On the Job

(Rom 8:26 KJV)  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

(Proverbs 31 also read)

A month ago I wrote about our need to be heard and God’s willingness to listen.  That brought to mind this passage that encourages us to express ourselves and to rest in the conviction that God is also helping us with what we want and need to say.

One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to help us express the inexpressible.  Remember that on some level all Christians have the Holy Spirit.  He is not passive.  He in involved in all aspects of our lives.  Here it seems to me He is working to give us the release we need by knowing that our heart has been expressed.

So?  Rejoice.  You are heard even if you yourself are a bit confused and conflicted. 

Getting What You Ask For

(Job 38:2 KJV)  Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

(Proverbs 30 also read)

In a sense, God asked for it.  Here we have Him asking us, “Just whom do we think we are?”  Job and his friends have been waxing eloquent.  They are studied and quoted by scholars and students of the word.  This book is considered one of the deep ones.  How does God respond?  From here He goes on to point out how ignorant we are.

But I repeat, God asked for it.  He created us in His image.  He could have made a perfect world with compliant robo-men.  He could have made us easy to get along with and made us so that logic and goodness always were our first response.  Instead, in order to get that spark of Imago Dei, He put something in us that makes us different than the animals.  

So?  Be humbled by our limitations.  Be exalted by His desire for us to have that spark.  He regretted it in the time of Noah.  He was on the verge of destroying Israel in the desert.  He also sent His Son to die for us because in some strange way He felt we were worth it.  Rejoice. 

Once Again My Eyes Go Wide

(Joh 3:16 KJV)  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

I was moving from the praise portion of my morning worship to the thanksgiving focus.  As is often the case I first express my gratitude for the Son being willing to become a mere human being in order to accomplish our redemption.  Somehow my thinking came to this term “only begotten” (3439).  It is one of those terms that seem contradictory because it implies that Jesus had a beginning, which would make Him a created being.  That does not go with His divinity.  

I had an insight.  At least it was an insight for me.  You may have known it all along and it is one of those things you were hiding from me.  It may be in the commentaries but I don’t spend a lot of time reading people’s opinions.  What dawned on me was that this designation referred to the transformation from the divine trinity to the new born infant.  What that involves, how much the baby knew, could He recite Plato from birth and such questions are lost in mystery.  We will try to penetrate them but will come away filled with wonder.

So?  God became man.  He dwelt among us.  He lived the perfect life.  He died on a cross so that we could have forgiveness from sin.  Glory.  This revelation hits me on a regular basis and continues to be a wonder. 

Deep Dive

2Co 5:21 KJV)  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

As I was thanking God for the incarnation this verse came to mind.  I know how we marvel in this and take it literally, and I think with the right amount of wonder we can do that.  It is not enough.

In expressing this Paul was in that realm of the impossible where he was trying to express that which is impossible to express.  Later on in the letter he touches on this in another context.

(2Co 12:4 KJV)  How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

This is just another way of trying to express the glory of salvation, a salvation bought by the sacrifice of the Perfect Lamb of God.

So?  Spend some time meditating on this.  That doesn’t mean find a new age mantra and hum it.  It means try to delve into the infinite depths of Almighty God becoming because we had no hope if He didn’t.  Rejoice.

Focus

(Pro 27:15 KJV)  A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

This one snuck up on me as I was reading.  The comments about nagging wives appear several times in Proverbs and I usually skim over them but today it startled me and I looked at it again.

The comparison is not just to a drip.  There are details.  One is that the drip is “continual” (constant NASB) (2956).  It isn’t just a noise but an ongoing noise.  It isn’t even loud.  I think of the “Japanese water torture” that we always heard about.  It is the incessant repetition that causes the problem.  The definition of the word has the idea of pursuing.

That is all in the “Oh, no!” category.  What I noticed that might help my day is that there is also a “steady rain” (5464) going on.  I love the rain.  I like to sit and listen to it.  It is even better in the dark.  Notice the danger here.  I can let one little irritation keep me from enjoying the big event.  Do you see a lesson in that?  By concentrating on the blessing I can forget about the irritant.  It won’t take the nagging away but it will make it powerless.

So?  If the nag can be dealt with then put some oil on the squeak, so to speak.  If it can’t then focus on all the blessings that are overwhelming. 

Laugh It Off

(Pro 26:19 KJV)  So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

I don’t have any specific quotes from John Wesley to give you but from reading in his journals I get the feeling that he would have said “Amen” at the reading of this verse.  He comes across as a very serious, shall we say sourpuss, gentleman who had much more on his mind than “sport” (joking NASB) (7832).  The actual root of the word means “to laugh”.  Wesley was death on levity.  It worked for him but seems to go over my head.  I often have to decide whether to laugh or cry.

I find this poking at my innards and asking, “Are you listening?”  I tend to joke a lot.  Recently when I was in a long dialogue with a friend we would respond to our conflict differently.  He tended to get mad and consider walking out.  I tended to crack a joke and bottle up my frustration, which made him madder.  I need to draw down my joking without giving up my sense of humor.

So?  A bit of discernment is in order.  Sometimes a bit of humor can relieve tension and make a point.  Other times it can be part of the problem.  Lord, help me. 

The Blessing of Dross Removal

(Pro 25:4 KJV)  Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

My first heart response at reading this today was that I have value as a child of God.  That may not be the final thought offered but it is in there.  The miner digs out the ore because it contains something precious.  The ore is crushed, heated and gives up its precious metal.  It is more valuable than before.  That block of material is taken to another process where the purifying process continues or, I guess you could say, begins.  

The question for me, and I hope for you, today is not “When was I saved?”  I hope the issue is more, “Where am I on the journey of purification toward having all pollution removed?”  If you don’t like purification, okay.  It is a good Biblical word, but if you are more comfortable use maturity, final condition, sanctification.  They all work.

So?  Rejoice you have been mined and smelted.  Now live the removal of the dross. 

Applied Grace

(Psa 62:12 KJV)  Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

(Proverbs 24 also read)

I keep coming across this final phrase.  God will “recompense” (7999) us for what we do.  That seems so wrong to our NT grace way of thinking.  I expect this kind of thing in the Old Testament but I find this thought, or even this verse, repeated by Jesus in Matthew 16:27 and Paul in I Cor 3:8, II Cor 5:10, Eph 6:8 and Col 3:25.  Then we have I Peter 1:17 and Jesus again in Revelation 22:12.

Is this an unbendable law or a general principle?  In this chapter of Psalms we find David talking about needing God’s refuge so I would suggest there are times when we will not be on the top of the pyramid.  At the same time we have the security found in the middle of a storm.

So?  God will be faithful.  Often all we have to cling to is that promise but I have noticed when I am going across a slippery surface I often only need one unmovable anchor to keep me steady.  If you are currently blessed, rejoice.  If you are half way across a rushing stream, trust and then rejoice.

Hiding in Plain Sight

(Psa 61:4 KJV)  I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

There is a second picture given to us.  If you are one of those literal minded individuals I might offer a spoiler alert:  God is not a big chicken.  He does not really have wings.  I hope that does not ruin your day but the Bible is full of word pictures of different types.

When I first read this in the KJV I saw the word “covert” (5643) and my lips formed a giant “WHAT?”  It was a silent “what” because it was early in the morning and other people were asleep in the house.  Think about how we use the word “covert” in our everyday language.  I will wait....  I hope you came up with the idea of covert activities such as spying.  It is still in use, just in a little different context.  There is a time to take “refuge” (NASB) under His wings.

So?  You don’t like being thought of as a baby chick hiding under mommy’s wing?  You might feel a bit different when that hawk flies by or the fox jumps the fence.  Trust me.  God will be there for you.  If you don’t trust me, trust David.  Better yet, trust God. 

Celestial Camping

(Psa 61:4 KJV)  I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

We have two pictures here.  Consider the “tent” (168).  The KJV does well by putting the word “tabernacle” here because that is what it means.  Picture what this meant for David.  The temple has not yet been built.  The tabernacle is the place where the ark of the covenant is kept.  It has the altar and the holy of holies.  The great NT concept that we get from it is how God abides with His people.

And we abide with Him.  We don’t just go to church on Sunday morning.  We have the Holy Spirit in us.  We are able to worship anywhere, yes, even under trees and at the sea shore.  David asks to be admitted because God has invited him.

So?  He invites us too.  He wants us to abide.  He wants us to tabernacle with him.  Think of it as a camping tent that never leaks. 

Enjoy the View

(Psa 61:3 KJV)  For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

(Proverbs 21 also read)

The next image of our relationship with God reflects on the spiritual battles we face.  David, king of Israel, had literal warfare and there were times when he did not see victory on the horizon.  He looked at God as his ultimate “tower” (4026) to retreat.  It represented the hardest place for the enemy to attack and defeat.

God provides us with that kind of sanctuary.  

The tower is also a place where you can climb high enough to get a better view of what is going on.  It is a place to determine the plans of the enemy and to see if help is coming.

So?  Don’t be afraid to retreat into the presence of God and trust Him to keep the enemy at bay.  Eventually you will be ready to sally forth again. 

This Rock Doesn’t Roll

(Psa 61:2 KJV)  From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

Here is the first image that David brings to mind as his thoughts are on the God he serves.  He is a “rock” (6697).  Notice that the rock he speaks of is not something that you move around in the garden to get out of the way or to decorate.  This is a rock of renewal.

It might be a good reminder to focus occasionally on the fact that this Rock is “higher” (7311) than we are.  It is also higher than we could ever hope to be.  The picture is not a six foot rock next to a 5' 11" man.  It is not a boulder that is on a slight rise so we can’t see over it.  This is more the image you see on the pictures of the Rock of Gibraltar.  Even that isn’t enough.  It would be more like moving Mount Everest to your back yard.  Even that isn’t enough.

So?  God is the rock that will not be moved.  He is that immovable object that cannot be moved.  He is that friend who will not run when our mood turns sour.  Rejoice in the Rock. 

He Does

(Psa 61:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

Do you think David felt like he was wasting his breath?  There are times where we get that impression.  Think of all the times he asked, “How long, O Lord?”  But in this passage he is speaking out of assurance, not discouragement.  

We serve and worship a God who is aware of us.  It seems a bit arrogant but that is the way He set it up.  We are not beavers that are only able to build dams or salmon that return to the same river we were born in so that we can lay eggs and die.  We live in a vital relationship with a living God.

So?  In the next few verses David gives some images of how God does even more than listen.  If you have a Bible, take a moment and read the first half of the Psalm. 

Timing

(Isa 55:6 KJV)  Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

(Proverbs 18 also read)

I don’t know anything about the tenses of the Hebrew verbs.  I have some rudimentary knowledge of Greek but Hebrew has these qualifiers that are beyond me.  That being said, both translations I consult on a regular basis have this word “may” in regard to God being “found” (4672).  That should remind us that there are times when things can happen and times when they are impossible.

We get into thinking about God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice in terms of God waiting patiently.  That is true but we also need to realize that there comes an end to God’s patience.  This is not the only place that seems to say this.  God knows our hearts and He can see that there is a place where we will have crossed a line and will never turn to Him.

So?  If you have any sensitivity to the call of God may I ask that you not put off responding.  Don’t let the calluses of your heart build up to where He says, “You had your chance.”

Go Ahead, Sit Down

(Rom 8:15 KJV)  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

I had to use the concordance.  I knew this verse because I could quote it, but I could not give the source.  My thoughts began on the wonder of our relationship with God.  For some it is real.  For others it is potential.  Like the situation I was in, the reality is there even if I don’t know the address.  

Think of all the resources available if we are trying to find a good study chair.  We have everything from the recommendation of a friend to a hundred listings after a search.  In my world none of those are enough to purchase.  I need to sit in the chair to see if it fits.  I find it is the same way with spiritual issues.  There are lots of sources for information but ultimately we have to get involved personally.

So?  Do your research but don’t take too long.  God is waiting. 

Using Ritual

(Psa 123:2 KJV)  Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

(Proverbs 16 also read)

This comes right after a verse calling upon us to lift up our eyes to look at the God of our salvation.  Here it is giving earthly examples of security and hope.  As I look out the window at the kindling of morning I am reminded that God is meeting me for another day.  

Morning worship is such a blessing.  Recently on a trip I was not able to spend my normal ration of time but I still squeezed in a few minutes, and God met me.  He did not get legalistic and pound me down because I did not meet my minimum threshold.  He gave more grace because He knew the desire of my heart.  And I am able to thrive on that because I know the nature of His heart.

So?  Don’t go all ritual.  Use ritual and routine to reinforce, not to condemn.  Rejoice with Him and He will rejoice with you. 

Texas Lawn Syndrome

(Pro 15:19 KJV)  The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

When I need to go up the hill to our warehouse I have a choice of two routes.  If I am feeling lazy I will go out the back door and cut across the yard.  Other times I will go out the garage and up the driveway.  That is a bit longer, not much but enough for my thoughts today.  The problem with the shortcut is that much of the year my yard is what I call a “Texas lawn.”  That means it looks a lot like the original, ungrazed prairie of the West.  And the path cuts through a grove of trees complete with underbrush.  It is not unusual to have some kind of sharp natural growth attach itself to my lower extremities and be transferred to the carpet in the house to be later stepped on by my bare feet.  I pay for my shortcuts.

The road of the upright life is often a bit longer and more complex but it avoids the weeds, canyons and quicksand of the shortcuts.

So?  You may think you have it figured out better than God.  Trust me, you don’t.  His road map will give you the best path to take.  Many times the shortcuts are much more cutting than you expect.

And Suddenly

(Psa 44:8-9 KJV)  In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.  But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.

(Proverbs 14 also read)

This is an interesting transition point.  I was reading along and enjoying all the positive statements.  This Psalm seemed to be inspirational.  Then I read the next verse and got the cold water in the face.  This brings up a serious question about how we can feel like we are on track and suddenly God allows life to dump on us.

I don’t know the historical context or what was going on in the heart of the writer.  It makes me wonder though if we sometimes get a bit too smug and complacent with our spiritual walk.  It happens.  At times like that we need a wake up call.  Sometimes it can come from the Holy Spirit pointing it out in a quiet way.  Sometimes it might be a point the preacher made.  Here we have big problems descending on us in our daily lives.

So?  Always be ready to be honest with yourself.  Sickness and suffering do not automatically mean we have drifted into sin but it doesn’t hurt to do some honest seeking. 

Pay to Play

(Pro 13:18 KJV)  Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

One of the reasons people become spiritually weak is because they stop eating spiritually.  What happens to the body also happens to the soul.  Whether you want to emphasis the “discipline” (4148) of the NASB or the “instruction” of the KJV, the other side of the balance applies.  We need to learn.  We need to discipline ourselves for it to happen.

One of the insidious lies of the modern educational system is that learning has to be fun.  Learning can be fun.  It is possible that you can sometimes learn better if you are having fun.  Eventually learning depends on effort put into the process.  You can make it more pleasant with the right attitude but you still need to open the book and start reading.

So?  Open the Book.  Listen to the sermon.  Have the discussion.  It will pay off. 

Time to Pant

(Psa 42:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

(Proverbs 12 also read)

One of the choruses that I love is based on this verse.  I have found it uplifting and inspirational.  I think of it when I read this verse.  Today as I read I paid attention to the rest of the Psalm and it gave me a different understanding.  Is it deeper?  I don’t know, just different.  Will it change the way in which I worship through this song?  No, but it will help me in thinking.

The difference is that there is a note of desperation I had not picked up before.  The deer is panting because it is desperate.  This is in the verse if you look but the context of the following verses makes it even more clear.  This was written by someone who was feeling the absence of God and wanting to find Him.  I had always looked at it more in the joy of coming into His presence and anticipating the meeting.  The added thought is that in times of desperation He will be there.

So?  Pant away.  Desire Him and His touch.  He will meet you.  In fact, He is already here waiting for you to acknowledge Him.  Worship.

Pick a Side

(Pro 11:27 KJV)  He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

It is hard to believe that anyone “searches” (1875) for “evil” (7463), but such is the case.  The NASB is better here using “evil” rather than “mischief”.  Even the KJV translates the word “evil” the vast majority of times.  I am sure I have pointed this out regularly but we again seem to need the reminder that there are people out there looking for wickedness.  It is there default setting.  They may put on a good masquerade but the real person behind the facade is of the devil.

If you are paying attention to what is going on in our culture this comes as no surprise.  There is a conflict between evil and righteousness in our world.  The bad guys are on the attack.  They are seeing a lot of progress.  Much of that is because the church is huddled in their small groups not wanting to offend anyone.

So?  Start being offensive by being a righteous voice and a holy life.  You don’t usually have to go looking for trouble.  It will find you.  Praise God you are on the right side.

Saint Speech

(Pro 10:20 KJV)  The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

I am not sure what makes “silver” (3701) “choice” (977).  I am not into jewelry so this kind of statement does not inspire me.  I am aware that sterling silver tends to tarnish and that older generations are impressed with it.  This would have gotten my attention more if it said, “bullion silver coins”.  That I understand.

Bullion coins have an established value because they are almost pure silver.  They have a face value which in this day and age is much lower than their intrinsic value.  I guess this is reminding us that saints speech is of great value.

So?  Be careful but be “righteous” (6662).  Keep your value. 

Forsake Is a Choice

(Pro 9:6 KJV)  Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

If you read the entire chapter you find two narratives that start out much the same.  In the first, Wisdom is inviting people to dine.  In the second the hostess is the foolish woman.  Which do you choose.  Both make offers.  I think the key is this word “forsake” (5800a).  It is the step in our spiritual lives that everyone wants to leave out.

Part of the marriage vows used to be “forsaking all others”.  I don’t know if it is included any more.  It should be.  The same applies to serving God.  We must be willing to forsake all others.  If we don’t then a divorce is in the works.

So?  Check your priorities.  Make sure you are following Wisdom and not folly. 

Timeless

(Pro 8:23 KJV)  I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

Part of the character of Wisdom is that it seems to be tied to the character of God.  The basic principles were laid down before creation.  The application may seem to vary but in reality the underlying truth endures.

This is one of the reasons that the Bible never really goes out of style.  It may get hard to read when the language gets archaic or totally changes.  As much as some people love the KJV it would still be useless for someone who was illiterate and did not speak English.  That would not change the truth it contained.  It would just make it hard to decipher.  The same barrier would exist to someone who had the skills but refused to engage the text.

So?  Eternal truths wait to be discovered and applied.  Today. 

Non-Verbal Communication

(Pro 7:10 KJV)  And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

How do we judge people by their appearance?  In ancient times, even up into the 18th century, there were laws and customs that regulated how you dressed.  Colors, materials, styles were the kind of thing controlled by laws and punishments.  Prostitutes were expected to dress a certain way.  This woman was someone who had gone out of her home with a certain goal in mind and she dressed for the part.

Today we don’t have laws saying what we can wear unless you are a Christian wearing a T-shirt to school that has a message Satan doesn’t like.  As a general rule we dress as we want.  That can also tell us something about who you are.  I was watching a video of a church service from a previously large church.  The pastor was an old guy who was trying to make a statement.  He still wore his suit to show he was dignified but left off his tie to show he was cool.  We make statements today more in the cars we drive, the phones we flash and the accouterments we wear than in a formally regulated dress.

So?  What does your appearance say to people?  I can’t judge because I am an old crustacean that would not know style if it bit me on the nose but I hope my dress expresses modesty, my car shows good stewardship and my deportment brings glory to God.  People notice. 

All the Angles

(Psa 58:3 KJV)  The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

(Proverbs 6 also read)

If I had just picked up a Bible and read these opening verses I would have been led down a path of discouragement.  I would not be discouraged for myself.  I have been redeemed.  I have been touched by the creator.  My concern would be for those who are so consumed by wickedness that they seem to have no hope.  That is why it is important to keep reading and see the whole message of God.

As you keep reading you will come across John 3:16 that talks about God loving the whole world and the “whosoever” clause.  If you are persistent you will come to this, which people are less familiar with,

(2Pe 3:9 KJV)  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

So?  Putting the whole counsel of God together will take a message of gloom like this and use it to remind us that there is a promise of hope at the other end of the plan of God.  Keep reading.  You may find salvation.  You may simply be encouraged on your journey. 

Need to Know

(Gen 2:2 KJV)  And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

This verse tells us that God finished His work and “rested” (7673a) on the seventh day.  That much is obvious.  My mind is never satisfied with the obvious.  Questions seem to be lurking beneath the surface all the time.  I want to know, “When did God stop resting?”  Or I guess we could wonder if He stopped.  

Interesting, at least to me.

But this brings up a lesson that is of importance.  To my knowledge the Bible does not tell us when or if God stopped resting.  That gives us a choice.  We could consider it a point that is of no importance.  Don’t get worked up over it.  If God thought you needed to know, He would have told you.  You can ask Him during celestial choir practice breaks.  Or it means you are free to speculate as long as you don’t violate other things that are clearly taught.  Or you can write a book.

So?  The Bible does not tells us everything, only what we need to know.  Think about that a little.

Stop

(Gen 2:3 KJV)  And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

(Proverbs 4 also read)

Since the law of Moses gets such a bad rap it is sometimes necessary for us to do an end run and go back to God’s original plans for us.  One of His key bits of scheduling was for the Sabbath.  That is the idea that one day in seven is to be set aside for rest.  You find it in the Ten Commandments, the beginning of the law, part of that “oppressive” regime given by the mean old man of the OT.

Except He isn’t and it isn’t.  The idea of a day off a week was planted in the character of God.  Did God really need a rest?  Was it anywhere near as difficult for me to pick up my granddaughter as I acted like for her benefit?  God took a rest to show us that we need to take a rest.

So?  We are not “under” the law.  God’s plan now is grace.  We still need to rest.  We need to take time off from the goals and schedules of life.  He said so.  He set the example.  Who am I to argue? 

Double Wow

(Psa 8:4 KJV)  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

(Proverbs 3 also read)

This morning I again was overcome with the impossible truth that the God of the Universe is somehow in contact with me.  That means He is crossing the gulf between us and not only listening but abiding within me.  That would swell my head but I am also aware that He is reaching out to every human, now and forever.  He is residing in all who respond.  I am but one fleck of dust on the counter but He is aware of me and recognizes me as being created in His image.  “Wow” doesn’t begin to do that justice.

So?  I would not give me the time of day.  Too many people are not willing to give Him the time of day.  That is a “Wow”. 

Praise Music

(Psa 56:12 KJV)  Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.

(Proverbs 2 also read)

Let me first point out that there are serious differences between the KJV and NASB in this verse.

(Psa 56:12 NAS77) Thy vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to Thee.

What drew my attention was the term “thank offerings” (8426) which reminded me of the influence of the law.  The KJV seemed to imply that this was a matter of the heart and had no connection with the law.  So I did a little digging.  I am thinking I am going to need to address this again but let me share one of the trails I found.

There are many uses of this term that seems to imply it involves singing or music.  One, just a few chapters away is,

(Psa 69:30 KJV)  I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving (8426).

This is just an example of what I was finding.

So?  Part of our worship service involves singing.  It is a form of praise that could well be considered a thank offering to a loving God.  That is something to think about next time you participate in corporate worship.  If you can’t sing you might speak the words with emphasis that shows you believe, trust and rejoice. 

Take the Gift

(Pro 1:20)  Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

Translators are always looking for a way to put it that keeps your attention.  In this case you have “uttereth” (lifts NASB) (5414) which simply means to give.  In fact some form of the word “give” is used over 1,100 times.  The NASB offers that as a literal meaning in the margin.  There is a contrast in this verse.  The first part has a penetrating cry, the second a simple offering.

God offers us wisdom both ways.  At times it will be impossible to ignore but human beings are good at doing that anyway.  Often it will be a simple offering that we can take or leave.  Again it is up to us.  When we read scripture, listen to a sermon, have a conversation or one of those insights that come to us from the Holy Spirit, God will give us what we need.

So?  Truth and wisdom are available.  I wonder if I am?