tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69652121756716503322024-03-18T06:21:04.061-07:00Perpetual ProverbsA daily Bible study launching from ProverbsPumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.comBlogger5130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-48031143519100791382024-03-18T02:00:00.000-07:002024-03-18T02:00:00.137-07:00 Avoiding “Gotcha”<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Psa 142:3 KJV) When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.</b></span><br /><br />(Proverbs 18 also read)<br /><br />I guess this is saying, “Yes, they are out to get you.” Maybe you have never felt that way but this indicates that there are people who are preparing a “hidden” (2934) “trap” (6431a) and they want you to fall into it. The context is David feeling like he is boxed in. The title, which I think is in the text, says it was written while he was hiding in a cave.<br /><br />I don’t know about you but I have never hidden in a cave. If I had a cave when my grandchildren were visiting I might find a reason to hide in it, but no such luck. There is a lesson for us in this though. Our lives are full of quiet little traps that are designed to drag us down. Some are the active work of Satan. Others are just the way life is.<br /><br />How do we avoid them? Two thoughts came to mind. First, stick to the well traveled paths. If you are on the sidewalk you will probably not find too many pits to fall into. If you are forced to go your own way then look for the footprints of those who have gone before you. They will give you a safe route.<br /><br />So? Be aware. If you are driving the speed limit then the cop behind the tree will have no interest in chasing you. That may not be true if you have doughnuts. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-24298806608882089522024-03-17T02:00:00.000-07:002024-03-17T02:00:00.237-07:00 Self-Confident Fools<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 17:7 KJV) Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.</b></span><br /><br />Proverbs has a lot to say about fools. In this chapter it comes up seven times. The actual Hebrew has the idea of open, as in vacant. The Amplified Bible throws in some helpful adjectives: Empty headed and self-confident. The first is usually obvious but we sometimes confuse the second for actual ability.<br /><br />Don’t be convinced just because someone is sure of themselves. What I find is a time to be wary is when someone tells me something they read on the internet or heard on You Tube. That should wave the “fool” (5036) flag rigorously.<br /><br />So? Wisdom and truth have always been found in the Bible. In our day and age that should be a double-down because our culture has turned its back on both. Read and contemplate. Compare what God says to what you neighborhood guru is proclaiming. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-13395260487591266072024-03-16T02:00:00.000-07:002024-03-16T02:00:00.132-07:00 Worship from the Heart<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Psa 141:2 KJV) Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.</b></span><br /><br />(Proverbs 16 also read)<br /><br />This gives us an insight into the place of the law and the necessity of applying it. Notice that there is substitution going on. The one you might notice the most is the substitution of lifted hands for an “offering” (4503). The NASB is a better reading of this because the offering being offered is not a blood sacrifice but a grain offering. Don’t get sidetracked by that because according to the law it is still supposed to be offered and done in the temple.<br /><br />While God has rigorous standards and unbending moral demands, He is more concerned about attitude than ritual. <br /><br />So? It is a common theme in the Old Testament that God wants our love and obedience more that rituals offered as dull routine. He is a living God and wants worship from the heart. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-79586988438763983802024-03-15T02:00:00.000-07:002024-03-15T02:00:00.132-07:00 Adjectives Imagined<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 15:6 KJV) In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.</b></span><br /><br />The Amplified Bible likes to throw in the translators’ interpretations. In this chapter I began to notice their comments on “righteous” (6662). The adjectives they throw in are “uncompromisingly” and “consistently”. There is no basis in the text but I like the idea from a theological perspective.<br /><br />We need to learn the difference. There are some things we can incorporate into our doctrine because they are in the scripture. There are other ideas we need to handle with care and make it clear that it is our opinion.<br /><br />So? Read. Study. Share. Be clear in what you have to say. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-55952278951833121832024-03-14T02:00:00.000-07:002024-03-14T02:00:00.446-07:00 Good Times<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 14:9 KJV) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous<i> there is</i> favour.</b></span><br /><br />The Amplified Bible likes to add things. Sometimes they are deeper definitions and other times they are cool take-offs. This verse has one of the latter. In the first phrase it adds, “but sin mocks the fools.” Not in the text but an interesting comment. People with evil intent tend to look down on believers. They think living morally is silly. What this insert is pointing out is that God has the last laugh. The result of their depravity will come back to bite them. You may not see it. They may not admit it. It is still true.<br /><br />I remember being in Vietnam and when making my way back to my bunk I saw a guy laying in the gutter. He was passed out from all the alcohol he had “enjoyed”. The next day he was talking about what a great time he had. I asked him what he had done. He said, “I can’t remember but I had a great time.” <br /><br />So? No thanks. Don’t get excited about their reports of the good times. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-38572755964771781152024-03-13T02:00:00.000-07:002024-03-13T02:00:00.155-07:00 Leavings of Gold<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 13:22 KJV) A good <i>man </i>leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner <i>is </i>laid up for the just.</b></span><br /><br />Again the Amplified Bible throws in some interesting interpretation. It gives an opinion about the “inheritance” (5157) by adding “of moral stability and goodness”. I like that. I would not make it a doctrinal position because that is not what the Bible says here but the general principle is good. Our example in how we live our lives is a vital part of what we leave to our decedents. It may even be the most important thing we can leave.<br /><br />My father did not leave much in the way of wealth. He left a fortune in example. He passed it on to his boys. His boys passed it on to their children. I can still see that working in lives today when whatever money was left is long gone.<br /><br />So? Get your priorities straight. It isn’t how many dollars you leave it is how much “moral stability and goodness” you demonstrated. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-8356331849915280082024-03-12T02:00:00.000-07:002024-03-12T02:00:00.136-07:00 Standard Response<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 12:22 KJV) Lying lips <i>are </i>abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly <i>are </i>his delight.</b></span><br /><br />The Amplified Bible has an interesting spin on “abomination” (8441). They interpret it as “extremely disgusting and hateful”. This might be hateful to those who look at certain terms, read them, acknowledge them and move right along. This brings it a little closer to home. God would express what we call “righteous indignation” at those who do not tell the truth. Part of that is because Jesus identified Himself with truth and when we play it fast and loose it is like spitting in His face. Part of it is that God wants a righteous church and lies undermine that.<br /><br />So? This is another reminder that we are called to be different from those we see and meet. Our standards are the standards of God, not culture. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-58961330828193627682024-03-11T02:00:00.000-07:002024-03-11T02:00:00.237-07:00 Don’t Forget to Write<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Psa 131:2 KJV) Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.</b></span><br /><br />(Proverbs 11 also read)<br /><br />This is an interesting picture, one that we might not come up with on our own. In case you run in delicate circles, being “weaned” (1580) means moving from the breast to the bowl. It is when the nursing becomes being spoon fed. In our day where many women never nurse their children and those who do only stick with it a short time, we miss the point. It was not unusual for a child to rely on his mother for years. Being weaned meant a step toward maturity.<br /><br />As we move to maturity, which is implied here, we need to keep in mind that God does not abandon us and send us out the door. In some cultures, at a certain age, a boy child was sent out of the harem to the campfire. He went from the comfort of the women’s tent to the conflict of the men’s world. Here the rejection is not a factor. Though we move on in some ways we always will have the fellowship and comfort of the Lord.<br /><br />So? Grow up. Move on. Keep in contact. You will need it. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-53929285181733608762024-03-10T01:00:00.000-08:002024-03-10T01:00:00.134-08:00 What Is Your Real Target?<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 10:2 KJV) Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.</b></span><br /><br />Once again the literal quality of the KJV comes through with an understanding that we need to have. That is the understanding that there is evil in our world and it shows up everywhere.<br /><br />Here the emphasis seems to be on gathering wealth. "Gains” (214) is not a bad word. The “treasures” of the KJV might get to the point better here though. It isn’t just a matter of earning enough to keep the wolf away from the door or to provide for old age. This is talking about the things that you consider of great value. Usually we think of financial wealth but it could be leisure time or grandchildren. Again it is not a bad word.<br /><br />“Wickedness” (7562) (ill-gotten NASB) does qualify. It is a word rooted in the cesspool of moral depravity. It is wrong priorities and a seeking after things that are just wrong.<br /><br />So? Your goals are important. Even more important is the attitude behind those goals and priorities. Consider wisely. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-59296974740704595082024-03-09T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-09T02:00:00.243-08:00 Cross-Referencing<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 9:11 KJV) For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.</b></span><br /><br />As I was reading this another verse came to mind and I put them together. Note the words of Jesus,<br /></p><blockquote><i>(Mat 6:27 KJV) Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?</i></blockquote>We would think this is a rhetorical question and Jesus probably meant it that way in His context but I notice when comparing it with this verse in Proverbs and other cross references suggested that there are ways to extend you life. To see the point you need to look at the NASB,<br /><blockquote><i>(Mat 6:27 NAS77) "And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?</i></blockquote>The basic thing Jesus is criticizing is worry or concern. <br /><br />Now look at Proverbs again. It says that wisdom can extend out lives. One of the key points of wisdom is to fear God, not man.<br /><br />So? Life choices based on the wisdom of God do have an effect. It is up to us to apply what we know to what we do. <br /><p></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-73609755910599415522024-03-08T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-08T02:00:00.133-08:00 Children and Evil<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Psa 127:5 KJV) Happy <i>is </i>the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.</b></span><br /><br />(Proverbs 8 also read)<br /><br />One of the big questions of life is how to raise children. Part of that is looking at what you turn out and asking if you did a good job. While this does not give instructions in the process, it does give an indication of how to judge the results.<br /><br />Do your children confront evil? The two key words here are “speak” (1696), which is usually translated that way, and “enemies” (340 NASB, 341 KJV). I was puzzled in the different words for “enemies” and found that one is the noun, which is used once, and the other (341) is an active participle, whatever that is, used 283 times. I would look to the “active” part and say these are people out to get you.<br /><br />So? I am looking at children in their engagement with the forces of evil in the world. Are they standing up and speaking out or are they going along to get along? It gives me another way to look at raising children. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-50972606817665327362024-03-07T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-07T02:00:00.141-08:00 Ah, to Be Young<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 7:7 KJV) And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,</b></span><br /><br />I am enjoying reading the Amplified Bible this month. It has become clear that it is more of a commentary than a translation. Some of the suggestions it makes are interesting and do add a deeper insight into the possibilities of the wording. Consider at your own risk.<br /><br />What I found interesting here was the added words [empty-headed and empty-hearted] for the “naive” (6612a). It fits because one of the meanings of the word is open. I have liked the idea that the naive of the world are often that way because they have an open mind with no borders or standards. The heart part goes along well.<br /><br />So? Read, study, think and come to conclusions. Do not be open-minded in the Biblical sense. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-48777679424153574132024-03-06T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-06T02:00:00.138-08:00 Bringing in the Sheaves<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Psa 126:6 KJV) He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.</b></span><br /><br />(Proverbs 6 also read)<br /><br />I saw in this a reminder of the living hope that we have. So often we are wading through the “Slough of Despond” and can’t see the rising shore ahead. We go forth in struggle and endure in faith. What keeps us going is that vision of the future rooted in our faith in God.<br /><br />Here we see testimony to how our burden, a “bag” (4901) of “seed” (2233) can, and will, turn into “sheaves” (485). We have a song we sing that implies bringing in the sheaves is the produce of evangelism. Here it is the blessings of life in general.<br /><br />So? Hang in there. Be faithful. He will be. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-16391019470930813842024-03-05T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-05T02:00:00.135-08:00 A Choir of Three <p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Rev 3:20 KJV) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.</b></span><br /><br />(Proverbs 5 also read)<br /><br />The bulletin said “men’s choir”. When they assembled it had three members. Where I come from that is a trio but this is Texas. That is unimportant. They sang “Since Jesus Came into My Heart”. It is an old stand-by that means a lot to people who grew up in churches that loved to sing. As they began I was a bit “ho, hum”. Then I began to listen with my heart as well as my ears.<br /><br />The last few mornings I have been reading over the words to that song and they have been blessing me over and over. God wants to meet us in our time of worship whether that be corporate or individual. He speaks to us in a multitude of ways. When I read the words and compared my hymnal with the one at church I found out mine had five verses as opposed to three. That was an extra bonus.<br /><br />So? Open the ears of your heart and allow God to speak to you. For us older folk that might mean being open to listening to new “stuff”. To youngsters it would be just the opposite. God speaks. We must listen. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-5822769838187906902024-03-04T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-04T02:00:00.145-08:00 Promise or Common Sense<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Psa 122:6 KJV) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.</b></span><br /><br />(Proverbs 4 also read)<br /><br />This is a verse that we hear quoted a lot, or at least I do. It is used to express support for Israel. As I was reading through today I found myself wondering is this is one of those verses that only applied to ancient Israel or was it still a promise.<br /><br />I was thinking that Jerusalem was the site of the Temple but if this was written by David the temple had not been built yet. Since this Psalm does not have an author indicated and we know that Solomon wrote at least one Psalm, it is possible that the presence of the Temple is key. <br /><br />So? Whether this is a promise or not, it is still something that we should be doing. Jerusalem is in the Middle East. The Middle East has the potential to pull world powers into war the way the Balkans did in World War I. We should indeed be praying for the peace of Jerusalem. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-71523234022376628012024-03-03T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-03T02:00:00.142-08:00 The Theology of Punctuation<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Psa 121:1 KJV) A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.</b></span><br /><br />(Proverbs 3 also read)<br /><br />There are places where the KJV misses it but we are so used to it and in love with the poetic nature that we don’t stop to think. This is one of those. Do you see the difference in this verse?<br /></p><blockquote><i>(Psa 121:1 NAS77) A Song of Ascents. I Will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come?</i></blockquote>Most of the modern translations make the second part of this verse a question. That becomes obviously necessary when you read the next verse.<br /><blockquote><i>(Psa 121:2 KJV) My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.</i></blockquote>If you are stating that your help comes from the mountains then why are you saying it comes from the Lord. A little reading of the OT will let you see the constant problem Israel had with the “high places”. These were substitute worship centers that God had demanded to be destroyed. We find that king after king did not do so.<br /><br />So? The hills may be alive with the sound of music. Nature may inspire you and remind you of your creator. Never forget that they are reminders. God is our source and His written word is our most precious physical resource. <br /><p></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-2245065883725320452024-03-02T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-02T02:00:00.134-08:00 Self Teach<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 2:2 KJV) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;</b></span><br /><br />I have been hearing a lot of sermon reviews lately. I have been hearing comments in response to pod casts and You Tube videos. What hits me is how often the comments reflect how entertaining the speaker was. They will share some amazing insight accompanied by charts, graphs and power point slides and the listener will go, “Wow”. <br /><br />What is happening is that the listener is letting someone else do their thinking for them. We are to seek knowledge by using our own thinking, reading and prayer. The Amplified Bible gets this across by throwing in the words [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly]. In effect they are doing just what the verse says we should not be doing.<br /><br />So? Listen and benefit by the teaching of others but never let it substitute for your own diligent seeking of truth. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-79749036765553104552024-03-01T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-01T02:00:00.146-08:00 De-calcification<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 1:1 KJV) The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;</b></span><br /><br />As I begin Proverbs again, I have decided to read it in the Amplified Bible this month. What caught my attention in the first verse was their explanation of what a proverb was. It calls them (truths obscurely expressed, maxims). Interesting. While they may be obscure, they are also supposed to clarify.<br /><br />It often helps to understand complex issues when we look through the eyes of another or read what they are reading. I know that I enjoy the times that a translation will put things literally. That makes it necessary for my brain to engage. I have to wake up and get off automatic pilot to do that. It is a win/win.<br /><br />So? Maybe it would help if you read in a different translation, not for a permanent thing, but as a way of shaking loose the calcification in the brain. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-32113521381563596902024-02-29T02:00:00.000-08:002024-02-29T02:00:00.141-08:00 A Time for Salt <p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 29:8 KJV) Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise <i>men </i>turn away wrath.</b></span><br /><br />I substituted “nation” for “city” (7151) as I read this. That is natural for us today. We don’t think in terms of cities as our identity as much as states or nations. As we look at the condition of our political systems I think there is much to be worried about. The wrong kind of people are in control. What can we do about it?<br /><br />One recommendation is that we be salt. I know the word is not used here but that is the idea behind the righteous turning away wrath. God eventually has enough and unleashes His wrath on nations and individuals. One of the things that seems to hold back the destruction is a group of faithful believers who are living upright lives. That is the only reason I can think of that He has not brought America to its knees. Of course, that may already be in motion.<br /><br />So? Continue to be faithful. Continue to live an upright life. It may be enough to protect society. It may not. If not, trust that God will have His hand upon us. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-12879301424027150012024-02-28T02:00:00.000-08:002024-02-28T02:00:00.133-08:00 Understand? <p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 28:11 KJV) The rich man <i>is </i>wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.</b></span><br /><br />We live in a day of the oppressed. Our cultural elites want to make us feel guilt over every good thing in our lives and make us give up our sense of self worth for the downtrodden and “poor” (1800b). God also has a concern for the poor but His main concern, I think, is for the righteous poor. That is why this modifier of “hath” (has NASB) is so important. It isn’t enough to be poor. You need to also have insight into the things of God and His principles. Proverbs also teaches that this wisdom is available to anyone regardless of income or social status.<br /><br />So? Don’t get all weepy eyed over those who are down and out. There may be something you can do to help but often their condition is a result of their own decisions and a refusal to live upright lives. You also need understanding to have the discernment to know the difference. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-9276736829720417992024-02-27T02:00:00.000-08:002024-02-27T02:00:00.151-08:00 Slippery! Beware!<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 27:16 KJV) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, <i>which </i>bewrayeth <i>itself</i>.</b></span><br /><br />Certain relationships and encounters mark us and we can’t hide them. Here the conflict is with a nagging wife. The mark is compared to having “oil” (8081), which is the most common translation of the KJV “ointment” even in the KJV, on your hands. I recently was using some lubricant out of a spray can. In the process it adhered everywhere including the outside of the can. That transferred to my fingers. Once you get oily substances on your fingers it is almost impossible to get rid of them totally. If you are forced into repeated contact, then forget it.<br /><br />So it is in some relationships. Solomon does not offer a simple solution although the next verse talks about iron sharpening iron.<br /><br />So? Accept that your relationships effect you. Be careful whom you rub shoulders with so that you don’t spread what is negative. There are probably times when it is better just to do something in solitude and let your attitude get back in shape. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-11037801936333871252024-02-26T02:00:00.000-08:002024-02-26T02:00:00.132-08:00 Fair Hatred<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 26:25 KJV) When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for <i>there are </i>seven abominations in his heart.</b></span><br /><br />Although the word does not appear in this verse the focal point is on people consumed with hate. We live in a day when the accusation of “hater” is common but as so much goes today it is deceptive in itself. What most people talking about as hate is simply someone who disagrees with them. By the very nature of the deception they become the object they vilify and part of the charade.<br /><br />The warning here is to understand that people filled with hate remain filled with hate no matter how smooth they start talking. They are well schooled to deceive, twist and distort. They have an aversion to righteousness and truth. That is one of the key ways in which our modern culture is working against Jesus: They reject absolute truth and embrace relativity. <br /><br />So? Saturate yourself with the word of God. Let it guide your decisions and your acceptance of the decisions of others. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-50620746921971877532024-02-25T02:00:00.000-08:002024-02-25T02:00:00.142-08:00 Multi-Dimensional <p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Psa 115:9 KJV) O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.</b></span><br /><br />(Proverbs 25 also read)<br /><br />I have a friend who constantly claims that the Old Testament was written to the Jews so it does not speak to us today. He might use a verse like this, where the author addresses Israel to back up his position. Fair enough but keep reading.<br /><br />The next verse moves the focus from Israel to Aaron. Let’s assume that the Israel here is the entire nation, not just the northern kingdom. To whom is he writing when he says “Aaron”? I would have to suggest he is talking about the priests.<br /><br />Then in verse 11 the focus again changes. The target audience in that verse is all people who “fear” (3372a) the Lord. I think this opens it up to the entire world. We see the pattern repeated in verses 12 and 13.<br /><br />So? We need to understand context when we study the Bible. That applies in both the Old and the New. Then we look at what it says and consider what it means. I think we can rest assured that God oversaw the transmission of the entire Bible because it was all meant to be useful to us. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-20808183232789610572024-02-24T02:00:00.000-08:002024-02-24T02:00:00.131-08:00 Get Working<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 24:12 KJV) If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider <i>it</i>? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth <i>not </i>he know <i>it</i>? and shall <i>not </i>he render to <i>every </i>man according to his works?</b></span><br /><br />Recently our pastor’s wife was accused of being a heretic because she believed in a religion of salvation by works. This is a common put-down by people who are immersed in the Calvinistic view of theology. The whole idea of “works” (6467) is condemned wholesale. These people love to quote Ephesians 2:8-9 which points out the place of grace and faith and ignore verse 10 which uses the Greek version of this word “works” in a positive way.<br /><br />To me the Bible is very clear about two things. First, we cannot save ourselves. We cannot earn enough merit to pay for our sin. Salvation only comes because God has graciously sent Jesus as the Perfect Lamb of God to be the sacrifice or propitiation. Second, God expects us to live holy lives in response to that gift. Grace does not rule out works. Grace does not negate works. Even Paul, the Apostle of grace, refers to this.<br /></p><blockquote><i>(2Co 5:10 KJV) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.</i></blockquote>So? Rejoice that God has provided a way to salvation that is not dependent on our hard work and perfection. Be alert to the fact that He expects you to live the life He has made possible. It is not a salvation by works; it is a salvation leading to works. <br /><p></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965212175671650332.post-36006435693948918552024-02-23T02:00:00.000-08:002024-02-23T02:00:00.137-08:00 A Different Type of Eagle Wing<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Pro 23:5 KJV) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for <i>riches </i>certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.</b></span><br /><br />Notice that the word “riches” is not in the original Hebrew at this point. It refers back to the previous verse. The idea is that riches tend to disappear. As an example think of people who have won a big check in the lottery, who receive a large inheritance or some other unearned bit of wealth. What tends to happen? They blow it and end up as poor as before.<br /><br />Many Americans have an income that would put them in the upper class in the third world. I hear about how cheap it is to live in some countries. In spite of that they are one pay check away from disaster. They have no savings. Their credit cards are maxed out. At the same time someone who has limited income has their bills paid and their home paid off. Why? How?<br /><br />People who focus on riches tend to think it is there to spend. So they spend. They figure they will make up for it later but they never do. As a result, it flies away.<br /><br />So? God will meet our needs but we have a part in that formula. It means that we practice stewardship. It means we follow His priorities. It means learning the difference between need and want. Check your bank account as see how you are doing. <br /></p>Pumicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18384572020071079433noreply@blogger.com2