Character of Hope

(Psa 30:5 KJV)  For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

If you compare translations here, you see a different thought.  The NASB, and most modern translations, use the word “lifetime” (2425b) .  The KJV uses “life”.  The Hebrew is the same as far as I can tell, but the interpretation seems to be different.

The more modern translations seem to be looking at a period of time in which God is going to be faithful.  That comes out as a lifetime.  The King James seems to be focusing more on the idea of salvation, or redemption of some kind.

This may be another one of those cases where you want to look at both is being possible, and not being forced to pick one or the other.  God’s favor indeed, is greater than His anger.  In theological terms, you might say His grace is greater than His wrath, or His loving kindness is greater than His anger.

So?  God does get angry.  His wrath does get expressed.  There’s no denying that.  But remember Jesus did not come to the manger and go through the agony of crucifixion just so He could figure out how to send more people to hell.  God wants us to endure, and He will endure us and with us.

Two Faces of Worship

Psalm 29:2 (KJV) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

(Proverbs 29 also read)

The sense of worship given in this verse is based in awe and the separation of God’s holiness from our sinfulness.  It emphasizes the glory of God and how we are to have an attitude of reverence.  It is about separation and reaching across that gap and coming into the presence of Almighty God.

Then we move to the New Testament and the witness of Jesus becomes more intimate, One on one, and the sense of fellowship.  We can’t get away from the holiness of God, and the fact that Jesus is God, but there is a whole different view of the relationship.

So?  Both of these are worship.  Both of them reflect God.  Both of them are to be approached with awe and gratitude.  Worship the Lord in the fellowship of holiness. 

Angels? What Angels?

Psalm 91:11 (KJV) For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

As I was watching the clouds morph across the sky, I was impressed by the variety and the complexity of what God had made.  And then you take the scriptures which tell us Jesus is the one who holds it all together.  I was being grateful.  I was being thankful.  I was worshiping.

And the Holy Spirit brought to mind as I was thinking that the angels were also active.  So I spent a few moments, rejoicing and thanking the angels for what they do.  I became aware of the fact that, just as I cannot really see all the little intricate things that Jesus does to maintain the world, I don’t see most of what the angels do either.  Again I’ve written this before, but how many viruses have they intercepted?  How many drunk drivers have they steered into a tree before they got to me?  How many times I’ve been totally unaware of the terminating forces that are descending upon me?

I don’t know.  But I do know that I have Providence to thank.  That can be phrased in terms of grace, the Holy Spirit, and even angels.  God works in mysterious ways.

So?  That means He does work, is active, gets involved.  Let’s hear it for unseen blessings, and by that I don’t mean that they aren’t happening.  It’s just that we are not aware of them. 

Be a Refiner

(Psa 12:6 KJV)  The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

(Proverbs 27 also read)

I couldn’t help but think as I read this verse of how many times we can read a verse of scripture, and sometimes we just pass by but other times it jumps out and bites us in the heart.  There are times when we take the words of God, and find they have a very special and precious meaning to us at that moment.  This is an example of “purified” (NASB) or “refining” as the KJV says.

I would imagine, or at least hope, each time we meditate or contemplate scripture we get a little closer to what it is the word originally wanted to say.  We certainly improve our understanding by the exercise.

So?  Keep at it.  Read.  Study.  Contemplate.  Grow in grace. 

God’s House

Psalm 26:8 (KJV) LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

I think we can assume that David is talking about the tabernacle here when he mentions God‘s house.  I wonder if there is a relation between the word “habitation” (4583), and the word having to do with abide.  This tells us that being in God’s house on a regular basis should be a joy.

Obviously, this is not written to us today specifically.  It was written in the days of ancient Israel. And yet the principal is the same.  For us today we would think of our church as God’s house.  It’s not the same as the tabernacle or temple.  We do not have an altar with sacrifices made or different courts in which different people can come into.  We do not have eternal flames, and all the other accoutrements of the Jewish worship . But it is still considered and thought of as God’s house.

So?  Make it a habit to be there.  Make it a special place.  Use the atmosphere as a help for focusing on God and worshiping Him.  I love abiding in a building set apart specifically for his worship. 

Visitation Rights

(Pro 25:17 KJV)  Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

A month or so ago I got back from a road trip to visit friends.  It was a blessed time.  The journey itself was worth the effort.  Taking back roads and driving across country you realize what a glorious land you live in and how much space and freedom there is.  Then when you get to their home and are greeted with warmth and acceptance, life is good.

Don’t forget to be a good steward in the time you spend with them.  This first reminds you that you really should not overstay your welcome.  I don’t know where I got the idea but for me three full days is all a visit like this should be.  I guess I could go longer, but I just have a feeling it would be counterproductive.  I could leave earlier, and that might work, but it would be good conversation that would be missed.

In different situation’s, you may be at someone’s house for dinner or talking to them on the street, be aware of overstaying the time of fellowship.  Watch for the glassy-eyed look.  Pay attention to how they might talk less and less.  Are they looking around?  Has it gone so far that they’re actually looking at their watch?

So?  Part of living the life of faith is being sensitive to others.  Let your love be expressed sometimes by saying goodbye. 

The Source of Righteousness

Psalm 24:5 (KJV) He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

(Proverbs 24 also read)

What a glorious statement this is about the grace of God, reaching out through His power, and establishing us as righteous beings.  However, we need to look at the lead up to this.  First, consider this,

Psalm 24:3 (KJV) Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

Take it literally.  Taken figuratively.  Either way it’s speaks in a glorious way about coming into the presence of God and being blessed by Him.

And then the next verse,

Psalm 24:4 (KJV) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

This reminds us that God does not bestow His gifts blindly.  While we are not to assume that we are earning His blessing, there are repeated witnesses that say that God continues to bless those who are being obedient and walking in His statutes.

So? Taking that old phrase that is so common and adapting it, “Got blessings?”  God is anxious to make your life a pool of righteousness.  He wants to see you walking the right way.  He is willing to bestow His grace, defined as God’s love in action, upon all those willing to accept it.  Rejoice. 

Overflow

(Psa 23:5 KJV)  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

I finally broke down and went to get a haircut.  I hate haircuts.  It goes back to my childhood, but we won’t go into that now.  As the barber and I talked, we got off onto the state of the union.  My barber was really not too optimistic about where things were going in the country.  She felt like everything was going to come apart and us common folk are going to pretty much get ground up in the results.

I was a bit more optimistic.  I’m not a dreamer when it comes to political issues, but at the same time I have a certain confidence in the American people and even more in Almighty God.  The question always is,  “Are there enough loyal Americans to make a difference and will they stand up when the time comes?”  Of course, we don’t know what standing up means yet.  She accused me of being “positive” and “optimistic.”  I don’t get accused of that very often.  But this led me to a chance to share why I felt optimistic.  The optimism was not based on our political leaders or our political choices.  My optimism is based on the fact that God is on the throne, and that He will take care of His own.

I believe I live at a time when my cup definitely runs over with blessings.  I attribute that to God preparing the table for me.  And I extend that to His table preparation when I’m sitting surrounded by my enemies.

So?  That translates into optimism.  Not optimism for the country, necessarily, but optimism for believers.  We have this win-win situation.  If things go into the handbasket, then we know that God is carrying the basket.  If things work out with more blessings, we know God is in charge of that to make your cup run over.  Not only in blessings but in trust. 

Narrow Focus

Psalm 21:8 (KJV) Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

(Proverbs 22 also read)

Usually when I read through this verse, I think of God’s enemies as being the nations outside of Israel.  To us today this would be all those servants of Satan, who are outside the church and who are working to destroy the church.  But then I began thinking about some of the other reading I’ve been doing this past month in the book of Leviticus, and a parallel passage in Deuteronomy.

I believe it’s Leviticus chapter 26 that talks about how God will bless those who are obedient, and then, in a much longer passage tells about how He will punish those who are disobedient.  He goes through verse after verse, scenario after scenario, time after time, where the disobedience of Israel brings them to destruction.  By the time you get to the end of the chapter, you wonder if they were going to be any Jews left alive to make up the nation of Israel.

The point I’m making is that often God finds His enemies within.  He doesn’t need to look outside.  There are enough people who attend church on a regular basis, who refused to bend their knee, who insist on going their own way, and to put God into a subservient servant mode, deserve them, and to produce what they want.

These are the enemies of God.

So?  Evangelism is important.  We are called to go into the world.  Revival is probably more important because if we bring in new believers and they are polluted by the refuse sitting in the pews, then what have we gained? 

Parallel Thoughts

Proverbs 21:21 (KJV) He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

There are many people in the Christian community who deny the possibility of righteousness.  They focus on Paul, talking about how “there are none righteous”, and ignore the whole context of what he’s saying.  One of the problems with that interpretation is that the Bible is full of references to people who are righteous.  Here it talks about those who seek righteousness.  The problem might be not so much that it’s impossible to seek righteousness, but the fact that people define righteousness in the wrong way.

It came to me as I was reading this morning, that there is a parallel thought in the New Testament, which supports the idea of following after righteousness.

(Mat 6:33 NAS77) "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.

Yes, those are the words of Jesus.  He’s telling us that we are to seek the kingdom of God first and notice that part of that is seeking His righteousness.

So?  Seek away.  God is waiting with the rewards and the results of that search.

Assumptions

Psalm 9:10 (KJV) And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

(Proverbs 20 also Read)

There’s a glorious promise here, but it is a promise that is based on an assumption.

The promise is that God will not “forsake us”.  He will not abandon us.  He will not leave us to the wolves.  What a glorious promise that is.  It should give us a sense of confidence and security as we face the future.

Don’t forget the assumption that goes along with this.  It is that you are sincere as you “seek Him”.  It’s not just a matter of offering up a quick last minute prayer.  It’s not a matter of keeping God on the back burner until you really need him.  It’s a matter of targeting Him, seeking.  It is sincere and it is a matter of genuine devotion.

So?  Seek him.  He is waiting.  He is listening.  He is watching.  He knows your heart and is willing to respond to genuine concerns. 

A Word to the Wife

(Pro 19:2 KJV)  Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

As I began reading Proverbs 19, I came across this verse early this morning.  What it reminded me of is how my wife is often telling me to hurry up.  She thinks I move too slow.  What has been my pattern of life is getting more so as I get older.  She on the other hand, tends to get quicker and faster.

I need to remember to quote this verse.  Of course I will do it in the finest traditions of proof texting.  I will leave out the first half of the verse and just tell her that I don’t want my feet to sin.

So?  You be the judge of how fast you should move.  I’m sure that some of us need to slow down and some need to speed up.  And then again, some of us need to do both depending on the circumstances.  I’m sure you can work that out if you think about it. 

Where to start?

(Pro 18:13 KJV)  He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

This may not be a problem with you, but it certainly is with me.  I am currently in dialogue with a number of people, I attend a Sunday school class that invites comment, I have children and grandchildren, and I keep falling into this trap.  I don’t listen.  I start talking before I know what the question is.

I will concede that sometimes this is an issue where the person I’m talking to doesn’t want to hear what I have to say.  It’s not always just me.  Sometimes they go on and on and on and on, you get the idea.  You have been there.  You might even be that person.

That does not cancel the basic truth here.  We need to practice listening.  On one side, it gives the other person an awareness that you’re paying attention and that their comments are being taken seriously.  On the other, I can’t be accurate in my answers unless I know what the question is.  Many times it’s not a question.  It’s just a statement.

So?  Pretty simple.  Listen before you speak. 

Clarify with Cross References

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

(Proverbs 17 also read)

It is easy to take this verse and wonder just who this “son of man” is.  As you continue reading, it gets even more confusing,

Psalm 8:5 (KJV) For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

At this point, you could use your study tools, and you would find that the word “angels” is very interesting, but let’s assume you don’t know how to do that.  Look at the cross references that are probably listed in your side columns.  You’ll find a reference in the book of Hebrews,

(Heb 2:9 KJV)  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

This comes after a direct quote of Psalms, and it clarifies that David is talking about the coming Messiah.

So?  When you see things that don’t make sense or don’t seem to make sense then do a little digging.  Sometimes you have to dig deeper.  Sometimes you have to ask questions of others.  Sometimes you have to wait for the Holy Spirit to clarify.  But there are answers. 

Beware! Prooftext Ahead!

(Pro 16:4 KJV)  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

This is a good example of the dangers of proof texting.  If you take this verse in isolation and want to build a doctrine on it, you could come up with the idea that God is the source of evil.  That leads down the road to such things as Gnosticism and New Age thinking and who knows what else.

Of course, one of the things we hear is that God cannot be in the presence of evil or wickedness.  That also doesn’t wash very well because,

(Psa 139:8 KJV)  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

So? Keep reading.  Keep thinking.  God will help you put it together. 

Keep Reading

(Psa 15:1-2 KJV)  A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?  He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

In mid-week Bible study we were discussing the favorite topics of grace, faith, salvation and so forth.  What generally happens in these situations is that you get the eternal security people who believe that no matter what you do, you cannot lose your salvation, and they start talking about grace alone, faith alone, and so forth.

Part of this thinking is how none of us can ever live righteously.  We are doomed to be sinners.  And they talk about how we are all sinners.  OK.  There is some truth to that because the Bible tells us that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, but it doesn’t stop there.

If you have been reading Psalm 14 and are feeling down in the dumps about the potential in your life to live above sin then what you need to do is keep reading because chapter 15 tells a different story.  It talks about how we can walk uprightly and work righteousness.

So?  Keep reading.  Put it all together.  The message of the Bible is one of hope not of desperation.

Deception

(Pro 14:8 KJV)  The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

At first this seems like a contrast of two personalities, and it is, but that’s not the point.  You notice that one has “understanding” (995), and the other focuses on “deceit” (4820).  As I read this, I found myself wondering just who is being deceived?  I found the answer earlier in the same verse.

Another word I noticed that stood out when I began asking myself this question was that word in the first half of the verse “his”.  It says the prudent understands his way, but the fool deceives himself about what he’s doing.

The most insidious and prevalent form of deceit is in fooling yourself.  We have different words for it, such as “rationalization”.  We explain it away, because we feel that we are locked into our own perceptions and can’t see things from the other persons point of view.  We have a million excuses, but it ultimately comes down to deceiving ourselves.

So?  God has much to say to us.  If we listen, we learn.  If we ignore, then it is much easier to deceive ourselves.  Again I say, read, listen, contemplate, think, and grow in your understanding of God, and what He has for you. 

Source of Righteousness

(Luk 18:9 KJV)  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

(Proverbs 13 also read)

I believe that it is possible to live in an upright, righteous life.  Having said that, I think this verse brings the balance that we need an understanding that concept.  Notice the Jesus is not saying we can’t live a righteous life, He’s saying that trusting in ourselves for our righteousness is futile.

We can live morally.  In fact, it is required.  But what makes it possible is that we have trust in Jesus, we have been filled with the Holy Spirit, and we desire to walk in obedience.  It’s just a side effect of that which keeps us from looking down on others.

So?  Again I say, I didn’t make this up, I read it in the Bible.

Ouch

Proverbs 12:1 (KJV) Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

As I read this morning in the NASB it had “discipline” (4148) for “instruction”.  Since I have a hard time focusing at times on what I’m supposed to be studying, I need a constant reminder.  My mind is a hive of rabbit trails.

So?  Focus.  Keep reminding yourself that you have a reason that you sat down in that chair and opened your Bible.  It’s not just a paperweight.  Blessings. 

I Didn’t Say It

(Psa 7:8 KJV)  The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.

(Proverbs 11 also read)

We need to continue to examine what it means to be righteous.  This is one of those cases where we need to look to the word instead of the theologians.  

This verse is part of a discussion that goes on in this chapter, having to do with righteousness, and with God, recognizing the integrity that is in our hearts.  This chapter refutes much of the nonsense we hear, and the confusion that goes on with the idea of works versus faith.

If all you had was this verse, you might think that David is claiming to be righteous in his own strength.  If you’ve read the rest of the Psalms, remember read with gestalt, you know there are other places where David fills out the balance.  He calls on God to give him a clean heart.  He calls upon his trust in God’s love and righteousness.  There are many other places where David gives us the balance.

The point that is made repeatedly in this chapter is that we can live righteous lives, and that God expects us to live that way.

So?  Don’t be hiding behind your theological theories.  Don’t believe that you can live in righteousness because I say so.  Believe it because the Bible says so. 

Beware Statistics

Proverbs 10:27 (KJV) The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

I believe there is a tongue-in-cheek quote that goes like this, “There are lies, damn lies, and statistics.”  We live in an age where we almost have a religious awe of statistics and research results and so-called scientific knowledge.  We hear all kinds of marvelous things.  Sometimes they’re true.  Sometimes they’re fabrications.  One of the things that I’ve heard I believe is that religious people tend to be happier and live longer lives.  That has many trails to follow.  But that’s a brief summary.

This verse in a sense is making that statement and yet when we read it in the book of Proverbs, we kind of tilt our head, squint her eyes and say that doesn’t sound quite right.  When we read it in the media we say, “Oh. that sounds good.”  Maybe it’s just me.  The Bible makes a lot of statements that are clear and concise and we demand proof.  Scientist make statements that are clear and concise and society stands in awe.

So? Learn to trust the authentic Source.  With a little bit of thinking, some of the statements that you think are hard to swallow become very palatable.  Enjoy the feast of God’s word. 

Sound Bites

(Pro 9:13 KJV)  A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

As you read through this chapter in Proverbs, you will notice that you have the wise woman at the beginning, and the foolish woman, toward the end, starting off with exactly the same statements.  I would guess that the foolish woman was quoting the wise woman because she knew that the wise woman had the respect of the people in the community.  Although she was foolish, she knew enough to start off on the right foot.  She knew how to quote wise sayings.

But she didn’t know what she was talking about.

We are surrounded by people who know how to put out great sound bites.  We see it in politics. We see it in the church.  It’s pretty obvious in the news media and in the classroom.  The problem that we have is that often they have absolutely no idea what they’re talking about and what the words mean.

So?  Don’t be that foolish woman.  Look at the words and think about what they mean.  Spend some time contemplating and reading and, while you’re at it, listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying.  You can know. 

Fools hope

Proverbs 8:5 (KJV) O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

As I read this chapter, I noticed that it seem to offer a bit of hope for people that are branded as fools.  Many places in Proverbs it seems to imply that fools cannot learn.  This seems to imply that it is more a case of will not learn, rather than cannot learn.  That means that there is a bit of hope for people classified as fools.

I don’t know that I think of myself as a fool.  I would almost assume that you usually don’t consider yourself a fool.  If there is hope for a fool, then there’s hope for us.

So?  Never give in to despair or frustration.  If the problem is lack of understanding, or inability, to understand, God can reach you.  Usually it’s just a momentary lapse or lack of maturity.  The Holy Spirit continues to work on us. 

Seat Belts

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

I really don’t expect to be accosted by a harlot today or anywhere in my future.  It just doesn’t work in my world.  But there are other temptations that I may face that will pull me off the road of righteousness, or as one translation uses the phrase “the Highway of Holiness”.  I am susceptible as anyone else.  And as the KJV says, temptation can be very “subtil” (5341).

This is the purpose of something like the Law.  I believe even Paul, who is not known for his positive attitude toward the law, admitted that the reason for the law is to let us know where the boundaries are.  Those boundaries act like a safety belt designed to keep us from falling out when we go around wild corners.  There is a reason why roller coasters strap you in.  Modern rides. have these over-the-shoulder cages that come around you so you can hardly wiggle.  The purpose is to keep you from jumping out or falling out, depending on your foolishness.

If you have ever driven on a narrow, winding road, in the rain, then you know how important it is to have those reflectors along the center line, and the white lines on the edge of the road.  The actual road becomes almost impossible to see, and it is only those laws that keep you in your lane.

So?  Keep in mind they are out to get you.  It is not paranoia.  It is an understanding of life.  It is wisdom.  And that will make you embrace the difficulties of life with joy.  It will give you a freedom that you would not have without them. 

An Army of One

(Pro 6:6-7 KJV)  Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

We are part of the body of Christ.  We are part of the church.  There is provision for pastors and elders and deacons.  We are to grow in the context of other believers.  That is all true.  But another aspect of this is also important.

We are each one of us supposed to be walking in lockstep with our Savior no matter what those around us are doing.  Do you have people telling you things that do not seem to be consistent with the scripture?  Are you being taught shallow nonsense?  Do you seem to be alone in wanting to obey Jesus?  This is not the first time in history this happened.  It will not be the last.  Down through history much of the church of God has been made up of individuals, isolated and alone in human terms.  But those isolated individuals are an army of one.  They are the church solo.  It may not be the best choice, but it may be your only choice.

So?  Realize that even if you are in the greatest situation with a dynamic pastor and a living church, ultimately it comes down to you and Jesus.  You may give to others; you may support others.  You will stand before God as an individual believer, and God will want to know what you did with your time.  Use it wisely. 

Be Careful with Personalizing

Proverbs 5:7 (KJV) Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

God wants us to read His word.  He wants us to meditate on His word.  He wants us to apply His word to our lives.  But we need to be careful.  It is so easy for us to take a clear statement and, if we are in the wrong emotional state, twist it to mean what we want it to mean.  When our mind is made up, it is hard for the Holy Spirit to help us think things through.

Always be careful that you are not just looking to rationalize your behavior or your opinions.  It is a real risk.  I know I struggle with it.  It keeps me sometimes from listening to the wisdom of others.  It keeps me from seeing what the scriptures clearly say.

So?  God will communicate.  We need to make sure that we don’t put words in His mouth by twisting the words that came from His mouth to fit in our own. 

Patience 2

(Psa 95:10 KJV)  Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:

(Proverbs 4 also read)

How do you define patience?  How long do you wait for results?  We live in the day of instant gratification.  We live in the day of instant communication.  We live in the day of instant oatmeal.  How satisfying is all of that?

But God was not seeking gratification, He was seeking obedience, love.  He was waiting patiently for Israel to grow up.  40 years He waited.  At least that seems to be the way you would read this.  My thinking was that He was waiting for them to die because of their disobedience, but this puts a little bit of a different spin on it.  Is this saying that if Israel had repented in the wilderness, they would have been able to go into the promised land?  It sounds that way to me.

So?  God is patient.  He was patient with Israel.  He will be patient with us. 

Timely

Psalms 122:6 (KJV) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

(Proverbs 3 also read)

If there was ever a time when we need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, this is it.  Most of us are praying for our country and for the coming elections.  That is good, but we need to realize that there is more going on in the world than just in North America.

When you look at a verse like this, you need to first consider whom it is written to.  This is obviously written to the Jews of ancient times.  However, when you consider how to understand and apply a verse, today comes into consideration.  I think this applies to us today.  I think we should be praying that God’s people, whether they are obedient or disobedient, should know peace in that part of the world.

So?  Don’t forget Israel.  Don’t forget the chosen people.  What happens to them affects all of us.

Don’t Be Hopeless

(1Pe 3:15 KJV)  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

(Proverbs 2 also read)

The meaning of “sanctify” (37) can be one of two different emphasis.  One means to make holy and to cleanse.  That is not the meaning here.  In this passage it is to set aside or to put in a central location.

It is vital that we set aside Jesus as Lord of our lives.  It is vital that we put Almighty God in the center of our life and our hearts.  If we do this, we have a hope to share.

If we put our trust in something else, then we have no hope.  There are many things that we can put our trust in.  There are many things we can put in the center of my life.  Examples are family, our job, sports, sex, our cars.  The list goes on.

If we do not put Jesus in the center, then we have no hope to share.  We have nothing to make it to “Make a defense of” (NASB) or “give an answer” (KJV).  We have nothing to explain.  And to be honest people may not ask what it is.  They can understand being excited about family or sports or sex.  You don’t need to explain that to them.

So?  We need something in our hearts that gives us the kind of hope that needs to be explained.  If you don’t know Him yet, might I suggest Jesus? 

Refreshing Sci Fi

James 1:2 (KJV) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

(Proverbs 1 also read)

Usually when anything having to do with Jesus is mentioned in science fiction it is a kind of a stereotype.  It is an insult.  It is some kind of condemnation of the followers of Jesus as narrowminded, bigoted, and so forth.  A book by John Ringo had a refreshing different approach. It had a pastor, who had up to that point been totally orthodox, giving the text for his sermon.  He quoted James 1:2 and talked about how this means not really temptation but tests meant as challenges to growth.

“Now, ‘temptations’ here are ‘peirasmois,’ which means ‘trials.’  The wise old bishop of Jerusalem here is not saying that we should want to be lured into sin, no.  He’s saying we should be happy to be tried.  He’s saying that there is something about the human condition that needs serious testing.  He’s telling us that we shouldn’t want life to be too easy, we should embrace life with joy precisely because it is difficult.
    “Now what on Earth is old James talking about?” p. 265

I found that coming to mind today as I was thinking about the things of God and worshiping.  In my mind it had to do with certain trials that I am facing, and made me think about the Biblical definition of love.  And that points out that love is long suffering.  That is the meaning of patience in I Corinthians 13.  It also goes on and talks about not acting unbecomingly.

So?  Life is full of challenges.  Life is full of bumps and curves.  Love is to be applied in the reality of life not just in the theory of living.

Ringo, John.  Beyond the Ranges.  Riverdale, NY:  Baen, 2024.