(Proverbs 9:15 KJV) To call passengers who go right on their ways:
Try to understand what people mean when they use special terms. One of the “in” words being tossed about today is “spirituality.” Beware of counterfeit spirituality. It is very popular to talk about being spiritual but it usually has nothing to do with walking with Jesus. It was once a good word that expressed truth but our culture based on relative values instead of truth has perverted it.
The anti-Christian world tries to “call” (calling NASB) (7121) to us. These people and groups have learned that if they use the right lingo they are listened to more often. For us spirituality is being in touch with the Holy Spirit and walking in righteousness. For them it is built on superstition and pagan beliefs. In this chapter we see wisdom and folly. Here we see that folly calls out to us, just as the Holy Spirit does.
So? Learn to listen. If you have trouble discerning truth the first step is to check the measure of truth, the written word of God. Don’t go to some guru even if they are believers. Do your own homework first. Learn to know the voice of the Spirit.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Long Term Investments
(Proverbs 8:21 KJV) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
I love the way the KJV translates this. Compare it to the NASB. In the KJV we will “inherit (5157) substance” (3426). In the NASB we are “endowed with wealth.” Both are walking around the edges of meaning and trying to get it across.
God will “cause to inherit" (endow NASB) (5157) those who follow Him. Let’s focus on that now. An endowment is something of value that will keep giving to provide not only the necessities of life but also the good things. It is a long term investment that continues to produce. In the words of an advertisement it is “the gift that keeps on giving.”
God is concerned about the long haul. He deals in eternity. He is building us up to be saints in His presence forever. Our feelings now are nice but they will pass. Our souls and character will not.
So? Accept the fact that God is working in you and building you for eternal life. Reach out to the long term view and rejoice in the providence of God.
I love the way the KJV translates this. Compare it to the NASB. In the KJV we will “inherit (5157) substance” (3426). In the NASB we are “endowed with wealth.” Both are walking around the edges of meaning and trying to get it across.
God will “cause to inherit" (endow NASB) (5157) those who follow Him. Let’s focus on that now. An endowment is something of value that will keep giving to provide not only the necessities of life but also the good things. It is a long term investment that continues to produce. In the words of an advertisement it is “the gift that keeps on giving.”
God is concerned about the long haul. He deals in eternity. He is building us up to be saints in His presence forever. Our feelings now are nice but they will pass. Our souls and character will not.
So? Accept the fact that God is working in you and building you for eternal life. Reach out to the long term view and rejoice in the providence of God.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Sin Is in the Context
(Proverbs 7:18 KJV) Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
Context is so important. If this were found in the Song of Solomon and he was talking to his wife this would be an awesome statement about the romance in marriage. In this context it is an invitation to Hell. Sin is often a matter of context.
It is not always the action. Talk can be gossip or praise. Eating can to be to the glory of God or to the glory of your stomach. Sex can be the ultimate knowing inside the covenant of marriage or a disaster that ruins lives.
So? Be careful of excuses. Look at your attitudes and reasons for acting. Examine your motives. Be honest about the context. Walk in righteousness, not hypocrisy.
Context is so important. If this were found in the Song of Solomon and he was talking to his wife this would be an awesome statement about the romance in marriage. In this context it is an invitation to Hell. Sin is often a matter of context.
It is not always the action. Talk can be gossip or praise. Eating can to be to the glory of God or to the glory of your stomach. Sex can be the ultimate knowing inside the covenant of marriage or a disaster that ruins lives.
So? Be careful of excuses. Look at your attitudes and reasons for acting. Examine your motives. Be honest about the context. Walk in righteousness, not hypocrisy.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Family Priorities
(Proverbs 6:1 KJV) My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
It would seem that there is a parallel between “friend” (neighbor NASB) (7453) and a “stranger” (2114a). These two words together bring to mind the teaching that Jesus gave in the Parable of the Good Samaritan about “who is my neighbor.” I can’t remember if I touched on this before but it is worth repeating, I think.
Certain words have a general meaning although there are times of exception. “Neighbor” is a word that I think is used in contrast to “brother.” A neighbor is a non-believer. A brother is a believer. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves, as Jesus taught. We are to love our brothers even more.
We live in an affluent age. Even in the current economy we are better off than most people in the world. We have a real responsibility to our “neighbors.” One of the reasons that America is so generous is this Christian teaching which is embedded in our culture.
At the same time we should have priorities. We have a greater responsibility to fellow believers than we do to non-believers.
So? Are their needs in your church? I mean real needs like the father that is out of work for the first time in memory, not the church sponge who always has a hand out. Look, see and give. Be a blessing.
It would seem that there is a parallel between “friend” (neighbor NASB) (7453) and a “stranger” (2114a). These two words together bring to mind the teaching that Jesus gave in the Parable of the Good Samaritan about “who is my neighbor.” I can’t remember if I touched on this before but it is worth repeating, I think.
Certain words have a general meaning although there are times of exception. “Neighbor” is a word that I think is used in contrast to “brother.” A neighbor is a non-believer. A brother is a believer. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves, as Jesus taught. We are to love our brothers even more.
We live in an affluent age. Even in the current economy we are better off than most people in the world. We have a real responsibility to our “neighbors.” One of the reasons that America is so generous is this Christian teaching which is embedded in our culture.
At the same time we should have priorities. We have a greater responsibility to fellow believers than we do to non-believers.
So? Are their needs in your church? I mean real needs like the father that is out of work for the first time in memory, not the church sponge who always has a hand out. Look, see and give. Be a blessing.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Oil Consumption
(Proverbs 5:3 KJV) For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
This is the same word for “oil” (8081) that is used about contentious women being hard to deal with (Proverbs 27:15-16). The word is defined literally as “fat, oil” but when you look at the different uses and nuances you find that this oil is used for food preparation, medication, ointments, lamps, and for anointing. Do you notice what is missing for us modern folks? Lubrication, but they probably used it for that too.
The point I am making today is that we need to think “outside the box.” What words mean to us may be totally different than their original meaning. Since the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit we can still receive meaningful teaching but learn to look beyond the surface. One of the steps of preparing to teach the word is to ask yourself, “What did this mean to the people in that day?” It isn’t a bad step for personal study and worship either.
So? Don’t forget to think today. It may be painful but it never hurts.
This is the same word for “oil” (8081) that is used about contentious women being hard to deal with (Proverbs 27:15-16). The word is defined literally as “fat, oil” but when you look at the different uses and nuances you find that this oil is used for food preparation, medication, ointments, lamps, and for anointing. Do you notice what is missing for us modern folks? Lubrication, but they probably used it for that too.
The point I am making today is that we need to think “outside the box.” What words mean to us may be totally different than their original meaning. Since the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit we can still receive meaningful teaching but learn to look beyond the surface. One of the steps of preparing to teach the word is to ask yourself, “What did this mean to the people in that day?” It isn’t a bad step for personal study and worship either.
So? Don’t forget to think today. It may be painful but it never hurts.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Tech Mixup
The post for today came up on September 29. I am sure it couldn't have been my mistake. ;). Technology is wonderful when it works and when we press the right buttons.
Grace and peace.
Grace and peace.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Games People Play
(Proverbs 3:28 KJV) Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
We should be the kind of people that everyone wants living next door. We should be the kind that never plays games with people. The person described in this verse is getting a Power Rush. He is getting a chance to mess with someone just because he can. Have you ever met someone who has done that? Has that person ever been you?
God is not pleased. God is not mocked.
There are times when it is legitimate to say, “Tomorrow.” Make sure you are doing what is really best for your neighbor. Make sure you are doing what is best for the homeless man with his hand out. Make sure you are doing what is best for you in God’s eyes.
So? Sometimes it means “Yes.” Sometimes it means “No.” Usually you will know which will put a smile on God’s face.
We should be the kind of people that everyone wants living next door. We should be the kind that never plays games with people. The person described in this verse is getting a Power Rush. He is getting a chance to mess with someone just because he can. Have you ever met someone who has done that? Has that person ever been you?
God is not pleased. God is not mocked.
There are times when it is legitimate to say, “Tomorrow.” Make sure you are doing what is really best for your neighbor. Make sure you are doing what is best for the homeless man with his hand out. Make sure you are doing what is best for you in God’s eyes.
So? Sometimes it means “Yes.” Sometimes it means “No.” Usually you will know which will put a smile on God’s face.
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