Sometimes I think what I write is not worth writing if it is not related to Scripture or somehow addressing my relationship with God. I am tempted to think that I should not write it.
Yet my innermost thoughts are open to God and he knows most of them are neither related to Scripture nor to Him. If my innermost thoughts are open to him then whatever I write is even more open because it is recorded, it takes a solid form - - writing does not vanish like thoughts do. Whatever I am should be as open to me as it is to God. In other words, I should be able to remind myself of the ground I have covered. That written thought might serve as a sort of marker or mile post from which I can determine a correction (or confirmation) of the direction my life is taking. It won’t do to restrain myself if the restraining holds back my development.
The writing time would be a problem if it encouraged a direction away from God. But, even then, having it on paper might make the mistake so obvious that it identifies it as something that should be avoided.
When I re-read these things later I find important markers that help to direct (or redirect) myself.
Monday, May 1, 2017
Monday, April 24, 2017
OLD PRINCIPLES STILL APPLY
When we have a difficulty or question about Scripture what should we do? We can ask: what does the Scripture tell us to do (think, act, etc.), what do we want to do (think, act, etc.), and how are the two different? Then we can ask: is there an honest way to resolve the differences? If there is no honest resolution, what are we gong to change; our ways, or the meaning of the Scripture? This sort of question can come about when we notice the differences between the culture of Biblical times and our present time.
It is not that we should ignore the cultural setting in which God sets forth his principles, but if God has set forth a principle in one culture, and the principle was true (by definition God’s principles are always true) then it will be true in any other culture or time. The application of the principle may take different forms between cultures.
We cannot change the principle. If we do we are saying God wrote an irrelevant book: we are saying sections of it have gone out of date and have lost their meaning. Therefore we are effectively saying we can determine on our own, and without God’s input, what is the best way for us to act. If we throw out part of God’s word, what other parts can we throw out? Which of God’s principles can we selectively disregard?
We do not throw out any part of Scripture. We ask God for wisdom to know how his principles apply in our times.
It is not that we should ignore the cultural setting in which God sets forth his principles, but if God has set forth a principle in one culture, and the principle was true (by definition God’s principles are always true) then it will be true in any other culture or time. The application of the principle may take different forms between cultures.
We cannot change the principle. If we do we are saying God wrote an irrelevant book: we are saying sections of it have gone out of date and have lost their meaning. Therefore we are effectively saying we can determine on our own, and without God’s input, what is the best way for us to act. If we throw out part of God’s word, what other parts can we throw out? Which of God’s principles can we selectively disregard?
We do not throw out any part of Scripture. We ask God for wisdom to know how his principles apply in our times.
Monday, April 17, 2017
POSITIONING
God has provided a certain position for each of us. It’s as true for us as it is for the big shots. In 2 Tim 1 we see this example in Paul the apostle’s case. His positioning came from God through his family, they served God “. . . from [his] forefathers . . .” His father served God, his Grandfather served God, his nation served God. Paul grew up in a family that served God. (v3) Timothy also had a line of faith starting with his Grandmother Lois. (v5) While many of us do not have this long family tradition, God still cares for us and gives us a position too.
God has a plan for us, a calling which is not according to our works, but according to his own purpose. God had this plan in place before we ever started to plan our own lives. It was in place “. . . before the world began. . . .” Paul was called to be a preacher, apostle, and teacher of the gentiles. (v11) Timothy had “. . . that good thing . . .” (v13) God has given you “a good thing” too.
Do we make plans for ourselves which may not be in accordance with God’s plan? David tried, he wanted to build the Temple but God wanted his son, Solomon, to build it instead. What was God’s reason? As we see in 1Ch_28:3, "But God said unto me [David], Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood." Would David pay too much attention to the construction of the building and not to the construction of the nation? We don’t know. We know it was not in God’s plan for David.
Some of where we are in life is a result of God’s plan. The more we have been trying to be sensitive toward God, the more likely we have not disturbed the positioning God has made for us. Our positioning is close to where it should be. The more self centered and worldly we have been the more likely we have made the position less effective.
How do we know what God’s plan is for us personally? By:
- Word of God
- Prayer
- Circumstances
- Other people
- Observation
- Opportunities
God has a plan for us, a calling which is not according to our works, but according to his own purpose. God had this plan in place before we ever started to plan our own lives. It was in place “. . . before the world began. . . .” Paul was called to be a preacher, apostle, and teacher of the gentiles. (v11) Timothy had “. . . that good thing . . .” (v13) God has given you “a good thing” too.
Do we make plans for ourselves which may not be in accordance with God’s plan? David tried, he wanted to build the Temple but God wanted his son, Solomon, to build it instead. What was God’s reason? As we see in 1Ch_28:3, "But God said unto me [David], Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood." Would David pay too much attention to the construction of the building and not to the construction of the nation? We don’t know. We know it was not in God’s plan for David.
Some of where we are in life is a result of God’s plan. The more we have been trying to be sensitive toward God, the more likely we have not disturbed the positioning God has made for us. Our positioning is close to where it should be. The more self centered and worldly we have been the more likely we have made the position less effective.
How do we know what God’s plan is for us personally? By:
- Word of God
- Prayer
- Circumstances
- Other people
- Observation
- Opportunities
Monday, April 10, 2017
SELF-FULFILLING INTRODUCTIONS
I have heard phrases used, particularly contained in PBS programs such as “Nova” or “Front Line”, which I call “self-fulfilling introductions”. These statements are intended to give an air of established truth to the content that follows them. The introductory phrases appear to give authority to what comes next, as if to say, “let there be no question about this”. They provide appearance of a reliable source, albeit an unnamed and unexplained source. Here are some examples:
- Research has shown . . .
- Extraordinary new light indicates . . .
- Science now knows . . .
- New evidence has shown . . .
- There is a new revelation that . . .
- We now know . . .
One reason for using these phrases may be that the explanation about the nature of the source would be too lengthy to explain in a limited time and would distract from the subject to be presented. However, there may be other reasons for the self-fulfilling introduction:
- What is to come is really based on theory, not fact.
- The source information does not clearly relate to the presented subject.
- The name of the source might be embarrassing or hard to justify.
- There is really no thorough knowledge about the subject.
- The presentation to follow is intended to argue or favor only one side of an issue that has opposing views. Example: Evolution vs. Creation.
Most of the time I like these shows. If I didn’t like them, I would not watch them. I do find, however, the pervasive use of the concept of evolution-as-fact annoying. We must always be careful of what we take for truth and be aware of where it is coming from. I suggest we modify such self-fulfilling phrases to:
- Research suggests . . .
- Extraordinary new light may indicate . . .
- Science now seems to support . . .
- New evidence may show . . .
- There is a new revelation proposing that . . .
- Some now think . . .
- Research has shown . . .
- Extraordinary new light indicates . . .
- Science now knows . . .
- New evidence has shown . . .
- There is a new revelation that . . .
- We now know . . .
One reason for using these phrases may be that the explanation about the nature of the source would be too lengthy to explain in a limited time and would distract from the subject to be presented. However, there may be other reasons for the self-fulfilling introduction:
- What is to come is really based on theory, not fact.
- The source information does not clearly relate to the presented subject.
- The name of the source might be embarrassing or hard to justify.
- There is really no thorough knowledge about the subject.
- The presentation to follow is intended to argue or favor only one side of an issue that has opposing views. Example: Evolution vs. Creation.
Most of the time I like these shows. If I didn’t like them, I would not watch them. I do find, however, the pervasive use of the concept of evolution-as-fact annoying. We must always be careful of what we take for truth and be aware of where it is coming from. I suggest we modify such self-fulfilling phrases to:
- Research suggests . . .
- Extraordinary new light may indicate . . .
- Science now seems to support . . .
- New evidence may show . . .
- There is a new revelation proposing that . . .
- Some now think . . .
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
SETTING THE RIGHT COURSE
Consider 2 Tim 3. These verses written in Scripture centuries ago speak in the current day of some people who are wicked and also are in the church. It seems to me the list found in these verses can apply equally to the lofty legalist as to the flamboyant charismatic. It's easy to see the aberrance of some charismatics because they are in the open. Less apparent are those who have the “form of godliness but deny the power thereof”. They look good but they aren't good.
When we recognize them we avoid them by our:
- continuing in things learned and assured (proved) (v14)
- learning things having come from good sources (v14)
- life long learning from the Scriptures (v15)
The Scriptures are good for:
- Doctrine - The teaching of and systematic way of thinking
- Reproof - “You are wrong, stop! Repent!”
- Correction - “You are going off course. This is what you must do to correct.”
- Instruction in righteousness – Showing what are the right actions and thoughts
The progression should be as follows:
- First we must know the basic truth – doctrine
- We must stop the wrong activity – reproof
- We must show the way to correct the activity – correction
- We must show the right way to do things – instruction
Here is the Instruction: 2Timothy 3:1 to 7:
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away . . .”
When we recognize them we avoid them by our:
- continuing in things learned and assured (proved) (v14)
- learning things having come from good sources (v14)
- life long learning from the Scriptures (v15)
The Scriptures are good for:
- Doctrine - The teaching of and systematic way of thinking
- Reproof - “You are wrong, stop! Repent!”
- Correction - “You are going off course. This is what you must do to correct.”
- Instruction in righteousness – Showing what are the right actions and thoughts
The progression should be as follows:
- First we must know the basic truth – doctrine
- We must stop the wrong activity – reproof
- We must show the way to correct the activity – correction
- We must show the right way to do things – instruction
Here is the Instruction: 2Timothy 3:1 to 7:
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away . . .”
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
IT’S THE MIDDLEMAN’S JOB
Exo 20:19 “And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
The people were distancing themselves from God.
1Sam 8:10-11, 18-20: “And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a KING. And he said, This will be the manner of the KING that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your KING which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a KING over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our KING may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” (emphasis added)
When people sought for a king God was displeased with them They wanted someone to take responsibility of doing the work of governing. They did not want the responsibility themselves and they apparently did not want to be responsible directly to God. The government (king) would be the middleman between them and God. They were distancing themselves from direct relationship with God They wanted to point to the government for the common provision and the common security, they themselves did not want to bother with it. If there was lawlessness it would be the king’s fault, if there was general immorality it would be the king’s fault. The king would pay for their health care and for their education. The king would be responsible for their mental health after earthquakes.
This is a common mark of irresponsibility: “Let the government do this or that for me . . .” Or, “It’s not my fault, it’s the government’s fault.”
But people do not want God, they want a king. “We will not have this man to rule over us . . .” was a cry for distance from their best source of wisdom and strength.
However, God wants each individual within himself to know and obey his law (that is Gods law). Every man is to know what God’s law is and every man should keep God’s law. We should do our diligence to hear directly from God. We can not distance ourselves from responsibility by setting up middlemen.
The people were distancing themselves from God.
1Sam 8:10-11, 18-20: “And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a KING. And he said, This will be the manner of the KING that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your KING which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a KING over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our KING may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” (emphasis added)
When people sought for a king God was displeased with them They wanted someone to take responsibility of doing the work of governing. They did not want the responsibility themselves and they apparently did not want to be responsible directly to God. The government (king) would be the middleman between them and God. They were distancing themselves from direct relationship with God They wanted to point to the government for the common provision and the common security, they themselves did not want to bother with it. If there was lawlessness it would be the king’s fault, if there was general immorality it would be the king’s fault. The king would pay for their health care and for their education. The king would be responsible for their mental health after earthquakes.
This is a common mark of irresponsibility: “Let the government do this or that for me . . .” Or, “It’s not my fault, it’s the government’s fault.”
But people do not want God, they want a king. “We will not have this man to rule over us . . .” was a cry for distance from their best source of wisdom and strength.
However, God wants each individual within himself to know and obey his law (that is Gods law). Every man is to know what God’s law is and every man should keep God’s law. We should do our diligence to hear directly from God. We can not distance ourselves from responsibility by setting up middlemen.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
WHEN IT COMES TO DOUBT
From the first part of Psalm 11 are questions one would ask about raising doubts in a believer (or perhaps it is a question of doubt the believer himself is asking) The rest of the psalm answers the question (vs 4-7)
We get doubts about what we commonly fear:
- - You should retreat (v1)
- - The wicked are working (v2)
- - They do it in secret, no one sees (v2)
- - If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do? (v3)
The answers . . .
- - Got still reigns in heaven (v4)
- - God sees all (v4)
- - God tries everybody, but he hates the wicked (v5)
- - God will punish the wicked (v6)
- - God sees the upright.
We get doubts about what we commonly fear:
- - You should retreat (v1)
- - The wicked are working (v2)
- - They do it in secret, no one sees (v2)
- - If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do? (v3)
The answers . . .
- - Got still reigns in heaven (v4)
- - God sees all (v4)
- - God tries everybody, but he hates the wicked (v5)
- - God will punish the wicked (v6)
- - God sees the upright.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
GOOD WELLS AND BAD WELLS
From Proverbs 10:32: “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” The righteous shows kind consideration when he speaks. He knows what is acceptable because he has studied the other person and knows something of their state. He knows how different words would affect him.
The wicked also knows of the other but speaks away from the appropriate answer (froward means away from). So the wicked shows hurtful consideration, the desire to oppose.
Verse 11: “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked” A well has an opening from which something must be drawn out. What good is inside the righteous must be drawn out. He is not quick with his answers. When he gives answers they are healthful, as water is healthful.
If there is any healthful thing within the wicked, it is inaccessible because the well is covered. He does not want to give out health but harm. Obvious to all who see is the violence that covers his mouth. It is always on top, always presenting to people.
The wicked also knows of the other but speaks away from the appropriate answer (froward means away from). So the wicked shows hurtful consideration, the desire to oppose.
Verse 11: “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked” A well has an opening from which something must be drawn out. What good is inside the righteous must be drawn out. He is not quick with his answers. When he gives answers they are healthful, as water is healthful.
If there is any healthful thing within the wicked, it is inaccessible because the well is covered. He does not want to give out health but harm. Obvious to all who see is the violence that covers his mouth. It is always on top, always presenting to people.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
COURT IS IN SESSION
Psalm 9:7: “But the Lord shall endure forever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.”
I wonder, if man were not sinful would God not have to set up his throne for judgment? If there were no sin his throne would be needed only for ruling; it would not be needed for discovering sin and pronouncing punishment for the wicked. But since the wicked exist, God is preparing his throne for a time when they will be brought to account for transgressing his will. God will outlast any hope of the wicked for covering up, or justifying, or getting past their wicked deeds. There will be no hope the deeds will be forgotten or overlooked. From the time a wicked act is performed God’s judgment throne is ready to pronounce a punishment. Court is in session and the sinner is on the docket.
While the judgment is inevitable we must also remember “. . . the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever. . .” as said in v18. We should consider afresh how we ourselves deserve judgment, but have been excused. Jesus paid our fines.
I wonder, if man were not sinful would God not have to set up his throne for judgment? If there were no sin his throne would be needed only for ruling; it would not be needed for discovering sin and pronouncing punishment for the wicked. But since the wicked exist, God is preparing his throne for a time when they will be brought to account for transgressing his will. God will outlast any hope of the wicked for covering up, or justifying, or getting past their wicked deeds. There will be no hope the deeds will be forgotten or overlooked. From the time a wicked act is performed God’s judgment throne is ready to pronounce a punishment. Court is in session and the sinner is on the docket.
While the judgment is inevitable we must also remember “. . . the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever. . .” as said in v18. We should consider afresh how we ourselves deserve judgment, but have been excused. Jesus paid our fines.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
TRAINING SPIRITUAL CHILDREN
What do we do to bring up spiritual children? I think there at least three areas: Devotions, Training and Example.
Devotions: When I say devotions I mean reading the Bible as a family, aloud, all together in one place at regular, consistent times. The Bible is the primary source of our knowledge about who and what and why God is, and what he requires. There are other means such as at church or Sunday school or TV ministries, but how do you know what they are saying is what the Bible says? You must read the Bible to know what it says so you can compare it to what the other sources are telling you. Remember the Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word . . .”
Training: We can interpret what the Bible is saying to us and our children as we are reading it to them. We can direct them to other reliable Bible teachers. We can assure they are among upright, wholesome friends, families and other teachers. We can oversee what types of media (books, movies, TV, internet, etc.) they consume. We can encourage them when they demonstrate good character and correct them when they don’t. We can support them as they engage in activities such as sports, band, theater, etc. and converse with them about their experiences.
Example: The most effective method is to be a good example. They will learn as they see us talk among ourselves in the family and with others in public. They will learn about character as they see our character. They will learn what is fair and reasonable as they view us being fair and reasonable. We show them what good works are by doing good works ourselves. It won’t be so hard to “do as we say” as we ourselves do as we say. They will learn about giving as they see us giving and as they experience what we give to them.
Devotions: When I say devotions I mean reading the Bible as a family, aloud, all together in one place at regular, consistent times. The Bible is the primary source of our knowledge about who and what and why God is, and what he requires. There are other means such as at church or Sunday school or TV ministries, but how do you know what they are saying is what the Bible says? You must read the Bible to know what it says so you can compare it to what the other sources are telling you. Remember the Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word . . .”
Training: We can interpret what the Bible is saying to us and our children as we are reading it to them. We can direct them to other reliable Bible teachers. We can assure they are among upright, wholesome friends, families and other teachers. We can oversee what types of media (books, movies, TV, internet, etc.) they consume. We can encourage them when they demonstrate good character and correct them when they don’t. We can support them as they engage in activities such as sports, band, theater, etc. and converse with them about their experiences.
Example: The most effective method is to be a good example. They will learn as they see us talk among ourselves in the family and with others in public. They will learn about character as they see our character. They will learn what is fair and reasonable as they view us being fair and reasonable. We show them what good works are by doing good works ourselves. It won’t be so hard to “do as we say” as we ourselves do as we say. They will learn about giving as they see us giving and as they experience what we give to them.
Friday, February 17, 2017
DRIFTING TRUTH
Proverbs 5:3 “Her mouth [the strange woman] drops as a honeycomb and her mouth is smoother than oil”. This is how the wisdom of the world sounds, it is sweet and smooth. It is difficult to overcome because it sounds as if it is good (honey) and it sounds so logical and solid (smoother than oil). But it is death (v5). The wisdom of the world is movable (v6). It has no standard upon which it is based, so it is free to drift in any convenient direction. When you shine the light of scripture and logic upon it, to show that it is incorrect, it slips aside into avoiding discovery.
The wisdom of the world will cause you to:
- Give your honor to others (v9) – your sense of worth and dedication will be account to the evolutionists, and not with God’s people or family.
- Give your years to the cruel (v9) – your time will have vanished among the vitriolic agitators, and not with God’s people or family.
- Strangers will be filled with your strength (v10) – the materialists will have the effect of your strength and not God’s people or family.
- Your labors will be in the house of the strangers (v10) – Your labors will be in the house of careerists and not with God’s people or family.
- Your flesh and body will be consumed – at the end of your life your flesh and body will have been spent for your humanist education, for the vitriolic agitators and wrong-sex proponents, for possessions (many of which will have long since decayed), for your career (which did not further God’s kingdom).
God’s truth does not so shift.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
MINING FOR TRUTH
Referring to Proverbs 2:1-5 it seems that it takes a lot of continual effort to get knowledge, understanding and wisdom. These things don’t come easy and they don’t come quick. It takes work , and it takes work every day. You must receive, hide, incline, apply, cry, lift your voice, seek and search.
“Pro 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou [cry] after knowledge, and [lift] up thy voice for understanding; if thou [seek] her as silver, and [search] for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”
When you seek for silver and search for hid treasure it is not done in five minutes of idle time before watching a video. To seek you must decide where to go, you must do diligent research. You have to determine how your search will be funded. You must actually go there and methodically comb the area inspecting every rock formation. You must balance your resources while doing it. It takes time and it takes resources. You have to spend something to get something.
So it is we have to spend some time in God’s word to get something out of it. Seeking through the pages of Scripture brings to us understanding, knowledge, wisdom and is to arrive at the conception of right paths, the right way. Truth will deliver people who find themselves in the wrong paths.
“Pro 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou [cry] after knowledge, and [lift] up thy voice for understanding; if thou [seek] her as silver, and [search] for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”
When you seek for silver and search for hid treasure it is not done in five minutes of idle time before watching a video. To seek you must decide where to go, you must do diligent research. You have to determine how your search will be funded. You must actually go there and methodically comb the area inspecting every rock formation. You must balance your resources while doing it. It takes time and it takes resources. You have to spend something to get something.
So it is we have to spend some time in God’s word to get something out of it. Seeking through the pages of Scripture brings to us understanding, knowledge, wisdom and is to arrive at the conception of right paths, the right way. Truth will deliver people who find themselves in the wrong paths.
Monday, January 23, 2017
WHEN DOES “CAUSE AND EFFECT” HAPPEN
By looking at Genesis one I wonder if we can make an observation: All things that appear to have a cause and effect may not have, or may not always have had, a cause/effect relationship. God first made the light, then he divided it from the darkness, then he named the darkness “night” and the light “day”, then the evening and the morning were the first day. It was after that (three days later, on the forth day) that God created the lights (Sun, Moon, stars) and attached them to the day/night cycle(“rule over the day and over the night”).
- - There was light without a source for it (Sun, stars).
- - There may have been “day and night” without the rotation of the earth.*
- - Things may become associated into cause and effect after they both are brought into existence: there was light - - then there were sources for the light - - then the sources were made to “rule” over the light.
Might there be other things that seem to be in a cause and effect relationship which really may not be that way? Were other energies made before the sources for them came into being?
Is it natural for us, in a human sense, to create “energies” before we create the “sources”?
- - Spirit [goes to] Soul?
- - Idea [goes to] Thought?
- - Feeling [goes to] Thought?
*Was all the light, after the division, on one side of the Earth, and the darkness on the other? Then the earth rotated to achieve day and night? Was day and night achieved some other way?
- - There was light without a source for it (Sun, stars).
- - There may have been “day and night” without the rotation of the earth.*
- - Things may become associated into cause and effect after they both are brought into existence: there was light - - then there were sources for the light - - then the sources were made to “rule” over the light.
Might there be other things that seem to be in a cause and effect relationship which really may not be that way? Were other energies made before the sources for them came into being?
Is it natural for us, in a human sense, to create “energies” before we create the “sources”?
- - Spirit [goes to] Soul?
- - Idea [goes to] Thought?
- - Feeling [goes to] Thought?
*Was all the light, after the division, on one side of the Earth, and the darkness on the other? Then the earth rotated to achieve day and night? Was day and night achieved some other way?
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
DEVELOPING CHARACTER
Pro 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. - - - You should understand your way. You should know and plan for what you are going to do and how and when you are going to do it.
Pro 14:12 There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. - - - Many ways seem good, so in your plans make sure you are going where God wants, and not some other way. God’s way is always safest.
Pro 14:15 The simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going. - - - Think about the direction you go and be wary of your counselors. Every word of counsel should be examined and re-examined. All should contribute to the building of God’s kingdom.
Pro 14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. - - - The simple inherit folly because they have not made any plans. They get whatever Satan brings their way. The prudent see their plans unaffected by evil; they get them accomplished.
Pro 14:23 In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tends only to penury. - - - Plans are good, but if you only talk or write of them, and never work them, they are useless. You have to take action on your plans adjusting them along the way.
Character and righteousness do not just happen. They are built step by step on a daily basis. They do not exist in us because of some naturally inborn, unchangeable part. They are not like our body type that has been given us from birth. When we need them, if we have not been developing them, they will not be there.
Pro 14:12 There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. - - - Many ways seem good, so in your plans make sure you are going where God wants, and not some other way. God’s way is always safest.
Pro 14:15 The simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going. - - - Think about the direction you go and be wary of your counselors. Every word of counsel should be examined and re-examined. All should contribute to the building of God’s kingdom.
Pro 14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. - - - The simple inherit folly because they have not made any plans. They get whatever Satan brings their way. The prudent see their plans unaffected by evil; they get them accomplished.
Pro 14:23 In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tends only to penury. - - - Plans are good, but if you only talk or write of them, and never work them, they are useless. You have to take action on your plans adjusting them along the way.
Character and righteousness do not just happen. They are built step by step on a daily basis. They do not exist in us because of some naturally inborn, unchangeable part. They are not like our body type that has been given us from birth. When we need them, if we have not been developing them, they will not be there.
Monday, January 9, 2017
GOD’S WORDS THROUGH MEN
We endanger ourselves when we think too much of the men who physically penned the Scriptures. Biblical critics would tell us the men who wrote the Scriptures were captives of their time. They ignore the possibility that God could use men to capture the Creator’s timeless truths. Some would say the present time represents a different culture than the past so we should not apply historical ethical writings to ourselves. Behind the issue is the assumption that Paul, not God, was the author of these words. Therefore, some would say, we do not have to accept them as scripture because God did not write them.
But we know the words on every page of the Bible are inspired by God, they are all his words. How did the men that God used to choose the canonical scriptures choose this or that letter from Paul as authentic? Was it not because Paul wrote it and it was very obvious to these men that Paul was God’s man (these men having lived closer to the time Paul actually worked and lived)? Maybe it was because of who the authors were - - Apostles of or “blood relatives” of the Lord Jesus.
Biblical days were days when public discourse was oral. Even written words were not dominant for most because the printing press was not yet invented. All discourse tended to be local. Yet the fame of Paul was widespread. His fame, if not a sign of God’s working through Paul, at least it is a sign of the magnitude of his importance. The words were copied and re-copied. There had to be something more behind them than simply the letter of a churchman.
It is inspiring that the Bible should come from God as a collection of books written by men because, as God has worked among men in the past for the purpose of inspiring us, so he today works to inspire us in the Church - - by men of the present. Then God was working in real live people who were doing things among their contemporaries. They wrote it down as, or soon after, it happened. If you were there, God was working among people you could have heard with your own ears, or touched.
Although what churchmen of today write will not be in the Bible, God is working still among the people of the Church.
But we know the words on every page of the Bible are inspired by God, they are all his words. How did the men that God used to choose the canonical scriptures choose this or that letter from Paul as authentic? Was it not because Paul wrote it and it was very obvious to these men that Paul was God’s man (these men having lived closer to the time Paul actually worked and lived)? Maybe it was because of who the authors were - - Apostles of or “blood relatives” of the Lord Jesus.
Biblical days were days when public discourse was oral. Even written words were not dominant for most because the printing press was not yet invented. All discourse tended to be local. Yet the fame of Paul was widespread. His fame, if not a sign of God’s working through Paul, at least it is a sign of the magnitude of his importance. The words were copied and re-copied. There had to be something more behind them than simply the letter of a churchman.
It is inspiring that the Bible should come from God as a collection of books written by men because, as God has worked among men in the past for the purpose of inspiring us, so he today works to inspire us in the Church - - by men of the present. Then God was working in real live people who were doing things among their contemporaries. They wrote it down as, or soon after, it happened. If you were there, God was working among people you could have heard with your own ears, or touched.
Although what churchmen of today write will not be in the Bible, God is working still among the people of the Church.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
VITRIOL ON POSTS OR COMMENTS
While viewing a Pro-Trump site I saw some posts and comments that were condescending and acid in their tone. I was sad to see vitriolic language used by anti-Trump people I was sadder still to see the vitriolic language used at a pro-Trump site. Vitriol is a sign of rude, insensitive caustic people who seem to want to do damage. The language is not a simple expression of disagreement but is a indication of intent to embarrass and harm. It fails to influence the targeted blogger or poster to either moderate the author’s opinion or lessen his resistance to the commentator’s opinion. It rather fortifies his opposition to the commentator’s opinion.
Vitriol is more like a declaration of war than a wish to achieve either an change or to reach a mutual agreement. Vitriol will cause you to isolate yourself from the ones or the situation you wish to influence. You will show yourself to be a disrespectful person of low manners and little influence.
Why would any other wish to even hear, let alone be influenced, by a rude, angry person?
To get results it is far better to assume the people reading your words are: intelligent and can understand your point and might decide to make some change from what they think. While commenting be courteous and assume they will kind enough to realize you both differ and respect you for sentiments. Don’t act the opposite way yourself by being discourteous and disrespectful.
Vitriol is more like a declaration of war than a wish to achieve either an change or to reach a mutual agreement. Vitriol will cause you to isolate yourself from the ones or the situation you wish to influence. You will show yourself to be a disrespectful person of low manners and little influence.
Why would any other wish to even hear, let alone be influenced, by a rude, angry person?
To get results it is far better to assume the people reading your words are: intelligent and can understand your point and might decide to make some change from what they think. While commenting be courteous and assume they will kind enough to realize you both differ and respect you for sentiments. Don’t act the opposite way yourself by being discourteous and disrespectful.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
IMAGINING
I have been trying to do away with my imaginations. I wonder if they do not short circuit any good that I might do? (I imagine it, therefore I have “done” it, therefore I do not really do it.)
God says, “without vision the people perish.” Some sort of thinking about what will happen is good. But I wonder if the way I imagine takes away from positive action. Certainly the negative imagining is not good for it sets an evil cast upon events which have not yet happened. Sometime is puts future events in the framework of the familiar - - the way we are used to events happening; yet, they may not actually happen that way.
I think, “men do not want me around” and I launch my imagination off in that direction. Better for me to say, “I resist that thinking. God said, ’resist the Devil and he will flee from you, draw neigh to
God and he will draw neigh unto you.’ In the name of Jesus I resist that thought.”
Maybe my mind being so full of imaginations keeps me from hearing from the Spirit of God.
I need to walk “by faith and not by sight”. While I am doing what faith says, I can observe the results of faith - - the “sight” part.
What would faith teach me about my relationships with other men? I’m sure of this: it’s important to know what God says is right - - as in the Law, Proverbs, parables, etc.
God says, “without vision the people perish.” Some sort of thinking about what will happen is good. But I wonder if the way I imagine takes away from positive action. Certainly the negative imagining is not good for it sets an evil cast upon events which have not yet happened. Sometime is puts future events in the framework of the familiar - - the way we are used to events happening; yet, they may not actually happen that way.
I think, “men do not want me around” and I launch my imagination off in that direction. Better for me to say, “I resist that thinking. God said, ’resist the Devil and he will flee from you, draw neigh to
God and he will draw neigh unto you.’ In the name of Jesus I resist that thought.”
Maybe my mind being so full of imaginations keeps me from hearing from the Spirit of God.
I need to walk “by faith and not by sight”. While I am doing what faith says, I can observe the results of faith - - the “sight” part.
What would faith teach me about my relationships with other men? I’m sure of this: it’s important to know what God says is right - - as in the Law, Proverbs, parables, etc.
BEING WISE AS A SERPANT
Be careful of your personal information. I recently read a Washington Post news article about Russian hackers implanting malicious code in a Vermont electrical grid computer system. In the article it said: “According to the report by the FBI and DHS, the hackers involved in the Russian operation used fraudulent emails that tricked their recipients into revealing passwords.” This highlights something I hope you already know: NEVER, NEVER give your personal information to any request for it to a source you are unsure about. This applies to emails, phone calls and particularly to requests from the web.
I can’t imagine why you would provide an answer to anyone who wanted to know your password. Why would they need to know it? The very concept of “password” implies only you and that one particular entity (and no one else) already know what it is.
I can’t imagine why you would provide an answer to anyone who wanted to know your password. Why would they need to know it? The very concept of “password” implies only you and that one particular entity (and no one else) already know what it is.
Friday, December 9, 2016
NO SOLOISTS
As I was thinking about a computer software problem I realized that I was feeling bad that I could not solve the problem alone. I remembered that Jesus is called our “Advocate”. How would you like to represent yourself as your own lawyer before God in Heaven’s courtroom?. How wonderful That Jesus is our lawyer, our advocate. Being a man, and not God, there are some things I can not do. Then I remembered that God says that “in the multitude of counselors there is safety”. So I should not feel bad to need another to help me solve a problem.
The world is such that if you do not keep pouring energy into your work, it will dissipate into nothing. We have to keep active to keep anything we value. Thank God he pours his energy into us. How could we keep ourselves straight if we did not daily remind ourselves by reading, prayer, fellowship and church about God and his ways? Even as we are doing that we need his Holy Spirit, and we need our family, friends and work-mates..
The world is such that if you do not keep pouring energy into your work, it will dissipate into nothing. We have to keep active to keep anything we value. Thank God he pours his energy into us. How could we keep ourselves straight if we did not daily remind ourselves by reading, prayer, fellowship and church about God and his ways? Even as we are doing that we need his Holy Spirit, and we need our family, friends and work-mates..
Monday, November 28, 2016
MUSINGS ON GENESIS
When God created the heaven some other things were there also: darkness, the deep, waters. Did these things come along with the creation, or was there darkness before there was an earth? Before there was a heaven or earth was there nothing? Or was this the place where, in the course of the spiritual dimension, God set the physical dimension running as a “new thing”: Spiritual always, physical in time?
The earth was without form and void (empty)? Does this mean there were no geologic features (lakes, mountains, seas . . .) or does it mean the Earth somehow was not coagulated into a solid physical sphere?
Where was the Deep? On the Earth, outer space?
God created light and “saw” that it was good. Did God “see” anything before there was light? God knows everything, of course, but is “seeing” something different?
If darkness was upon the face of the deep, where was it not? Were there other places that darkness was not upon? If there were such places, what was upon them? (Not light because light came after darkness).
God divided the light from the darkness (implying that light and darkness were mixed together). When he did that “. . . the evening and the morning were the first day”. This seems to be the start of time.
Apparently God was not satisfied with darkness and waters alone because he did not see that they were good, when God created light he saw that it was good; did the three have to be together?
The earth was without form and void (empty)? Does this mean there were no geologic features (lakes, mountains, seas . . .) or does it mean the Earth somehow was not coagulated into a solid physical sphere?
Where was the Deep? On the Earth, outer space?
God created light and “saw” that it was good. Did God “see” anything before there was light? God knows everything, of course, but is “seeing” something different?
If darkness was upon the face of the deep, where was it not? Were there other places that darkness was not upon? If there were such places, what was upon them? (Not light because light came after darkness).
God divided the light from the darkness (implying that light and darkness were mixed together). When he did that “. . . the evening and the morning were the first day”. This seems to be the start of time.
Apparently God was not satisfied with darkness and waters alone because he did not see that they were good, when God created light he saw that it was good; did the three have to be together?
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