"Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established." Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)
There are subtle nuances in the words we read in today's bible. Most, however, escape us completely. The reason for this in large part is due to the fact that we are reading an English translation of another language. And though translators do the best they can to capture either word for word or thought for thought translation, depending on the version you use, there are times when meanings can only be approximated.
Consider how the above Scripture might be interpreted. Paul once said, "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing," Romans 7:19 (NIV). We can all identify with this sentiment. We were raised to know right from wrong. Our bible teaches us the difference. The laws of the land are designed to communicate and enforce behaviors associated with society's definition of right and wrong. We still, however, find ourselves nudging our cars just over the speed limit. We still sin, sometimes willfully. And we still wonder why we do these things when we know better.
The word of the God says that if we just apply our minds to doing the things He has set before us to do, this will give us something good and beneficial to focus on, thus crowding out the desire to do otherwise. Done long and well enough, it becomes second nature and many unrighteous desires within us will simply fade away.
The word translated as "thoughts" can also be translated as "plans." Do you have a desire to be successful in any or all of your endeavors? How do you go about them? Is God a part of your plans? Did you seek Him out in prayer? Are the plans themselves godly? The word here also says that if you would focus on Him, align your will with His and submit to His commands, He will make your plans successful. How can you lose with God on your side?
Beloved, the subtleties dovetail in the most delightful ways. From this short verse alone, we can see the loving kindness of our benevolent God. We can see the purpose for which we were created. We can see solutions to our sin problems. We can see how to regulate our minds and gain focus. And we can see guarantees of success in whatever we purpose to do that is in keeping with His will. Just imagine the assurance that can be found in all of the other subtleties that exist in the Scriptures. We are barely scratching the surface.
One,
Lee
Showing posts with label word. Show all posts
Showing posts with label word. Show all posts
Monday, May 19, 2014
Monday, July 11, 2011
You and the Word-7/11/2011 (rp)
"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deut 6:6-9
The word of God is to be everything to the Christian. According to Heb 1:1-2, God previously educated us though prophets who spoke to the heads of families who in turn, taught their families. In these last days however, He speaks to us through His word. Make no mistake, the primary way we can get to know our Father and His will for our lives is to consult His word.
Though no book can possibly contain Yahweh, all we need to know about Him is contained therein. That word, devinely inspired by Him, is to not only to become a part of who we are, but to be constantly on our minds and hearts. We are to teach it to our children.
God's people have always pursued a tradition of passing down knowledge and information. Is that tradition still intact with us? Before you say yes, ask yourself when was the last time you sat down and spent time studying His word for yourself. Yes, we go to worship services and attend bible classes but do you "talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up?" When is the last time you actually conducted a study with your family or your friends?
Beloved, learn God's word for yourself. After all, it was provided specifically for you.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
The word of God is to be everything to the Christian. According to Heb 1:1-2, God previously educated us though prophets who spoke to the heads of families who in turn, taught their families. In these last days however, He speaks to us through His word. Make no mistake, the primary way we can get to know our Father and His will for our lives is to consult His word.
Though no book can possibly contain Yahweh, all we need to know about Him is contained therein. That word, devinely inspired by Him, is to not only to become a part of who we are, but to be constantly on our minds and hearts. We are to teach it to our children.
God's people have always pursued a tradition of passing down knowledge and information. Is that tradition still intact with us? Before you say yes, ask yourself when was the last time you sat down and spent time studying His word for yourself. Yes, we go to worship services and attend bible classes but do you "talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up?" When is the last time you actually conducted a study with your family or your friends?
Beloved, learn God's word for yourself. After all, it was provided specifically for you.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, May 23, 2011
Truth-DD 5/23/2011
"Behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION" 2 Cor 6:2
This past weekend, the world was treated to a tempest in a teapot. Though more credit is given here by simply mentioning it than it really deserves, it is important that those who are current or potential believers know that there is truth to be obtained. That truth comes from the Source of all truth. The truth has been made known to us through the divinely inspired scriptures.
Beloved, there are many things for us to know. God has been generous in His provision of knowledge about Himself, His will and His expectations of us. He has assured us that those who are the called according to His purpose can look forward to an eternity with Him. NONE of us knows the exact timing but we can be 100% sure that the day will come.
That said, it is important that we be in a constant state of readiness for when that day arrives. The "acceptable time" is that which God saw fit to send his only begotten to the earth to carry out his mission of love and reconciliation. The "day of salvation" is every day between the resurrection and his second coming. Since we do not know the timing of the second event, we must diligently pursue the truth found in His word and live according to that which is found there. Not only will this prepare us, but it will shield us against false doctrine and those who would mislead based on their own version of truth.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
This past weekend, the world was treated to a tempest in a teapot. Though more credit is given here by simply mentioning it than it really deserves, it is important that those who are current or potential believers know that there is truth to be obtained. That truth comes from the Source of all truth. The truth has been made known to us through the divinely inspired scriptures.
Beloved, there are many things for us to know. God has been generous in His provision of knowledge about Himself, His will and His expectations of us. He has assured us that those who are the called according to His purpose can look forward to an eternity with Him. NONE of us knows the exact timing but we can be 100% sure that the day will come.
That said, it is important that we be in a constant state of readiness for when that day arrives. The "acceptable time" is that which God saw fit to send his only begotten to the earth to carry out his mission of love and reconciliation. The "day of salvation" is every day between the resurrection and his second coming. Since we do not know the timing of the second event, we must diligently pursue the truth found in His word and live according to that which is found there. Not only will this prepare us, but it will shield us against false doctrine and those who would mislead based on their own version of truth.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Word-DD 12/30/2010
"like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation," 1 Peter 2:2
There have always been those who feel that the word of God needs supplementation. Everyone has their view, opinion and interpretation of the already inerrant scriptures and wants to share them with anyone who will listen. Books have been written, television shows produced and movies made that propagate these views and often draw us away from the original source.
Beloved, the word of God stands on its own. It is a good and perfect gift that could not possibly contain God but tells us all we need to know to have a relationship with Him. It is estimated that 100 million bibles are sold every year. This does not include those that are simply given away. Whatever anyone writes on, about or for the bible pales in comparison.
It is important that we approach the bible like the manual of the soul that it is. It contains the very words of life. We should be drawn to it like heat to flame, for all things were made by being spoken into existence. But the God of the bible took what he spoke, formed it by His hands and breathed life into it. As we are products of the word, let us always desire it. In it is found not only our origins but our eternity.
In Revival,
Lee
There have always been those who feel that the word of God needs supplementation. Everyone has their view, opinion and interpretation of the already inerrant scriptures and wants to share them with anyone who will listen. Books have been written, television shows produced and movies made that propagate these views and often draw us away from the original source.
Beloved, the word of God stands on its own. It is a good and perfect gift that could not possibly contain God but tells us all we need to know to have a relationship with Him. It is estimated that 100 million bibles are sold every year. This does not include those that are simply given away. Whatever anyone writes on, about or for the bible pales in comparison.
It is important that we approach the bible like the manual of the soul that it is. It contains the very words of life. We should be drawn to it like heat to flame, for all things were made by being spoken into existence. But the God of the bible took what he spoke, formed it by His hands and breathed life into it. As we are products of the word, let us always desire it. In it is found not only our origins but our eternity.
In Revival,
Lee
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