love

Trusting in our Faithful Creator

So often we can get caught up in thinking things should be a certain way; we become discouraged because something didn’t happen like we wanted, or we are surprised because circumstances seem unfair or overwhelming. We forget God’s perfect love for us in providing all that is needed for our sake and His glory.

1Peter 4:17-19 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Chapter 4 of 1Peter began with the suffering of Christ and ends with the honor we have as His children to suffer for His glory. These last three verses continue to expand on the blessings of being God’s children, and even though difficulties may arise because of our faith, the outcome is our righteousness in Christ. But what about those who are not of the household of God? Our hearts should be moved towards compassion. God allows His children to be disciplined through adversity yet continues to care for them; those who are not His will suffer far more, facing eternal destruction.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God. We are to expect judgment. The Greek word used is krima, meaning a decision - the function or the effect, for or against; avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, and judgment. “… the severe trial which would determine character”, … “trials test the value of our profession”, Barnes. If we are not guilty, having trusted in the work of Christ on the cross, then the trials we face will be used for our correction and instruction, to strengthen our faith and trust in God, for our sanctification.

1Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

1Peter 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

… and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

To those who are guilty, having rejected Jesus, the trials that come upon them are for their ultimate destruction resulting in condemnation for eternity. Compare the outcome for both the saved and unsaved:

1Peter 4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

2Thessalonians 1:8-9 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

The choice – eternal blessing or endless pain and suffering.

“What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? How miserable, how dreadful will be the end of all those that would not obey the gospel! Implying, that they shall be in a much worse condition if God take them in hand. If he spare not his children, much less will he his enemies. If the one sip of the cup of God's wrath, the other shall wring out the dregs, and drink them”, Ps 75:8. Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

Consider. Judgment will happen. Will we be approved by God, having a genuine faith and trust in Jesus? Or will our ‘faith’ be discredited, showing us to be hypocrites, disobedient to God’s word?

Romans 2:5-10 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Matthew 25:32-34 "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Consider. A good parent would not allow their child to be undisciplined. They would correct their mistakes, punish their sin, and bring to notice their unyielding ways. All because the parents know that their loving guidance will prove to help them in the future. Think how much more our perfect loving Father will correct his children who wander off the path of righteousness. There is solace in knowing that Jesus paid the price for our sin. Even through trials, we are assured that God’s hand will hold us secure, that His love is victorious, and we can endure in His strength.

There is no lasting security in anything other than the name of Jesus.

1Peter 4:18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

Peter uses a quote from Proverbs 11:31, If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

The Christians were to travel through many perils, and the circumstances around them would render difficulties at every turn, yet those who prevailed would be saved because of God’s perfect plan. Think of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. Only through His suffering could any be called righteous. Think of your own testimony and the circumstances which led you to accept Jesus as your Savior. Often, it is through problems which seem heavier than a mere human can possibly bear. If it is through so much trial that those who are inclined to truth are saved, imagine the suffering that will come upon those who reject Jesus.

Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

1Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

Read this remark penned by Spurgeon, “A solemn question! Answer it, each one of you, if you are still unsaved. Where will you appear? Oh, be wise, and fly to Jesus; enlist beneath his banner, cost you what it may. May the Lord lead you to do so”.

1Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.

The bottom line: For those who insist on following sin there is awaiting eternal condemnation. But for those seeking to follow God, even though tested, they can trust in His perfect plan.

1Peter 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Psalm 31:5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; you have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.

2Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Psalm 37:5-6 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday.

Are you confident in God’s faithfulness, that He will guide you through all difficulties for His glory?

1Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Going back to the beginning of this Chapter, Christians are to expect trouble yet also can expect the protection of God’s hand on their lives here on earth and for eternity. In the meantime, we are to love one another, encourage one another, be hospitable towards one another, and serve one another with the gifts and strengths God has given, knowing this is God’s plan and His will prevails. We are to make certain our speech glorifies God and even through trials we are to keep on rejoicing, looking to God’s future glory and the promise of our salvation. We will suffer difficulties because of our union with Christ but we are to make certain our suffering is not of our own sin and waywardness.

“In this great work, watchfulness, prayer; faith, and obedience, are indispensably necessary. He who does not walk with God here cannot see nor enjoy him hereafter”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Carefully read 1Peter 4:19 again –

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

When I read this, I am reminded that I simply do not need to understand everything – the why, the what, the how or even how come. Where I need to put my energy and thoughts is in trusting that God not only has all things in His hands but that He is doing, and will do, everything according to His plan, at the perfect time, in the perfect way, for His ultimate glory and our good. So often we can get caught up in thinking things should be a certain way; we become discouraged because something didn’t happen like we wanted, or we are surprised because circumstances seem unfair or overwhelming. We forget God’s perfect love for us in providing all that is needed for our sake and His glory.

Matthew 7:9-11 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give a snake, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Romans 8:28;31 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. … What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Psalm 56:10-11 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

2Corinthians 5:5-7 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight--

To entrust our souls to God means that we present ourselves to Him for protection. The KJV reads, “commit the keeping of their souls”. This is a continuous action – keep on committing, and is a banking term as in ‘to deposit’. This same term is used in 1Timothy 1:18, 2Timothy 2:2, and Luke 23:46.

1Timothy 1:18-19 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

2Timothy 2:2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Luke 23:46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.

Be reminded of who it is you are trusting – your faithful Creator. Jesus’ example was to trust the Father.

When I read this, calm enters my soul. Rest, peace, and assurance flood out any thoughts of confusion, anxiousness, and fear. Our faithful Creator, our Father, the One who knows us best and died for us because He loves us more than we can imagine, is taking care of us. We are unable to save ourselves; we are unable to save our souls; God alone is able.

We can place ourselves confidently in our Creator’s hands. God will always fulfill His promises to those who are seeking to follow Him. As we continue trying to do what is right, serving one another in His strength, we can be certain God will take care of the rest.

“As our Creator we may come to him, and look to him for his protection and care. He made us. He had a design in our creation. He so endowed us that we might live for ever, and so that we might honour and enjoy him. He did not create us that we might be miserable; nor does he wish that we should be. He formed us in such a way that, if we choose, we may be eternally happy. In that path in which he has appointed us to go, if we pursue it, we may be sure of his aid and protection. If we really aim to accomplish the purposes for which we were made, we may be certain that he will show himself to be a "faithful Creator;" one in whom we may always confide”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

“A faithful creator; able and willing to sustain, comfort, and bless them under all trials, and in due time to save them with an everlasting salvation”, Family Bible Notes.

John Wesley’s Notes gives a good summary of 1Peter 4:19 –

Let them that suffer according to the will of God- Both for a good cause, and in a right spirit.

Commit to him their souls- (Whatever becomes of the body) as a sacred depositum.

In well doing- Be this your care, to do and suffer well: He will take care of the rest.

As unto a faithful Creator- In whose truth, love, and power, ye may safely trust.

Lord, keep us from sin, help us to remain focused on doing Your will through serving others well, let us not become distracted by sin around us or the ill-meaning of others, preserve us in holiness for Your glory. Whatever we may suffer here on earth, let us remember it is temporary; our eternal home awaits.

“Observe here, 1. A cautionary direction given, that in all our sufferings we take care that we suffer according to the will of God: that is, for what is according to God's will, either to be believed or practised by us, for asserting and maintaining the purity of the Christian doctrine and worship; and when our patience under such sufferings is as extensive and intensive as God requires, when our patience is as large and as lasting as our troubles, then may we be said to suffer according to the will of God.

Observe, 2. The special privilege allowed to such sufferers as suffer according to the will of God: they may commit the keeping of their souls to God in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Learn hence, 1. That when men suffer really and truly for well-doing, they may with confidence and great assurance commit their lives, and all that is dear unto them, to the special care of the divine providence; either God will keep us from, or support us under, trials, when we thus commit ourselves to him”, William Burkitt New Testament.

Inexpressible Joy

By faith we love who He is, what He has done. We rejoice in the truths we know. The love we have for God is incomparable to any love we might experience in our human relationships. It is perfect and secure.

We have been saved to obedience. In Christ, we have grace, peace, mercy, a living hope, an inheritance, and protection. Because of these truths we can rejoice through trials. Through trials we have opportunities for our faith to be proven. We have a faith more precious than gold, a faith which will result in glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 1:8, we will see that this understanding and knowledge of our faith produces joy.

“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.

Because –

Joy is found in faith (v.8)

1Peter 1:8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

You have not seen Him
You love Him
You believe in Him
You greatly rejoice

What is faith?

John 20:29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed [are] they who did not see, and [yet] believed."

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is commanded. 1 John 3:23

Faith is believing in something or someone without seeing. Believing is more than hoping or thinking. It is confident expectation. Read the beginning of 1 Peter 1:8 again, “and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him”, these words define faith in Christ. Peter was writing to those who had not seen Christ in the flesh. Yet, they “loved Him as strongly as any of His disciples could, to whom He was personally known”, (quote from Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

Read of the faith of Abraham in Romans 4:18-21.

As a true believer, the faith you have in Jesus is the same faith exercised by those thousands of years ago. It is the same faith as those who had walked and talked with Him. Saving faith places full trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. There is room for no one else and nothing else. It is not the compilation of trusting and believing in many entities and hoping one of them is right; it is the single conviction of Jesus as Lord and Savior. This faith is directly a work of God on the heart, it is unexplained and only given by the power and choice of God. Those who have it rejoice in its truth.

1 John 4:19 We love, because He first loved us.

What does it mean to love God?

Matthew 10:37; Matthew 25:35-40; John 8:42; John 14:15,21; 1 Corinthians 16:22

John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary gives this insight – “Faith is the subsistence of things hoped for … the demonstration of things not seen … substance becomes a foundation for another thing to stand on … such are the effects of justifying faith: on it subsists the peace of God which passeth all understanding”,

2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—

What does it mean to hope for something?

According to WordWeb, hope is the general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled. Hope for the future is certain when placed at the cross of Christ. “Things hoped for are the peace and approbation of God, and those blessings by which the soul is prepared for the kingdom of heaven. A penitent hopes for the pardon of his sins and the favour of his God; faith in Christ puts him in possession of this pardon, and thus the thing that was hoped for is enjoyed by faith. When this is received, a man has the fullest conviction of the truth and reality of all these blessings though unseen by the eye, they are felt by the heart, and the man has no more doubt of God’s approbation and his own free pardon, than he has of his being”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

We have an absolute hope, a certain hope – this is what it means to believe. Like you and I, the Christians to whom Peter was writing had never seen Jesus. Yet by faith they were able to believe. The foundation of our faith is the same, Christ is unchanging, His work on the cross is for all who believe. Verse 8 says “though you have not seen Him, you love Him”. Consider the ability to love what we have not seen with our eyes. The first thing that comes to my mind is loving a child you have not seen. We experience a heartfelt love for the children we carry. When I found out my grown children were expecting babies, there was an immediate love in my heart for my grandchildren though yet unseen. Barnes’ Notes says these scattered Christians “had heard of His character, His preaching, His sacrifice for sin, and His resurrection and ascension, and they had learned to love Him”.

We have a true, historical, and clear account of our Savior’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, in God’s word. By faith we love who He is, what He has done. We rejoice in the truths we know. The love we have for God is incomparable to any love we might experience in our human relationships. It is perfect and secure. Consider what God has done for you!

He sent His only Son to redeem your soul from eternal damnation.
He is preparing heaven for His children whom He will one day gather to Himself.
He provides protection, guidance, strength, encouragement, hope, and purpose on earth.
He constantly pours blessings upon His children, even though they are undeserving, and even amidst their failures.

What is the result of grace which leads to faith in Christ?

You greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

To greatly rejoice literally means to jump for joy! It means to be exceedingly glad, to be exultant. It is joy based upon the triumph of Christ’s resurrection and power over sin and death. This joy is so much more than happiness. It is rejoicing in the knowledge of who Christ is and the future that awaits those who believe. The result of true saving faith is joy; a joy that will manifest itself even in the most difficult and trying times.

Psalm 5:11

Has your faith led you to grow in your love for God and His commandments?
Does your faith lead you to obedience and service?
Have you placed your soul trust in Christ alone, fully dependent on Him for your salvation?

Thomas Scott’s Commentary says this of ‘joy inexpressible’, “they derived a joy which was so excellent, holy, substantial, and satisfactory, that it could not be expressed by words … and they shared this joy in proportion to the degree of their living faith and obedient love; whilst they delighted in the salvation which was wrought by Him, and in their enrapturing discoveries of the glory of God, harmoniously anticipating the everlasting felicity of all believers in Christ … This faith, love, and joy, … formed the distinguishing character, of real Christians … amidst their trials and conflicts”.

Matthew 5:12 "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Read Mary’s words upon believing and trusting in God’s plan, “And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior”, Luke 1:47

Is it your practice to rejoice in God?
Are you resolved to place your confidence in His promises?

It is possible to find joy no matter the circumstances. Joy, when is based on the truths of what we know, does not fluctuate. The conditions of our lives might seem to change frequently and feel a bit unstable. However, the promises of God’s word are unchanging.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, [Though] the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (when Judah was about to be invaded by the Chaldeans and injustice reigned upon the Jews)

1 Peter 4:12-13; Acts 16:23-25

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Does the reflection of God’s grace in your life manifest itself in joy?
Does your joy bring honor to God’s name, does it magnify His glory?

Joy is found in what we know to be true yet cannot see. It comes from the heart rather than only being a reaction to outside circumstances. Read 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. True faith will produce action. It is different than just believing a pool will hold water or an airplane will fly. It is believing in the one true God who is able to do all things, even that which seems impossible in our eyes. It is believing in the majesty and power of God, trusting in His word and His plan. May God’s influence in your heart and the reflection of His love in your life abound. May quietness and joy surround your soul as you rest secure in His truths.

We love God, we believe in God, and we rejoice in His plan – all because of Him.

Ephesians 1:13-14

Bunnies and Butterflies

Imagine the most beautiful gift wrapped carefully in the most magnificent paper and tied with the most beautiful bow you have ever seen. The gift of Jesus is way beyond anything we can imagine or hope for yet it has been handed to us. Why? Because “God so loved the world”.

Spring has sprung! Listen and you’ll hear a variety of birds chirping. Smell and you’ll enjoy the fragrance of flowers opening up their new blossoms. Look around and almost everywhere you’ll see newness and freshness. Spring is a season of growth. Almost overnight it seems the grass needs to be cut and the plants and trees are filling in with leaves. I have wisteria on the west side of house. It has grown over the pergolas and right now is a sea of purple blossoms ushering in spring. There are fields on the south and west side of our neighborhood and an empty field directly behind our house – they are alive with bunnies! And butterflies are bees are busy fluttering and buzzing from one new bud to another. This is one of my favorite times of year.

Spring is the season which we celebrate Easter. It is so much more than bunnies and butterflies and egg coloring and egg hunts and baskets of chocolate! Newness of life – redeemed life – forgiveness at the cross, this is why we celebrate.

John 3:16 is a verse known to countless numbers of people. It is memorized in Sunday schools across America. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life”. This verse is Easter.

God, because of His great love for humankind, solved an enormous problem for us. He created us in His likeness in order to have a relationship with us. However, through man, sin entered the world. In other words, we messed up. We regarded ourselves and our own desires as more important than serving and following our Creator. Sin formed a chasm between God who is perfect and man who is sinful. The punishment for sin is death – physical and eternal – separation from God for all time now and in the future.

Romans 3:23, another familiar verse heard and remembered by many individuals, says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Each one of us – all – have sin in our lives. Apart from the obvious wrongs we could easily list, even a bad thought or neglecting to do what we should, is missing the mark of perfection. Sin is defined in WordWeb as “estrangement from God” and “a transgression of God’s will”.

Because of God’s great love for us, He chose to solve our problem by giving His only Son – Jesus Christ – as payment for our sin. A perfect sacrifice is the only true and lasting atonement that put a final end to our debt. Jesus willingly gave His life in obedience to His Father so that we could live in heaven eternally and have a relationship with God now and forever.

Do you believe? What do you celebrate at Easter? Jesus’ suffering and death and resurrection for a world in need defines Easter. Jesus is alive and He offers us forgiveness and life forever with Him in heaven. Have you accepted the gift being offered to you? John 3:16 says, “That whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life”. It’s not just about bunnies and butterflies…

Hate Sin

When what we love and consider beautiful and important is shattered and maligned, it causes a feeling of personal assault.

Looking back at Psalm 119:160-162, we read David’s description of God’s word.

God’s word is true in its entirety
God’s word will last forever
God’s word is to be revered
God’s word produces joy

When we contemplate the deep love our Psalmist has for God’s word, it is reasonable and even expected that he would hate everything that is opposite of the Truth. Strong adjectives are used in verse 163 as David describes his thoughts regarding lies. He uses the word falsehood as a description of that which deviates or perverts the truth – which is the law, God’s law.

Ps 119:163 I hate and despise falsehood, [But] I love Thy law.

Hate <sane’> to hate personally; enemy, foe, odious, to hate utterly

The words above are intense and full of aversion towards sin. Sin is regarded as the enemy or the foe, in direct opposition to truth. There is a personal element to this hatred. When what we love and consider beautiful and important is shattered and maligned, it causes a feeling of personal assault. The word odious is a bit more uncommon and strengthens the emotion of hate. It means unequivocally detestable according to WordWeb. The adjectives abominable and detestable are close synonyms.

Rarely, do we use the word despise in accordance with our likes and dislikes. Here in Psalm 119:163, hate and despise are used together to describe lying. Despising something is to loathe it, to morally detest it. These emotions are extremely negative and paint for us a strong picture of David’s feelings. What can we gather from the first part of Psalm 119:163? How are we to respond to sin? Primarily, how are we to think of lies and attacks and misrepresentation of the Truth?

It is often easier for us to focus on others behavior rather than our own. Rather than initiating a pointed finger outward, we would do well to first look within. David personally hates his own sin. This is the place for us to begin. The feelings our Psalmist has toward sin begins in his own heart, with his own transgression. Earlier in this Psalm, David addresses the need for his own sin to be removed and replaced with Truth. He recognizes that unfaithfulness to God is wrong and cannot be a part of life that honors the Word.

Ps 119:29 Remove the false way from me, and graciously grant me Thy law.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible says David “had a rooted antipathy to sin; he could not endure to think of it … Hypocrisy is lying; false doctrine is lying; breach of faith is lying… Every man hates to have a lie told him; but we should more hate telling a lie because by the former we only receive an affront from men, by the latter we give an affront to God”.

The feelings we have toward deceit is directly proportional to the sensitivity we have for God’s Word. If we are apathetic towards the Word, we will not be careful about lying. If we love God’s Word, lying will cause us deep personal feelings of grief because we offend God. As we grow in our love and knowledge of God, lying will cease from our lives.

Deceit is not just apparent in words we might use but also in actions. When our actions do not line up with our words this is called hypocrisy. Think of insincerity – pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have; in other words, falsehood. Especially in Psalm 119:163 sin is related to going against what is believed and worshipped.

Look again at the Psalmist’s personal struggle with sin and sorrow addressed in verses 25-29 of this same chapter. He recognized a need to ask God to clean up his own heart, to keep his soul from sin. Always, God is the one transforming us. I can desire to separate from sin but I am unable to peel away its hold on me without God’s grace.

Ps 119:25-29 My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Thy word. 26 I have told of my ways, and Thou hast answered me; teach me Thy statutes. 27 Make me understand the way of Thy precepts, so I will meditate on Thy wonders. 28 My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Thy word. 29 Remove the false way from me, and graciously grant me Thy law.

As we learn to focus more on the truths in God’s word, our understanding of God’s direction for us will increase. As our understanding increases, our recognition of sin is magnified. And our hate of falsehood strengthens.

Ps 119:104 From Thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Ps 119:113 I hate those who are double-minded, but I love Thy law.

Think back several years ago to when God first opened your eyes to His Truth. It is likely that what you believed acceptable then is no longer seen as profitable in your life now. As I read and study God’s Word, He shows me areas of incorrect thinking. Sin is brought to the forefront of my mind and He allows me to recognize where I am struggling. I hate sin because God hates sin. I desire to address it rather than accept it in my life. God is at work in each of His children. Do we recognize His care for us? Following are several more scriptures that address sin.

Pr 6:16-19 There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, Pr 6:18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness [who] utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.

Ro 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.

Ps 36:1-4 (For the choir director. [A Psalm] of David the servant of the LORD.) Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For it flatters him in his [own] eyes, concerning the discovery of his iniquity [and] the hatred [of it.] The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise [and] to do good. He plans wickedness upon his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; He does not despise evil.

Ps 97:10 Hate evil, you who love the LORD, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Zec 8:16 'These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates.

David loves God’s Word and hates man’s deceit. The Word and deceit do not agree with each other; truth and lies, and love and hate are not compatible. Look around. Is the world in harmony?

“Falsehood in doctrine, in life, or in speech, falsehood in any form or shape, had become utterly detestable to the Psalmist….He does not, however, alone refer to falsehood in conversation; he evidently intends perversity in faith and teaching. He set down all opposition to the God of truth as lying, and then he turned his whole soul against it in the most intense form of indignation. Godly men should detest false doctrine even as they abhor a lie.” Treasury of David

Ps 119:164 Seven times a day I praise Thee, Because of Thy righteous ordinances.

The verse above describes action taken by our Psalmist and the affect God’s Word has on his life. David often and regularly offers praise to God because He is righteous. Adam Clarke’s Commentary says that seven was a number expressing perfection and completion in the Hebrew culture. It was “often used to signify many, or an indefinite number”. The idea is we can never praise God enough! Every day and often during each day, our sights should be on God’s goodness – who He is, what He has done and what He will do. The word praise in Psalm 119:164 means to boast, to celebrate, or to give glory to God.

Ps 119:47-48 And I shall delight in Thy commandments, which I love. And I shall lift up my hands to Thy commandments, which I love; and I will meditate on Thy statutes.

Ps 34:1-2 ([A Psalm] of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him) (away and he departed.) I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice.

Consider the people or things we love. How often do we take notice of them? Those we are especially affectionate toward permeate our thoughts. Do we frequent praise upon God as we should? This isn’t a ‘check-the-box’ seven times a day exercise. It is a lifestyle of praise.

Do we boast about God? Are we excited to speak of His promises? Do we share what He is doing in our life?

A celebration is something filled with joy. Do we celebrate who we are in Christ? Do we celebrate the gift we have been given and the future promised?

How are we bringing glory to God this very moment? How can we give glory to God throughout our day?

Look again at Psalm 119:164. Our Psalmist writes that he praises God “because of Thy righteous ordinances”. God is naturally right, morally right and legally right in His very manner and in all His deeds. Even when circumstances are difficult or unclear, we should persevere in our gratitude and praise of God. Then, in the midst of hardship, we will find joy – just as David’s example reads. God often uses affliction to strengthen our trust in Him.

Moving on to the next verse in Psalm 119, we see that it is a privilege and honor to rest in the hands of a living God! In addition to the blessing of peace through all of life’s challenges, we are assured that nothing will become a stumbling block to us, neither will we become a stumbling block to others.

Ps 119:165 Those who love Thy law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble.

Consider this: when we lose your patience, get discouraged, or seem frazzled, it is always because we have allowed circumstances or individuals to become a larger focus than God’s truth. When our focus is re-centered where it belongs, our actions are appropriate and pleasing to God. We easily forget who is in control as we try on our own to make things happen or convince someone of the truth.

Picture this: As our love for God’s word grows, we have peace available to us even as we walk down a path full of potholes. It is as if the dips in the road have been highlighted for us so that we don’t step in them and stumble. Fear is replaced by courage and sorrow turns into hope. When we do misstep and turn an ankle – as inevitably we will – God is always right there to carry us as we continue.

When a child is learning to ride a two-wheel bike, or roller-skates are put on for the first time, what scene do you picture? Typically, a parent or caring adult is by their side, giving them support and encouragement. A helmet and knee guards may afford extra protection. Take away this support, encouragement and protection and we are left exposed and in danger as fear paralyzes us. God’s word says nothing will cause those who love His law to stumble. Nothing!

There will be no stumbling block for us and our actions will not become a stumbling block for others. But, we do fail. We do stumble. Is it because the truths in the Word are insufficient or intermittent? No, we are. The solution is to love God’s Word; to look to Him for strength, to look to Him for comfort, and to trust in His plan and protection.

The Word says there is peace in pursuing righteousness.

Isa 32:17 And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.

Joh 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Stumbling blocks can appear in different forms. Perhaps there are outside temptations that draw our focus from God. When others disapprove of our beliefs we may feel attacked. We may be convicted of sin on the inside and choose to walk away from the truth. God’s love takes into consideration every stumbling block in our path and He will clear our course to honor Himself.

We cannot be perfect! Notice Psalm 119:165 does not address those who perfectly keep the law. Rather, it addresses those who love the law. We are to neither give offense to others nor take offense from others. We are to take care to not offend God’s law. We are to take delight in the peace afforded by God’s love.

Ps 119:163-165 I hate and despise falsehood, [But] I love Thy law. Seven times a day I praise Thee, Because of Thy righteous ordinances. Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.

How will you apply this section of scripture to your personal life?

Heart, Soul and Might

One of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love is our personal pursuit of growing in our love for God, seeking to understand Him, and desiring to serve Him through others.

Valentine’s Day. The history behind this day seems a bit mysterious. Ranging from honoring a saint named Valentine to a medieval knight with the same name, it has become a day that is observed across the Americas and into Canada and beyond. Traditionally, a small note of affection was written – the first dated in the 1700’s and now settled in a museum. Love is the modern message of Valentine’s Day.

Celebrating love is a good thing! Love between family and friends and spouses is encouraged and valued. Love, however, in our human limitations is largely based upon feeling and often grows weary and fleeting. The true source of love is God. In Him, love is perfected. The love of God is greater than any human love. Celebrate the love that caused a crimson stain to flow out for the forgiveness of sin. True love is beheld in our Savior.

One of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love is our personal pursuit of growing in our love for God, seeking to understand Him, and desiring to serve Him through others. The individuals in our lives will be affected as we are changed more into His likeness. Loving God is the key to loving others well.

De 6:3a you should listen and be careful to do [it],

De 6:5 "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

The phrase in Deuteronomy 6:3 above comes from the word shamar which is translated to ‘observe’ in the KJV. What do you think of when you read the word ‘observe’? This is so much more than just seeing with our eyes. It is paying close attention to something. The NAS translation of this verse spells it out for us – you should listen and be careful to do it!

The idea of guarding or protecting is used in the Strong’s Concordance translation for this word. It is a quest to take heed of information, to attend to the understanding given you, and to regard it carefully. All this is marked with action. The relationship we have with God through Jesus is not passive. It is a union which requires our attention. Salvation is not something that has just happened to us, it has been secured for us through Jesus’ death and resurrection. What is our response? A heart of gratitude will lead us to obedience and service.

And you shall love the LORD your God

What does it mean to love God?

We are to have a tender affection for God. This is a love that moves us to action because of who He is. It is a love that is an entire giving of self. The love we have for God needs to be complete in our loyalty. He is not amongst the list of many things we enjoy or pursue – God is who we live for, the head, at the top. Before family, friends, careers, pursuits and anything else you may think of.

Mt 10:37 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

“For, to own him to be the only God, the author of our being and of all things, doth necessarily include in it a love of him above all things whatsoever, which requires us to love him, who hath made them so lovely. This is another principle or spring of obedience, inseparable from the fear of God before mentioned: which doth not drive us away from him, but draws us to him; being such a reverence towards him as children have to their kind parents, which is ever mixed with love to them. Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary

What is the basis of this love? Think upon who He is and what He has done for you. His mercy keeps those who believe in Him from an eternal destiny of pain and separation from Truth. His grace pours lavish blessings, all undeserved, on those who call upon His name. His patience is unmatched as He desires all to be saved. Everything that is true and good and beautiful and worthy comes from Him. We are the recipients of unmerited favor from God.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Ex 34:6 Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;

Who is ‘the LORD your God’?

The LORD – Jehovah – the self-Existent or Eternal

God – Elohiym – the supreme God, God Almighty

De 10:17 "For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe.

De 10:20 "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name.

Even a small understanding of who God is must lead us to love and serve Him. The fear of God is born out of reverence for who He is and what He has done and can do. He is Lord of lords and God of gods, there is no higher, there is no greater.

Consider. The Supreme God of all creation has, in His mercy, reached down and touched your heart to see Him with unveiled eyes. Amazing!

With all your heart.

Consider. We are only able to love God with all our heart because He has changed us. The heart without regeneration is wicked (Genesis 8:21). This truth should fill our hearts with praise for what He has done! The magnitude of our salvation is truly the catalyst for loving God with all our ‘new’ heart!

Eze 36:26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

1Jo 3:18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

Consider. Either our heart is changed by God or it is hardened by our rejection of Him. Easton’s Bible Dictionary says this of a hardened heart. "Hardness of heart evidences itself by light views of sin; partial acknowledgment and confession of it; pride and conceit; ingratitude; unconcern about the word and ordinances of God; inattention to divine providences; stifling convictions of conscience; shunning reproof; presumption, and general ignorance of divine things."

Are you moved toward obedience? In our heart resides the purpose of all our actions, our will and choices, and our decisions and intentions. Do we purpose to love God? If so, recognize your changed heart is because of His love and praise God and love Him with all your heart!

1Jo 4:19 We love, because He first loved us.

We make decisions all the time. Is it our conscious choice and intention to purpose to follow God in all things? The answer to this question comes from our heart.

Loving God with all our heart is being entirely devoted to Him. Our will is set on loving Him through our obedience to His commands. This means even when our feelings do not align with what we ought to do, we are able to choose that which is honoring to God above our own fleshly desires. All our affections are centered on God. This love of God is a sincere devotion that easily lends itself to obedience in all things. It is born out of reverence for who He is.

“…the more we love him, the more we shall regard his authority, reverence his majesty, fear to offend or dishonour him, and be careful to render unto him that worship which he requires.—Human laws can only take cognizance of the outward conduct; but the law of the heart-searching God requires LOVE, the seat of which is in the inmost soul. That love comprises a supreme valuation of his infinite excellency and amiableness; an entire desire. of the knowledge and enjoyment of him as our felicity; cordial delight in contemplating his manifested glories, and in worshipping and obeying him; lively gratitude for all his innumerable and invaluable mercies; zeal for his glory, and an ardent desire that all our fellow-creatures, in conjunction with us, may thus know, love, worship, obey, and serve him.” De 6:5 Thomas Scott

1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

With all your soul. Our soul, it is who we are, what makes us, us. It is my very breath, my desires, my heart, my life. It’s what makes me an individual, different from anyone else. We are to love God with our warmest affection. This affection however is not based on our feelings but rather on His Truth. We can define our heart. It is a viable organ with shape and has direct consequence for our functioning body. We also have a good understanding of our mind or at least the brain that seems to be the center of our intellectual thoughts. Even our might or strength is tangible to our understanding. But our soul is different. It is immaterial but essential. WordWeb says it is the ‘actuating cause of an individual life. What does it look like? Where is it located? It is that part of us that is God breathed, that gives us life. Our very soul is a mystery that God alone understands. To love God with all my soul must come from Him. The desire comes from Him. The ability comes from Him.

In the book of Mark and Luke, we see the command in Deuteronomy repeated.

Mr 12:30 AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.'

Lu 10:27 And he answered and said, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

Philip Doddridge New Testament Notes says this: “thou shalt unite all the faculties of thy soul to render him the most intelligent and sincere, the most affectionate and resolute service.”

Our soul is the part of us that lives on, it is immortal. It will return to the Creator either in glory or condemned. Even when our physical body finally fails, our soul continues.

Ec 12:7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Mt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

2Co 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

We are to love God with all our heart – our will, our purpose; we are to love God with all our soul – our very being, the center of our existence; and we are to love God with all our might.

With all your might.

Might. What a great word! Read what is included in the definition from Strong’s: properly, vehemently, wholly, speedily; diligently, exceedingly, greatly, louder and louder, mightily, quickly, utterly, very well.

Wow. Where do we even start! We are to love God with so much fervor that we are inept to truly explain what this means let alone what it looks like. Each description above carries its own weight of urgency and entirety. I think it is fair to say we are to be sold out to God! Jumping in with two feet, all in or nothing. Several questions come to mind as I contemplate the enormity of loving God with all my might.

In all our decisions do we seek God entirely, in each aspect of every point?

Are we totally engaged in our desires to please Him alone, irrespective of our own pleasures?

Is our devotion to God growing as each layer of sin is peeled away and we see Him more clearly?

Is our focus on this world and its offerings or on God’s eternal plan?

We are to love God properly. Consider who He is. The fear of God goes hand in hand with the idea of loving Him properly. It is His right to receive our entire love and our reverent love. We are drawn closer to God when we love Him in the right manner. None of our approach to the living God is based on outside looks or certain buildings or following man-made rules or rituals. It is our heart that perceives God as He truly is – a loving God who sacrificed all for the children He loves, and a just God who will punish the guilty. For the believer, there is a fear in knowing that God is all powerful. Yet this power is the same that protects those who draw near to Him. It is wonderful and chilling all at the same time! This fear of God produces a desire to come under His protection and to share His truths with those who do not believe. For those who have rejected God, the fear of Him will drive them away. And rightfully so, for His wrath will be complete towards those who refuse to accept the sacrifice of His Son.

De 10:20 "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name.

Look at the words speedily and quickly used in the definition of might. The opposite of procrastination, we are to respond to God immediately. How often do we stop and weigh the ‘cost’ of serving another? What might we have to give up or change? When there is a need present and we are able to help, we need to jump!

Consider the same words when it comes to temptation. How quickly do we flee? Or do we hang around just a bit thinking we are strong enough on our own to avoid sin?

Several other applications come to mind. Do we speedily turn to God in times of trouble, and in times of rejoicing?

We are to love God with all the will in our heart, with all the affection in our soul, with all the strength we have to serve. God will accomplish His work in our lives as we trust in Him. Love God, love what He has done, love what He is doing and love what the future holds in His presence.

Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

What Do You Love?

“Thy word is very pure. It is truth distilled, holiness in its quintessence. In the word of God there is no admixture of error or sin. It is pure in its sense, pure in its language, pure in its spirit, pure in its influence, and all this to the very highest degree — “very pure.” Treasury of David

Are you able to fully appreciate something you don’t understand?

Consider. An artist probably gets more excited about color and placement than a banker. A chef certainly appreciates the quality and availability of food ingredients. You likely value the things you are interested in and have knowledge of more than those things that you have difficulty comprehending.

An understanding of who God is leads to a right appreciation of His word.

What we love is what we serve. Praise God that He, in His mercy, has opened our hearts to see Him. A love for God produces a life with purpose to serve God along with the desire to want others to love God. It’s a good expectation to want for others what we have in Christ; thankfulness and a need to share Truth should be applied in the lives of all God’s children. Is your compassion growing for those who don’t know God? In Psalm 119:139, David conveyed how his excitement for God led him to despair for those not following God. Ps 119:139 My zeal has consumed me, because my adversaries have forgotten Thy words. Now, in verse 140, the Psalmist recounts the purity of God’s word and the resulting love he has for it.

Ps 119:140 Thy word is very pure, therefore Thy servant loves it.

What is our subject?

What is the quality of our subject?

What is the result of understanding the quality of the subject?

The Subject – Thy word. God’s commands. The truths that reveal His will. His word that gives direction. God’s faithful promises to His children. God’s laws.

Read the excerpt below from the Treasury of David:

Thy word. Let us refresh our minds and our memories with some of the Scripture adjuncts connected with "the word," and realize, in some degree at least, the manifold relations which it bears both to God and our souls. It is called "the word of Christ," because much of it was given by him, and it all bears testimony to him...It is called "the word of his grace," because the glorious theme on which it loves to expatiate is grace, and especially grace as it is seen in Christ's dying love for sinful men. It is called ololov tou staurou, "the word of the cross" (1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.), because in the crucifixion of the divine Redeemer we see eternal mercy in its brightest lustre. It is called "the word of the gospel," because it brings glad tidings of great joy to all nations. It is called "the word of the kingdom," because it holds out to all believers the hope of an everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace. It is called "the word of salvation," because the purpose for which it was given is the salvation of sinners. It is called "the word of truth," because, as Chillingworth says, it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without mixture of error for its contents. And we will only add, it is called "the word of life," because it reveals to a sinful, perishing world the doctrines of life and immortality. --IV. Graham, in "A Commentary on the First Epistle of John," 1857. (Emphasis added)

Thy word. Food for the soul – Deut 8:3 "And He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.

Thy word. Alive and working in the hearts of men – Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Thy word. Powerful – Jer 23:29 "Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock?

Thy word. Enduring forever –

Isa 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.

Mt 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished.

Thy word. Converts souls, gives wisdom, rejoices the heart, gives understanding, endures forever, is completely righteous, more valuable than fine gold, sweeter than honey, gives warning, and rewards those who are faithful.

Ps 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

The Quality of the Subject – very pure.

Psalm 119:140 says, Thy word is very pure. Pure. What does it mean to be pure?

Pure <tsaraph> to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (literally or figuratively):--cast, refiner, founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try.

When something is refined, the impurities are removed, making it perfect.

Notice the adjective attached to pure: very. Meaning, vehemently or exceedingly; this is an intense word full of action. Look at Hebrews 4:12 again. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The action of God’s word is pure. It purges away the sin in man; it cleanses a heart from impurities.

In Judges Chapter 7, God tests <tsaraph> the hearts of men to assemble Gideon’s army.

Ps 17:3 Thou hast tried my heart; Thou hast visited [me] by night; Thou hast tested <tsaraph> me and dost find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

Ps 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test <tsaraph> my mind and my heart.

Ps 66:10 For Thou hast tried us, O God; Thou hast refined <tsaraph> us as silver is refined.

Isa 48:10 "Behold, I have refined <tsaraph> you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

The quality of God’s word is pure. The word reflects the holiness of God.

2Sa 22:31 "As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tested <tsaraph>; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Ps 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried <tsaraph> in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.

Ps 18:30 As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tried <tsaraph>; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

“David's great affection for the word of God: Thy servant loves it. Every good man, being a servant of God, loves the word of God, because it lets him know his Master's will and directs him in his Master's work. Wherever there is grace there is a warm attachment to the word of God. … Our love to the word of God is then an evidence of our love to God when we love it for the sake of its purity, because it bears the image of God's holiness and is designed to make us partakers of his holiness. It commands purity, and, as it is itself refined from all corrupt mixture, so if we receive it in the light and love of it, it will refine us from the dross of worldliness and fleshly-mindedness.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Several months ago, we looked at Psalm 119:128. In it, David explained his love for God’s word, Ps 119:128 Therefore I esteem right all [Thy] precepts concerning everything, I hate every false way.

“‘Gold hath need to be refined; but thy word is purity itself.’—The figurative term used in the original, denotes the purity of the sacred scriptures; which reflect the holiness of the Lord’s character and government, and require of us, and lead us ‘to purity of heart and life.’ This purity of the scriptures the carnal mind dislikes; but the spiritually-minded love and relish it, and they perceive it equally in the righteous precepts as in the faithful promises; and therefore they love the whole word of God.” Thomas Scott

God’s word is pure in its essence and is pure in its efficacy.

Consider. If you are a true believer in Jesus Christ then you understand that God’s word is perfect and holy and you can’t help but love it! How have you recognized the power of God’s word in your own life? How has the Word changed your thoughts, your actions, and your desires?

The Result of Understanding the Quality of The Word – Therefore Thy servant loves it. These are the words David uses as he concludes Psalm 119:140. The result of understanding the purity of God’s word and the work it does in the heart of a believer, leads to a great affection towards it.

Think of using a strainer in the kitchen. You pour whatever is mixed through a sieve to catch the stuff you don’t want. Often, this has to be repeated several times until there is nothing left except what is useful and good. The working of God’s word exposes sin. It’s as if every corner of our hearts and minds are sifted through as we are transformed more into His likeness. The opposite of being pure is impure – having blemishes or stain or extraneous elements. As we look at our own lives, it is not difficult to recognize the dross. We need the purity of God’s word to constantly expose that which is relevant and important and true and that which is unnecessary.

In John 15:3 we read Jesus’ words to the disciples after the traitor Judas was gone from them. As they spent time with Jesus, their lives had been purged from their previous ways of sin.

Joh 15:3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

“It is this, its pure quality combined with its tendency to purify every nature that yields to its holy influence, that endears it to every child of God. Here it is that he finds those views of the divine character, those promises, those precepts, those representations of the deformity of sin, of the beauty of holiness, which lead him, above all things, to seek conformity to the divine image. A child of God in his best moments does not wish the word of God brought down to a level with his own imperfect character, but desires rather that his character may be gradually raised to a conformity to that blessed word. Because it is altogether pure, and because it tends to convey to those who make it their constant study a measure of its own purity, the child of God loves it, and delights to meditate in it day and night.” – John Morison.

The love of God’s word could not be ours without His love first shown towards us.

Eph 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

1Jo 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

God’s word transforms.

2Pe 1:3-8 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of [the] divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in [your] moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in [your] knowledge, self-control, and in [your] self-control, perseverance, and in [your] perseverance, godliness; 7 and in [your] godliness, brotherly kindness, and in [your] brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these [qualities] are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The truth of Psalm 119:140 – Thy word is very pure – provokes a response. Does it lead you to love God’s word? What does it mean to love God’s word? When we say we love something there is a person or thing that is the recipient of that affection. Whether it’s a food we love to eat or a person we love to be with or an activity we love to participate in. Loving something or someone typically leads to an action.

"Therefore thy servant loveth it," which is a proof that he himself was pure in heart, for only those who are pure love God's word because of its purity. His heart was knit to the word because of its glorious holiness and truth. He admired it, delighted in it, sought to practise it, and longed to come under its purifying power.” Treasury of David

God’s response to His perfect love for us led Him to send Jesus to the earth, to suffer and die on a cross, to pay the penalty we owe, so that we could be with Him eternally.

Col 1:21-22 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, [engaged] in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—

What is your response to the purity of God’s word? Do you willingly place yourself as a servant of the Lord, just as David call himself, to be subject to His word and live accordingly?

With All Humility …

Humility is thinking rightly of ourselves and highly of Jesus; it’s recognizing who we are in light of who God is and what He has done.

Eph 4:2

Eph 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, Eph 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love,

In our study on Ephesians 4:1, we took a closer look at what it means to be called a prisoner of the Lord. As someone under the control of Christ, the apostle Paul records words for us that beg a characteristic of children of God – that we walk in such a way to honor God. We are to represent the One we have bowed to. The privilege we have in being able to call God our heavenly Father is not without responsibility. Now, we move to the second verse of this chapter. I’m excited to dive in with you!

The word ‘with’ in the NAS begins the 2nd verse of Ephesians 4:2. ‘With’ denotes that there is something to accompany the thought beforehand. Therefore, Ephesians 4:2 answers a question for us, what does it look like to walk in a manner worthy of being God’s child?

With all humility. When I see this word, I immediately am reminded of who I am and who God is. We have every reason to be filled with a heart of humility. There is nothing to support a feeling of personal pride in the Gospel. Just consider the gospel message. God creates man – man sins against God – God provides the only solution in His Son Jesus Christ who is crucified for all men’s sin (and don’t forget, man was at the center of this most heinous act) – Jesus arose from the dead in victory over man’s sin – God’s relationship with man is restored. It’s all about God saving His children, redeeming us from our sin. We are nothing without God, we have nothing without God, there is no future without Him, there is no joy, no hope, no strength for the weary, and no light in the darkness. We are the ones in need!

Consider. What are you able to take credit for in your own life right now? Are you intelligent? Praise God! Are you a parent? Praise God! Have you been successful in your job? Praise God! Are you physically strong? Praise God! And even if you may be thinking that many of these things have come your way because of your hard work, consider who gave you the ability to work hard. Who put things into place so that you would be able to study and become intelligent? Who made it possible to conceive a child? Who designed your body to be capable?

I am blessed to know several people who are incredibly talented. I’m not just talking about an ability that is above most of us, but truly, above the top talented. One individual I know was destined for great fame, the timing was right, she even met someone who could launch her career into the world of voices such as Barbara Streisand and the like. Everything was in place, except … it was not God’s plan. She sometimes thinks of what might have been, yet totally accepts the blessings of God’s divine and perfect direction for her life. This takes a humble heart, and an absolute trust in God.

Having a heart of humility is not thinking poorly of ourselves, in fact, it glorifies God to recognize our special abilities and talent, rather it’s understanding who gifted us with our strengths. Humility is understanding our sin, our inability to rectify the stain of sin on our soul, and the need for our Savior. Humility is thinking rightly of ourselves and highly of Jesus; it's recognizing who we are in light of who God is and what He has done. It’s lowliness of mind. It’s knowing that anything you could or do accomplish anything it is only because God has specifically blessed you to do so. It’s having a modest and right view of who we are, a humble opinion of ourselves. Our only boast is in God. We are to esteem ourselves SMALL in light of our GREAT GOD.

Ps 34:2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice.

Ps 44:6-8 For I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me. 7 But Thou hast saved us from our adversaries, And Thou hast put to shame those who hate us. 8 In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Thy name forever. Selah.

Jer 9:23 Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; Jer 9:24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, "declares the LORD.

Humility of mind allows us to serve with a heart fully desiring to honor God and help others. Humility of mind has no expectation for self-gain or recognition. It doesn’t keep track of what others say. It doesn’t concentrate on telling others where they have erred. There is no need to point a finger at someone else when we are busy fighting sin in our own life. Consider. When you feel the need to share with someone else about a difficult conversation you’ve had, or how hard you’re working to make things right with others, who are you elevating? Humility of mind esteems others more than self. It doesn’t look for recognition. Humility of mind puts God on the throne. It accepts God’s plan, and His dealing with us, without dispute. Humbleness befits our calling as God’s children. Have you received forgiveness for your sin? Doddridge says, “let the remembrance of it engage you to behave with all humility and lowliness of heart, under a sense of your former guilt and misery, and your unworthiness of that mercy which God hath magnified towards you; and thus to carry it with meekness towards those who may have troubled you by their forwardness, tenderly passing over their infirmities and indiscretions, as sensible what great offences have been forgive to yourselves.”

Php 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;

And gentleness. This is translated from a different Hebrew word than humility but seems closely associated. The word meekness and also the phrase ‘quiet behavior’ are presented in several bible translations. As humility or lowliness of mind is directed at how we are to think of ourselves, gentleness or meekness refers more to our attitude towards others. When we have a right view of self, the temperament we have towards others is affected. We cannot be gentle or meek without first being humble. When a humble heart is present, then gentleness can be sown. We are then not so easily offended or angered. Have you been around someone who is irritable? This is the opposite of gentleness. Consider. The tone of your voice, your attitude, your demeanor and body language towards others. Are you exhibiting a spirit of gentleness? Do you accept injuries without the need to seek revenge? Do you accept the weaknesses of others or must you point out what they have done wrong?

Ga 6:1 Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; [each one] looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Many, many years ago, I was faced with an unfaithful husband. He was the one who left our marriage, he was the one who practiced infidelity, yet because of God’s grace in my life, I was able to forgive quickly. Why? Because I knew it was only because of God’s grace that I was not the one making unwise decisions. I could just as easily been the one who was caught in sin’s grasp. When we realize and accept our own sin problem, we become increasingly aware of our need for a Savior. Remembering the gentleness and forgiveness He has bestowed upon us, helps us to reciprocate a gentle spirit towards others.

Tit 3:1-2 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration (humility, meekness, gentleness) for all men.

With patience. Patience or long-suffering is also bred from humility. What does it mean to have patience? This is a word most of us can work on in several areas of our life. It means to have fortitude, in this case to keep on keeping on in spite of difficult circumstances, to endure without complaining. The need for developing patience begins early on. The object of our patience changes as we move through life. We may need to learn patience as God clearly shows us the path we are to take in education. Patience may need to be practiced as we wait upon His direction for our future with a spouse or career or move. Of course, anyone with children has been educated in their own need to grow in patience as they guide their kids. There are many more examples that could be listed, but the importance of developing patience is something each of us has experienced and this will probably continue till we are called to our heavenly home. I love the way one commentary explains long-suffering, “Long-mindedness – never permitting a trial or provocation to get to the end of your patience”. Albert Barnes NT Commentary describes longsuffering this way: “Bearing patiently with the foibles, faults, and infirmities of others.” He goes on to suggest that patience should be seen in our manner of receiving the provocations which we meet with from others. How do you respond to the mistakes or short-comings of others? It may well be helpful to remember that God has made each of us to be different, unique. We may react differently to situations. For example, while some may become quiet, others may be more boisterous. Each of us has a different disposition and way of doing things, neither is right or wrong in most situations, just different. Our way of speaking, thinking, and reacting differ. Things that are of no importance to us and have little affect may be incredibly important to another and affect greatly. That’s okay!

Col 3:12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

Showing forbearance to one another. Take the idea of patience or long-suffering and add forbearance! We are to sustain one another, support each other even through the difficulties of life. We are to endure. This means, not once do we show humility, gentleness and patience but we continue to literally “hold oneself up against or put up with” weaknesses of others – just as Christ does with us. Included in the definition of forbearance is the word suffer. Consider. When you think of the real suffering Jesus endured for us on the cross, is it too much to ask that we ‘put up’ with others; can this even be categorized as true suffering?

Ro 15:1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not [just] please ourselves.

Ga 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

Our practice of patience and long-suffering towards others directly affects how we are to relate to one another in unity, as we will explore further in Ephesians 4:4. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling”.

1Co 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind, [and] is not jealous; love does not brag [and] is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong [suffered,] 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

In love. Agape: affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast: -- (feast of) charity (-ably), dear, love. Agapao, to love in a social or moral sense.

1Co 13:1-7 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have [the gift of] prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed [the poor,] and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind, [and] is not jealous; love does not brag [and] is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong [suffered,] 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Gentleness, patience and forbearance are born in humility. Then a humble heart is demonstrated by our love for one another. Without love for one another, it is impossible to be unified in our pursuit of holiness and honoring God.

“With the greatest humility, and meekness, and with long-suffering, support one another under the miseries of life, by doing every good office in your power to each other, from a principle of unfeigned love”. Macknight on the Epistles

“The word signifies a diligent, industrious, and united endeavor, to preserve and keep, to support and maintain, to unity of the Spirit; that is, a union of heart and spirit, a unity of faith and doctrine, and unity of judgment and affection, amongst all the professors of Christianity”. William Burkitt New Testament

Walk worthy with humility and gentleness, patiently enduring each other because of love.

Love, What’s it all About?

Do you sometimes get tired of loving those who are difficult? Have you ever disappointed someone by not acting in a loving manner towards them? Human hearts can grow weary of trying. But God never grows weary. Imagine God saying to you, ‘Just a minute, I’m busy now’, or ‘I’ve already given you a chance, too late’, and ‘I’m sorry, but I’m just too tired to bother with you right now’.

Love conjures up many different thoughts and memories for people. Valentine’s Day was last week and its focus, of course, is on love. Most stores you walked into, had hearts displayed in the form of cards or balloons or bouquets. Several jewelry stores capitalized on this day. Couples got engaged and some held their wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day. The evening of February 14th is popular for restaurants also. It’s one of those times that reservations are absolutely needed. It’s good to celebrate love! However, the greatest love we can ever know is that which originates in God. God’s love for us came in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ. True and complete and perfect love is synonymous with the Gospel – Jesus’ death for mankind in order that we might have a relationship with the Father.

We like the warm, fuzzy thoughts of love. We should anticipate the blessings that come from being a child of God. But, the reality is, sometimes love is hard. If you are God’s child, meaning you have accepted His gift of salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, then you have been, are being or will be disciplined at some point in your life. Expect it! God disciplines those He loves. Our Pastor taught on this passage in Hebrews Chapter 12 a few Sundays ago. His message challenged us to think of discipline in the right way: as training, not always punishment. The discipline of God is a reminder of His love for us. You can download a copy of his live sermon here, you will be blessed!: http://www.valleybible.net/Sermons/mov/sermon2018-02-11.mov

While we know God’s love is always for good, even when it’s tough, the love we show to one another can disappoint. Consider. Do you sometimes get tired of loving those who are difficult? Have you ever disappointed someone by not acting in a loving manner towards them? Human hearts can grow weary of trying. But God never grows weary. Imagine God saying to you, ‘Just a minute, I’m busy now’, or ‘I’ve already given you a chance, too late’, and ‘I’m sorry, but I’m just too tired to bother with you right now’.

Isa 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.

I can get tired of myself and my inability to see things correctly. To remain patient and act lovingly towards others can be challenging at times. To forgive myself for blowing it is difficult. But God doesn’t have limits to His love. When I’m unlovable, God is still there. So not only does God not grow weary, He loves in spite of our shortcomings. This truth should be incredibly encouraging to God’s children.

Job 11:7-9 "Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? "They are high as the heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know? "Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

God’s love is unconditional. It is not dependent on me or my actions. God’s love is not a reward for good works! It is not earned because of my merit. I could never do enough and I could certainly never do enough perfectly, which is His standard. God’s love towards His children is freely given in grace.

1Jo 3:1a See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and [such] we are.

Consider. God has given us the blessing of experiencing love in this world among our families, friends, spouses and children. But this love we know is only a small sample of real love. God is love. Therefore, we must look to Him for what love truly looks like.

God’s love is UNFAILING:

Isa 49:15-16 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.

God’s love is SECURE:

Ro 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s love GUIDES us:

Ho 11:4 I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, and I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; and I bent down [and] fed them.

God’s love is FOREVER:

Jer 31:3 The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.

God’s love is UNDESERVED:

Ps 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Thy name give glory because of Thy lovingkindness, because of Thy truth.

Ro 4:4-5 Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

Ro 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.

Because God has shown His love towards us, we are able to love others. So celebrate the love you’ve received by reaching out in love to those around you. Practice true love which is patient and kind, not jealous, not proud, it is decent and it is not selfish, it is not easily angered and it is good through and through. True love is being happy for others, it patiently endures and is full of trust and hope. The love born from a heart that follows God always blesses others. And, we practice this love all the time, every moment of every day.

Dear Lord, help us to Love others as you Love us!

Consider Jesus

Consider. It’s so much more than a baby being born. It’s about love. God’s love. From Heaven. God’s gift. For you. God’s answer to our sin. Jesus. Born in a place for animals. Laid in a manger. Humility. Meekness. The King. No royal palace. No guards. Accessible to all.

God’s perfect plan. Celebrate His birth!

Slow as Molasses

Patience, reacting slow with careful thought and consideration and with purpose. The opposite of letting something ‘get under your skin’ to become a source of irritation or bother.

What is patience? How does it respond?

I think of honey. That’s right, honey. Honey takes an awful long time to pour into a spoon. It’s also sweet. Not in a hurry, but pleasing in its characteristics. Molasses, that’s another good picture of patience. There’s a saying, “slow as molasses”. This means to be exceptionally slow or sluggish, not fast at all. Patience, reacting slow with careful thought and consideration and with purpose. The opposite of letting something ‘get under your skin’ to become a source of irritation or bother.

To have patience, according to WordWeb, means you have a good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence. The words forbearance, longanimity, and solitaire are listed as synonyms. Of course, impatience is the opposite of patience and is the lack thereof. Impatience is having irritation with anything that causes delay.

Wow. I sort of wished I hadn’t approached this subject because it speaks a bit close to my heart, and not in a pleasing way. But, I believe God has led me here so I will forge on into this soul-searching thought and pray that there is someone out there who can relate and might be caused to consider addressing this not-so-easy issue. At the very least, you can pray for me, please!

A good place to begin is to look at the synonyms used for patience to flesh out our understanding.

Forbearance: 1. good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence; 2. a delay in enforcing rights, claims or privileges; refraining from acting. WordWeb

Longanimity: 1. good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence. WordWeb

The next synonym listed is interesting, it’s the word solitaire. Of course, I immediately think of the card game. The definition includes not only the card game but this is the name of an extinct flightless bird related to the dodo. Not sure what that has to do with patience other than sometimes it seems my show of patience is extinct then I might look like a dodo… The first definition for solitaire is listed as a gem, usually a diamond, in a setting by itself. Well, if we stretch this I suppose someone who has true patience would also be considered a gem!! Perhaps if someone were to live a solitary life, there would be no opportunity to express impatience with others…

There certainly seems to be a repetition of words as I looked up the meanings. You can hardly miss it, but just in case, it bears a closer look. A good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence.

Easy-going, cheerful, kind, agreeable. I like to think I can be all those things except when…

See the problem? There is no room for exception. Ugghhhhh. And, who am I to decide what is acceptable or to label someone incompetent. This is a difficult subject. When I first jotted down the idea for this study, I called it ‘patience with others’. I fully intended to seek encouragement on how I might be able to be longsuffering with other peoples’ issues. I have quickly realized the sole problem resides in my own understanding and grasp of patience in my personal thinking and attitude. This is one of those ‘God has hit me on the side of the head’ moments. And come to think of it, the idea of having to be patient with delay doesn’t tend to sit well with me – I don’t like delay!

As we continue to dig into what God says in His word about being patient, my desire is that a challenge is set forth for each of us to grow in this much needed area. Someday, perhaps, by God’s grace, I will have a seasoned character of patience that is descriptive of my life.

1Co 13:4-5 Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

I’ve often used this scripture as a barometer when I begin to feel frustrated with others. I’ve known I never quite get passed the first few words but I think I’ve also put a convenient time limit on the patience part. Like, “I have been patient”, or “I’ll be patient for a while longer…” I’ve also realized I can be quite impatient with myself!

Love is patient; longsuffering; forbearing; enduring. So if I am acting impatiently, I am lacking love. We are not only to be patient with others but also with affliction rendered in our own lives.

2Co 1:6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;

The explanation of the words patient enduring here carries the meaning of a continuing cheerful or hopeful endurance. So now we have a clear explanation of the attitude that accompanies patience. It’s not tapping the foot on the floor or tapping the fingers loudly on the table while you wait! Or, making grunting noises or sighing loudly, or rolling the eyes…

A good natured tolerance of delay or incompetence is cheerfully waiting upon someone or something.

Another question comes to mind: But what about when we are right? Sometimes it just seems so obvious to us doesn’t it? What does the Word say?

2Ti 2:24 And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,

Enduring of ill. Patient. Unceasing. Patiently bearing continual wrongs or trouble. Including hostility or enmity. Patient even with those who antagonize you, or ‘get under your skin’ or seem to take forever to ‘follow the program’.

Isn’t this fun? Or not… I urge you to keep going, growth is good.

keep reading…

Big Match Tonight: Cerebral vs. Emotion. Don’t miss this!

Truth: because we are weak, we are unable to respond perfectly and accurately in regards to our feelings. So while emotions have a part in our lives, it is better to act upon knowledge – the facts we possess to be true and right and honest and holy.

The gloves are laced, the sounding bell rings and the fight of the year begins! In one corner, we have Cerebral. Solid and calculated in his reactions. In the opposite corner we have Emotion. Quick, yet sporadic and abrupt in his thinking and judgment. The first to make a move is Emotion. He shows aggression yet he is ineffective. As he throws a punch into his opponent without thinking, Cerebral places a careful aim to Emotion’s foolhardiness. The punch hits its mark! Cerebral is clearly in control of his action. Emotion is instantly down wondering what happened. The judges’ unanimous decision declares Cerebral the winner. Here’s the news headline: While Emotion was quick to react first, the careful knowledge applied by Cerebral proves to be no match!

Several days ago, the word-of–the-day on dictionary.com was cerebral. Interesting word isn’t it? The definition given is, “involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct”. The listed synonym for cerebral is intellectual. I was immediately reminded how important it is to approach life circumstances with knowledge and intelligence rather than with feelings and emotions.

The church I attend is largely made up of ‘cerebral’ thinkers! This is because aerospace is a main employment venue in our valley. Think problem solvers and fact collectors; using known results and developing new statistics. The outcome of this approach is carefully planned testing of ideas. Knowledge and intelligence applied, effects outcome that can be repeated. This way of thinking is void of emotional experience. It has to be in order to prove comparable data.

Consider. Gather a few dozen people in a room. Present the same scenario to each. Then, without ground rules or written data, ask how each might react to the circumstance layed out before them. This is like asking a few dozen people what they think about something!! Avoid it, plain and simple. Why? It leads to confusion. However, do the same thing with a list of facts and proven results and the answers will have more commonality. This is because the basis for the reaction is built more upon proven results and knowledge than emotion.

Should we then be void of feelings? Are emotions bad?

I sure hope not! I love the wonderful feeling of my grandchildren holding my hand or wanting to snuggle. I am happy when they walk in the door and run to me calling my name ready to give me a hug! We’re talking downright warm fuzzy in the heart feelings! I treasure the compassionate hug from my husband at the end of a long, trying day. I seek the touch of comfort from a friend when I’m hurt or sad.

So am I contradicting myself? I don’t think so. God gave us feelings and emotions so there must be a place for them. God shows His feelings towards different circumstances. Jesus, on earth as the perfect man/God, felt emotion. The shortest verse in the Bible says “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Jesus shed tears. That’s emotion. Strong feelings from those who followed God are also recorded in the Bible.

God is love. He is the personification of love. The originator of love. Love, <agape>, is an affection. To have affection for someone is to have a positive feeling of liking for them, to have a fondness for them, tenderness, warm-heartedness. The Gospel is based on God’s love. God’s perfect love.

Joh 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life”.

We read in the Bible that God is love but He also showed anger. WordWeb characterizes anger as a strong emotion.

2Ch 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded; and he went out to meet the army which came to Samaria and said to them, “Behold, because the LORD, the God of your fathers, was angry with Judah, He has delivered them into your hand, and you have slain them in a rage which has even reached heaven”. God caused the slaying of thousands because they were acting in ways against Him. This is a display of His perfect righteousness.

What’s the difference between our response to emotions and God’s actions towards emotions?

Perfection. Job 5:2 says, “For vexation slays the foolish man, and anger kills the simple”. Man is both foolish and simple in comparison to God. Not many of us would deny that. The foolish man is destroyed by anger because it is rooted in a depraved soul. The foolish man is led away in lust when presented with feelings of love unhindered by intelligence. The foolish man is devoid of good sense or judgment. The simple man is child-like. Not in an innocent sort of way, but rather, in lacking the mental capacity to see things clearly. He acts or responds before thinking upon or considering the consequences.

What can we say then? Perhaps it is not the actual feelings or emotions we have that are bad, but how we act upon those emotions. It’s what we do with emotions. How much credence do we give our feelings?

Truth: because we are weak, we are unable to respond perfectly and accurately in regards to our feelings. So while emotions have a part in our lives, it is better to act upon knowledge – the facts we possess to be true and right and honest and holy.

Largely, action driven by emotion is immediate. Action driven by knowledge takes time to sort through facts, consider details and seek wise counsel.

People get angry. Anger in man often causes one to hold a grudge against another. Anger in the wrong hands of flawed judgment leads to nothing good.
Ps 55:1-3 Give ear to my prayer, O God; and do not hide Thyself from my supplication. 2 Give heed to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted, 3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the pressure of the wicked; for they bring down trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me.
Ps 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret, it leads only to evildoing.
On the flip side, perfect righteousness leads to perfect anger and judgment. Only God qualifies perfection.
Mt 5:48 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

We are to attain to God’s perfection, strive towards it. To do this, we must follow His example. It is necessary to adhere to what He says. We are to look to His word in all things, including the handling of emotion and feelings. We should strive to become more cerebral in regards to our actions and responses.

Jas 1:25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the [law] of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.

Which gloves will you lace up and wear? The ones marked Cerebral or Emotion?

The Delusion of a Deserved Soul

It’s so common to separate people into categories and then point out what’s wrong with thinking that is not in agreement with your own. Aren’t we all desiring of kindness, generosity, and acceptance from others?

After several minutes of watching the latest news on the devastation of hurricanes in Texas, the direct hit over several Caribbean Islands, and soon to make landfall in Florida, two responses of those affected kept repeating themselves.
One type of response was clearly thankfulness for survival, and the other a resentment to the change in upcoming plans. People upset because airports have cancelled flights due to dangerous conditions and damage. Tempers flaring because rooms are full at hotels. Then, you have the ones who are just thankful to be alive and already out there helping to make right a catastrophe.
The human mind. So capable of selfishness; so capable of generosity. It seems so many of us have forgotten what we truly deserve. Or at least, we don’t address it. What do we deserve? The quick answer is ‘nothing, we deserve nothing’. The right answer is death, we deserve physical and spiritual death.
It’s so common to separate people into categories and then point out what’s wrong with thinking that is not in agreement with your own. Aren’t we all desiring of kindness, generosity, and acceptance from others? The Bible says we are created in God’s own image. Who came along and decided in man’s eyes what that image should look like?
Selfish thinking puts me first. Above all others, on the throne in my soul. It sometimes even treads over others to build our precious kingdom of self filled with imaginative rights to protect. Selfishness is being concerned chiefly or exclusively with oneself. It’s looking to your own advantage while choosing to remain unconcerned about others. Is that how you want to be described? Are you delusional with the belief that all existence centers on you for your benefit? What do you believe you deserve?
Re 3:17 ‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
Le 19:18 ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.
I wonder what would happen if complaints about what we lost, or not getting what we think is due, was looked at with an eye of understanding, thankfulness and love.
People are suffering because of nature’s fury. How important are your plans that anger is permissible when flights are cancelled or cruises are shortened or hotels are full – all as a result of something we can’t control? If we have the mindset that these things are undeserved, but rather gifts, we may find ourselves more concerned about loving others and looking to their needs.

Tag: love

Trusting in our Faithful Creator

Like this:

Inexpressible Joy

Like this:

Bunnies and Butterflies

Like this:

Hate Sin

Like this:

Heart, Soul and Might

What Do You Love?

Like this:

With All Humility …

Like this:

Love, What’s it all About?

Like this:

Consider Jesus

Like this:

Slow as Molasses

Like this:

Big Match Tonight: Cerebral vs. Emotion. Don’t miss this!

Like this:

The Delusion of a Deserved Soul

Like this: