Psalm 11
The first part of this Psalm shows questions of doubt that an enemy is trying to put into a believer. Or perhaps it is a question of doubt the believer himself is asking.
“In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘flee as a bird to your mountain? For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, they have set their arrow on the string to shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ ”
These dark questions are what we commonly fear. They suggest: You should retreat, the wicked are working, they do it in secret, no one sees, if the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?
The rest of the psalm answers the doubts.
“The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the sons of mankind. The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked and His soul hates one who loves violence. He will rain coals of fire upon the wicked, and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous. [Yet] He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face.”
God still reigns in heaven and earth. God sees all; God tries everybody. He hates and will punish the wicked. God sees and will reward the upright.
It is easy to doubt in the dark times, the times of trial. This psalm reminds us God sees, reigns, and takes action against the wicked and for the righteous. To relieve the doubt we must remember He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face.
Monday, August 23, 2021
Monday, August 16, 2021
KIND OR HURTFUL CONSIDERATION
Proverbs 10:32.
"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness" (being head strong, with stubbornness, self will). The righteous shows kind consideration. He knows what is acceptable because he has studied the other person and knows something of their state. He considers how difficult words would affect him. The wicked also knows the other person but speaks away from the appropriate answer. The wicked could care less about the other, thus he shows hurtful consideration, the desire to oppose.
Verse 11 says, "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked". We know a well is an opening from which something must be drawn out. The good is inside the righteous and must be drawn out. He is not quick with his answer. But the answers are healthful, as water is healthful. If there is any healthful thing with the wicked it is inaccessible because the well is covered. What is obvious to all is the violence that covers his mouth. It is always on top, always presenting to people.
Lord help me - - give me the grace to be a healthful speaker. Please do not let me do damage and violence with my mouth. Give me the grace to be helpful.
"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness" (being head strong, with stubbornness, self will). The righteous shows kind consideration. He knows what is acceptable because he has studied the other person and knows something of their state. He considers how difficult words would affect him. The wicked also knows the other person but speaks away from the appropriate answer. The wicked could care less about the other, thus he shows hurtful consideration, the desire to oppose.
Verse 11 says, "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked". We know a well is an opening from which something must be drawn out. The good is inside the righteous and must be drawn out. He is not quick with his answer. But the answers are healthful, as water is healthful. If there is any healthful thing with the wicked it is inaccessible because the well is covered. What is obvious to all is the violence that covers his mouth. It is always on top, always presenting to people.
Lord help me - - give me the grace to be a healthful speaker. Please do not let me do damage and violence with my mouth. Give me the grace to be helpful.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
THE TIME IN COURT WILL COME
Psalm 9:7
“But the Lord sits as King forever; He has established His throne for judgment . . .”
I wonder, if men are not sinful would God not have to set up his throne for judgment? His throne would be for ruling, but it would not have to be for discovering and pronouncing punishment of the wicked. But since there are wicked, God is preparing his throne for a time when they will be brought to account for their transgression of God's will. God will outlast any hope of the wicked covering up, or justifying, or getting past (hoping the deeds will be forgotten) their wicked deeds.
From the time a wicked act is performed, God's judgment throne is ready to pronounce a punishment for the act. The time in court will come.
Let the faithful not forget judgment of wrongdoing is not only for the wicked.
“But the Lord sits as King forever; He has established His throne for judgment . . .”
I wonder, if men are not sinful would God not have to set up his throne for judgment? His throne would be for ruling, but it would not have to be for discovering and pronouncing punishment of the wicked. But since there are wicked, God is preparing his throne for a time when they will be brought to account for their transgression of God's will. God will outlast any hope of the wicked covering up, or justifying, or getting past (hoping the deeds will be forgotten) their wicked deeds.
From the time a wicked act is performed, God's judgment throne is ready to pronounce a punishment for the act. The time in court will come.
Let the faithful not forget judgment of wrongdoing is not only for the wicked.
Monday, July 26, 2021
ONLY ONE THEORY IS TRUE
Faith comes by hearing. In many cases you must hear something to even know what it is. But that is not always true. You could be a man alone living in the jungle and decide for yourself something other than me made all that is outside of me. You could observe that it is well organized, interdependent, and extremely complex. In a natural sense you would be more likely to think that a single power created all. That which surrounds you is so mutually dependent how could it be otherwise? You would not be likely to think that all arouse from nothing millions of years ago.
Today, in these times, outside of the jungle, living with and dependent upon other people, we are told about the “old earth”, billions of years theory - - and we are told about the creator God. We choose between one or the other.
If not informed of an “old earth” you would most likely conclude for yourself there was a creator. The trouble for some people is the creator might tell you, “You can do this but you can not do that.” If you opposed some of those impositions you might shun them and suppose for yourself (and for convenience) a different view: one without the authority. You would invent the “old earth” theory that would require billions of years to evolve that puts the creator conveniently out of sight.
Today, in these times, outside of the jungle, living with and dependent upon other people, we are told about the “old earth”, billions of years theory - - and we are told about the creator God. We choose between one or the other.
If not informed of an “old earth” you would most likely conclude for yourself there was a creator. The trouble for some people is the creator might tell you, “You can do this but you can not do that.” If you opposed some of those impositions you might shun them and suppose for yourself (and for convenience) a different view: one without the authority. You would invent the “old earth” theory that would require billions of years to evolve that puts the creator conveniently out of sight.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
DOING IS NOT ENOUGH
Being a Christian has nothing to do with what you do. It has to do with what Jesus did. You can do all you want but it will make no difference in the end. It' Jesus who saved you and you must just believe that. If anyone tells you something different, that you need to do something more, you need to mistrust some of the things that he' telling you. The things that other people say and do does not make them a better Christian than you. Knowing that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead makes you a Christian. All they did, and all you need to do, is that simple fact: believe that Jesus died for their sins and rose again.
Thursday, May 27, 2021
DO THE BRUTISH UNDERSTAND
Proverbs 30
Why does the writer, Auger, start out this way - - to say he is brutish, has no wisdom, understanding or knowledge? Should we ignore what follows after because he has no understanding or knowledge? - - OR - - is it to say that even though he is not a learned man he can still observe that there is a creator and what he has created? Even the uneducated can say that every word of God is pure. Maybe it demonstrates (because Auger "prophesied") that even uneducated men, who are earnestly seeking, will achieve an understanding of God.
"Add not unto his words lest he reprove thee and you be found a liar". We saw a preacher the other night. He seemed to take a verse and apply meaning to it that is not necessarily there. He also went fast with what he was saying so that you did not have time to consider whether he has rightly applied the verse. But if you tuned him out and thought about the verse he quoted, and the meaning he applied from it, you wondered if he is not adding to the word.
There are interesting comparison and contrasts in Proverbs 30. Among them it says there are things never satisfied and do not say it is enough:
1. The grave, everyone will die.
2. A barren womb, it always wants its own children.
3. The dry earth, it soaks up all the water
4. Fire, it consumes all fuel provided.
Auger says: things I do not know - - too wonderful for me:
1. The eagle in the air, how does he fly.
2. The serpent on the rock, how does he move control his body?
3. A ship, in the sea, how does it float?
4. A man with maid.
The earth disquieted and cannot bear:
1. A servant, who Reigns.
2. A fool filled with meat.
3. An odious woman who is married.
4. A handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
Things that are little but are somehow wise:
1. Ants who prepare food in summer, how does it know?
2. Conies, who build houses in the rocks, try and dig them out.
3. Locusts who go by bands, you can’t get just one, or ten of them, you must get them all.
4. The spider, takes hold with hands, look up in the far corner of the ceiling and go after it.
Things that go well and are comely in their going:
1. The lion who is strongest among the beasts.
2. The greyhound.
3. The he goat.
4. A king who cannot be rebelled against.
Why does the writer, Auger, start out this way - - to say he is brutish, has no wisdom, understanding or knowledge? Should we ignore what follows after because he has no understanding or knowledge? - - OR - - is it to say that even though he is not a learned man he can still observe that there is a creator and what he has created? Even the uneducated can say that every word of God is pure. Maybe it demonstrates (because Auger "prophesied") that even uneducated men, who are earnestly seeking, will achieve an understanding of God.
"Add not unto his words lest he reprove thee and you be found a liar". We saw a preacher the other night. He seemed to take a verse and apply meaning to it that is not necessarily there. He also went fast with what he was saying so that you did not have time to consider whether he has rightly applied the verse. But if you tuned him out and thought about the verse he quoted, and the meaning he applied from it, you wondered if he is not adding to the word.
There are interesting comparison and contrasts in Proverbs 30. Among them it says there are things never satisfied and do not say it is enough:
1. The grave, everyone will die.
2. A barren womb, it always wants its own children.
3. The dry earth, it soaks up all the water
4. Fire, it consumes all fuel provided.
Auger says: things I do not know - - too wonderful for me:
1. The eagle in the air, how does he fly.
2. The serpent on the rock, how does he move control his body?
3. A ship, in the sea, how does it float?
4. A man with maid.
The earth disquieted and cannot bear:
1. A servant, who Reigns.
2. A fool filled with meat.
3. An odious woman who is married.
4. A handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
Things that are little but are somehow wise:
1. Ants who prepare food in summer, how does it know?
2. Conies, who build houses in the rocks, try and dig them out.
3. Locusts who go by bands, you can’t get just one, or ten of them, you must get them all.
4. The spider, takes hold with hands, look up in the far corner of the ceiling and go after it.
Things that go well and are comely in their going:
1. The lion who is strongest among the beasts.
2. The greyhound.
3. The he goat.
4. A king who cannot be rebelled against.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
ROCK-AND-ROLL
Some thoughts from Proverbs 28.
Webster’s definition of rock-and-roll: "a style of popular music marked by heavily accented beat and a simple repetition phrase structure". (Sounds like some church music today.)
(Verse 7) "A companion of riotous men is a shame to his father". Since some rock music promotes those who disrespect authority, it can be a groundwork of riotous men. Therefore, we should be careful how we use it. As with anything that requires caution with its use, perhaps there are times we should not even have it around. How many rock-and-roll concerts are there where the Star, every member of the band, the promoters and all the audience have a good walk with God? Even then there should only seasons of rock-and-roll; not rock-and-roll all the time. We should avoid riotous and men and activity.
What is a sample of some of the people at secular rock-and-roll concerts? Loud beer drinkers, sensual dancers, woman that dress to excite lust, men who look for such women, men who exude dominance and violence, litterers, people who can't be quiet and listen, people who think authorities (police, teachers, parents, etc.) are "them", drug users? The beat raises emotional excitement, the loudness numbs the mind; if we add words that veer from God’s word, we could have an irrational mob.
(Verse 9) To want the rock-and-roll, to the point of turning the ear away from the law will isolate us from God. Conversely, to the so enamored of grace (unmerited favor) to think, "rules are not important" is to turn away from the law. This can isolate us from God.
(Verse 10) There are some that cause the righteous to go aside into an evil way. We must be careful of rock-and-roll for that very reason. Although rock-and-roll seems to have originated in the world, not the church, much of “contemporary Christian music” is rock-and-roll based.
We must be diligent to keep in the godly way.
Webster’s definition of rock-and-roll: "a style of popular music marked by heavily accented beat and a simple repetition phrase structure". (Sounds like some church music today.)
(Verse 7) "A companion of riotous men is a shame to his father". Since some rock music promotes those who disrespect authority, it can be a groundwork of riotous men. Therefore, we should be careful how we use it. As with anything that requires caution with its use, perhaps there are times we should not even have it around. How many rock-and-roll concerts are there where the Star, every member of the band, the promoters and all the audience have a good walk with God? Even then there should only seasons of rock-and-roll; not rock-and-roll all the time. We should avoid riotous and men and activity.
What is a sample of some of the people at secular rock-and-roll concerts? Loud beer drinkers, sensual dancers, woman that dress to excite lust, men who look for such women, men who exude dominance and violence, litterers, people who can't be quiet and listen, people who think authorities (police, teachers, parents, etc.) are "them", drug users? The beat raises emotional excitement, the loudness numbs the mind; if we add words that veer from God’s word, we could have an irrational mob.
(Verse 9) To want the rock-and-roll, to the point of turning the ear away from the law will isolate us from God. Conversely, to the so enamored of grace (unmerited favor) to think, "rules are not important" is to turn away from the law. This can isolate us from God.
(Verse 10) There are some that cause the righteous to go aside into an evil way. We must be careful of rock-and-roll for that very reason. Although rock-and-roll seems to have originated in the world, not the church, much of “contemporary Christian music” is rock-and-roll based.
We must be diligent to keep in the godly way.
Monday, April 26, 2021
CLEANING UP
A song said: "open the doors of paradise", meaning the gates of heaven. We want that, but we know we are not worthy. We know: I'm standing outside but I'm too dirty to come in. Lord, I am not fit to enter in - - make me fit. Lord, my mind thinks wrong thoughts - - renew my mind. Lord clean me from my filth - - wash me in the blood of the lamb. Lord, my clothes are ragged and dirty - - give me a wedding garment. If my way is wrong before your eyes, make me to think and feel the right way.
We think that, but for a while we forget:
". . . because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10)
It’s so easy we stumble at it: we must believe Jesus is Lord, that he died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, is in heaven, and will receive us with him when we pass from this physical life. But Christian phrasing sometimes does not make it easy. Christians frequently use words or phrases which they understand among themselves, but which are not understood among non-Christian people, or among new Christian believers. Some of these phrases can become stumbling blocks when unexplained or misunderstood.
Some examples are:
"Born again”, what happens when a person believes that Jesus died for his sins and rose again.
"Saved”, when a person is born again, he is saved.
"Redemption”, when we are saved, we are redeemed from the ultimate consequences of a sinful life (hell, or separation from God).
Sanctification, the lifelong process of overcoming our sinful habits, thoughts and actions.
"The blood of the lamb”, a reference to what Jesus did on the cross and how it could, and can, affect our lives.
We Christians should be sensitive that our hearers understand what we mean and be ready to explain the meaning.
We think that, but for a while we forget:
". . . because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10)
It’s so easy we stumble at it: we must believe Jesus is Lord, that he died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, is in heaven, and will receive us with him when we pass from this physical life. But Christian phrasing sometimes does not make it easy. Christians frequently use words or phrases which they understand among themselves, but which are not understood among non-Christian people, or among new Christian believers. Some of these phrases can become stumbling blocks when unexplained or misunderstood.
Some examples are:
"Born again”, what happens when a person believes that Jesus died for his sins and rose again.
"Saved”, when a person is born again, he is saved.
"Redemption”, when we are saved, we are redeemed from the ultimate consequences of a sinful life (hell, or separation from God).
Sanctification, the lifelong process of overcoming our sinful habits, thoughts and actions.
"The blood of the lamb”, a reference to what Jesus did on the cross and how it could, and can, affect our lives.
We Christians should be sensitive that our hearers understand what we mean and be ready to explain the meaning.
Monday, March 29, 2021
TALEBEARERS
A "talebearer" is one who bears a tail, a story, or "news". In other words, he is a gossip. Proverbs 26 speaks of this type of person in the sense of one who intends to bring bad or disparaging information about another. This is one that meddles in strife that is not his own. He hears something from another and carries the tale to others. The tale does not even have to be true. The damaging news would not spread If it were not for the talebearer. Strife ceases when there are no talebearers. The tales the talebearer spreads bring damage to the one of whom he speaks.
You can tell when you are listening to a talebearer. You can tell who not to listen to when it you know that he is dissembling . He is a person of hatred and deceit. We are not supposed to believe such people.
Except in wartime and against an enemy who would want to forward deceit? In wartime and against an enemy it's called "Propaganda".
You can tell when you are listening to a talebearer. You can tell who not to listen to when it you know that he is dissembling . He is a person of hatred and deceit. We are not supposed to believe such people.
Except in wartime and against an enemy who would want to forward deceit? In wartime and against an enemy it's called "Propaganda".
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
DILIGENCE VS HASTYNESS
Proverbs 22 notes how the thoughts of the diligent tend only toward plenteousness, but the thoughts of everyone that is hasty only to want. The way I have thought of this verse is: the diligent will have plenty, as in abundance, whereas the hasty will have want, as in the feeling he has not enough. In truth the diligent will identify what he wants and what is important. He will have a good idea of what needs to happen in terms of effort and material required to make it happen. He will create a plan, then implement the plan and will obtain all, if not more, than what he envisioned. The hasty just starts off with no idea of material, effort, or cost. He will spend up the little that he had and end with nothing. Perhaps he will be bitter about a dream lost with no idea of why it never became real.
Here is another way: the diligent will think in terms of having plenty, of being well prepared, of allowing for contingencies. While the hasty obsesses over his wants, of what he possesses, of what he perceives to be a need, of making life pleasant for himself.
It is OK to want things, but the wants must be tempered with reason and planning. There is a path to get there, but you must know what the path is and if it’s worth the trip. Once you know that, you must actually start taking steps along the path.
Here is another way: the diligent will think in terms of having plenty, of being well prepared, of allowing for contingencies. While the hasty obsesses over his wants, of what he possesses, of what he perceives to be a need, of making life pleasant for himself.
It is OK to want things, but the wants must be tempered with reason and planning. There is a path to get there, but you must know what the path is and if it’s worth the trip. Once you know that, you must actually start taking steps along the path.
Monday, March 15, 2021
CALLING ON GOD
Psalm 8 . . .
"I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies".
The psalmist calls the Lord.
God answers the call with mighty works.
God delivers the psalmist.
God rewards according to righteousness and clean hands.
God shows himself according to how people act.
The psalmist wars against his enemies but it is God that gives him the capability and the victory.
Give praise to God who delivers.
I need to learn to always call upon the Lord particularly in times of trouble. But also, in times when I cannot balance the checkbook, fix the car or find something. I need to call upon the Lord when I am at a loss for something to do or stalling to start a project. God is not interested only in big troubles but in small ones too. He is always with the Christian, always wanting us to rely upon, call upon him - - and thank him.
"I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies".
The psalmist calls the Lord.
God answers the call with mighty works.
God delivers the psalmist.
God rewards according to righteousness and clean hands.
God shows himself according to how people act.
The psalmist wars against his enemies but it is God that gives him the capability and the victory.
Give praise to God who delivers.
I need to learn to always call upon the Lord particularly in times of trouble. But also, in times when I cannot balance the checkbook, fix the car or find something. I need to call upon the Lord when I am at a loss for something to do or stalling to start a project. God is not interested only in big troubles but in small ones too. He is always with the Christian, always wanting us to rely upon, call upon him - - and thank him.
Monday, March 8, 2021
HOPING FOR MY BOYS
My boys do not find enjoyment in those that talk of nothing deeper than sports, fishing, or cars. This is very pleasing to me. However there is always the danger that they will encounter some who are mentally sharp and interesting, yet wrong. I hope they will come out undamaged and even stronger. They will have to judge between what these will say in what the truth is.
Proverbs 8 says wisdom, personified as a woman, is everywhere addressing mankind. Yet she can be one voice among many and the voice you are listening to at the present moment is the loudest. Consider that in the chapter before (7:10) the opposite of wisdom is also speaking. What *she" says opposes wisdom.
My prayer is they will take time to consider all and choose the right one. Lord , please quicken my boys’ mind, make them sharp for the truth.
Proverbs 8 says wisdom, personified as a woman, is everywhere addressing mankind. Yet she can be one voice among many and the voice you are listening to at the present moment is the loudest. Consider that in the chapter before (7:10) the opposite of wisdom is also speaking. What *she" says opposes wisdom.
My prayer is they will take time to consider all and choose the right one. Lord , please quicken my boys’ mind, make them sharp for the truth.
Saturday, March 6, 2021
USE OF THE WORD “SCIENCE”
I find it irritating the way some people use the word “Science”. Some use the word to establish an atmosphere of authority, to say something you can not argue about. They use phrases like: “Science says . . .”, or "Science now knows. . ." They also use related phrases like: "Research has shown . . .", "Extraordinary new light indicates . . .", "New evidence has shown . . ." , "We now know . . .".
Science involves the use of the scientific method of investigating nature. One observes a phenomenon and forms a theory about its cause. He then devises an experiment to prove the theory. He records the results, and if the theory seems to be proved he writes a paper about the phenomenon, the theory of its cause, and the experiment that is supposed to prove his theory. Others can then repeat the experiment and if the same results occur they can agree that the theory is most likely true. The theory of the structure of atoms is based on such experimental work that is so repeatable it is safe to assume the atomic theory is true. A definition of science I read said it is "the systematic study of the nature and behavior of the material and physical universe, based on observation, experiment, and measurement, and the formulation of laws to describe these facts in general terms."
I have heard the word “science” used as a phrase which I call "self-fulfilling introduction". These statements, “science says” and the like, 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. I find this particularly irksome with respect to the topic of evolution vs. creation. Many use “science” to express the pervasive concept of evolution-as-fact. Evolution is not fact, it is an unproven theory that can neither be tested nor repeated. Evolution requires the concept of millions of years. No set of humans have ever actually observed millions of years.
“Millions of years ago everything we see evolved from nothing, or a 'singularity', or a single atom.” Who was there to know this? The concept can only exist in theory. To believe it takes a great amount of faith - - faith that this theory is indeed the truth.
I’d rather believe, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This also takes faith. But I know one who was there, I’ve read his book.
Science involves the use of the scientific method of investigating nature. One observes a phenomenon and forms a theory about its cause. He then devises an experiment to prove the theory. He records the results, and if the theory seems to be proved he writes a paper about the phenomenon, the theory of its cause, and the experiment that is supposed to prove his theory. Others can then repeat the experiment and if the same results occur they can agree that the theory is most likely true. The theory of the structure of atoms is based on such experimental work that is so repeatable it is safe to assume the atomic theory is true. A definition of science I read said it is "the systematic study of the nature and behavior of the material and physical universe, based on observation, experiment, and measurement, and the formulation of laws to describe these facts in general terms."
I have heard the word “science” used as a phrase which I call "self-fulfilling introduction". These statements, “science says” and the like, 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. I find this particularly irksome with respect to the topic of evolution vs. creation. Many use “science” to express the pervasive concept of evolution-as-fact. Evolution is not fact, it is an unproven theory that can neither be tested nor repeated. Evolution requires the concept of millions of years. No set of humans have ever actually observed millions of years.
“Millions of years ago everything we see evolved from nothing, or a 'singularity', or a single atom.” Who was there to know this? The concept can only exist in theory. To believe it takes a great amount of faith - - faith that this theory is indeed the truth.
I’d rather believe, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This also takes faith. But I know one who was there, I’ve read his book.
Monday, March 1, 2021
WORKING ADVANTAGES
Psalm 15
The Psalm asks: "who may abide in your Tabernacle" then goes on to say, "he who walks uprightly, has integrity, practices righteousness, speaks truth in his heart, etc." But we know that Christ is our righteousness, and nothing that we do (but what Christ did) gets us past the gates of heaven. Since born again Christians already have secure entrance into heaven, what does “your Tabernacle” mean and how much does "walking uprightly" really matter, is it an advantage? Perhaps it indicates how we can abide with God while still on this earth. The motivation would be wanting to please God. We do right, we abide in the Tabernacle.
Surely it should not mean seeking status for yourself. Sadly, most of the time our motivation comes from the desire for status, pride, or maybe a fear of rejection. Wanting to "abide in the Tabernacle" for the reason of having a self-advantage does not work well. It is in direct competition with other things that want advantage for the self. When you are advantaging yourself for Tabernacle status another worldly advantage opportunity can shove it aside. The flesh easily sees (and wants) things that have more immediate reward.
If you do a good thing and are "walking uprightly" for God's advantage, then it has the potential of lasting, even though you may later slip into works of the flesh. I wonder if doing it for self-advantage ever pleases God. Proverbs 15:9: the Lord loves him who follows after righteousness.
The Psalm asks: "who may abide in your Tabernacle" then goes on to say, "he who walks uprightly, has integrity, practices righteousness, speaks truth in his heart, etc." But we know that Christ is our righteousness, and nothing that we do (but what Christ did) gets us past the gates of heaven. Since born again Christians already have secure entrance into heaven, what does “your Tabernacle” mean and how much does "walking uprightly" really matter, is it an advantage? Perhaps it indicates how we can abide with God while still on this earth. The motivation would be wanting to please God. We do right, we abide in the Tabernacle.
Surely it should not mean seeking status for yourself. Sadly, most of the time our motivation comes from the desire for status, pride, or maybe a fear of rejection. Wanting to "abide in the Tabernacle" for the reason of having a self-advantage does not work well. It is in direct competition with other things that want advantage for the self. When you are advantaging yourself for Tabernacle status another worldly advantage opportunity can shove it aside. The flesh easily sees (and wants) things that have more immediate reward.
If you do a good thing and are "walking uprightly" for God's advantage, then it has the potential of lasting, even though you may later slip into works of the flesh. I wonder if doing it for self-advantage ever pleases God. Proverbs 15:9: the Lord loves him who follows after righteousness.
Friday, February 19, 2021
THE LIAR LAYS IN WAIT
Very windy and cloudy today (19 Feb 2021) yet a lot of birds are flying around. Just as I finished the first sentence the sun came out. That shows man's words mostly stand only for the moment they speak them. Only God's word for sure stands. We hope that most men are true and stand by what they speak - - and repent and confess when they are mistaken.
For those who want to hear something badly enough there will always be a liar to tell them what they want to hear.
The prophets that I journaled of the other day - the ones that said Donald Trump would be the next president - confidently said "Trump will be President". Some may have even said "God said - ", or "God told them - ". It is terrible that they speak this way - - and that so many believed them.
I prayed, God please punish the ones who spoke out knowing that God did not speak to them; show them as liars to the public. How terrible will it be for them at the Judgement to have knowingly spoken lies.
Please show the ones who spoke but were deceived to know and to repent of the deception and to diligently seek to only recognize what is true.
Please cause the gullible ones who believed the lies to see their weakness to believe what they wish would be. Help them to hear, to seek and to test all things whether there be any truth in them.
For those who want to hear something badly enough there will always be a liar to tell them what they want to hear.
The prophets that I journaled of the other day - the ones that said Donald Trump would be the next president - confidently said "Trump will be President". Some may have even said "God said - ", or "God told them - ". It is terrible that they speak this way - - and that so many believed them.
I prayed, God please punish the ones who spoke out knowing that God did not speak to them; show them as liars to the public. How terrible will it be for them at the Judgement to have knowingly spoken lies.
Please show the ones who spoke but were deceived to know and to repent of the deception and to diligently seek to only recognize what is true.
Please cause the gullible ones who believed the lies to see their weakness to believe what they wish would be. Help them to hear, to seek and to test all things whether there be any truth in them.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
HOME STATE YET EMPTY
[While on Government travel years ago at a Wendy’s in Maynard, Ma. I wrote:]
(Maynard, MA) I have strange feelings being back at my hometown area. I feel useless, valueless. It seems I have no connection here whatsoever. Even the thought of being in the same geographical area as my sister Anne or Uncle Elliot has not changed the feeling.
I had no success calling anyone, even home to Florida. I'll drive back to Acton again. If I have no success there, I'll go back toward Bedford and try Uncle Elliot. From either Acton or Bedford I will try to get hold of my old friends Don or Steve Murphy.
If we (Lizzie, the boys, and I) were to move to a new area I'm afraid of what this type of feeling would do to me: no extended family, no friends, no church. I wonder if I could overcome.
There is a group of families here, 2 or 3 little ones, all less than ten, and four older ones, of which two or three might be teens. They are a talkative group which shows they have confidence to socialize. One of the young ones laughs and jokes with her mother. I suspect their being here together shows evidence of a sound family and, though not here, a good man? I wonder, does an indication of a good man, or men, show godliness?
(Maynard, MA) I have strange feelings being back at my hometown area. I feel useless, valueless. It seems I have no connection here whatsoever. Even the thought of being in the same geographical area as my sister Anne or Uncle Elliot has not changed the feeling.
I had no success calling anyone, even home to Florida. I'll drive back to Acton again. If I have no success there, I'll go back toward Bedford and try Uncle Elliot. From either Acton or Bedford I will try to get hold of my old friends Don or Steve Murphy.
If we (Lizzie, the boys, and I) were to move to a new area I'm afraid of what this type of feeling would do to me: no extended family, no friends, no church. I wonder if I could overcome.
There is a group of families here, 2 or 3 little ones, all less than ten, and four older ones, of which two or three might be teens. They are a talkative group which shows they have confidence to socialize. One of the young ones laughs and jokes with her mother. I suspect their being here together shows evidence of a sound family and, though not here, a good man? I wonder, does an indication of a good man, or men, show godliness?
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
TIE WISDOM TIGHT
Proverbs 7
We are to keep God’s words close to us. Proverbs 7 says: “. . . Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding your intimate friend, So that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words.”
Ungodly words are like an adulterous woman: They are very appealing, but they are not right. We might also think of then as groups of people who are off (wrong, distorted) according to true doctrine. For this reason, we are to lay up God’s words, or keep them, bind them up tight to us. To say, "thou art my kinswoman, thou art my sister". Why? to keep us close to God and away from the strange woman.
The "young man" in this chapter is described as simple, he doesn't know much. It is night signifying the absence of God's word. She (the ungodly wisdom) wears the attire of the harlot: she is very appealing to the desires. She is subtle, loud., stubborn, not abiding in her house. She is very crafty and evasive with issues. She picks on minor points attempting to defeat a larger truth. She opposes the traditional ways. She goes outside of her house seeking to win and bring in others. She has "peace offerings", she says she is alright with God.
She has "decked her bed" : she seems to have good things that go on at her worship, things that take skilled craft. They are very appealing. She says "Let us take our fill until the morning" - she wants you at her church until you die (the morning). She says, "The good man is gone" - Christ as the Bible teaches him is not there. She says, "He will come at the time appointed" - he will respond as she has appointed, and not as the Bible says he will. She has fair speech and flattery - she is very skillful with her "logic" Her words appeal to the part of the young man that is looking for a compliment.
Keep wisdom, the kind you find in the Bible, tied close to you. Know what it is. When you know what truth is, you can easily spot the imposter, the adulteress.
We are to keep God’s words close to us. Proverbs 7 says: “. . . Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding your intimate friend, So that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words.”
Ungodly words are like an adulterous woman: They are very appealing, but they are not right. We might also think of then as groups of people who are off (wrong, distorted) according to true doctrine. For this reason, we are to lay up God’s words, or keep them, bind them up tight to us. To say, "thou art my kinswoman, thou art my sister". Why? to keep us close to God and away from the strange woman.
The "young man" in this chapter is described as simple, he doesn't know much. It is night signifying the absence of God's word. She (the ungodly wisdom) wears the attire of the harlot: she is very appealing to the desires. She is subtle, loud., stubborn, not abiding in her house. She is very crafty and evasive with issues. She picks on minor points attempting to defeat a larger truth. She opposes the traditional ways. She goes outside of her house seeking to win and bring in others. She has "peace offerings", she says she is alright with God.
She has "decked her bed" : she seems to have good things that go on at her worship, things that take skilled craft. They are very appealing. She says "Let us take our fill until the morning" - she wants you at her church until you die (the morning). She says, "The good man is gone" - Christ as the Bible teaches him is not there. She says, "He will come at the time appointed" - he will respond as she has appointed, and not as the Bible says he will. She has fair speech and flattery - she is very skillful with her "logic" Her words appeal to the part of the young man that is looking for a compliment.
Keep wisdom, the kind you find in the Bible, tied close to you. Know what it is. When you know what truth is, you can easily spot the imposter, the adulteress.
Thursday, January 28, 2021
STRIVING FOR WISDOM
Proverbs 2
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. God says to listen, to receive, incline the ear, apply yourself, cry for it, lift your voice, seek, search.
When you seek for silver and search for hidden treasure it's not done in five minutes of idle time after watching a video. To seek you must decide where to go then go there and inspect every rock formation. To search you must do diligent research and then methodically and diligently comb the area, balancing your resources while doing it. It takes time and it takes resources. You must spend something.
So, we have to spend something at God's word. The application of seeking understanding, knowledge and wisdom is to know the right path. God’s word provides the right path. We must seek with the head but be open to the heart. We must be sensitive to the heart but be controlled by the head. We cannot fill the head if we do not attend to the words of the mouth of God. We cannot fill the heart if we refuse to experience what God will give us.
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. God says to listen, to receive, incline the ear, apply yourself, cry for it, lift your voice, seek, search.
When you seek for silver and search for hidden treasure it's not done in five minutes of idle time after watching a video. To seek you must decide where to go then go there and inspect every rock formation. To search you must do diligent research and then methodically and diligently comb the area, balancing your resources while doing it. It takes time and it takes resources. You must spend something.
So, we have to spend something at God's word. The application of seeking understanding, knowledge and wisdom is to know the right path. God’s word provides the right path. We must seek with the head but be open to the heart. We must be sensitive to the heart but be controlled by the head. We cannot fill the head if we do not attend to the words of the mouth of God. We cannot fill the heart if we refuse to experience what God will give us.
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
HUMILITY PUTS YOU FORWARD
Proverbs 22:4
God says, "by humility in the fear of the Lord are riches honor in life".
The world says, "put yourself forward and listen to your own standards; To get rich is an honor, for riches and honor are your life".
About humility God says: think of others, do what is right, give others the way when it seems to be their time.
The world says about humility: think of yourself, do for yourself, take your chance, don't let others get in the way or you'll miss out.
About the fear of God, God says: obey God's rules, respect authority.
About the fear of God the world says: Be concerned for yourself. Stick by whatever sort of standards work, as long as they suit your goals. Use the authorities, or get around them, or bribe them; whatever works for you. Maybe kick A-- if you don't like what's going on.
You will get ahead either way, but God’s way lasts beyond this lifetime. How far forward do you want to go?
God says, "by humility in the fear of the Lord are riches honor in life".
The world says, "put yourself forward and listen to your own standards; To get rich is an honor, for riches and honor are your life".
About humility God says: think of others, do what is right, give others the way when it seems to be their time.
The world says about humility: think of yourself, do for yourself, take your chance, don't let others get in the way or you'll miss out.
About the fear of God, God says: obey God's rules, respect authority.
About the fear of God the world says: Be concerned for yourself. Stick by whatever sort of standards work, as long as they suit your goals. Use the authorities, or get around them, or bribe them; whatever works for you. Maybe kick A-- if you don't like what's going on.
You will get ahead either way, but God’s way lasts beyond this lifetime. How far forward do you want to go?
Thursday, January 7, 2021
PRAY FOR LEADERS
These are the US Presidents of my lifetime:
Roosevelt, Franklin D. - 3/04/33 - 4/12/45
Truman, Harry S. - 4/12/45 - 1/20/53
Eisenhower, Dwight D. - 1/20/53 - 1/20/61
Kennedy, John F. - 1/20/61 - 11/22/63
Johnson, Lyndon B. - 11/22/63 - 1/20/69
Nixon, Richard M. - 1/20/69 - 8/9/74
Ford, Gerald R. - 8/9/74 - 1/20/77
Carter, Jimmy - 1/20/77 - 1/20/81
Reagan, Ronald W. - 1/20/81 - 1/20/89
Bush, George H.W. - 1/20/89 - 1/20/93
Clinton, William J. - 1/20/1993 - 1/20/2001
Bush, George_W. - 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009
Obama, Barack - 1/20/09 - 1/20/2017
Trump, Donald – 1/20/17 – 1/20/2021
The Bible says in1 Timothy 1-4: "First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (NASB)
I am a Republican; did I pray with any consistency for the Republican presidents? No. Did I pray with and consistency for any of the Democratic presidents? No. Once I became a Christian should I have? Yes. Will I in the future change my habits and pray for and about government officials, including president-elect Biden? My intention is that I will. I think other believers should too.
Roosevelt, Franklin D. - 3/04/33 - 4/12/45
Truman, Harry S. - 4/12/45 - 1/20/53
Eisenhower, Dwight D. - 1/20/53 - 1/20/61
Kennedy, John F. - 1/20/61 - 11/22/63
Johnson, Lyndon B. - 11/22/63 - 1/20/69
Nixon, Richard M. - 1/20/69 - 8/9/74
Ford, Gerald R. - 8/9/74 - 1/20/77
Carter, Jimmy - 1/20/77 - 1/20/81
Reagan, Ronald W. - 1/20/81 - 1/20/89
Bush, George H.W. - 1/20/89 - 1/20/93
Clinton, William J. - 1/20/1993 - 1/20/2001
Bush, George_W. - 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009
Obama, Barack - 1/20/09 - 1/20/2017
Trump, Donald – 1/20/17 – 1/20/2021
The Bible says in1 Timothy 1-4: "First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (NASB)
I am a Republican; did I pray with any consistency for the Republican presidents? No. Did I pray with and consistency for any of the Democratic presidents? No. Once I became a Christian should I have? Yes. Will I in the future change my habits and pray for and about government officials, including president-elect Biden? My intention is that I will. I think other believers should too.
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