It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.
I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.
This chapter, though, I will use the New Living Translation for clearing up some of the translations.
3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Don’t cause one to suffer – to fall into sin
6 But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.
7 “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.
cut off hand, gouge out eye
God holds children dear
10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.[c]
Mt 18:11- 14 The 99 vs the 1 – promise for wayward children
Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?
rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!
14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.
15 “If another believer[d] sins against you,[e] go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.
bring one or two
16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.
whole church
17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church.
If no change –
Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
make every attempt possible, but do not poison the body.
Mt 18:18- 20 in light of church matters – PRAYER POWER
18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid[f] on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit[g] on earth will be permitted in heaven.
19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.20 For where two or three gather together as my followers,[h] I am there among them.”
Quick Questions – if you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.
What qualities do children have that we, as adults, could grow back into?
Your answer
Why is the 99 and 1 verse about wayward children? does it just pertain to God’s children?
Your Answer
Read the Parable of the ruler and the servants – and think of something you’ve been forgiven of, and someone you are in need of forgiving. Could God put the consequences of sin back on us like this parable suggests? What color are the words of this parable in your Bible?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
M. Christine Wildman
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.
I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
theirs is the Kingdom of God
Mt 5:11-12
11 “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me.12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
M. Christine Wildman
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths[a] for His name’s sake. 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,[b] I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff[c]—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in[d] the house of the Lord as long as I live.[e]
God looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. 3 All have turned away; all alike have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one.
Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
Hallelujah! Give praise, servants of Yahweh; praise the name of Yahweh. 2 Let the name of Yahweh be praised both now and forever. 3 From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of Yahweh be praised.
KJVFrom the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.
Lord, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness listen to my plea, and in Your righteousness answer me. 2 Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous in Your sight.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all You have done; I reflect on the work of Your hands. 6 I spread out my hands to You; I am like parched land before You.Selah
Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Don’t hide Your face from me, or I will be like those going down to the Pit. 8 Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I long for You. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I come to You for protection.[a]
Because of Your name, Yahweh, let me live. In Your righteousness deliver me from trouble, 12 and in Your faithful love destroy my enemies. Wipe out all those who attack me, for I am Your servant.
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what[a] is before you, 2 and put a knife to your throat if you have a big[b] appetite; 3 don’t desire his choice food, for that food is deceptive.
Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; stop giving your attention to it. 5 As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.
18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has conflicts? Who has complaints? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has red eyes?
35 “They struck me, but[h] I feel no pain! They beat me, but I didn’t know it! When will I wake up? I’ll look for another drink.”
~~~~~~~
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Wisdom and Praise Psalms 9, 39, 69, 99, 129 and Proverb 9
The blog is delayed because I had an appointment with my eyes dilated, and I could not see all day. I will get it added here as soon as I can. Thanks for your patience.
Songs I found Psalm 9 by Jason Silver Psalm 9 by Karl Kohlhase
~~~~~~~
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Today’s readings in Psalms have similarities. They all deal with crying out in distress, asking for help and answered prayer, and they end with a beautiful declaration.
Proverbs continues to give us counsel on how to be wise.
Psalm 4 – a cry in distress with a declaration of faith
1 Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me.[a] You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. 8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.
fair is that every gets equally, just is that it’s based on legal requirements
God is a judge, and He judges good and evil based on His laws.
mercy is that we are not dealt with according to our transgressions, no punishment is applied.
grace is that we are able to come before a Holy God and make the requests and out cries of Psalm 4, and Psalm 64 or any other out cry in distress, because if we were judged according to our transgressions, we would not be able to stand before a Holy God.
17 If the Lord had not been my helper, I would soon rest in the silence of death. 18 If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your faithful love will support me, Lord. 19 When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.
6 Praise the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth. 7 We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net; the net is torn, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of Yahweh, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Proverbs 4 – Still talking about listening and learning to be wise.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; don’t forget or turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her, and she will guard you. 7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. 9 She will place a garland of grace on your head; she will give you a crown of beauty.”
18 The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. 19 But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they don’t know what makes them stumble.
23 Guard your heart above all else,[a] for it is the source of life.
There are many “go to” verses to memorize in today’s readings. What I mean by a “go to” verse is something that touches my heart and is important for me to remember in times of trouble, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, pain and many more.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
The cries for deliverance in these psalms also point out the need to be in a right relationship with the God of the universe through His son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us.
Is there something from today’s readings that you would like to memorize? Let me know. If you have trouble with memorizing, ask me for help. I have several methods I’ve used over the years. The most successful one, though is having the verses put to music and singing it all day long.
Psalm 63:7 NIV
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings,~ChristiPs 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
How did i learn i had bitterness?
By my words
Out of the abundance of my heart, my mouth spoke
I am an abuser survivor
Forgave
Healed
Didn’t wait for the abuser to apologize
It only takes one to forgive.
I am a peaceful conflict resolution teacher
I know the steps
It takes two, to do a resolution.
I’m a human
I’ve been wounded
I thought I’d forgiven
I have bitterness
Why is it so difficult forget sometimes? Is it because someone has hurt you over and over and over? And they have the potential to continue doing so? And you’re sure you fill the 70 × 7 forgiveness requirement?
Hebrews 12:15 King James Version (KJV)
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
I just completed IBBS Titus 1:10-16, and in Titus, Paul warns about those who are defiled.
Titus 1:15 King James Version (KJV)
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
I discussed how when someone chooses to go the way of the wide path, and not the straight and narrow, eventually, God gives them over to their own lusts. God gives them, or allows them, what they want. Romans 1:18-32
All I wanted to do was to discuss the concept of holding unforgiveness in your heart would cause you problems. Well, me, specifically. These posts are all written to me, I just share them with whomever is interested! HA! Such a simple task, I thought! Therefore, as God would have it, I’ve been enlightened about how much bitterness I hold in my heart!
Coming up soon, from the date of this writing, is the Resurrection Season. I wrote a series for Lent last year, and the First Sunday of Lent deals with Forgiveness!
There is a website that I refer to often, GotQuestions.org.
Here’s their write up on What is Forgiveness. The article talks about the two aspects of forgiveness – the part that is key to our salvation, or, OUR forgiveness by GOD, and the part that we are to implement, or, OUR forgiveness of OTHERS.
Another resource is from Desiring God, and here is a list of their various posts on Forgiveness…including several by John Piper. Here’s one that fits this topic wonderfully – How to Battle Bitterness!
In that sermon, John Piper brings up this verse:
Romans 12:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Isn’t that why we hold onto the anger, the rage, the hurt and such? We want vengeance?
“Revenge – it’s a dish best served cold.”
I have no idea where that came from. Wikipedia says this:
The popular expression “revenge is a dish best served cold” suggests that revenge is more satisfying if enacted when unexpected or long feared, inverting traditional civilized revulsion toward “cold-blooded” violence.[12]
The idea’s origin is obscure. The French diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754–1838) has been credited with the saying, “La vengeance est un met que l’on doit manger froid” [“Revenge is a dish that must be eaten cold”], albeit without supporting detail.[13] It has been in the English language at least since the 1846 translation of the 1845 French novel Mathilde by Joseph Marie Eugène Sue: “la vengeance se mange très bien froide”,[14] there italicized as if quoting a proverbial saying, and translated “revenge is very good eaten cold”.[15] It has been wrongly credited[16] to the novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses (1782).
Its path to modern popularity may begin with the 1949 film Kind Hearts and Coronets which had revenge is a dish which people of taste prefer to eat cold. The familiar wording appears in the film Death Rides a Horse (1967), in the novel The Godfather by Mario Puzo (1969), as if from an “old Klingon proverb” in the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). The title sequence of the Quentin Tarantino film Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) referred to this last movie by again citing it as a Klingon proverb. After that it appeared in the 2004 version of Man on Fire.
The phrase has also been credited to the Pashtuns of Afghanistan.[17]
Another proverb states, “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves”. Another version (Chinese: 子不复仇非子也) proposes that a son who does not take revenge for his parents is not a son.[citation needed]
That’s the way of the flesh.
Hebrews 12:15 says not to allow a root of bitterness to grow! And, any plant grows from a seed.
Romans 12:19 says to let God take vengeance on our behalf.
When our children were little, they often offended each other. Yes. It’s true.
If they came to me with the concern, I would sit them down, and start a peaceful conflict resolution – let’s talk it out, and come up with a satisfactory solution.
If one lied, they would be disciplined.
If one disobeyed some rule, they would be disciplined.
BUT, if the offended one took matters into their own hand, I would say
“you already handed out the punishment, I cannot punish them anymore. If you want them to have discipline and learn the lesson, you need to let me be the judge, and pronounce the judgement.”
These aren’t quite the same thing, yet I’m pretty sure these verses were those from whom I gleaned this concept.
Proverbs 24:17-18 New International Version (NIV)
Saying 28
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the Lord will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them.
I have written about God being a Vengeful God in IBBS Nahum 1:2b
The thing is, vengeance is a release of the anger and the bitterness, from our physical, emotional and mental perspectives.
Forgiveness is letting go from a SPIRITUAL perspective.
I’ve done much study on Forgiveness as an abuse survivor.
It’s not about the other person, though, if they want to sit down and work things out, GREAT!
It’s about MY HEART!!
Hebrews 12:15 King James Version (KJV)
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
And yet, Our Heavenly Father knows us so much, that he gave us a promise to help us let go of that anger:
Romans 12:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Give room for GOD’s wrath to deal with it!
Did Jesus talk about this? Yes, including instructions!
Matthew 5:21-25 King James Version (KJV)
21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 5 is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are the
poor in Spirit
mourn
meek
hunger and thirst after righteousness
merciful
pure in heart
peace makers
Do any of those sounds like anger, wrath, or bitterness? Nope, not to me, either.
The fruit of the Spirit are:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Self-Control
Anything look like anger, wrath and bitterness there? nope, nada!
1 Corinthians 13, in the chapter describing LOVE says this:
Not only does love not get easily angered, IT KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS. ISN’T THAT BITTERNESS???
Before listing the fruit of the Spirit, Paul lists the fruit of the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-21 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,
21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Even though we are forgiven for our sins, and yes, we struggle with the flesh in this life, these things are not becoming of an Ambassador of Christ! While I’m studying this, as I said above, I was also studying about what it meant to be an ambassador for and of Christ through Titus 1. IBBS Titus 1:6-9 Ambassadors
See, when someone starts sharing things, things that could be perceived as teachings, they could be perceived as teachers.
I am told, as an old woman to teach the younger women.
TEACH seems to be the key word here.
This is to the older men, but, in my Titus studies, I realize, it isn’t gender specific!
Titus 2:6-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7… Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. 8 Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
It’s a warning to anyone that potentially teaches.
Matthew 28:19-20 King James Version (KJV)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
What does this have to do with Bitterness, unforgiveness and anger?
I HAVE NOT HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE IN YEARS WITH ANGER AND BITTERNESS TOWARDS MY FAMILY as I have since I started working on this post!
Was there anything that anyone did horrible to me?
NO!
Was there anything illegal, immoral, or of enduring effect?
NO!
I just didn’t seem to be able to LET GO of the pain!
Testimony…
Yes, I have had pains that come up, and I do have triggers because of those painful memories.
Yes, my family sometimes forgets the (long list, I’m sure) triggers that trigger me.
YES, I get hurt. Mad sometimes. Sometimes, I have to talk to them about it.
The thing is, a long time ago, I decided that I didn’t have the emotional energy, nor the mental capacity to give anger room in me! It’s exhausting!
YET NOW IT’S HAPPENING!
Maybe, just maybe, there was special grace given to me to forgive my abusers, and now, I have to seek out that grace in face of MY NEED for forgiveness.
What do I mean by that?
Matthew 6:14-15 King James Version (KJV)
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
There’s a qualification to being forgiven! Jesus said so!
I studied that when I was going through the early therapy for the PTSD, and prayed to forgive my abuser.
Years later, I went through some spiritual techniques that had you go through and forgive all those from your past. This included asking those you could contact for forgiveness where needed.
Here I am, actually writing a piece because of a few things that were bothering me…and I get hit with a month’s worth of lessons on anger, bitterness, releasing the pain, and forgiveness.
I had a diagram that I wanted to create a video of.
I’m going to share that photo here, but because of a new friend, Ebony, I’ve just been made aware of another aspect to forgiveness and bitterness that I need to work on…forgiving myself!
I’ll explain this, and maybe have a video in part two!
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
My thoughts for the Itty Bitty Bible Study group on Facebook. (join if you’d like to get these in fb!) I utilize various resources to research and study these Itty Bitty Bible Studies. This time, for Titus, I hooked up with Keith Loy’s Celebrate Titus on RightNow Media. RightNow Media is a subscription for everyone in a church. If you don’t have RightNow Media on your computer or TV streaming channels, the Celebrate Titus dvd is available. I don’t know if it’s more or less information. I am not an Amazon associate, so I don’t get anything out of sharing this! I will let you know that I will be quoting him!
What saying is true?
It’s not a pretty saying.
We’ve just looked at Titus 1:6-9, the qualifications for an ambassador for Christ. It’s not just for Bishops, Elders and such…it’s for everyone who is called by the name of Christ!
Titus 1:10-16 King James Version (KJV)
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
We can read that in various versions….
Titus 1:10-16 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
10 There are many who don’t respect authority, and they fool others by talking nonsense. This is especially true of some Jewish followers. 11 But you must make them be quiet. They are after money, and they upset whole families by teaching what they should not. 12 It is like one of their own prophets once said,
“The people of Crete
always tell lies.
They are greedy and lazy
like wild animals.”
From the look of this, there is some stereotyping going on…and yet, “it is one of their own prophets that said”…apparently, it was a cultural thing at that time.
Read it in the Amplified or The Message, I dare ya!
Cultural bigotry?
That’s not the point of this passage.
Then, what is?
It’s a statement of a cultural issue, that even the people of CRETE knew about! Yet, that’s not why Paul is writing that. It’s to prepare us for the next part:
Titus 1:10-11 Contemporary English Version
10 There are many who don’t respect authority,
and they fool others by talking nonsense.
This is especially true of some Jewish followers.
11 But you must make them be quiet.
They are after money,
and they upset whole families by teaching what they should not.
The point is that false doctrines cause chaos…and need to be shut down.
Even if it is from the Jewish followers, of whom Paul has had difficulty making sure they don’t bring others back into bondage to the law! Galatians 1:6-9 Hebrews 6:4-6
Using Contemporary English again,
13 That surely is a true saying. And you should be hard on such people, so you can help them grow stronger in their faith.
14 Don’t pay any attention to any of those senseless Jewish stories and human commands.
These are made up by people who won’t obey the truth.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
The reason to rebuke someone in error is to clear up the issue, and help them to grow sound in the faith! Grow stronger in their faith! Not let them slip down the rabbit holes of senseless and foolish Jewish myths, or human commands that pull them away from the freedom of Christ.
This is the purpose of Church Discipline doctrine…which I’m not going to discuss, but rather, put a link here for you to read and discern. Matthew 18, with some examples in the Corinthians letters. An extreme of this is the Amish shunning.
Are there really rabbit holes and Jewish myths mentioned in the Bible? YES!
In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus warned them, and us, of false prophets, that they will look good…but we can judge them by their fruit…and we should. Matthew 15 talks about the traditions of the elders verses scriptures. Matthew 23 lists a few the Pharisees were guilty of teaching.
Mark 7 also talks about these things…Jesus is putting the teachers of that time on notice!
Blind guides…Matt 15:14
WARNING WARNING WARNING
1 Timonthy 4:1 KJV
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Peter 3:16 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
16 He speaks about these things in all his letters in which there are some matters that are hard to understand. The untaught and unstable twist them to their own destruction, as they also do with the rest of the Scriptures.
We have to beware of those teaching false teachings, as well as those that twist scriptures around to their own destruction.
Here is the really ugly, dangerous, scary part to me:
Titus 1:15-16 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
15 To the pure, everything is pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; in fact, both their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and disqualified for any good work.
I don’t want to be defiled.
I do not want to be unbelieving.
1 Corinthians 2:9-16 King James Version (KJV) especially verses 14-16
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
It takes the mind of Christ to understand the things of Christ, and that is only obtained through salvation. Steps are listed at the end of this blog.
This passage is scary, but true!
Romans 1:18-32 King James Version (KJV)
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Go Ahead, read that passage in different versions, if you aren’t clear on the meanings. Romans 1:18 and following in the Bible Hub
God gave them what they wanted. Freewill. Scary.
On the other hand, there is something very precious here…
Titus 1:15 To the pure, everything is pure.
This is freedom!
This is priceless – though Jesus paid an enormous price for us to walk in this freedom!
Again, Paul does talk about us NOT using our liberty in Christ to sin…or to cause others to stumble. Our freedom = rights, but with rights comes responsibility!
What are we free from?
sin
death
slavery
fear
self hatred
purposelessness
the consequences of the law!
earning our way to heaven…
Can you think of any other things that we are free from, by the grace of God, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
We do have rights, and with those rights come responsibility!
rights —– responsibility
wealth —– giving/generosity
health —– self care
eternity — faithfulness
forgiven — forgive
full life — die to self
Die to self? That’s self sacrifice, taking the flesh to the cross…choosing to walk in the fruit of God’s love.
There are two ways we can sacrifice for God:
Walk in the Spirit… Galatians 5:16-26
present your bodies a living sacrifice – Romans 12:1
Just because we are free and have liberty does not mean that we can go on living in sin…GOD FORBID! Romans 6:1-3
1 Corinthians 6:12 King James Version (KJV)
12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
We are crucified to that old life! Romans 8
Remember, we shall know them by their fruits…Matthew 7:20
They shall know us by OUR fruits…
what fruit are we displaying?
Titus 1:16 Common English Bible (CEB)
16 They claim to know God, but they deny God by the things that they do. They are detestable, disobedient, and disqualified to do anything good.
Titus 1:16 Amplified Bible (AMP)
16 They profess to know God [to recognize and be acquainted with Him], but by their actions they deny and disown Him. They are detestable and disobedient and worthless for good work of any kind.
For completeness – here’s the passage in The Message
Titus 1:16 The Message (MSG)
10-16 For there are a lot of rebels out there, full of loose, confusing, and deceiving talk. Those who were brought up religious and ought to know better are the worst.
They’ve got to be shut up.
They’re disrupting entire families with their teaching, and all for the sake of a fast buck.
One of their own prophets said it best:
The Cretans are liars from the womb,
barking dogs, lazy bellies.
He certainly spoke the truth.
Get on them right away.
Stop that diseased talk of Jewish make-believe and made-up rules so they can recover a robust faith.
Everything is clean to the clean-minded; nothing is clean to dirty-minded unbelievers.
They leave their dirty fingerprints on every thought and act.
They say they know God,
but their actions speak louder than their words.
They’re real creeps,
disobedient
good-for-nothings.
If we are honest, we can all point our fingers to someone that is dirty minded…seeing something dirty in anything that is said.
If we are honest, we can think of someone that says they know God, but their lives and actions and choices say they do not.
If we are honest, we can point all those fingers back to ourselves…
Do we laugh at off color jokes?
Do we giggle at psuedo off color jokes?
Do we snicker at something that is totally innocent, and yet, we see it with a less than pure concept?
I have.
Do I do things that might speak to someone watching that I am an unbeliever?
Does my character, choices, and conversation glorify God or would Jesus be embarrassed to be by my side sometimes?
Yes, I have…and yes, things have been iffy at times.
There are times that my behavior and choices could cause others to question my loyalty to Christ.
Am I supposed to be concerned with other’s opinions?
For those in the church, in order to move up in the church, to gain accolades or to obtain position…if those are my motives for my character and choices…they are wrong. I am a manpleaser. My reasons are for my own benefit.
On the other hand…if my character and choices causes others that are watching to see how a Christ-follower behaves, then I am to be concerned about how my behavior effects their opinion of God and His Kingdom. I am an ambassador. My reasons are for Christ’s and seekers’ benefit.
On another hand(yes, that’s three), if I choose to do things that the world does so that I do not have to speak up for Christ, or potentially suffer persecution, my reasons are for self preservation, not others, nor Christ’s.
Here’s the catch.
The Holy Spirit is ALWAYS WITH ME, because I am the temple of the Holy Spirit!
That means, when I choose to do things that are less than Godly, I expose the Holy Spirit to things that are less than Godly…or ungodly.
Someone is ALWAYS watching me.
I’ve been writing up a post on bitterness, including anger, and frustration and irritation at others. Do people see this in me?
Maybe.
But even deeper than whether others see this is that there are verses that say these very things prevent me from being forgiven if I don’t forgive, my prayers being hindered if I hold onto anger, and that a root of bitterness can grow and poison everything in my life. The thing is, I see these in me, and therefore, Jesus sees these in me, and is talking to me about them. I have a choice.
Our choices, our character tells others how committed we are to Christ.
Our choices, our character tells God how committed we are to Christ.
Our choices, our character tells US how committed we are to Christ.
I do not want to face Christ and here him say that I was good for nothing!
Oh my, just read the list in Revelation about who goes into the lake of fire!
Revelation 21:8 King James Version (KJV)
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Go ahead, read Rev 21:8 on Bible Hub, in various versions!
On the Bible Hub website, you can look at the cross references…so many things that talk about what will NOT have it’s place in Kingdom…like:
1 Cor 6:9-10 KJV
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
The beauty is that we have a choice.
We have a choice because we were bought with a price.
1 Corinthians 6:11 King James Version (KJV)
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
We are not our own…we are a new type of slave…but also called friend, by Jesus Christ!
John 15:15 King James Version (KJV)
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
We will still be judged, and this is what I want to hear:
Matthew 25:23 King James Version (KJV)
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
When you think of all that He has done for us, is it too much to ask us to live according to His principles and His standards?
When he’s saved us out of darkness, and brought us into His Kingdom of light…saved us from eternal death, which we deserved…how much is too much to give back to Him?
An oldie:
A new one for me:
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Last time, I talked about the importance of Word!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guard my heart – I want to dig into the words, because I want to know a bit more about the words!
Why?
Well, I believe everything started with a word (phrase, actually)
John 1:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Prologue
1 In the beginning was the Word,[a]
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 All things were created through Him,
and apart from Him not one thing was created
that has been created.
To be like Jesus, I need to know Jesus more.
Jesus is the incarnation of God the Father, and the way that God made for me to KNOW Him better.
The Holy Spirit is the indwelling person of the Godhead. To know Him, I need to spend time with Him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next word/phrase is all vigilance, diligence, utmost care, and above all else.
It’s serious.
It’s to be done intentionally.
This is how I will guard my heart with all diligence.
Walking in the Spirit.
Living in the Spirit.
Hide the Word in my heart.
Study Jesus!
Be like Jesus!
Keep account of my days…Ps 90:12
Seek wisdom
Be Prepared for what’s coming.
One thing that I’m certain of, in the focus upon words, that we will be judged by our words.
Matthew 12:36-37 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
36 I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.[a] 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue.
Proverbs 13:2-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
2 From the words of his mouth,
a man will enjoy good things,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3 The one who guards his mouth protects his life;
the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
What does the mouth have to do with the heart?
Matthew 12:34 King James Version (KJV)
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Luke 6:45 King James Version (KJV)
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
The mouth is the indication of what is in the heart! My words can tell me what is the state of my heart.
James 1:26 King James Version (KJV)
26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Psalm 39:1 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
I said, “I will guard my ways
so that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle
as long as the wicked are in my presence.”
The thing is, James 3:1 fits the diligently warning…
The Berean Bible says it this way:
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
I’ve talked about us being judged…above about our words, our tongue. What about other ways?
1 Corinthians 11:28-32 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
28 So a man should examine himself; in this way he should eat the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body,[a] eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep. 31 If we were properly evaluating ourselves, we would not be judged, 32 but when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, so that we may not be condemned with the world.
Jeremiah 31:17-20 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
17 There is hope for your future—
this is the Lord’s declaration—
and your children will return to their own territory.
18 I have heard Ephraim moaning,
“You disciplined me, and I have been disciplined
like an untrained calf.
Restore me, and I will return,
for you, Lord, are my God.
19 After I returned, I repented;
After I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief.
I was ashamed and humiliated
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.”
20 Isn’t Ephraim a precious son to Me,
a delightful child?
Whenever I speak against him,
I certainly still think about him.
Therefore, My inner being yearns for him;
I will truly have compassion on him.
This is the Lord’s declaration.
Itty Bitty Bible Study Habakkuk 1 talks about how allows things to discipline us. How much better to be disciplined by the Father, than judged without grace!
IBBS Habakkuk 3 goes into the reason that we want the Father to discipline us…as His sons.
The point here is not judgement in the sense of condemnation, but rather conviction and self searching to rid ourselves from anything that would be displeasing to the Lord!
Our Prayer – our heart – should be that Father God would help us to search our hearts,
Psalm 51 is a prayer for cleansing, of repentance, and of trust that the Lord would renew us, in the light of some consequences for choices that make life a bit uncomfortable. That discomfort is to cause us to turn back to the Lord, and repent from the ‘other’ that we were following.
If we were supposed to be perfect, we would not have the promises in 1 John for an advocate that will cleanse us from our sins!
It’s our job to check our hearts…and to continually put off those fleshly things and put on the things of the Spirit…the fruit, the qualities of Love, the beattitudes that Jesus taught…to crucify the flesh and strengthen the Spirit by the Power of the blood of Jesus, and the renewing of the mind. romans 12:1-2
There is a Christian comedian/satirist named John Christ. He has several videos about Check your heart!
Seriously, why should we check our heart?
Well, there are others that are…Christian and non Christian…as well as our Father in Heaven!
I wrote about the difference between Judas and Peter – they both denied Christ…but one had heart knowledge of forgiveness.
Jesus pled with the disciples at Gethsemane to Watch and Pray that they not fall into temptation! Matthew 26:41
Jesus told Peter that Satan had a target on his back! Luke 22:321
Paul wrote much about being aware of the enemy’s schemes.
I believe it is the heart issue.
We’ve talked a lot about how works are the evidence of our salvation. The outward sign of our inner work is how the Episcopalians describe sacraments. Neither the sacraments, nor the disciplines of faith, nor even the fruits gain us salvation, but they are evidences of our salvation. Jesus said that we can know them by their fruit.
Judas was willing to betray this man – but Peter was not willing to have him wash his feet!
Judas was known to be a thief – but Peter was willing to step out on water, and was declaring his dying loyalty!
Judas did not understand the concept of forgiveness – Peter had been taught over and over, and was alive to experience Christ’s forgiveness.
I wonder what Peter learned from his experience with JESUS. When Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and walked on the water, and then he looked around at the storm and he took his eyes off Jesus, and said “Lord Jesus save me”, and Jesus reached out his hands and caught him. I wonder, did that impact Peters understanding that Jesus knows we’re going to mess up, and Jesus would forgive. This experience had to be enormously impactful to this fisherman!
IBBS Ephesians 2:11-19 goes into the comparison of flesh and spirit.
If we are showing fleshly behaviors…our heart is in the flesh!
If we are showing spirit behaviors…our heart is in the Spirit!
Galatians 5:22-25 King James Version (KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
IBBS Galatians 5 goes into detail about how we can be free from the law, but also, needing to walk in the Spirit and producing fruit.
In John 15, we have Jesus talking to us about abiding in Him, and producing much fruit.
We prove that we are God’s disciples by our fruit!
One of the ways we can judge the fruit is by the words that come out of someone’s mouth…or, our own mouth!
Dear friends, in checking my heart, I’ve been listening to the words of my mouth.
They may not be all horrible, but they are not always positive!
Phil 4 has so much in it about how to stand firm in God, but verse 8 talks about what things to focus upon.
Philippians 4:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.
If these are the things I’m meditating upon, wouldn’t these be the qualities of what comes out of my mouth?
Back to life and death are in the power of the tongue.
When God gave me this focus for this year, to guard my heart, I thought that it was going to be a study on the heart.
No…it’s a study on how to CHECK my heart!
Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above!
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
2 Lord, I have heard the report about You;
Lord, I stand in awe of Your deeds.
Revive Your work in these years;
make it known in these years.
In Your wrath remember mercy!
Please read all of Habakkuk 3 – but for now, I want to continue some thoughts from the previous posts.
To review:
In IBBS Habakkuk 1, we discussed that sometimes bad things happen to discipline us. that is not always the case.
Sometimes, it’s to test us…(though we are told not to blame God for our temptations!
James 1:12-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
12 A man who endures trials[a] is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God[b] has promised to those who love Him.
13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil,[c] and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.
There are those that fall because of their own lusts…and they need Psalm 38
The truth is, that there are those that are refined by the fire, and that refining has a higher purpose!
I discussed those who experienced a higher purpose with the refining fire. The question is, do we realize that God uses EVERYTHING to cause us to grow into the fullness of Christ?
Does God discipline his children?
I believe the answer is yes.
Job 5:17-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
17 See how happy the man is God corrects;
so do not reject the discipline of the Almighty.
18 For He crushes but also binds up;
He strikes, but His hands also heal.
Proverbs 3:11-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son,
and do not loathe His discipline;
12 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves,
just as a father, the son he delights in.
Psalm 94 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
12 Lord, happy is the man You discipline
and teach from Your law
13 to give him relief from troubled times
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
1 Corinthians 11:28-32 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
28 So a man should examine himself; in this way he should eat the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body,[a] eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep. 31 If we were properly evaluating ourselves, we would not be judged, 32 but when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, so that we may not be condemned with the world.
2 Chronicles 6:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
27 may You hear in heaven
and forgive the sin of Your servants
and Your people Israel,
so that You may teach them the good way
they should walk in.
May You send rain on Your land
that You gave Your people for
an inheritance.
Hebrews 12:5-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:
My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly
or faint when you are reproved by Him,
6 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves
and punishes every son He receives.[a]
Jeremiah 31:18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
18 I have heard Ephraim moaning,
“You disciplined me, and I have been disciplined
like an untrained calf.
Restore me, and I will return,
for you, Lord, are my God.
2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
There’s a difference designated…those who are God’s people,and those who are not.
Job 27:8 For what hope does the godless man have when he is cut off,
when God takes away his life?
None…because those that Love the Lord have the hope of living out eternity with God in His Kingdom.
Eccl 8:12-14
12 Although a sinner commits crime a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before Him. 13 However, it will not go well with the wicked,and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God.14 There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.
As I said above, Psalm 38 is a cry for repentance. Those that Love God, and are wanting to please Him, know when they have sinned, and they cry out. There is now no condemnation…but there is conviction!
Romans 8 King James Version (KJV)
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Read the rest of Roman’s 8 to find our what the child of God’s position of sin ought to be.
The question IS who is righteous and who is unrighteous in God’s eyes.
To point that out we just need to list a bunch of scriptures about righteousness versus unrighteous. Google gives options. I’ve linked and posted a few above.
It is only in Christ Jesus that we are considered righteous. There is no room for pride or elitism.
And since sacrifices in the Old Testament were the foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, trying to live your life according to all the rules of the Old Testament, and then confessing your sins and having faith in the sacrifices, that was what was considered righteous back then.
The thing is, the concept of grace and mercy is far misunderstood today.
Grace is getting that which you do not deserve and
mercy is not getting that which you do deserve.
Got Answers has a great explanation of the difference.
We all deserve the wages of sin which are death.
We all can embrace the gift of God which is eternal life by falling upon The Mercy Seat that had the final sacrifice of Christ’s blood applied.
I’m often disturbed by how many Christians look at God as a Santa God. Only providing good things and never asking us for anything in return.
Jesus himself gave some very clear commands!
Mark 12:30-31 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.[a][b] 31 “The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself.[c] There is no other command greater than these.”
That doesn’t sound like he wiped out the Ten Commandments, or any of the other laws and Prophets as guides for how we should live!
What He wiped out is that we will not have to answer for being Human and failing.
We will have to answer for a lack of faith,
for lack of enduring to the end,
for a lack of holding on,
for a lack of continuing in well-doing,
for not walking in those works for which we were created.
Now, salvation is based on Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and having him being the Lord and Master Of Our Lives.
There are plenty of verses that say that there are rewards for those who have their heads chopped off for the kingdom.
Or for those who have lost all things in this world for Christ, or for those who…???
Yet, that isn’t always the requirement. AND they are NOT the REQUIREMENT for salvation. They are the EVIDENCE!
The Bible says that those who teach are held to a higher standard than those who are ignorant. Something for which I am very aware.
I find it hard dealing with the physical and mental issues the God has allowed to continue in my life.
I find it hard to be joyful in the face of discouragement,
to be patient in the face of an ongoing trial, or
to be gracious to someone who has hurt me over and over and over possibly more than 70 times 7.
What I’m saying is, sometimes, when I get a little too comfortable in my life, I need the Lord to get my attention and if that is his disciplining hand to remind me that I am his child, I will say thank you for that!
What does this have to do with Habakkuk?
In Habakkuk’s day, being taken to Babylon was God’s disappointing hand to a people who had become too comfortable and we’re turning their backs on the one who gives them life.
God was promising Habakkuk that there would come a day that there would be judgment and that the joy of the people would be restored.
I’m going to answer that question, and discuss Habakkuk 3 in IBBS Habakkuk 3b.
I know there is a lot of scripture in this blog.
I know there is a lot of reference to additional blog posts.
The thing is, in my world, there is only one truth…ONE TRUTH…and that is the Word of God.
Nothing I say can set you free…only the SON can set you free!
John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
My prayer for you is that through Habakkuk, and all studies of the Word of God, you will be set free, and know The Prince of Peace!
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
The scepter.
Second only to the crown as a symbol of power.
Rulers hold the scepter.
I have read the story of Esther with a unique perspective. This feels a bit like sexual assault to me.
I am not sure that I would appreciate being kidnapped – so to speak – to become one of the King’s potential mates.
Probably to be used once, and then thrown aside, potentially never to be free again, and definitely not able to get married and have a family.
Anyway, in the story, in order for Esther to save her people, she must risk her life by boldly going into the throne room, and requesting an audience with the King. King Artexurxes(sp) was known for his having people killed on a whim. If he did not reach out his scepter to her, and welcome her into the throne room, she would die.
Putting her life on the line, to go into the throne room of a great and powerful King, in order to intercede for her people. Amazing. And this she did after three days of prayer and fasting.
Genesis 49:10 says that the scepter shall not depart from Judah:
The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,[a]
until he to whom it belongs[b] shall come
and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
Isaiah 9:6-7, the great Christmas passage, talks about Jesus ruling:
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
I get Jesus being King of Kings – which was why yesterday’s symbol was a crown.
But the scepter? How does that apply to me? I go back to Esther’s story.
Because I have sinned, and I am not holy, I cannot enter into the throne room of a Holy God. (Hab 1:13) God is too holy to look upon sin, which is why sin brought death and separation into the world.
Because Jesus died on my behalf, paid my death penalty, In Christ, I can enter into the throne room with no concern of a Holy God destroying me for my unholiness.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:14 & 16
Because of Jesus, God the Father, on the great white throne of Judgement(actually, that will be Jesus), extends His scepter and welcomes me into His presence for fellowship.
We just bought a new house.
Because I am not able to see all the doors from everywhere, very unlike the RV, we put in a security system.
This security system has a code to enter, and only those with the code may do so, without sounding the alarm, and having the police called.
During our Thanksgiving trip to Ohio, we needed someone to look after our cat, Purrl. Because we trusted her, she had her own code to enter into the house. She also had a key, but that is a different symbol.
The security system let us know every time she entered and exited. Her freedom to enter in was given to her by US, because of her commitment, and the freedom was based in that code.
Another Bible story is about the High Priest serving in the Holy of Holies. He had to go through much purification prior to, be committed to His service, and bring the blood of the sacrifice to the altar. Because it was so dangerous, that God might strike the person dead for entering in without purification first, they had ropes tied around their waists so that their bodies could be pulled out. They knew about those that died that touched the altar, even by mistake. The purity and holiness of God was a serious issue, and going before him with sin in your heart was a deadly issue.
In order for me to enter into the Holy of Holies, where God presides, I must commit my life to being Christ’s servant, and embrace His blood sacrifice on my behalf.
The blood of Jesus is the code to unlock the door to the Holy of Holies!
Gal 2:20 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1John 1:7
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Eph 3:12
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet 1:11
Jesus is the rod of Jesse, the scepter holder, and He extends the scepter to, well, whosoever will!
16 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16
And I say – “I WILL!”
Sadly, sometime prior to 2007, I lost my scepter ornament. We had made several, one with a dowel rod and a styrofoam ball. It was spray painted gold(not good for styrofoam) and sequins and such. Those fell apart. The other was made with shrinky dink – paint plastic and then put it into the oven and it shrank, and became intricate. Such is the crown from yesterday, and the following ornaments.
The thing is, the scepter of God has been extended to me, and you, and we have been given full access into the throne room, and one of those reasons is to obtain GRACE. Through Christ, we already have favor.
Another is to obtain Joy – because in His presence(when you are a welcome guest) there is fullness of Joy! I confess that I need Grace to deal with the daily struggles, and Joy to defeat depression. Who doesn’t?
Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the price, and giving me the code to enter into Your Kingdom. Give me grace to remember your gifts daily, and mercy for my faults. I confess that I yield to the depression, and forget to enter in to be filled with Joy. Thank you for all the reminders in this season for JOY! Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Amen.
Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Mt 18:1-6 Who is the Greatest in Heaven?
Mt 18:18- 20 in light of church matters – PRAYER POWER
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
