in the Hebrew is defined as:

5650. עֶבֶד ˓ebed, eh’-bed; from 5647; a servant:— × bondage, bondman, [bond-] servant, (man-) servant.

5647. עָבַד ˓âbad, aw-bad’; a prim. root; to work (in any sense); by impl. to serve, till, (caus.) enslave, etc.:— × be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, + husbandman, keep, labour (-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve (-ing, self), (be, become) servant (-s), do (use) service, till (-er), transgress [from marg.], (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper.

The first part of this definition is fairly straightforward, it is easy to see the implications and applications that apply. Fools rarely are in a position of ease when it comes to physical labor. They almost always end up serving other people and in menial ways. They might be highly educated, but because they act foolishly in their life and lifestyle, they work menial jobs just to get by. Another example, they might have won the lottery but because they were foolish with the money, how they used and spent it, their lack of discretion, investing, or saving, leaves them broke within a few years and back at some form of menial work, when had they been wise, they might never have had to work again in their lifetime.

There are two other aspects to what this “servant” of the wise looks like, they will “be wrought” and a “worshipper” of some sort.

To ‘be wrought” aside from the work aspect means to be deeply agitated inside. The fool has deep anger against the wise. The fool thinks they should have what the wise person has, that they are deserving, yet they have done nothing whatsoever to be deemed entitled in any manner to what a wise person might have or possess, whether material, monetary, or intangible things such as relationships, characteristics, peace, looks, contentment, etc.

The other side of the coin is the fool who looks up to the wise to such an intense degree that they begin to enter a form of worship of that person, and more importantly what that person has in life. A fool can covet the life, lifestyle, relationships, money, etc. of the wise person so much that they become a ‘worshipper” of that person. For a worshipper reveres, looks up to, admires the person who has what they want. They seek to be like the wise in respect to having all that they possess, yet most fools are not willing to turn their lives around and become wise in order to have what the wise people have…hence, they stay fools trapped in a bondage of their own creation, while they blame other people for their situation. How terribly sad and unnecessary.

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.

, , , , , , , , , ,

How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 11:21 Safety in Numbers, Really?

In Actions, Advice, Behavior, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Decision Making, Decisions, Discernment, Discretion, Divine Protection, Godliness, Lifestyle, Proverbs, Responsibility, Righteous Living, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on November 19, 2022 at 6:39 pm

We will now resume with our study and reflections on the Book of Proverbs. 

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).

21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

Safety in Numbers, Really?

People tend to believe if they band together, they will somehow be safe. When it comes to God this is not true. There is nowhere to hide from God. There is no place that God cannot reach and no protection great enough to overcome Him or keep Him at bay if He desires to reach you.

“hand” in the Hebrew means:

3027. יָד yâd, yawd; a prim. word; a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.]

The wicked can attempt to secure their power by joining with other wicked people but none of them shall escape the wrath of God in this life and the life to come (v.21).

The “seed” as defined in the Hebrew language is:

2233. זֶֶרַע zera˓, zeh’-rah; from 2232; seed; fig. fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity:— × carnally, child, fruitful, seed (-time), sowing-time.

2232. זָרַע zâra˓, zaw-rah’; a prim. root; to sow; fig. to disseminate, plant, fructify:— bear, conceive seed, set with, sow (-er), yield.

However, the opposite is true for the righteous. Their seed, in works, off spring, or people will be taken care of and delivered to its fruition.

Each day we make a choice of what type of fruit we will produce. We choose what type of life we will live, wicked or righteous. We decide if we are going to allow God to rule in our life by doing His Will. You will eat the fruit of those choices without escape, so choose very carefully.

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.

You can sign up to have each blog posting sent directly to your email. Just find the small “follow” button in the bottom right-hand corner of the main page, then enter your email address. All email information remains confidential and is never shared in any manner.

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.

, , , , , , , ,

Freedom or No?

In Actions, Behavior, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Disobedience, Freedom, Lifestyle, Obedience, Responsibility, Sin on October 30, 2022 at 2:08 pm

Whether they realize it or not most people feel that freedom is too demanding and too unpredictable.

When God’s people were led out of slavery into the wilderness, this was their mindset. They complained continually because they feared uncertainty. It is easier for a person to stay mired in what they know whether that be drugs, an ungodly lifestyle, alcohol, pornography, overeating, smoking, excessive busyness, etc., easier for them to stay there than it is to walk in the complete freedom that Jesus died to give them.

That freedom comes through obedience to God and following God’s Will day by day. People find doing what God says to do or not to do too demanding. People find walking with Jesus in faith day to day seeking to know and do His Will too unpredictable. Therefore they just stay mired in their bondage, a slave to whatever controls them, for they would rather continue as a slave doing as they wish, knowing what to expect than to walk as a free person not knowing what to expect, and not doing as they wish.

Then of course there are the excuse-makers. Instead of taking responsibility for their choices they say things like, ‘I can’t help it, it’s an addiction, it’s an illness, or the worst one of all, this is how God made me.’ I can only imagine what it is going to be like when those who use that last excuse stand before God and He asked them, ‘How could you say that is how I made you?’

People with rather live in bondage than  have to actually take responsibility for making a choice for freedom.

You can sign up to have each blog posting sent directly to your email. Just find the small “follow” button in the bottom right-hand corner of the main page, then enter your email address. All email information remains confidential and is never shared in any manner.

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.

, , , , ,

Truth Tellers

In Advice, Anxiety, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Correction, Decision Making, Favor, Fear, Godliness, Guidance, Obedience, Prophecy, Remnant, Renewal, Repentance, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Sanctification, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on October 2, 2022 at 12:07 pm

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil:

Psalm 97:10

There are those individuals who tell the truth, and the world hates them for it.

If you are a true Christian, who truly loves God and desires to see His Will done, you have no choice but to tell the truth to a decaying and dying society.

If you are one of those Christians who sold out Christ in order to be accepted by their society and by people in general, to be liked, to make life easier for yourself, one day you will have a lot to answer for before God and I wonder then if it is all going to be worth it.

Because…

When people have the opportunity to quietly, discreetly, sometimes even anonymously tell the truth, those very people in that decaying society from whom you wanted so much acceptance, secretly hate themselves. They are constantly discontent with who they are if they’re able to accept who they are at all. They can never get to a place of being okay, they are always suffering from some type of anxiety or mental disturbance or some form of discontent with their life. Their ideas, their values, their belief system is so distorted and depraved that they can’t be anything but inwardly miserable while they pretend to society and to those people around them that they’re just fine. They are among the masses every day marching in their uniformity line to their own destruction and death, but ha they are politically correct and they “fit in” within their society. They’re just fine, while they’re dying every day little by little because of their…

These are the people you want to be like? These are the people you want acceptance from? No thank you! I’ll go right on being a Truth Teller and being hated by all of them because I would rather be hated by them than to degrade myself to the degree necessary to be accepted by them. What about you?

There are people who have destroyed their whole lives, destroyed who God created them to be, destroyed their relationship with God, destroyed their spirituality all on the altar of trying to fit into and be accepted by their distorted, depraved, cookie cutter, dying society.

         

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.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

GOD Growth in COVID-19 / Couples Growth

In Adultery, Agape Love, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Contentment, Coronavirus, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Couples, COVID-19, Disunity, Divorce, Godliness, Learning, Lifestyle, Love, Marriage, Renewal, Repentance, Revival, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized, Unity, Wisdom on April 2, 2021 at 8:33 am

Over the last few posts we have taken a look at the GOD growth in individuals and families during the pandemic. Today we take on the matter of growth in the couple relationship. I use the term GOD growth because God wants to bring about change in people that draws them closer to Him and that causes them to implement His Principles regardless of whether or not they have come to trust in Him for their salvation as of yet or not. God is about seeing His Will and His Principles come about in our society, in our homes, and in us personally before and after we enter that personal relationship with Him.

Questions to ponder. Why do people find it easier to bad mouth their significant other or spouse rather than express openly to other people what they like about the person? Why are their negative traits a more interesting topic of discussion than their positive traits? Society presents the idea that to complain about your spouse is funny and entertaining, but is it really? Why does society want to perpetuate the idea that loving relationships are rare and so hard to come by?

Locked down, locked up, with your spouse during COVID-19; now this will make or break a marriage. When there is only the two of you, no children, no other distractions, you find out really quick whether or not you are just two ships passing in the night or two hovercrafts rotating around each other but never really coming in contact, not true contact. I believe if you went through this last year together primarily in lockdown and you still actually want to be together you might actually have a pretty solid relationship.

When we are alone with someone day in and day out, with them and with no one else, we see everything about them that we perhaps did not notice or that at other times are they were better able to hide. Especially during a crisis like the pandemic, we see their fears emerge, we see their insecurities at large, we see their compassion or lack thereof on display, we see their generosity and love or their selfishness and hatefulness. We talk to them more; we find out more about what makes them tick. We explore with them their hopes and dreams because when you are in a situation like we are in during this pandemic, locked down at home primarily, you cannot endlessly ignore the only other person in your spear, in your world for that matter for the most part, and you cannot talk about nothing nonsense forever. So eventually you dig down to what really matters, and that is when you begin to draw close to one another.

In this time of couple reflection many were able to find out how loved and cared for they made their spouse feel and the ways in which they did that. Also, they might have found out the ways in which they do not make their spouse feel loved and cared for and what they could do about it to change the negative impact on the relationship. For many it was a time of realigning the relationship and finding once again common goals and dreams.

A marriage is a covenant relationship. When someone badmouths their spouse for fun and the entertainment of people, they are betraying that covenant. What you speak about your spouse affect how you feel about your spouse. Your spoken words have a powerful effect on you and other people. People should rarely if ever hear from you what you believe to be “wrong” with your spouse or so my parents who believed in absolute loyalty taught me, just as the Bible teaching not to speak negative or harsh words (curses) against people. I have never found it entertaining to hear people teardown their spouse, and from what I have heard from other people they too think it terrible to listen to someone else do so, thinking badly of the person who is badmouthing their spouse, even if they themselves have been guilty of likewise at times.

I believe the select few in society who are not willing to do the work needed for a loving caring relationship like to perpetuate the idea that loving caring relationships are so terribly difficult to come by, in order to make themselves feel better about their own lack. Let them live in their isolation and loneliness, do not get sucked in, value the relationship you have and act like you do.

I want to close each of this series of postings with a quote from the original post, “COVID-19 – God and Man at Work.”

“Blessings from God are not just material or financial, more often the greater ones (blessings) are intangible such as growth and change.”

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

COVID-19 – God and Man at Work

In Agape Love, Attitude, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Christianity, Church Growth, Contentment, Coronavirus, Coronavirus/COVID-19, COVID-19, Disunity, God's Voice, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Love, Marriage, Repentance, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom on February 28, 2021 at 9:25 am

During the whole of the pandemic we have heard so much about the negative affects that the isolation and the restrictive movement have had on people’s lives, or so we hear in our local media. However, I challenge the notion that it has been all bad.

What has God been doing in the lives of people as He kept children at home, dads at home, moms at home, couples at home together? What has God been doing during the time when He stripped away religious practice and worship truly was up to the private individual, in their own way, in their own home?

Has there been mental and emotional, and perhaps even spiritual problems due to the isolation and the restricted movements of the pandemic? Yes, of course there have been. There has been horrible abuse, horrible loneliness, and sin has existed. However, there has also been great growth for individuals, for families, and for couples. Growth we will explore in more depth in another post. There has also been more time for individuals to take a good look at themselves, to explore their own inner spiritual person, come to terms with and perhaps do something in response to what they discovered during the isolation that God has allowed in their life.

The pandemic has caused financial loss, but I dare to say that in a spiritual and relational level it has done more good for people than harm, and certainly more good than what was financially lost. Blessings from God are not just material or financial more often the greater ones are intangible such as growth and change.

Sometimes God has to get people’s attention, sometimes God has to get a country’s attention, but God always leaves people who are repentant better off than they were when He started a particular work in their life.

, , , , ,

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.

, , , ,

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. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph 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, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And 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

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then 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. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And 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

15 So 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.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then 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

21 And 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.

22 Now 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”), 24 and 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

25 And 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. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So 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, 28 he 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.”

33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then 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, 2 saying, “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.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And 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.

5 So 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.’ ”

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And 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.”

9 When 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And 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.

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

, , , , ,

The Christmas Star Lecture

In Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christ, Christ Birth, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Christmas, Christmas Star on December 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm

The Christmas Star Lecture

Barry Setterfield – Teaching 1993

Based on 28 years of research by historians, astrologers, and astronomers who studied of the Star of Bethlehem.

All of the following dynamics tie into pinpointing when Jesus was born and when the Wise Men would have arrived to worship Him.

Mary and Joseph both came from the line of David.

A woman giving birth would have been considered unclean because of the blood involved. If the woman was in a house during this time, the whole house would have been considered unclean and this was during a time of religious ceremonies. Hence, the use of a stable for birth.

Shepherds were in fields at night only twice a year, in spring and fall. Therefore, Jesus was born in the spring or fall of 3BC. [My note: This could be why some believe Jesus was born in April.]

Autumn 3BC Jesus was born. Between the 10th and the 25th of September.

Jesus is born September 12th then on His eight day He was circumcised, which would have been September 20th the Jewish Day of Atonement thus Jesus was shedding His first blood on the Day of Atonement. Then on September 25th, the Feast of the Tabernacle would have taken place.

If Jesus were in fact born around this time, September 10th – 25th, then His conception would have been close to the 25th of December, the previous year.

The Wise Men, the men who set out to find the New King of the Jews.

The star in the sky that announced Jesus’ birth remained in the sky for a couple, to several, years and moved guiding the Wise Men. When the Wise Men got to Jesus they went into the “house” to worship Him, house not stable [Matt. 2:11]. Above Bethlehem the star, the planet Jupiter, stopped moving and stood still for six days over the Christ Child, the day it stopped moving would have been December 25th 2BC – on that day the Wise Men arrived.

, , , , ,

Precious Baby

In Birth, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christ, Christ Birth, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Christmas, Christmas Star on December 18, 2020 at 11:47 am

Precious Baby

A bit of Christmas trivia for you. Many people do not think about it, or either do not know, but Jesus may not have been born on December 25th but it is the day we have chosen to honor His Miraculous birth. Many scholars have debated the facts over the years regarding dates, age, and time frame but here are a couple of widely accepted details.

There is a good chance Jesus was born in April or September, not December. He was also not born in 1AD but instead was born sometime between 7-2BC according to scholars. To me that is quite a gap in time and many people debate those five years but I tend to believe it was about 3-2BC when Christ came to this earth to redeem it from the power of darkness. Additionally, the wise men were not present at Jesus’ birth they came to Jesus, directed by the heavenly star, which marked the birthplace, and their travels took them some time as they came from faraway lands. When they arrived, Jesus would have been about two years old, which is why Herod had all the babies two and under killed [Matt. 2:16-18] in an attempt to kill the Messiah. Nevertheless, the precious child was born and we praise God that He was willing to come to this earth and bring us the ability to have joy and peace in Christ at Christmas time.

The second portion of this post will include details from a lecture done by Barry Setterfield regarding Jesus’ birth and the study of the Star of Bethlehem. Although none of us can truly pinpoint every detail of Jesus’ birth and the Wise Men’s journey, I find the following teaching to be quite creditable.