"Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee." (S.O.S. 1:3)
To be frank, this is something that gets right down to the basics of what it means to walk in the Spirit, as opposed to those that allow themselves to walk in the flesh. Don't quite see how yet to prove what it is, at least not yet; but this much I know, the "virgins" represent those that are virgins, which basically means that they are undefiled; and, without question, are in love with His anointing!
I can recall how it was the first couple years of my walk. If I remember right, the numbers of times that I rededicated my life seemed so numerous that I lost track. I couldn't quite figure out why I kept stumbling and failing to give in to sin; so I thought I just needed to keep going forward when an alter call was offered; as if there was more saving that needed to be done.
If there is one thing that I learned, if you sin once, it isn't all that hard to sin again; and if you sin more often, it becomes harder and harder to stop! I guess the point in that, just in case you might have been wondering where that is going: You must remain a virgin!
Fortunately for those of us that are in Christ, we have the opportunity to be revirginized! You might not think that is possible; sadly, I personally know a few people that don't. But you must know that it is amazingly true: God can wipe away every sin, which makes you clean again! Then do you know what you get to become? Yep, you got it: You become a virgin again; which means you can walk in the Spirit and disregard the flesh, not giving into your fleshly desires because you have been made clean and fresh.
It is really not that easy, but then again, it really is! We don't know how easy it is because we won't give it the chance. That was the point God was making to Cain: we must rule over sin, not allow sin to rule over us! Sadly, it is easier to give in then it is to fight; so we end up making up something called a compromise: which is the other thing that God mentioned to Cain, that was crouching at the door! It was couching at the door because there was a door!
We need to make sure that the door does not exist! Don't let there be a door; because a door is the way we make it the option to surrender over to our flesh. If that door is God's grace, for example, then that door needs to be moved to the other side: instead to going back, it needs to go forward; the direction that God's grace goes, to glory and righteousness...
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into his place of underserved privilege where we stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory." (Romans 5:1-2) NLT
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Saturday, May 30, 2020
"More Than Words"
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine." (S.O.S 1:2)
Sometimes it takes something more than just a word to change the human heart. It is a shame that is the way it is, but, it just is what it is. I can't help but think of Cain, as he listened to God's words about what he must do to control his anger; anger that was brought on by his feeling of unhappiness, which was the result of rejection; rejection that was the result from doing that which was wrong. God's words to Cain were: "Why are you so angry? Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." (Genesis 4:6-7 NLT)
Pretty reasonable words of wisdom, that should be easy to understand; that is if someone wanted to listen to what God had to say. However, Cain was not interested, because Cain had become let himself have a hostile attitude towards God; his brother Able had become collateral damage. Strange as it might sound, but true: like that old adage about kicking the cat. You can't take on the boss, so you take out your frustrations on your co-worker; or in Cain's case, your brother!
If you most know, this is something more than words; this is about the heart that wants to feel loved. For what it's worth, you could almost flip these two thoughts around, to make better sense of what it is that I am getting at. As I said in the beginning, prior to accepting Jesus into my heart, my reading the Bible was more about something else other than being spoken to; it was more about what I had to say than what God was saying to me. But after I discovered His love for me, His Word came alive in me, and every single syllable caught my attention!
Like keys on a piano, each and every part of every sentence was another kiss to my ear; and His Word went from something that I could just read, into something that could read me, and I loved it! And, do you know why I loved it? Because it shows me that He loves me! No one can know me like He knows me; but greater than that, no one could love me, like He loves me; especially not after knowing all that He knows.
Whether you are a new believer, or you have been a believer for many decades, we are all one in Christ; there are no differences between the Spirit that lives within us, but there are many differences in the hearts of each and every one of us; no two are alike, and everyone has had their own journey. So, to be united together as one, there is only One! Highly unlikely that makes too much of a difference...
"When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God's written law. And the Jews, who do have God's law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. And this is the message I proclaim -that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life." (Romans 2:12-16) NLT
Sometimes it takes something more than just a word to change the human heart. It is a shame that is the way it is, but, it just is what it is. I can't help but think of Cain, as he listened to God's words about what he must do to control his anger; anger that was brought on by his feeling of unhappiness, which was the result of rejection; rejection that was the result from doing that which was wrong. God's words to Cain were: "Why are you so angry? Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." (Genesis 4:6-7 NLT)
Pretty reasonable words of wisdom, that should be easy to understand; that is if someone wanted to listen to what God had to say. However, Cain was not interested, because Cain had become let himself have a hostile attitude towards God; his brother Able had become collateral damage. Strange as it might sound, but true: like that old adage about kicking the cat. You can't take on the boss, so you take out your frustrations on your co-worker; or in Cain's case, your brother!
If you most know, this is something more than words; this is about the heart that wants to feel loved. For what it's worth, you could almost flip these two thoughts around, to make better sense of what it is that I am getting at. As I said in the beginning, prior to accepting Jesus into my heart, my reading the Bible was more about something else other than being spoken to; it was more about what I had to say than what God was saying to me. But after I discovered His love for me, His Word came alive in me, and every single syllable caught my attention!
Like keys on a piano, each and every part of every sentence was another kiss to my ear; and His Word went from something that I could just read, into something that could read me, and I loved it! And, do you know why I loved it? Because it shows me that He loves me! No one can know me like He knows me; but greater than that, no one could love me, like He loves me; especially not after knowing all that He knows.
Whether you are a new believer, or you have been a believer for many decades, we are all one in Christ; there are no differences between the Spirit that lives within us, but there are many differences in the hearts of each and every one of us; no two are alike, and everyone has had their own journey. So, to be united together as one, there is only One! Highly unlikely that makes too much of a difference...
"When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God's written law. And the Jews, who do have God's law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. And this is the message I proclaim -that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life." (Romans 2:12-16) NLT
Friday, May 29, 2020
"Unforgettable"
"For your love is sweeter than wine." (S.O.S. 1:2b) NLT
From time to time we might get a little caught up in this world, whether it be because of work or for pleasure; but much like the case of the prodigal son, when we come to our senses, we remember where it is that we need to be. It's good to be loved; and when the One that loves you is the One that made you, what greater love could a broken thing ever have!
That is exactly the point, just in case you might have missed it; we are more than a thing! God knows us inside and out; He knows our rising up, our laying down; He knows every single thought we think, which is pretty scary, if you stop and think about it. But that is exactly why His love is sweeter than wine; because those that use wine for intoxication, they do so in order to feel better, and usually, it is to feel better about themselves.
But God loves us despite ourselves! He will not give up on us, no matter what, because His love endures above all measure and despite anything we might ever feel or think we feel; even when we might not even feel anything at all! I can only hope and pray that I never forget that, because it seems more and more, that some of us have.
This is about something that is undeniable and that the world can never give us. Once you have tasted what God has to offer, you can not, should not, ever go back to being dead and lonely. If that is the case, then there is only one answer to explain your situation: You have left your First Love! Which is a little hard to understand what that might mean, unless you remember when He changed your life. It was that first love that matter more than life itself; the kind of love you just couldn't get enough of and wished it would never end...
"Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." (Romans 6:1-4) NLT
From time to time we might get a little caught up in this world, whether it be because of work or for pleasure; but much like the case of the prodigal son, when we come to our senses, we remember where it is that we need to be. It's good to be loved; and when the One that loves you is the One that made you, what greater love could a broken thing ever have!
That is exactly the point, just in case you might have missed it; we are more than a thing! God knows us inside and out; He knows our rising up, our laying down; He knows every single thought we think, which is pretty scary, if you stop and think about it. But that is exactly why His love is sweeter than wine; because those that use wine for intoxication, they do so in order to feel better, and usually, it is to feel better about themselves.
But God loves us despite ourselves! He will not give up on us, no matter what, because His love endures above all measure and despite anything we might ever feel or think we feel; even when we might not even feel anything at all! I can only hope and pray that I never forget that, because it seems more and more, that some of us have.
This is about something that is undeniable and that the world can never give us. Once you have tasted what God has to offer, you can not, should not, ever go back to being dead and lonely. If that is the case, then there is only one answer to explain your situation: You have left your First Love! Which is a little hard to understand what that might mean, unless you remember when He changed your life. It was that first love that matter more than life itself; the kind of love you just couldn't get enough of and wished it would never end...
"Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." (Romans 6:1-4) NLT
Thursday, May 28, 2020
"Understood"
"Kiss me, and kiss me again," (S.O.S. 1:2a) NLT
Yes, it is a real thing, this special kind of love; and He keeps proving it over and over again! As much as I would like to say I understand it, as soon as I think that I do, I get somehow bewildered and confused by my transgressions. How could He love me? is the thought that enters into my mind, as I am overcome by how unfaithful I can sometimes be.
I used this translation because I think it best describes where many of us find ourselves, as we are continually looking for God to show up again; almost as if we might doubt that we have crossed the line, and He might not feel the same way He once felt for us. We must know that kind of thinking is of the devil, because God's love is not like our love; He does not change His love for us based upon the things that we do, or don't do.
The things that we do are what make us feel or not feel His love, not that His love has changed, but that we might not feel loved because our guilt makes us feel ashamed to be loved. You could relate it to the way two magnets work, if you have ever played with two magnets side by side; one side is attracted to the one side of the other, while the other side will force the other magnet away. God's love would be like a large magnet that does not turn; He is always wanting to attract us to Himself; yet it is we that turn! When we turn one way, as hard as we might try, we cannot attract close enough to get connected; but when we turn the other way, we instantly are attracted and connected, just like that!
If you are looking for an easy answer to this understanding; there is no easier answer than the one right in front of our face: This is a very simple acknowledgment of something that we know we need to experience, time and time again! He is willing, oh so willing: More that we can ever imagine, to have fellowship with us; we just need to turn towards Him with an expectant heart. A heart that knows we do not deserve His love, but that also knows He will never stop loving us.
That kind of love is not based upon what we might do, but is based upon us accepting the love that He offers us, with all of our hearts. If He loved us on that day, then, then He loves us, this day, now...
"But God commanded his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5:8-11)
Yes, it is a real thing, this special kind of love; and He keeps proving it over and over again! As much as I would like to say I understand it, as soon as I think that I do, I get somehow bewildered and confused by my transgressions. How could He love me? is the thought that enters into my mind, as I am overcome by how unfaithful I can sometimes be.
I used this translation because I think it best describes where many of us find ourselves, as we are continually looking for God to show up again; almost as if we might doubt that we have crossed the line, and He might not feel the same way He once felt for us. We must know that kind of thinking is of the devil, because God's love is not like our love; He does not change His love for us based upon the things that we do, or don't do.
The things that we do are what make us feel or not feel His love, not that His love has changed, but that we might not feel loved because our guilt makes us feel ashamed to be loved. You could relate it to the way two magnets work, if you have ever played with two magnets side by side; one side is attracted to the one side of the other, while the other side will force the other magnet away. God's love would be like a large magnet that does not turn; He is always wanting to attract us to Himself; yet it is we that turn! When we turn one way, as hard as we might try, we cannot attract close enough to get connected; but when we turn the other way, we instantly are attracted and connected, just like that!
If you are looking for an easy answer to this understanding; there is no easier answer than the one right in front of our face: This is a very simple acknowledgment of something that we know we need to experience, time and time again! He is willing, oh so willing: More that we can ever imagine, to have fellowship with us; we just need to turn towards Him with an expectant heart. A heart that knows we do not deserve His love, but that also knows He will never stop loving us.
That kind of love is not based upon what we might do, but is based upon us accepting the love that He offers us, with all of our hearts. If He loved us on that day, then, then He loves us, this day, now...
"But God commanded his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5:8-11)
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
"Young Woman
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured fourth, therefore do the virgins love thee. Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers:" (S.O.S 1:2-4a)
So now that a let the cat out of the bag, it is a little more real to me that I might be in this way over my head! Nonetheless, I feel a strange peace about it, as if there is more to this journey then I could have ever imagined.
When I first asked Jesus into my heart, I understood the change in me was not my own doing. Don't ask me how, because I really don't know how to explain it; all that I know, is that there was a sense of freedom I experienced, even though in reality I was still locked up in a detention facility. It was as if I was experiencing something that made being there unimportant, because now I had something great and exciting to do and look forward to: Hearing from the Lord!
The very first thing that I accomplished doing, was to get a full version of the Bible. I remember it very well, it was a paperback version of the N.I.V. edition which featured a picture of young adults on the cover that looked as if they were enjoying sharing God's Word together. Prior to that, I only had a Gideon's New Testament Bible; the little green one that could be placed in your pocket.
For the first three months of my incarceration I had probable gone from cover to cover at least twelve times; probably even more, because it was something I did whenever I had some idle time, which was quite a lot! After getting saved, it still was something I held onto, but I needed to read more; I needed to know everything I could about this wonderful love that God had for me.
What was more amazing than anything else, was the fact that His word came alive; all those verses I had read over and over before, they were now making sense and connecting to my heart. It was as if there was a new and exciting message that was sitting right before me; one that gave me pleasure to read, not just for passing time, but because it was feeding my soul.
What made it even more exciting, was the ability to share what I was reading; especially when it came to sharing about Jesus Christ; who He was, what He did for me, and why it was so vital that I make it known. The truth about Living Water became abundantly clear, as I experienced His Water flowing in and out of me; this was not something that I was making happen, this was something that I was allowing Him to do in me.
Anywho, I am sure glad I got that off my chest. Maybe now I can see what this kiss stuff is all about...
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)
So now that a let the cat out of the bag, it is a little more real to me that I might be in this way over my head! Nonetheless, I feel a strange peace about it, as if there is more to this journey then I could have ever imagined.
When I first asked Jesus into my heart, I understood the change in me was not my own doing. Don't ask me how, because I really don't know how to explain it; all that I know, is that there was a sense of freedom I experienced, even though in reality I was still locked up in a detention facility. It was as if I was experiencing something that made being there unimportant, because now I had something great and exciting to do and look forward to: Hearing from the Lord!
The very first thing that I accomplished doing, was to get a full version of the Bible. I remember it very well, it was a paperback version of the N.I.V. edition which featured a picture of young adults on the cover that looked as if they were enjoying sharing God's Word together. Prior to that, I only had a Gideon's New Testament Bible; the little green one that could be placed in your pocket.
For the first three months of my incarceration I had probable gone from cover to cover at least twelve times; probably even more, because it was something I did whenever I had some idle time, which was quite a lot! After getting saved, it still was something I held onto, but I needed to read more; I needed to know everything I could about this wonderful love that God had for me.
What was more amazing than anything else, was the fact that His word came alive; all those verses I had read over and over before, they were now making sense and connecting to my heart. It was as if there was a new and exciting message that was sitting right before me; one that gave me pleasure to read, not just for passing time, but because it was feeding my soul.
What made it even more exciting, was the ability to share what I was reading; especially when it came to sharing about Jesus Christ; who He was, what He did for me, and why it was so vital that I make it known. The truth about Living Water became abundantly clear, as I experienced His Water flowing in and out of me; this was not something that I was making happen, this was something that I was allowing Him to do in me.
Anywho, I am sure glad I got that off my chest. Maybe now I can see what this kiss stuff is all about...
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
"The First Song"
"Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish." (Proverbs 12:1)
The way I have been led to proceed, is to first break this down by the Song; as mentioned, there are six songs in all, all of different lengths and spaced separately than the chapter breaks. Secondly, to follow the leading of those that will be speaking; which is the three main characters, the Young Woman, the Women of Jerusalem, and the Young man.
As a format for discussion, I will be starting each with character introduction; which will be only at their first appearance, with some exceptions, totally and completely dependent upon the Spirit's leading. I anticipate that there is going to be some backtracking, as there are always certain things that happen in the past to influence the future. After all, I firmly believe that this S.O.S will be very closely related to a very famous Book of the New Testament; both of which are spoken of as great works of art; but, is it any wonder, because we know that the Author is God! He just happens to use us to speak, sometimes shout, His words.
This First Song goes from verse 1:2 through verse 2:7; with several breaks, based upon who it is that is speaking. The first and second song will be separated during the middle of a conversation that the Young Woman is having, which is the only time there will be that occurrence; all the other Songs are ended and finished between the characters.
If there is one thing that I want to share, it is the meaning of this opening verse above and why it is so important to consider going forward, especially for myself: we must be willing to listen, with the intention to obey, to whatever the Holy Spirit says! Everything we do or say in this life is based upon choices, some good, and some bad; but if we are being led by the Holy Spirit, there will be less chance for mistakes, that much I guarantee you!
In case you have not caught on yet, the Book is Romans; a letter of Paul's to the Romans; which has been called the "most profound work in existence." In it Paul declares something that is extraordinary and supernatural; something which cannot to understood or realized until it has been lived and tried, tested and endured. Although we can read it, sometimes over and over, it does not become real until we actually live it out and experience it on our own...
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1-7)
The way I have been led to proceed, is to first break this down by the Song; as mentioned, there are six songs in all, all of different lengths and spaced separately than the chapter breaks. Secondly, to follow the leading of those that will be speaking; which is the three main characters, the Young Woman, the Women of Jerusalem, and the Young man.
As a format for discussion, I will be starting each with character introduction; which will be only at their first appearance, with some exceptions, totally and completely dependent upon the Spirit's leading. I anticipate that there is going to be some backtracking, as there are always certain things that happen in the past to influence the future. After all, I firmly believe that this S.O.S will be very closely related to a very famous Book of the New Testament; both of which are spoken of as great works of art; but, is it any wonder, because we know that the Author is God! He just happens to use us to speak, sometimes shout, His words.
This First Song goes from verse 1:2 through verse 2:7; with several breaks, based upon who it is that is speaking. The first and second song will be separated during the middle of a conversation that the Young Woman is having, which is the only time there will be that occurrence; all the other Songs are ended and finished between the characters.
If there is one thing that I want to share, it is the meaning of this opening verse above and why it is so important to consider going forward, especially for myself: we must be willing to listen, with the intention to obey, to whatever the Holy Spirit says! Everything we do or say in this life is based upon choices, some good, and some bad; but if we are being led by the Holy Spirit, there will be less chance for mistakes, that much I guarantee you!
In case you have not caught on yet, the Book is Romans; a letter of Paul's to the Romans; which has been called the "most profound work in existence." In it Paul declares something that is extraordinary and supernatural; something which cannot to understood or realized until it has been lived and tried, tested and endured. Although we can read it, sometimes over and over, it does not become real until we actually live it out and experience it on our own...
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1-7)
Monday, May 25, 2020
"The Structure"
"The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth." (Ecclesiastes 12:10)
The way this Book, S.O.S., is broken up in my Bible, it has Six Songs; the first of which is from Verse 1:2 through Verse 2:7. The New Living Translation has it broken up by those that are doing to speaking, of three characters: Young Woman, Young Women of Jerusalem, and Young Man.
Regardless of the structure, the text remains the same, and should be studied the same: "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." (Isaiah 28:10) In other words, whatever you take away from any part of this, regardless of what your meaning or interpretation might be, it must line up with Scripture; God does not and will not contradict Himself, He does not change, and He will not be wrong!
That said, there are so many different kinds a situations and issues that certain Scripture can be used for, as long as the meaning fits and does not get used out of context. People will still do it, and they always have; even the devil, who Jesus referred to as the father of lies, has used Scripture to his advantage to deceive and trick people into believing a lie; some of which are people that have been strong and wise, as we shall soon see.
Again, I must take this opportunity to remind myself, as well as anyone following this blog: this is meant to be a Living Journal; something that I am trying to write to myself, and at the same time, putting what is written, in real time, out there for anyone to see. It has it's good days and bad, much like is to be expected; but for the most part, I believe it has ministered to me and given me a certain structure in my commitment to meet with the Lord every single day.
If the was one thing I remember about that little book, "My Heart, Christ's Home," was how the Lord was waiting every morning by the fire to have fellowship, and yet, some mornings He would be left there sitting all alone. I do not want to miss a single morning or a single chance to hear His voice. No matter what it is that I might make of it, I must continue to want to learn!
I pray that anyone who might be following this has the same thing in mind; not that there is anything groundbreaking that is excepted, but sometimes learning involves remembering, and remembering causes use to pay attention; and when we pay attention, we actually can hear! There is a sharp contrast between the way the devil communicates and the way God does: the devil will use our eyes, but God will use our ears...
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17)
The way this Book, S.O.S., is broken up in my Bible, it has Six Songs; the first of which is from Verse 1:2 through Verse 2:7. The New Living Translation has it broken up by those that are doing to speaking, of three characters: Young Woman, Young Women of Jerusalem, and Young Man.
Regardless of the structure, the text remains the same, and should be studied the same: "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." (Isaiah 28:10) In other words, whatever you take away from any part of this, regardless of what your meaning or interpretation might be, it must line up with Scripture; God does not and will not contradict Himself, He does not change, and He will not be wrong!
That said, there are so many different kinds a situations and issues that certain Scripture can be used for, as long as the meaning fits and does not get used out of context. People will still do it, and they always have; even the devil, who Jesus referred to as the father of lies, has used Scripture to his advantage to deceive and trick people into believing a lie; some of which are people that have been strong and wise, as we shall soon see.
Again, I must take this opportunity to remind myself, as well as anyone following this blog: this is meant to be a Living Journal; something that I am trying to write to myself, and at the same time, putting what is written, in real time, out there for anyone to see. It has it's good days and bad, much like is to be expected; but for the most part, I believe it has ministered to me and given me a certain structure in my commitment to meet with the Lord every single day.
If the was one thing I remember about that little book, "My Heart, Christ's Home," was how the Lord was waiting every morning by the fire to have fellowship, and yet, some mornings He would be left there sitting all alone. I do not want to miss a single morning or a single chance to hear His voice. No matter what it is that I might make of it, I must continue to want to learn!
I pray that anyone who might be following this has the same thing in mind; not that there is anything groundbreaking that is excepted, but sometimes learning involves remembering, and remembering causes use to pay attention; and when we pay attention, we actually can hear! There is a sharp contrast between the way the devil communicates and the way God does: the devil will use our eyes, but God will use our ears...
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17)
Sunday, May 24, 2020
"The S.O.S." -2
"This is Solomon's song of songs, more wonderful than any other." (S.O.S. 1:1) NLT
Because there is always going to be a war going on between the flesh and the Spirit, until we are given our new glorified bodies, we are called to be soldiers for Christ. This does not mean that we are called to fight this world, that battle belongs to the Lord; but it does mean that we are meant to fight worldliness within ourselves, our families, and our churches. This is not a battle of the flesh, but a spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of the church; and, least we forget, that battle starts at home, first and foremost within ourselves! Something I pray more and more to pay close attention to.
Don't ask me why, but the older I get, the more clearly I see the battle within; it seems my most used prayer during the day, is actually a groaning within me, saying, "Help me Jesus!" Call it despair, or a longing that it will just soon all be over; but whatever it is, it is something that I know God is working on within me. Personally, I feel it is the Holy Spirit that is pricking my heart, letting me know the seriousness of what it means to be separate from this world; because it seems more and more easy to see, as Paul calls it, "see through the glass, darkly."
The contrast between light and dark should be more than apparent; it should be bold and loud, with a great difference which is easy to determine; something that we don't need to pray about, because it is so apparently not in line with the Word of God. If you want to get right down to it, the "glass" that Paul is speaking about is somehow connected with love; love for God, which means loving all that God loves and forsaking those things which He hates.
There is the number one problem we constantly come across, over and over, forsaking those things that God hates. Hate is such a big word, we seldom choose to associate it with God or anything to do with God, because God is all about love. Obviously such thinking does not consider the punishment that Jesus took on the cross; because God hated sin so much, He was willing to destroy it with such a great cost! If only we could see through that glass as clearly as He did, then we might better learn what it means to soldier up...
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." (2 Timothy 2:3-4)
Because there is always going to be a war going on between the flesh and the Spirit, until we are given our new glorified bodies, we are called to be soldiers for Christ. This does not mean that we are called to fight this world, that battle belongs to the Lord; but it does mean that we are meant to fight worldliness within ourselves, our families, and our churches. This is not a battle of the flesh, but a spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of the church; and, least we forget, that battle starts at home, first and foremost within ourselves! Something I pray more and more to pay close attention to.
Don't ask me why, but the older I get, the more clearly I see the battle within; it seems my most used prayer during the day, is actually a groaning within me, saying, "Help me Jesus!" Call it despair, or a longing that it will just soon all be over; but whatever it is, it is something that I know God is working on within me. Personally, I feel it is the Holy Spirit that is pricking my heart, letting me know the seriousness of what it means to be separate from this world; because it seems more and more easy to see, as Paul calls it, "see through the glass, darkly."
The contrast between light and dark should be more than apparent; it should be bold and loud, with a great difference which is easy to determine; something that we don't need to pray about, because it is so apparently not in line with the Word of God. If you want to get right down to it, the "glass" that Paul is speaking about is somehow connected with love; love for God, which means loving all that God loves and forsaking those things which He hates.
There is the number one problem we constantly come across, over and over, forsaking those things that God hates. Hate is such a big word, we seldom choose to associate it with God or anything to do with God, because God is all about love. Obviously such thinking does not consider the punishment that Jesus took on the cross; because God hated sin so much, He was willing to destroy it with such a great cost! If only we could see through that glass as clearly as He did, then we might better learn what it means to soldier up...
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." (2 Timothy 2:3-4)
Saturday, May 23, 2020
"The S.O.S."
"The song of songs, which is Solomon's. (The Song of Songs 1:1)
As I said, the reference will be S.O.S. throughout this little journey, as it is important to get right to the point of what I believe this Book represents; and yes, I will be doing everything that I can to do this with an open mind and a heart eager to listen. Save Our Souls, for those that may not know, is what SOS means and why it is the code for distress, mostly for those that were out to sea and caught in something that they feared they might not survive through.
To make something right, sometimes the right is not good enough. It hurts to think of that, but that is the way the cookie crumbles; you just can't put that cookie back together again! But God, who has the power to do anything and everything, He takes the ashes and turns them into beauty; which basically means that He can take what is left from everything that is burned up, and He can turn into a thing that He can use for His glory! After all, that is where everything is beautiful: His Glory!
I am under the belief that this was penned after Solomon had written Ecclesiastes; primarily for the reason that I had stated above; not that this song was the way he might right his wrong, because that was his purpose for Ecclesiastes: this was the Song to celebrate what God was showing and speaking into his heart during the process in written that, "The Words of the Preacher." Which is an odd sort of way to start something, unless that is you are meaning to preach.
For the longest time, I have felt the longing to do just that; however, my life has not felt the least bit clean enough, at least in my our heart, to preach to anyone. (Just so you know where I am coming from and how this relates.) Sometimes those that preach the hardest, need to be preached to the hardest; in other words, they are just saying those things that they are most familiar with and know all to well.
If there is one thing we must never ever forget: God saves sinners! What that actually means, if you don't already know: He saves those that know that they need to be saved; those that will actually call out to Him to save their soul...
""And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he have his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."" (John 3:14-18)
As I said, the reference will be S.O.S. throughout this little journey, as it is important to get right to the point of what I believe this Book represents; and yes, I will be doing everything that I can to do this with an open mind and a heart eager to listen. Save Our Souls, for those that may not know, is what SOS means and why it is the code for distress, mostly for those that were out to sea and caught in something that they feared they might not survive through.
To make something right, sometimes the right is not good enough. It hurts to think of that, but that is the way the cookie crumbles; you just can't put that cookie back together again! But God, who has the power to do anything and everything, He takes the ashes and turns them into beauty; which basically means that He can take what is left from everything that is burned up, and He can turn into a thing that He can use for His glory! After all, that is where everything is beautiful: His Glory!
I am under the belief that this was penned after Solomon had written Ecclesiastes; primarily for the reason that I had stated above; not that this song was the way he might right his wrong, because that was his purpose for Ecclesiastes: this was the Song to celebrate what God was showing and speaking into his heart during the process in written that, "The Words of the Preacher." Which is an odd sort of way to start something, unless that is you are meaning to preach.
For the longest time, I have felt the longing to do just that; however, my life has not felt the least bit clean enough, at least in my our heart, to preach to anyone. (Just so you know where I am coming from and how this relates.) Sometimes those that preach the hardest, need to be preached to the hardest; in other words, they are just saying those things that they are most familiar with and know all to well.
If there is one thing we must never ever forget: God saves sinners! What that actually means, if you don't already know: He saves those that know that they need to be saved; those that will actually call out to Him to save their soul...
""And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he have his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."" (John 3:14-18)
Friday, May 22, 2020
"THE SONG OF SOLOMON"
"The song of songs, which is Solomon's" (S.O.S. 1:1)
Regardless what you might think, the best bit of advice we can have regarding this Book, is standing right before us in this opening verse: This is the Best of Songs, and it is Solomon's song! If you are like me, you will understand how disappointed it has been to interpret a certain song that you love, seeing it as something you felt touched you in a certain way, and then hearing the Artist describe what it meant and why they wrote it, and your world just falls apart. Well, don't worry about anything like that happening, because this work of art is meant for so much more than what the Artist created it for; and he knew it!
How could any man have a 1,000 wives, (700 wives and 300 concubines,) and not have several different lives going on in his head! Let alone, what might be going on in his heart! Just so you know, it is said that Solomon composed 1,005 songs; but this is the greatest of all, and then some; which then makes us consider when he might have written this famous piece of work.
Matthew Henry rules out that this song was not written while he was in process of the marriage to Pharaoh's daughter; since the tower of Lebanon mentioned in this song had not yet been built. Many believe it might have been after he had come to his senses, near the end of his life, or when he recovered from backsliding; kind of a proof that he had repented and was trying to right a wrong he had committed.
As previously stated, the song is Solomon's, so we imagine that wisdom was used in putting it together; but more than just that, because it is within the BOOK OF BOOK'S, it's real Author is GOD! So, if you are going to start looking at where any meaning might come from or where it might lead, you had better consider that it is all about JESUS, the Author and Finisher of our faith...
""Search the Scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."" (John 5:39)
Regardless what you might think, the best bit of advice we can have regarding this Book, is standing right before us in this opening verse: This is the Best of Songs, and it is Solomon's song! If you are like me, you will understand how disappointed it has been to interpret a certain song that you love, seeing it as something you felt touched you in a certain way, and then hearing the Artist describe what it meant and why they wrote it, and your world just falls apart. Well, don't worry about anything like that happening, because this work of art is meant for so much more than what the Artist created it for; and he knew it!
How could any man have a 1,000 wives, (700 wives and 300 concubines,) and not have several different lives going on in his head! Let alone, what might be going on in his heart! Just so you know, it is said that Solomon composed 1,005 songs; but this is the greatest of all, and then some; which then makes us consider when he might have written this famous piece of work.
Matthew Henry rules out that this song was not written while he was in process of the marriage to Pharaoh's daughter; since the tower of Lebanon mentioned in this song had not yet been built. Many believe it might have been after he had come to his senses, near the end of his life, or when he recovered from backsliding; kind of a proof that he had repented and was trying to right a wrong he had committed.
As previously stated, the song is Solomon's, so we imagine that wisdom was used in putting it together; but more than just that, because it is within the BOOK OF BOOK'S, it's real Author is GOD! So, if you are going to start looking at where any meaning might come from or where it might lead, you had better consider that it is all about JESUS, the Author and Finisher of our faith...
""Search the Scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."" (John 5:39)
Thursday, May 21, 2020
"A Little Caution"
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." (Proverbs 18:13)
Yes, it needs to be considered: we should never begin anything with a predetermined outcome or pretend that we have anything figured out. As Solomon says, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13) That is not just a good rule for life, for judging anything or anyone; but it is very important that we practice this rule every time we begin to study or explore the Scriptures.
As I have previously said, I have never studied this Book before; so I surely cannot make any kind of logical assessment of what might coming out of this, except to be humble and willing to listen to whole counsel of God! If there is one thing that must be remembered, God's word will not have any contradictions; unlike some might believe, God does not change His mind or learn a new way of doing anything: He does not change!
We, on the other hand, change as often as we want or feel like changing. One moment we can be sure as anything we are saved, and the next, we can feel like we are on the highway to hell. I heard the Graduated Dr. Chuck yesterday, as he was explaining what it means to be assured that we are saved. It really comes down to faith; not faith in ourselves, because that will never provide any sort of security; but faith in the finished work of Jesus! As Chuck put it, 'If there was a sin that we could commit now that would destroy our salvation, then we were never really saved to begin with; we cannot undo our salvation.' (Not a quote!)
I know there is always going to be some disagreement on this matter; but when it comes to what we believe personally, this matter needs to be made assured! You cannot doubt this is true; and if you do, you need to make every effort that you can to erase all doubt! As a matter of fact, this is one of the key parts to "The Armor of God" that Paul speaks about in Ephesians 6; that together with the Sword of the Spirit, the Helmet of Salvation is used to protect our mind from the doubt that will come: without a doubt, it will come! If it could happen to the strongest saint, it can surely happen to you and me...
""My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one."" (John 10:27-30)
Yes, it needs to be considered: we should never begin anything with a predetermined outcome or pretend that we have anything figured out. As Solomon says, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13) That is not just a good rule for life, for judging anything or anyone; but it is very important that we practice this rule every time we begin to study or explore the Scriptures.
As I have previously said, I have never studied this Book before; so I surely cannot make any kind of logical assessment of what might coming out of this, except to be humble and willing to listen to whole counsel of God! If there is one thing that must be remembered, God's word will not have any contradictions; unlike some might believe, God does not change His mind or learn a new way of doing anything: He does not change!
We, on the other hand, change as often as we want or feel like changing. One moment we can be sure as anything we are saved, and the next, we can feel like we are on the highway to hell. I heard the Graduated Dr. Chuck yesterday, as he was explaining what it means to be assured that we are saved. It really comes down to faith; not faith in ourselves, because that will never provide any sort of security; but faith in the finished work of Jesus! As Chuck put it, 'If there was a sin that we could commit now that would destroy our salvation, then we were never really saved to begin with; we cannot undo our salvation.' (Not a quote!)
I know there is always going to be some disagreement on this matter; but when it comes to what we believe personally, this matter needs to be made assured! You cannot doubt this is true; and if you do, you need to make every effort that you can to erase all doubt! As a matter of fact, this is one of the key parts to "The Armor of God" that Paul speaks about in Ephesians 6; that together with the Sword of the Spirit, the Helmet of Salvation is used to protect our mind from the doubt that will come: without a doubt, it will come! If it could happen to the strongest saint, it can surely happen to you and me...
""My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one."" (John 10:27-30)
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
"The Parable"
In keeping in line with what commentators say, the point of agreement between most, is the fact there is no reference to God within the writing; additionally, according to the observation, there is no reference to this Book mentioned in the New Testament writings. As previously mentioned, if this book was found outside of the content of The Bible, it would more than likely be considered nothing more than secular in nature.
As I mentioned yesterday, the description of the "Simple Shepherd" story has grabbed my attention. Not just because it involves, "One True Love," but because there is something that is familiar in the way the "young maiden" is drawn away and captivated by the romance. And, to make matters even more interesting, yesterday I heard several messages that went hand-in-hand with where I think this is going.
The most important thing we have to hold onto in our relationship with God, is that we have been justified in Christ; nothing matters more than that! There is nothing we can do to change what God has done, because God has the final say in every situation; and if God sees you as righteous, then, there it is, you are righteous! He loves you no more or no less than He always has, no matter your current condition!
Additionally, I heard a portion of Pastor Jon's teaching, as he shared something that his wife told him, which was part of his message in what it means to Know your spouse. He was sharing how we can really learn what that actually means by spending time with our wives and reading God's word together, as one; sharing that meal together is the most important meal of any day! In her private time, as she was meditating upon the term, The Joy of the Lord, she had something that was revealed to her that she needed to share with Jon; that it was more than the Lord giving us joy, it was His joy over us that gives us strength!
No matter how much you might think that you love God, you can never ever love Him as much as He loves you...
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21) NLT
As I mentioned yesterday, the description of the "Simple Shepherd" story has grabbed my attention. Not just because it involves, "One True Love," but because there is something that is familiar in the way the "young maiden" is drawn away and captivated by the romance. And, to make matters even more interesting, yesterday I heard several messages that went hand-in-hand with where I think this is going.
The most important thing we have to hold onto in our relationship with God, is that we have been justified in Christ; nothing matters more than that! There is nothing we can do to change what God has done, because God has the final say in every situation; and if God sees you as righteous, then, there it is, you are righteous! He loves you no more or no less than He always has, no matter your current condition!
Additionally, I heard a portion of Pastor Jon's teaching, as he shared something that his wife told him, which was part of his message in what it means to Know your spouse. He was sharing how we can really learn what that actually means by spending time with our wives and reading God's word together, as one; sharing that meal together is the most important meal of any day! In her private time, as she was meditating upon the term, The Joy of the Lord, she had something that was revealed to her that she needed to share with Jon; that it was more than the Lord giving us joy, it was His joy over us that gives us strength!
No matter how much you might think that you love God, you can never ever love Him as much as He loves you...
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21) NLT
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
"The Variations"
To be clear, the sum of all the different variations to, S.O.S., (which is an allegory in and of itself,) can be applied and used as application in each particular case; even those that might seem totally and completely secular in nature; if it is about the love between a husband and wife, then it comes with God's blessing and anointing. There is one variation that grabs my attention, which is the one that sees this as a drama, dealing with three characters: Solomon, a simple country shepherd, and the young maiden. The idea, according to Pastor David, "is that Solomon one day traveled through his kingdom and saw the young maiden and was captivated by her beauty. Though she was betrothed to the simple shepherd, Solomon brought her back to his palace and tried to win her affection with all lavish gifts and loving words. Though her resolve wavered, just before she gave in to Solomon's attention and affection, she fled his palace and went back to her simple shepherd, her true love."
If there is one thing you should know by now, I am more than willing to check out things that seem to stretch the imagination. The reason that this particular version grabs my attention, is based upon the idea, as natural and as easy as it is to be drawn towards, that this variation closely resembles the life of the believer, in that we get so easily drawn away and pulled into the law; yet the Gospel Message is one of simplicity and freedom! Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these to commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)
That said, there is a benefit to reading this as first a song about the love between a husband and wife, and taking in all of it's meanings, some quite illustrative, as they describe all the different practical applications and scenarios involved in keeping a love kindled and never growing apart. The thought in that, is that if you can somehow get past the boundaries of the natural, you can then better see what is revealed in the supernatural. Personally, I like to think it might be fun to bounce around hitting all the notes at once; I really don't know how much longer I have here, and time is of the essence! There it is...
"All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." (1 John 5:17-21)
If there is one thing you should know by now, I am more than willing to check out things that seem to stretch the imagination. The reason that this particular version grabs my attention, is based upon the idea, as natural and as easy as it is to be drawn towards, that this variation closely resembles the life of the believer, in that we get so easily drawn away and pulled into the law; yet the Gospel Message is one of simplicity and freedom! Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these to commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)
That said, there is a benefit to reading this as first a song about the love between a husband and wife, and taking in all of it's meanings, some quite illustrative, as they describe all the different practical applications and scenarios involved in keeping a love kindled and never growing apart. The thought in that, is that if you can somehow get past the boundaries of the natural, you can then better see what is revealed in the supernatural. Personally, I like to think it might be fun to bounce around hitting all the notes at once; I really don't know how much longer I have here, and time is of the essence! There it is...
"All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." (1 John 5:17-21)
Monday, May 18, 2020
"The Intro"
As I start this part of my journey, I am opening with the facts. Fact one: I have never studied the book, "The Song Of Solomon," at least not for any sort of deeper meaning or inspiration. Fact two: I am nowhere close to being any sort of Bible scholar; which I will use as my excuse for my mistakes! Fact three: I am a Born Again, Bible Believing, Holy Spirit Filled, Son of The KING; so I know that God will be speaking into my heart and mind through every bit of this experience. That said, we can begin to explore couple of things before this journey begins.
First things first: there are so many different arenas to step into; each and every one of them have their own rules and terms of engagement. This can be looked at from so many different directions: that of a love between husband and wife, between God and Israel, between the church and Christ; it can even be the kind of love that is complicated and over-shadowed by power, passion, and deceit; the later being one of great imagination and creativity.
As I was thinking about what might relate best to this from any sort of movie, the one that came to mind was the movie, "AMADEUS," which came out in 1984, and was the tail of another composer that wishes he could be as good as Mozart, so that he could praise the Lord through composing. We see a somewhat similar resemblance between Solomon and the character of Mozart, the one that his wife refers to as, "Wolfie." If you are familiar with the movie, the jealous composer is over come by rage, as he cannot come to terms with how God could bless such a foolish man, as Mozart, with such unbelievable and beautiful music; and to make matters worse and even harder to comprehend, he is able to make his compositions come to life as quick as he can write them down.
Anywho; I am really looking forward to where this might take me; as well as anyone else that might be willing to tag alone. On that note: I feel as though I should share something from Matthew Henry's opening introduction: "When we apply ourselves to the study of this book we must not only, with Moses and Joshua, put off our shoes from off our foot, and even forget that we have bodies, because the place where we stand is holy ground, but we must, with John, come up hither, must spread our wings, take noble flight, and soar upwards, till by faith and holy love we enter into the holiest, for this is no other than the house of God and is the gate of heaven." WORD...
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
First things first: there are so many different arenas to step into; each and every one of them have their own rules and terms of engagement. This can be looked at from so many different directions: that of a love between husband and wife, between God and Israel, between the church and Christ; it can even be the kind of love that is complicated and over-shadowed by power, passion, and deceit; the later being one of great imagination and creativity.
As I was thinking about what might relate best to this from any sort of movie, the one that came to mind was the movie, "AMADEUS," which came out in 1984, and was the tail of another composer that wishes he could be as good as Mozart, so that he could praise the Lord through composing. We see a somewhat similar resemblance between Solomon and the character of Mozart, the one that his wife refers to as, "Wolfie." If you are familiar with the movie, the jealous composer is over come by rage, as he cannot come to terms with how God could bless such a foolish man, as Mozart, with such unbelievable and beautiful music; and to make matters worse and even harder to comprehend, he is able to make his compositions come to life as quick as he can write them down.
Anywho; I am really looking forward to where this might take me; as well as anyone else that might be willing to tag alone. On that note: I feel as though I should share something from Matthew Henry's opening introduction: "When we apply ourselves to the study of this book we must not only, with Moses and Joshua, put off our shoes from off our foot, and even forget that we have bodies, because the place where we stand is holy ground, but we must, with John, come up hither, must spread our wings, take noble flight, and soar upwards, till by faith and holy love we enter into the holiest, for this is no other than the house of God and is the gate of heaven." WORD...
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Sunday, May 17, 2020
"Hallelujah, Praise You the LORD!"
"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalms 150:6)
Having come to this last verse, I almost feel as though there needs to be more; yet, on the other hand, I look forward to what will happen next. This is the final thought here, that of anticipation for the next phase, that which will take place when and after we take our last breath! As long as we have breath, we have a chance to be redeemed! It really does not matter what you might have done to that point, because God is always willing to forgive those that ask Him for forgiveness. As for those three different forms of faith, "devoted, submissive, and critical," they are all part of what praising God is all about; we praise Him with our lives, how we show Him that we trust Him, and how we react when we are tested. We really never know when that last breath might be taken; we can only hope that it is used for giving praise to the LORD! As I close out this portion of the journey, I am filled with hope that our churches will soon be opened and our fellowships will be singing together again. Everything works towards the good, so we need not worry how, only that it always will; which means that we must not loose heart, but be patiently waiting and watching; knowing that the KING is coming so very soon! Besides that, there is always hope: As long as there is life, there is hope! The third category is the one that speaks of: "Who must praise the Lord; it is every one's business!" I can recall the first Chick Tact that I read, I picked it up while I was waiting in the phone line to call my wife. It was probably about two months before I was saved, and it was a simple message about a foolish king that sent his court jester out to find a bigger fool. Odd as it might sound, but every "Praise" that is listed here in this Psalm is speaking about us; not that we might receive praise, but that our praise might give forth a certain illustration of our belief and trust in God. There is even the illustration on that of a fool: to be foolish! Be that as it may, may I be a fool for Christ! Regardless of what the world might think, live for God...
"The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength." (1 Corinthians 1:18-25) NLT
Having come to this last verse, I almost feel as though there needs to be more; yet, on the other hand, I look forward to what will happen next. This is the final thought here, that of anticipation for the next phase, that which will take place when and after we take our last breath! As long as we have breath, we have a chance to be redeemed! It really does not matter what you might have done to that point, because God is always willing to forgive those that ask Him for forgiveness. As for those three different forms of faith, "devoted, submissive, and critical," they are all part of what praising God is all about; we praise Him with our lives, how we show Him that we trust Him, and how we react when we are tested. We really never know when that last breath might be taken; we can only hope that it is used for giving praise to the LORD! As I close out this portion of the journey, I am filled with hope that our churches will soon be opened and our fellowships will be singing together again. Everything works towards the good, so we need not worry how, only that it always will; which means that we must not loose heart, but be patiently waiting and watching; knowing that the KING is coming so very soon! Besides that, there is always hope: As long as there is life, there is hope! The third category is the one that speaks of: "Who must praise the Lord; it is every one's business!" I can recall the first Chick Tact that I read, I picked it up while I was waiting in the phone line to call my wife. It was probably about two months before I was saved, and it was a simple message about a foolish king that sent his court jester out to find a bigger fool. Odd as it might sound, but every "Praise" that is listed here in this Psalm is speaking about us; not that we might receive praise, but that our praise might give forth a certain illustration of our belief and trust in God. There is even the illustration on that of a fool: to be foolish! Be that as it may, may I be a fool for Christ! Regardless of what the world might think, live for God...
"The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength." (1 Corinthians 1:18-25) NLT
Saturday, May 16, 2020
"Critical Faith" -2
"Praise him with the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals." (Psalms 150:5)
Whereas: "in contrast or comparison with the fact that." Just so you know, there is a reason to suffer, if that is what you want to call it; because in reality, blessings are measured in how they produce fruit; at least that is how it works in the life of God's children. Matthew Henry has some interesting things to say regarding this: "That in serving God we should spare no cost nor pains." Another way that we can see the meaning of, "Critical Faith," is, "that of having a decisive or crucial importance in the success, failure, or existence of something." In other words, if our faith is critical enough, then there is nothing that will take us away from or distract us from what we believe to be true; absolutely nothing, no matter how much it hurts or how much it might cost! I know it might be something that people will critic, saying, You don't know how it is until you caught in something tragic. Yes, I guess your right; I really have no idea. But I can say this, with no hesitation: I would much rather have been the one suffering the sickness and death, then the one that must live on dealing with it; because I know what happens next after all of this sickness and death: life eternal with Jesus! That said, I also know that it is good for me to be here, that I might somehow be a testimony to the hope that lives within me. If we cannot somehow deal with all that happens in this life, what does that say about our belief that there is a better life to come? Our faith must be sure! When Jesus spoke of counting the cost, He meant that we must be prepared for anything! Oddly enough, He used material things and life or death issues to bring it to life. (Luke 14:26-33) If you care to think of it that way, then it is easy to understand why; because most people place those things more important than the things that they cannot see. But you must know, faith is something that is visible also...
"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in the days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." (Hebrews 10:35 - 11:3) NLT
Whereas: "in contrast or comparison with the fact that." Just so you know, there is a reason to suffer, if that is what you want to call it; because in reality, blessings are measured in how they produce fruit; at least that is how it works in the life of God's children. Matthew Henry has some interesting things to say regarding this: "That in serving God we should spare no cost nor pains." Another way that we can see the meaning of, "Critical Faith," is, "that of having a decisive or crucial importance in the success, failure, or existence of something." In other words, if our faith is critical enough, then there is nothing that will take us away from or distract us from what we believe to be true; absolutely nothing, no matter how much it hurts or how much it might cost! I know it might be something that people will critic, saying, You don't know how it is until you caught in something tragic. Yes, I guess your right; I really have no idea. But I can say this, with no hesitation: I would much rather have been the one suffering the sickness and death, then the one that must live on dealing with it; because I know what happens next after all of this sickness and death: life eternal with Jesus! That said, I also know that it is good for me to be here, that I might somehow be a testimony to the hope that lives within me. If we cannot somehow deal with all that happens in this life, what does that say about our belief that there is a better life to come? Our faith must be sure! When Jesus spoke of counting the cost, He meant that we must be prepared for anything! Oddly enough, He used material things and life or death issues to bring it to life. (Luke 14:26-33) If you care to think of it that way, then it is easy to understand why; because most people place those things more important than the things that they cannot see. But you must know, faith is something that is visible also...
"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in the days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." (Hebrews 10:35 - 11:3) NLT
Friday, May 15, 2020
"Critical Faith"
"Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals." (Psalms 150:5)
Whatever you think of what this title might mean, it is probably not enough. Yesterday, as I was beginning my post, I typed the word "therefore" and then just sat there for several minutes wondering what it was there for; thinking to myself, why did I just type this word, and what a strange way to start this message. Then I began looking at the meanings of several of the words within the verse; and oddly enough, "stringed instruments," is where I found the word, "whereby," whereas I changed the word, "therefore." (FYI) There is something that I think God wants from us, besides us just being willing to listen to what He has to say; I think that He wants us to be different from those that are of this world; noticeably different! If you were to look up the word, "critical," you might somehow put it in the light of being some sort of critic or even judgmental; which in a sort of way, it obviously is, as we should be: as everything we do or say must be measured and analyzed within our hearts and minds, because once it is put forth, it will be measured and analyzed by the world around us! If the world around us is not being changed or turned upside-down for Christ, then maybe the volume of our faith needs to be cranked up a little bit! How critical do you think that might be? and is it enough to cause us to critic or even judge our own life? "Come out from among them, and be ye separate," is not a temporary thing we do once, just so we can slip back in and mingle. I know we are all meant to carry on with life, but our lives must be different than those around us; so much so, that people will take notice; they might even critic and judge us for the way that we are! Oh no, I don't want to be judged! Funny how that works; because one of the meanings of that word, "critical," is that of having the potential to become disastrous: disastrous for who, that is the question...
"What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believe be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God." (2 Corinthians 6:15 - 7:1) NLT
Whatever you think of what this title might mean, it is probably not enough. Yesterday, as I was beginning my post, I typed the word "therefore" and then just sat there for several minutes wondering what it was there for; thinking to myself, why did I just type this word, and what a strange way to start this message. Then I began looking at the meanings of several of the words within the verse; and oddly enough, "stringed instruments," is where I found the word, "whereby," whereas I changed the word, "therefore." (FYI) There is something that I think God wants from us, besides us just being willing to listen to what He has to say; I think that He wants us to be different from those that are of this world; noticeably different! If you were to look up the word, "critical," you might somehow put it in the light of being some sort of critic or even judgmental; which in a sort of way, it obviously is, as we should be: as everything we do or say must be measured and analyzed within our hearts and minds, because once it is put forth, it will be measured and analyzed by the world around us! If the world around us is not being changed or turned upside-down for Christ, then maybe the volume of our faith needs to be cranked up a little bit! How critical do you think that might be? and is it enough to cause us to critic or even judge our own life? "Come out from among them, and be ye separate," is not a temporary thing we do once, just so we can slip back in and mingle. I know we are all meant to carry on with life, but our lives must be different than those around us; so much so, that people will take notice; they might even critic and judge us for the way that we are! Oh no, I don't want to be judged! Funny how that works; because one of the meanings of that word, "critical," is that of having the potential to become disastrous: disastrous for who, that is the question...
"What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believe be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God." (2 Corinthians 6:15 - 7:1) NLT
Thursday, May 14, 2020
"Submissive Faith" -To
"Praise him with timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs." (Psalms 150:4)
Whereby: "by, through, or in accordance with which." The meaning of such a word is not that hard to understand: the problem is not with understanding the meaning, it is with what it represents! If you were looking for something that could help in your ability to submit, whereas you generally do not have the skill to accomplish that on your own, you already have such a Helper, whereby you can count on for assistance. (Sorry, I just needed a chance to use those two words together in a sentence.) I know this might seem a little weird, because it is a little foggy in my mind; but the timbrel and dance are nothing more than what they say, with one exception: they both require movement. And, if you study it through, you discover that the movement is performed to a certain beat or rhythm. In the essence of time, or lack thereof, let me get straight to the point. We that have been born again, have all been born of God's Spirit; there is no denying that He is dwelling within us, because we are no longer comfortable with sin. In other words, when we sin, (and notice I did not say if,) our sin will not agree with the Holy Spirit which dwells inside of us; and if do not do something about it, our life seems to feel lonely and miserable; to say the least. God is all about reconciliation, no matter what stage of life you might be living in! If you know what I might be talking about, it is all about timing! Long story short: you get told to do something, you do it when you are told to do it; otherwise you not only do you lose track of time, but you lose the power that came in the moment you were meant to obey what you were told to do. Have you ever ran out of gas? I mean, this day and age, you pretty much need to either be an idiot or totally live risky to ever run out of gas. Most cars today have several warnings for letting you know when you are about to run out of gas; and some cars will even assist you if you get over a certain threshold; like running on less cylinders, if that's what it takes to get you to stop and put some gas in your tank. In a familiar kind of way, that is a lot like the Holy Spirit works in us; as He is not only the gas, but is the system that check the levels, and the whereby that keeps us going! For those of us that are familiar with how all of that works, you seriously do not want to run of gas...
"So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God though hm. As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2) NLT
Whereby: "by, through, or in accordance with which." The meaning of such a word is not that hard to understand: the problem is not with understanding the meaning, it is with what it represents! If you were looking for something that could help in your ability to submit, whereas you generally do not have the skill to accomplish that on your own, you already have such a Helper, whereby you can count on for assistance. (Sorry, I just needed a chance to use those two words together in a sentence.) I know this might seem a little weird, because it is a little foggy in my mind; but the timbrel and dance are nothing more than what they say, with one exception: they both require movement. And, if you study it through, you discover that the movement is performed to a certain beat or rhythm. In the essence of time, or lack thereof, let me get straight to the point. We that have been born again, have all been born of God's Spirit; there is no denying that He is dwelling within us, because we are no longer comfortable with sin. In other words, when we sin, (and notice I did not say if,) our sin will not agree with the Holy Spirit which dwells inside of us; and if do not do something about it, our life seems to feel lonely and miserable; to say the least. God is all about reconciliation, no matter what stage of life you might be living in! If you know what I might be talking about, it is all about timing! Long story short: you get told to do something, you do it when you are told to do it; otherwise you not only do you lose track of time, but you lose the power that came in the moment you were meant to obey what you were told to do. Have you ever ran out of gas? I mean, this day and age, you pretty much need to either be an idiot or totally live risky to ever run out of gas. Most cars today have several warnings for letting you know when you are about to run out of gas; and some cars will even assist you if you get over a certain threshold; like running on less cylinders, if that's what it takes to get you to stop and put some gas in your tank. In a familiar kind of way, that is a lot like the Holy Spirit works in us; as He is not only the gas, but is the system that check the levels, and the whereby that keeps us going! For those of us that are familiar with how all of that works, you seriously do not want to run of gas...
"So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God though hm. As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2) NLT
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
"Submissive Faith"
"Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs." (Psalms 150:4)
Maybe this is too challenging of a subject to discuss openly, but at this point, I hardly think it will matter; as much as I hate to admit it, being submissive is probably not my strongest suit. That said, I have certain areas in my life where I can see God working those things out; I just hope and pray that there is still time enough to make good use of the results! If you are wondering what submissive faith might look like, you are probably not alone. There is a rumor going around that Christians are guided and led around with some kind of blind faith; as if they really don't see what God is doing or where He is leading them, they just bounce off the walls and wander around aimlessly waiting for doors to open and close. I would like to take issue with that, if you are feeling that is what faith looks like; because faith is not faith if there is no substance; and if there is substance, then there is order; and if there is order, then there is a plan of action; and if there is a plan of action, then there is something that we must submit to doing, in order for that action to be performed! Case in point, Abraham and his plan of action, it required him to pack up all of his things and leave that place God wanted him to leave. I think where this blind faith idea might come from, is the fact that God did not specify where it was that he was going to end up; therefore he just went, trusting that God would soon show him where he was going. Oddly enough, the substance of God's request did not get fully obeyed until Abraham and Lot parted ways: God's initial request was for Abraham to separate himself from all of his previous life, saying, "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy fathers house, unto a land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-3) So, to be completely submissive, every detail of God's request must be followed. Does that mean God will not bless you for following some and not all? No, God will honor the parts that we do follow; but the fullness of the blessing will not be realized until we fully submit. According to the timeline in my Bible, that was only about three years time. How long has it been for you? I couldn't help but think of Abrahams conversation with God, saying, "Would you destroy it if there was 50 righteous?" "What about 10?" Anywho; there is so much we have got to be thankful for; the older I get, the more I realize how blessed I really am...
"Now some may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and the tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless?" (James 2:18-20) NLT
Maybe this is too challenging of a subject to discuss openly, but at this point, I hardly think it will matter; as much as I hate to admit it, being submissive is probably not my strongest suit. That said, I have certain areas in my life where I can see God working those things out; I just hope and pray that there is still time enough to make good use of the results! If you are wondering what submissive faith might look like, you are probably not alone. There is a rumor going around that Christians are guided and led around with some kind of blind faith; as if they really don't see what God is doing or where He is leading them, they just bounce off the walls and wander around aimlessly waiting for doors to open and close. I would like to take issue with that, if you are feeling that is what faith looks like; because faith is not faith if there is no substance; and if there is substance, then there is order; and if there is order, then there is a plan of action; and if there is a plan of action, then there is something that we must submit to doing, in order for that action to be performed! Case in point, Abraham and his plan of action, it required him to pack up all of his things and leave that place God wanted him to leave. I think where this blind faith idea might come from, is the fact that God did not specify where it was that he was going to end up; therefore he just went, trusting that God would soon show him where he was going. Oddly enough, the substance of God's request did not get fully obeyed until Abraham and Lot parted ways: God's initial request was for Abraham to separate himself from all of his previous life, saying, "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy fathers house, unto a land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-3) So, to be completely submissive, every detail of God's request must be followed. Does that mean God will not bless you for following some and not all? No, God will honor the parts that we do follow; but the fullness of the blessing will not be realized until we fully submit. According to the timeline in my Bible, that was only about three years time. How long has it been for you? I couldn't help but think of Abrahams conversation with God, saying, "Would you destroy it if there was 50 righteous?" "What about 10?" Anywho; there is so much we have got to be thankful for; the older I get, the more I realize how blessed I really am...
"Now some may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and the tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless?" (James 2:18-20) NLT
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
"Devoted Faith" -Too
"Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp." (Psalms 150:3)
Do not think that God does not have a part in this, as if He cannot turn anything and everything into something that is good. No matter what might come against His church, His purposes are always going to be fulfilled, and His everything is going to work towards the good! Besides, I feel as though most of us have secretly been praying for something to make us more devoted, if not more serious in our relationship with God; it might not have even been clear in our minds what we were asking, it is more something we have felt in our hearts, that something needed to grab hold of our easy life and make us look a little deeper. But then again, maybe it is just me. If so, then I will welcome it with open arms and bended knees! The most important thing that I feel we need right now, is that we be united in the victory that has already been won. All of these little issues that divide all of our members, they are simply that, little issues! The bigger issues are the things that bring us together and keep us together; anything that come into that arena most be disregarded and kept apart. There is a little message that Matthew Henry has about this, although brief, it is straight to the point: "That, various instruments being used in praising God, it should be done with an exact and perfect harmony; they must not hinder, but help one another." Paul had some things to say regarding this, as he watched the places where he had ministered the simple message of the truth, be turned inside out by twisted messages of discourse and division. The human heart is still the same; as it was in the days of Jeremiah, as it was in the days of Paul, it remains true today: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) If there was anything that I failed to say yesterday, it is most likely that which is the hardest to express: The constant battle that wages inside my heart! We truly are not as strong as we think that we are: the more we count upon that strength we think that we might have, the more we realize just how weak we really are. But with God, weakness is something that we need! We must realize our weakness and we must believe in God's strength! As much as I would like to say I have learned, I continually see how little I have been taught; learning is something that we hear and take in, being taught is something that is experienced and lived out...
"What! came the word of God out from you? or came it out from you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." (1 Corinthians 14:36- 15:2)
Do not think that God does not have a part in this, as if He cannot turn anything and everything into something that is good. No matter what might come against His church, His purposes are always going to be fulfilled, and His everything is going to work towards the good! Besides, I feel as though most of us have secretly been praying for something to make us more devoted, if not more serious in our relationship with God; it might not have even been clear in our minds what we were asking, it is more something we have felt in our hearts, that something needed to grab hold of our easy life and make us look a little deeper. But then again, maybe it is just me. If so, then I will welcome it with open arms and bended knees! The most important thing that I feel we need right now, is that we be united in the victory that has already been won. All of these little issues that divide all of our members, they are simply that, little issues! The bigger issues are the things that bring us together and keep us together; anything that come into that arena most be disregarded and kept apart. There is a little message that Matthew Henry has about this, although brief, it is straight to the point: "That, various instruments being used in praising God, it should be done with an exact and perfect harmony; they must not hinder, but help one another." Paul had some things to say regarding this, as he watched the places where he had ministered the simple message of the truth, be turned inside out by twisted messages of discourse and division. The human heart is still the same; as it was in the days of Jeremiah, as it was in the days of Paul, it remains true today: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) If there was anything that I failed to say yesterday, it is most likely that which is the hardest to express: The constant battle that wages inside my heart! We truly are not as strong as we think that we are: the more we count upon that strength we think that we might have, the more we realize just how weak we really are. But with God, weakness is something that we need! We must realize our weakness and we must believe in God's strength! As much as I would like to say I have learned, I continually see how little I have been taught; learning is something that we hear and take in, being taught is something that is experienced and lived out...
"What! came the word of God out from you? or came it out from you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." (1 Corinthians 14:36- 15:2)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
