Hang-Outs

(Psa 120:6 KJV)  My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

This Psalm is a reflection of how the author’s actions are so at odds with his desire.  In this verse he comes to one of the big reasons why he was having trouble:  His choice of friends.

When you hang around with people of a certain mindset you make accommodations.  You might remain silent when you should speak up.  You might tone down what you really believe.  Over a period of time this could well influence what you are really thinking and feeling.

So?  Pick your friends and associates wisely.  It may be necessary to think about looking for a different place to work.  It may cause you to avoid certain family get togethers.  Spiritual growth demands some hard choices and that more often than we like. 

Study to Pass the Bar

(Psa 119:97 KJV)  MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

We need to develop a “love” (157) affair with the “law” (8451) [torah].  Yes, I know what Paul had to say about the law but that was a warning about making the law about man-made efforts to earn our salvation.  Notice that this verse is not talking about the struggle to achieve an impossible standard.  That is not the attitude at all.  This is the response of the heart that Paul is talking about when we are controlled by the Spirit.  

We also need to make sure our minds are engaged.  One of the points we need to consider is to ask ourselves what parts of the Law are worthy of our love and meditation.  I don’t think it takes long to run through the long list of people that you are not to commit adultery with.  I don’t think it requires a detailed study of mixing fibers in our clothing.  I do think that we could spend a lot more time dwelling on the first commandment.

So?  Once you have been saved by grace it is time to engage your mind and develop your spiritual muscle by focusing on the Torah.  God speaks through His word and part of that is in the books of the Law. 

Today’s Headlines

(Pro 28:21 KJV)  To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

If there is any place in the Bible that would get you rejected, or cancelled in today’s jargon, it is this verse.  With all of the politically correct nonsense going on the believer should be standing up repeatedly and saying, “Not on my watch.”  Instead we seem to be going to sensitivity training and buying the whole litany of preferences.  The word for the day is intersectionality.  What it means is that you check off all the boxes that represent repression in your life and the more checks you get, the more worthy you are of special privileges.  

This is the opposite of God’s way of looking at things.   This literally means not to take into consideration the face of the person you are dealing with.  It is about treating each other fairly and honestly according to standards that do not change based on melanin or sexual confusion.

So?  Stand up and be counted before you no longer have a place to stand. 

Keep It Simple

(Pro 27:21 KJV)  As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

I have a hard time with people saying nice things about me.  I never know how to respond.  If I reject their kind words it might seem like I am rejecting them.  They could be just trying to be kind.  A new bride who never had to cook and feels she must do so now might need some kind words even though you both know they are not deserved.  

I also don’t know how to offer a good word.  I want to be sincere but sometimes it is hard to find anything positive to say.  A three year old singing a song that you don’t understand is easy to “praise” (4110) with enthusiasm.  When they are 25 and try the same thing it is hard to find something nice.  I remember at summer camp when we were trying to help a shy young friend about how to compliment a girl he like, the best we could come up with was, “I really like the way you hold your fork.”  Honest but not helpful.

So?  A simple thank you is always appropriate as response.  In fact it can be also used in place of praise.  Instead of saying, “That was very nice” just say, “Thank you” and leave it at that.

One of the Sure Things

(Psa 116:15 KJV)  Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

As I began reading Psalm 116 my mind was on death.  One of the fixtures in our church left to be with Jesus.  I did not know him well.  His mind was not as sharp as he wanted.  He did not have a bold and aggressive step any more.  In the midst of that he always seemed to have a cheerful demeanor.  At his worse moments he was a positive presence.

No more.

As I worshiped and thought about the God we serve I was almost overwhelmed with joy at the prospects of eternity.  I don’t know if you have been to Forest Lawn in the Los Angeles area but they have this one building sized painting of the resurrection.  You sit down facing a curtain and the turn out the lights.  The next thing you know there is a spot light illuminated the empty tomb.  Before the presentation is over you have a massive, heavenly host revealed, fading into the distance.  

We will be a part of that.

So?  Physical death happens.  I could go any day.  So could you.  It is so reassuring to know I am ready.  Although I will regret being parted from my grandchildren, I rejoice in the eventual reunion.  It is a sure thing. 

A Different Plan

(Pro 25:21 KJV)  If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

This is a real issue for today.  We are living in a time where Jesus is under attack both from the world and inside the organized church.  One of the things I have noticed that the world and the pseudo-church have in common is their willingness to lie to win.  You might even think they believe they speak truth but there will be a level where they knowingly twist the truth in order to get their victory.  They are evil and they are the enemies of the cross.  In a very real sense that means they are our enemies also.

This is a real conundrum for us today.  It is difficult because of the witness of the Bible from page to page.  This verse is close to the middle.  This does not mean we do not work to defeat evil.  It does mean that there are certain ground rules we must follow.  It is this kind of thinking that formed the foundation for the Geneva Conventions and the rules of warfare that deal with how we treat prisoners of war.  It was violating this that marked one of the obvious differences between the Christian West and the Socialist East.

So?  We have enemies.  We cannot surrender to their program.  At the same time, we must adhere to the standards of God in the battle.  We are called to be different. 

If It Ain’t Broke, You Can’t Fix It

(Pro 24:21 KJV)  My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

The word “meddle” (associate NASB) (6148) is important here.  In English this has almost a casual assumption.  You have a casual conversation and feel you are associating with someone.  You stick your nose in where it does not belong and you are accused of meddling.

The word goes deeper than that.  A common translation is to “go surety” or to co-sign on a loan.  It means making an investment, a commitment and working to see the end achieved.  Notice that this is not a good thing.  The problem is the goal you are investing in.  As Christians we are to seek holiness, follow the path of righteousness, seek truth and generally live upright lives based on the standards of God.  We are not supposed to focus our lives on the new and innovative.

So?  Work on your priorities.  Do a little budget and see where you spend your money.  Try a time log and see where you invest your time.  Adjust as necessary.