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Archive for the ‘Godly Counsel’ Category

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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.

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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.

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How Do We Make Godly Decisions? – Study of Proverbs 12:9 Popularity or Prosperity

In Advice, Attitude, Behavior, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Change, Choices, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Decisions, Devotional, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Honor, Humility, Lifestyle, Pride, Proverbs, Renewal, Righteous, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized on January 8, 2024 at 4:19 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).

9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

Popularity or Prosperity

This is a very interesting verse that seems somewhat out of place, but we know with the Word of God there is no such thing.

First, it must be pointed out that in the Hebrew definition of the word “despised” there is an implied meaning and a figurative meaning. The word means both to be a person who is “light and in rapid motion” and also a person “held in contempt” who “seems vile” to other people. A godly person would fit both of those categories.

A godly person is going to be a “light” to the world around them. They are also going to be a person who is “in rapid motion” working to care for their family. They are not going to be lazy or a slacker. Being both a “light” in a dark world and a person “in rapid motion” to provide for your family will make you “despised” by a world growing more and more evil and distorted each day. However, it will also cause the blessings of God to rain down on you where you do not lack for the important things in life and may well also prosper to the point where having a “servant” is a part of your life.

This is a far better life than the “entitled person” who thinks life owes them, without their doing much of anything – the self-important person – those who “honoureth” themselves, usually because no one else does or should for that matter. These people lack for almost everything in life including “bread” or food to eat.

Haughtiness, pride, is a horrible sin that God absolutely hates. Many believe pride to be the very first sin, and it was in a way. Pride can typically be found at the root of every sin or every problem with other people in life. Test this theory and see if after you peel away all the various layers at the core of the issue if pride cannot be found.

Humility, God and godliness is the better choice in every circumstance over Haughtiness, Satan, and sin. Your life will be better the quicker you realize this in life.

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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.

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Walmart Prophet

In Biblical Principles, Christ Return, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Church Growth, Conditional Prophecy, Correction, Discernment, Disobedience, Disunity, End Times, End-times, God, God Speaking, God’s Promises, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Reformation, Remnant, Renewal, Repentance, Revelation, Rhema Words, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Sovereign Prophecy, Spiritual Remnant, Unity, Words, Words of Knowledge, Words of Wisdom on November 29, 2023 at 6:12 pm

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

On Sunday I was reminded that God always finishes what He starts and brings to fulfillment His Work on earth. This has prompted me to repost a posting I did almost a year ago now, as it is more important than ever. Then at the beginning of December, I will begin with my annual Christmas and New Year’s postings.

Walmart Prophet

Walmart Prophet – January 22nd 2023 approximately 2:00 p.m.

Yesterday I had the most powerful encounter with another Believer that I have had in years, in of all places, Walmart.

The last couple of months Jesus has been impressing upon me over and over the need to give more care and attention to every single encounter I have every day. With every stranger, with every clerk in a store, with friends, other Believers, simply everyone. God is wanting me to make every encounter as meaningful as it can be. He has been stressing that this is extremely important in part because of the condition of our society and the disconnect between human beings. So I’ve been trying to be more mindful of that, not being in such a hurry and simply looking to see if God desires to do anything.

Well yesterday in Walmart I was in the mindset to do that when a white haired older gentleman approach me and began to talk. It only took about 30 to 45 seconds for him to ask me was I a Christian. I replied in the affirmative.

He began to remind me of the Scriptures that speak about how God would one day divide the real Christians from those who just claim to be Christians. He went on to say they are distinctions for determining what real Christians are. Then he pivoted the conversation and began to speak about what True God-honoring Congregations of Believers looked like versus what they did not, and additionally what they would have to be like during the end-times and prior to Christ return. Now he had my attention as this was something that God had actually shown me in the late 1990s. I listened with great spiritual discernment.

He began to talk about groups of Believers, those in the Outer Court, those in the Inner Court, and those in the Holy of Holies and their distinctions. As he spoke, he looked me directly in the eyes and began to move closer and closer. I looked him back just as intently and stood my ground as this seemingly stranger closed in on what we would call my personal space. He spoke about how you could tell the Real Believer from an unbeliever by the look in their eyes, and this was something I have always believed. The eyes, as he reminded me, are a window to the soul.

He was beginning to truly capture my attention fully. It seemed like an extremely unusual encounter because God has very rarely sent anyone to speak to me, I’m usually the one He has sent. I knew however in this moment I had to listen, and I was about to find out why.

I stood there and listen to this man, a man who had to be of God, if truly a man at all and not an angel, recount according to him the characteristics of a group of people or Believers (gatherings, as he called them) that would be considered part of the Outer Court (those congregations who house people who say they are Christians but may or may not be, more not than likely because True Christians likely would not stay in these congregations), the Inner Court (those congregations who house people who have actually obtained salvation but beyond that not much else and the congregation is not functioning as God desires), and the Holy of Holies (these are the congregations that are housing True Passionate Followers of Christ who are desiring to function as a group in the manners that God intends).

As the Man of God stood there describing those congregations or as he put it gatherings of God’s people who were a part of the Holy of Holies, I was spiritually astounded. I listened to this man recount every single characteristic of a congregation of Believers that God would bless and use, characteristics that God had given (spoken to) me back in the 1990s. God had described what He wanted His congregations to be before He could use them the way He desired and prior to His return, and He had described this way back then. Now this man was listing every characteristic one by one and why it was important. I was amazed, simply amazed! I had never forgotten what God had shown me He desired for His congregations to be, and I had never stopped spiritually advocating for the existence of those characteristics and functionality in congregations, but God wanted me to be reminded that today in 2023 He still wants the same thing he spoke in approximately 1998.

Then the Man of God moved on to me personally. He pointed out two specific things, and they were very specific. One was, God wanted me to know that a specific leader that ended up corrupt in the end, with a ministry that ended badly, was not always corrupt and that God was working there at one time, when they were following what He said. My view was imbalanced when it came to this particular ministry and leader because I always focused on the end, and gave little time or attention to what was real in the beginning, so I welcome that adjustment. The second was a spiritual principle that is at work in the Body of Christ that I need to give more attention to than I have been, so I received that exhortation as well.

As only God could do as soon as God’s points had been made the gentleman’s phone began to ring so loud it sounded like an alarm clock, like something saying wake up – wake up, and we both knew the encounter was over, although we did pause just staring in each other’s eyes making sure we understood each other. Then we both simply walked away.

We never know what our everyday encounters will bring and what exactly God would like to do through them, so it is in our best interest to take the time to pay close attention.

If this was not a case of me entertaining angels unaware, which it most likely was not, sir if you ever read this, which you might since we shop in the same location and there is a huge sign on my car with the blog address, if you do read it please use the comment section below to be in touch. I would be blessed by further communication with you.

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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Upcoming Prophecy connected to Azusa Street Revival

In Azusa Street Revival, Biblical Principles, Church Growth, Discernment, God's Voice, Godly Counsel, Prophecy, Prophet, Renewal, Revival, Rhema Words, Uncategorized, William Seymour on September 22, 2022 at 6:37 pm

Over 100 years ago there was a massive revival and outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Azusa Street in Los Angles California. Apparently the leader of the revival William Seymour, received a prophetic word at the revival that in 100 years from the date or time of his death there would be another outpouring of the Holy Spirit like Azusa Street but the outpouring of the Spirit of God would be such a powerful move of God that Azusa Street would pale in comparison.
 
100 years from the date is September 28, 2022.

100 years from his death which took place in 1922 on September 28th.

Attention! Anyone who reads this post; if God is speaking to you about this matter, this prophecy, send me a message via the "comment" link below. I would very much want to hear what God is sharing with you.

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 11:13-14 Safe Counsel

In Advice, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Discernment, Discretion, Godly Counsel, Gossip, Guidance, Proverbs, Prudence, Uncategorized, Wisdom on May 2, 2022 at 5:32 pm

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

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

13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Safe Counsel

Those people who tell the business of other people, we all know them, are disgusting people. A person’s privacy is sacred in my view. People who violate that sacredness are people unworthy of any form of trust.

We all know what it means “to reveal” the details of another person’s life. To reveal is part of the Hebrew definition of the word “revealeth” which I have listed below. Yet, take a moment to review the definition and you will find another, what I find to be very an interesting aspect of the definition (v.13).

“revealeth” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

1540. גָּלָה gâlâh, gaw-law’; a prim. root; to denude (espec. in a disgraceful sense); by impl. to exile (captives being usually stripped); fig. to reveal:— + advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, × plainly, publish, remove, reveal, × shamelessly, shew, × surely, tell, uncover.

Part of the definition regarding revealing a person’s personal information includes the implication that you will be placing that person under a form of ‘exile, as captives being stripped’ of something. Stripped of what? Exiled in what manner? Let us consider that for a moment.

When we reveal a person’s personal business, we are exiling them to an island unto themselves. Why? Because we break their trust and in their brokenness from the betrayal they retreat to a place of isolation. Thus, our betrayal of the trust they placed in us leads to brokenness and isolation, leaving them without the help they were most likely seeking when they confided in us originally.

Now we will examine the proper and godly way we should handle the private details of a person’s life when they entrust us with what is on their heart. A “faithful” friend, brother or sister in Christ, a faithful Christian in general will be very careful to keep the confidence of other people regardless of the circumstances (v.13).

“concealeth” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

3680. כָּסָה kâçâh, kaw-saw’; a prim. root; prop. to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by impl. to cover (for clothing or secrecy):— clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. comp. 3780. כֶּסֶה keçeh. See 3677. כִּסֵּה kiççêh. See 3678.

People love to tell and hear gossip, Christians can be some of the worst about this because of the sinister way in which they go about it, ‘We need to pray for so and so, did you hear…?’ How horrid, and God will judge them for using His precious gift of prayer for their indulgence in sin. YES, gossip is sin!

I once was at a bible study where the leader, yes, the leader, stated we needed to pray for XXXX and then proceeded tell the entire room about the woman’s adultery, her husband response, the condition of the current marital situation, with whom the woman had cheated, etc. I was in shock at first, I could not believe what she was doing and how many people in the room were asking her questions, soliciting very intimate details, like to do so was perfectly normal. I got up, pointed out my disbelief that she as a leader would do such a thing, and left, never to return.

When someone entrust you with a detail about their life be trustworthy and keep it to yourself. Always assume anything someone says to you is only meant for you to hear, keep your mouth close, and you will save many people and yourself a great deal of hurt.

Verse fourteen shows us the value of counsel and the outcome of lack of counsel. We will begin by looking at the definitions of two words in this verse “fall” and “safety” as defined in the Hebrew language.

“fall” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

5307. נָפַל nâphal, naw-fal’; a prim. root; to fall, in a great variety of applications (intr. or caus., lit. or fig.):— be accepted, cast (down, self, [lots], out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell (-ing), fugitive, have [inheritance], inferior, be judged [by mistake for 6419], lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be (× hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present (-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, × surely, throw down.

“safety” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

8668. תְּשׁוּעָה teshûw˓âh, tesh-oo-aw’; or תְּשֻׁעָה teshû˓âh, tesh-oo-aw’; from 7768 in the sense of 3467; rescue (lit. or fig., pers., national or spir.):— deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory.

All manner of destruction comes to those people who have no counsel to guide them in life (v.14). Godly counsel is a must in order to live a life of godliness and wisdom. Seek out trustworthy counsel from several mature godly Christians, counsel that is wise and godly, measure their words against God’s Word, and then follow their counsel.

Please note that the safety found in a multitude of godly counselors is also “national” safety, safety for a country. How many countries have we seen fall that were ran by a dictator? Dictators do not seek counsel beyond themselves, and their lack of counsel has brought destruction to their people and to themselves.

Be faithful, be trustworthy, be honorable, be safe counsel for each and every person who comes to you and is willing to share the details of their life with you; and find likewise counsel for yourself as well.

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.

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.

Please keep me in your prayers and know that if God should speak anything into your heart as you pray for me regarding my life, please feel free to share that with me. God speaks through His people.

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 11:8-12 Divine Protection and Favor

In Advice, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Divine Protection, Favor, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Lifestyle, Obedience, Proverbs, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized, Wisdom on April 23, 2022 at 5:08 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).

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Divine Protection and Favor

God is going to take care of His people. If the righteous person and the sinful person are walking side by side into trouble God is going to pluck out the righteous person first. There are times when the wicked will take the place of the righteous on the path of trouble (v.8).

What is a “hypocrite” exactly? Is it what people often think a hypocrite to be?

“hypocrite” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

2611. חָנֵף chânêph, khaw-nafe’; from 2610; soiled (i.e. with sin), impious:— hypocrite (-ical).

2610. חָנֵף chânêph, khaw-nafe’; a prim. root; to soil, espec. in a mor. sense:— corrupt, defile, × greatly, pollute, profane.

One of the major marks of a hypocrite is the irreverent attitude toward God, God’s Will, God’s Way, God’s Purpose, etc. The fact that they sin is secondary though it is what people often think about when they think of a hypocrite. They are soiled and stained with sin because they have no reverence for what God wants of them and from them.

Hypocrites are morally defiled and being so, they have no problem attempting to defile the reputation and character of other people (v.9). Using their slanderous mouth to attempt to tear down other people. However, when this is attempted against the just righteous person it is surely going to fail. God will not leave His just righteous people unprotected; information will come to light to deliver them from the slanderous false accusations against them (v.9).

Things going well for the righteous person often results in benefits for all of those around the righteous person. Most people rejoice when goodness prospers, and fruitful plans are able to flourish (v.10). On the flip side of that coin people also tend to rejoice when the wicked person gets what they have coming to them (v.10). When they reap what they have sown or eat the fruit of their works (Galatians 6:7). It is very rare that people root for evil in their hearts, most people hunger for righteousness in their hearts even if their words or acts do not reflect such. What is deep inside a person’s heart can be very different from what you see on the outside of a person.

Something interesting to note is that in verse twelve the word “despiseth” in the Hebrew language actually means “disrespect” and “of understanding” actually means a person of “intelligence.” To “holdeth his peace” means in the Hebrew language “to be silent” about or “to let alone” a situation.

Based on all of those definitions another way you could paraphrase that verse would be something like, ‘An unwise person who is not very smart will disrespect people but a wise person who is intelligent will let alone a volatile situation or remain silent instead of entering into conflict’ (v.12).

People mistakenly think that someone who refuses to participate in an argument or a shouting match with another person is somehow a coward or a weak person, when in fact the exact opposite is true. It takes great strength to hold your tongue when you are being verbally attacked or to walk away and let a situation alone when conflict arises.

Keeping silent or walking way is often called taking the high road. Life is more peaceful, fruitful, productive, and godly when you take and stay on the high road. Divine protection and favor is found for the wise righteous person who travels on the high road.

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 11:1 Cheating Others is Cheating Yourself

In Advice, Attitude, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Proverbs, Righteous Living, Stealing, Wisdom on March 1, 2022 at 3:01 pm

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.

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).

1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

Cheating Others is Cheating Yourself

Far too many people do not give a second thought to taking advantage of another person, and some people do not even have a problem with downright cheating another person. However, taking advantage of people and/or cheating people is not something that should be taken lightly. In God’s view it is a horrible thing to do.

“abomination” in the Hebrew language means “ something disgusting, morally an abhorrence; especially idolatry:— abominable, abomination”

What is it to have a “false balance” when it come to a person’s dealings with other people? It is basically and simply to find a manner or way in which to cheat them or take advantage of them. To deceit, mislead, be dishonest, in order to take advantage or gain an advantage over another person.

In days past actually scales were used to measure out the exchange of monies for goods. In biblical times the practice of tipping the scales in the merchant’s favor or when taxes were being collected was not that unusual. Just as in the days prior to electric scales you might have gone into a butcher shop to buy meat, bacon, or cold cuts and noticed that their large white metal scales showed an ounce or two before your product was ever place on them or in produce markets the fruit weighting scale that never returns to zero balance.

However, when you look into the Hebrew definition for the word “balance” you find that it also has a figurative meaning as well, which is “figuratively to ponder” a matter. This is where taking advantage of a person instead of down right cheating them comes in. You might consider how to manipulate a person, how to get them to do something for you that they should not or give you something they do not owe you and should not give you or contemplating a scheme in general to get something out of a person for your own gain.

To cheat, use, and take advantage of people is extremely displeasing to God.

God is well pleased with those individuals who deal with other people in a just and fair manner. The meaning of the word “just” in the Hebrew language even entails a “friendly” manner. Think about that, not just a fair and just manner but also a friendly manner.

Please keep me in your prayers and know that if God should speak anything into your heart as you pray for me regarding my life, please feel free to share that with me. God speaks through His people.

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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A New Year’s Thought – Living the Righteous/Godly Life

In Advice, Attitude, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Lifestyle, New Year’s Resolutions, Renewal, Repentance, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Wisdom on January 1, 2022 at 4:16 pm

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.

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 10:18-21, 31 Gossip

In Advice, Attitude, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Hate, Hatred, Proverbs, Prudence, Wisdom on June 17, 2021 at 4:55 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).

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

Gossip

The use of the word “fool”(v,18) in reference to an individual with certain types of conduct is by far one of the worst descriptions of one’s character. It is down there with “stupid, silly, and fat” all of which are part of the definition for the word fool in this verse. There are two types of people called a fool in verse eighteen.

1 – The two-faced person. Those individuals who act as if they like someone or something only to turn around and reveal they actual have distain for that person or thing. They lie to cover their dislike (hatred) and to cover being known as one who hates at heart.

2 – The gossiper. That person who just has to run down people to whomever they can find to run them down to that is willing to listen. To slander someone is to “defame” them or give an “evil report” about them to another person according to the Hebrew definition.

Where you find a gossiper, you are likely to find the embracing of many other types of sinful behavior (v.19). Where you find a wise person who is unwilling to partake in gossip you find many other types of godly behavior.

You do not find slanderous talk emanating from a righteous person. They select their word with care, words to promote righteousness and defeat sin, not words meant to enflame sin (v.20). An evil person has a heart that is filled with wickedness. A heart filled with wickedness is of little use to anyone for any purpose (v.20).

Verse twenty-one contains two statement that contrast one another but are not directly related and their opposition to one another is obvious, hence the semicolon. The words of a righteous person are going to bear fruit, those words are going to spread to other people and bear fruit in their lives as well; this is the fruit of a life lived in wisdom (v.21). The fool’s life leads to nothing but death, a complete absence of fruit bearing; their lack of use of wisdom brings about literal and figurative death (v.21).

A righteous person is going to suggest the course of wisdom in various situation. It is hard for a godly person not to promote the path of godly wisdom (v.31). If you want to know the way to go, the way of righteousness, you need to ask a person who loves the Lord Jesus (v.32). Wicked, worldly, ungodly people will only lead you astray because their ways and beliefs are perverse aka frowardness; meaning they are twisted, not wise nor godly (v.32). In reflection upon the Hebrew definitions of some words in verse thirty-one, froward and cut out, those voices that rise up with “perversity, fraud, very forward” deceitful (froward tongue) will be “destroyed” (cut out)( v.31).

Our words are immensely important, they need to reflect godly wisdom despite our personal desires or current condition of life, health, relationship, finances, career, etc. We do not bend God’s Will to our desires, we must allow our desires to be changed to desire God’s Will. Let us each make sure when we share with other people or partake in self-talk that it is godly wisdom to which we concede.

If you have been the victim of gossip or slander and would like someone to be a sounding board, send me a message via the comment link.

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 10:17 – Reproof

In Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Correction, Decision Making, Discernment, Godly Counsel, Guidance, Instruction, Learning, Proverbs, Prudence, Reproof, Righteous Living, Wisdom on May 28, 2021 at 5:49 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).

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

Reproof

If a person wishes to thrive in life, to bear fruit, to succeed they will first have to adapt themselves to receiving and learning from both the instruction and the reproof of other people. If a person cannot receive reproof, they will find that they fail much more often in life than they have to fail (v.17).

When a person “erreth” out of refusal to accept instruction or reproof, according to the Hebrew definition of the word, that person can experience any number of results in their life from, “to vacillate, i.e. reel or stray (lit. or fig.); also caus. of both:— (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way” with the effects upon their life being significant. Thankfully, the willingness to receive instruction and reproof is a positive and godly choice we can make for our life.

Granted reproof is harder to accept than instruction because of the corrective nature of reproof. According to the Hebrew language reproof is defined as “chastisement; fig. (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defence):— argument, × chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, × be (often) reproved.” In those times when someone refutes our beliefs and proves us to be wrong, we must be willing to accept our wrongness and learn from our mistake or correct our mistaken beliefs. If we can do that our life will bear fruit.

A word from a person who has both listen and learned at times, then at time refused to listen and stumbled; listening and learning is a much easier smoother path through life.

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 10:6-7 How Will You Be Remembered

In Advice, Bible Study, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Decision Making, Discernment, Discretion, Godly Counsel, Knowledge, Proverbs, Prudence, Repentance, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Uncategorized, Wicca on April 13, 2021 at 4:48 pm

6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

How Will You Be Remembered

For the most part the majority of people would like to be remembered by other people when they pass from this life to the next. However, if they are remembered and for what they are remembered is based primarily on who they were, their life choices, their character, their actions, and most importantly how they treated other people when they were alive.

Additionally, most people agree we reap what we sow in life, we get what we give, karma as some would call it, we either receive the blessing of heaven or we do not. This too is based upon, in part, on our life choices, our character, our actions, and most importantly how we treat other people.

Knowing that most people want both of these things, to be remembered well and to receive blessings in life, we then must ask the question. How do we get both or how do we forfeit both?

If blessings are upon the just, then we need to know what blessings actually consist of and whom the just are actually (v.6).

“blessings” In the Hebrew language is defined as:

1293. בְּרָכָה berâkâh, ber-aw-kaw’; from 1288; benediction; by impl. prosperity:— blessing, liberal, pool, present.

1288. בָּרַךְ bârak, baw-rak’; a prim. root; to kneel; by impl. to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit)

At its core to bless means to honor God and reverence God and in return He honors us with His blessings. Blessings which include His approval, and the ability to succeed in various things, to prosper, which does not always mean money. One might prosper in ministry, in marriage, in business, in mentoring people, in raising children, in good deeds and works for their community, etc. To prosper is to thrive in almost any area of life. God often blesses us with those small things we have wanted that are suddenly given to us. God’s blessings are not limited He is liberal with the pool of presents He sends into our lives.

There is the need to be a just person to receive these blessings (v.6). Let us look at what being a just person means in God’s definition.

“just” ” In the Hebrew language is defined as:

6662. צַדִּיק tsaddı̂yq, tsad-deek’; from 6663; just:— just, lawful, righteous (man).

צִדֹנִי° Tsı̂dônı̂y. See 6722.

6663. צָדַק tsâdaq, tsaw-dak’; a prim. root; to be (caus. make) right (in a moral or forensic sense):— cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just (-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be, turn to) righteous (-ness).

A just person is a lawful person, but this is not a reference to man’s law, though we must follow those laws unless they conflict with God’s Will; a lawful person is the one who follows the law or commands of God. A person righteous both through their relationship with Jesus and their lifestyle choices. A moral person who has chosen to accept that God’s Ways of doing things are better than any other ways, one what has been both cleansed by Jesus’ blood and cleared themselves and their life of those things that displease Jesus and are not in line with His teaching and/or commands. To be a “just” person takes much diligent attention to our spiritual life.

When you look into the Hebrew language of what “violence” means you find that those who are given to wickedness partake in almost all of these types of behavior (v.6).

“violence” in the Hebrew language is defined as:

2555. חָמָס châmâç, khaw-mawce’; from 2554; violence; by impl. wrong; by meton. unjust gain:— cruel (-ty), damage, false, injustice, × oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong.

2554. חָמַס châmaç, khaw-mas’; a prim. root; to be violent; by impl. to maltreat:— make bare, shake off, violate, do violence, take away violently, wrong, imagine wrongfully.

Not only are these types of people physically violent toward people, but their thought life is also wrong and ugly, they embrace sensuality and nudity, they mistreat people in a variety of ways, do various things wrong, they do not care about what is just or right, they lie and deceive, they damage people and things, they steal, and they are in general just plain cruel in numerous ways. Their life is all about these types of things.

These are according to the Hebrew definition of “wicked” simply “morally wrong, guilty, ungodly, bad people.”

Whether your name is “blessed” after you leave this life or whether it turns to “rot” (v.7) has so much to do with the choices you make today and each day while you are here on this earth, so choose well.

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

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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GOD Growth in COVID-19 / Individual Growth

In Attitude, Biblical Principles, Christian Lifestyle, Christian Living, Coronavirus, Coronavirus/COVID-19, COVID-19, Godliness, Godly Counsel, New Year’s Resolutions, Renewal, Repentance, Resolutions, Revelation, Revival, Righteous Living, Righteousness, Spiritual Fruit, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Wisdom on March 7, 2021 at 4:10 pm

Though people have played up the loss and problems of COVID-19, which there have been many of course, much loss and much grief, nevertheless, I mentioned in my last post that we would tackle the other side of the coin and explore the growth that has occurred and the good things that have come out of going through this pandemic.

Over the next few post we will take a look at the GOD growth in individuals, families, and couples during the pandemic. 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.

Individual growth will be the topic here. As stated in the last posting, “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.”

Crisis pushes crisis, meaning a societal crisis usually produces a personal crisis for people. When confronted with mass alterations in the societal landscape a person finds their personal life altered in many capacities, and underneath those alterations they find their inner life altered as well.

During this pandemic people’s movements have been greatly restricted causing them a loss in what many people use to escape seeing themselves clearly, “distraction[s]” of every type and usually in multiple degrees or quantities. People often search for anything that can help them avoid dealing with what is inside of them. During the isolation of this pandemic that just has not been possible thus resulting horribly for some people in despair and giving up, but for other people in self-reflection and growth.

It is extremely hard to be alone with one’s self, yet it is extremely healthy. Many very spiritual and godly people over the course of history have heralded the importance of a time of personal spiritual retreat with God to reflect, recharge, and seek growth in God. It is during the aloneness that God’s voice is heard most clearly by the majority of people, when most people’s insight and understanding is opened up the most. In the aloneness we find whether or not we like ourselves (or if we should like ourselves), and if not, we learn from God what to do about what we do not like.

From what I have understood from people living in relative isolation during the pandemic, that isolation has also brought with it a quietness of life, a slowing of their pace, a peeling back of the daily stresses of life and thus resulted for many individuals in an embracement of a quieter simpler less stressful life.

The isolation of the pandemic for individuals has not been all bad, it has produced personal growth, reordering of priorities, and recharging of one’s stress coping batteries.

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.”

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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.

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1 Year Mark Approaches – God speaks breaking His silence on Coronavirus/COVID-19

In Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian Living, Coronavirus/COVID-19, COVID-19, God, God's Voice, Godly Counsel, Repentance, Unity on February 28, 2021 at 9:06 am

As we approach the one year mark since COVID-19 started shutting the door of churches, changing our lives, and locking down America, what have we learned as a people, what have we learned as Christians?  What has God done and what is God doing through allowing COVID-19? 

Together let us start to explore that matter.

Saturday, April 11, 2020 (Holy Saturday) 4:45 am (eastern time United States of America)

The Word of the LORD to His people, thus says the Lord…

“Amid the suffering, amid the dying, you My people still cannot see to understand the twisted nature of your ways because you seek My Face, no, because you seek My Hand. You seek My Hand (My part in) this crisis, amid your trial, when you should be seeking My Face (My Message during) the scourge.

In days past I brought My Message to My people first, then to the rest of the world. I spoke first to My people. Again, I bring My Message to My people first, then the world.

I, Jesus, am the Church, the Church is My People not your temples of brick and mortar. Not your symbols of man’s ambition and greed. I never built a building I built a people. I called for unity among those people, called and called through my servants over the last many seasons (years), yet, most among you have refused to listen. You hid behind your walls of brick and mortar content in a man-made world, while ignoring your brothers and sisters everywhere you are not. Now pushed out of your walls of complacency will you listen!

I have called My people in recent seasons (years) to unity, not unity around sin, never, but unity in Me, in My Message, My Message not your message, and unity around the need to love and care for one another amid an ever growing sinful world. Without unity the world will tear at the very fabric of the Body I built. Without unity sin and decay will distort it’s purpose, My Purpose. Without unity a season of great despair will be coming, so unite now, while you have the time. I drove you out of your buildings to drive you back together. I want unity around My foundational principles and a love for Me. Give Me My Unity, and again I will give you My Power as in days past.

Hear Me, respond to Me, love Me.”

Use the “comment” link to send in your insights regarding what God has been doing in the Body of Christ, the United States, the world,  and in your life personally during this pandemic. 

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God speaks breaking His silence on Coronavirus/COVID-19

In Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christ, Coronavirus, Coronavirus/COVID-19, COVID-19, Easter, God, God's Voice, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Renewal, Repentance, Suffering, Truth, Unity on April 11, 2020 at 5:32 am

Saturday, April 11, 2020 (Holy Saturday) 4:45 am (eastern time United States of America)

The Word of the LORD to His people, thus says the Lord…

“Amid the suffering, amid the dying, you My people still cannot see to understand the twisted nature of your ways because you seek My Face, no, because you seek My Hand. You seek My Hand (My part in) this crisis, amid your trial, when you should be seeking My Face (My Message during) the scourge.

In days past I brought My Message to My people first, then to the rest of the world. I spoke first to My people. Again, I bring My Message to My people first, then the world.

I, Jesus, am the Church, the Church is My People not your temples of brick and mortar. Not your symbols of man’s ambition and greed. I never built a building I built a people. I called for unity among those people, called and called through my servants over the last many seasons (years), yet, most among you have refused to listen. You hid behind your walls of brick and mortar content in a man-made world, while ignoring your brothers and sisters everywhere you are not. Now pushed out of your walls of complacency will you listen!

I have called My people in recent seasons (years) to unity, not unity around sin, never, but unity in Me, in My Message, My Message not your message, and unity around the need to love and care for one another amid an ever growing sinful world. Without unity the world will tear at the very fabric of the Body I built. Without unity sin and decay will distort it’s purpose, My Purpose. Without unity a season of great despair will be coming, so unite now, while you have the time. I drove you out of your buildings to drive you back together. I want unity around My foundational principles and a love for Me. Give Me My Unity, and again I will give you My Power as in days past.

Hear Me, respond to Me, love Me.”