Lying Ted? Unbelievable!

January 10, 2021

Let’s just get into it… An electoral commission was never going to be formed.

Let me repeat that. An electoral commission was N-E-V-E-R going to be formed. Far as I know, a commission has never been formed since before the Electoral College Act of 1887. There is little to no precedent for any such thing. There may be a little bit before 1887. But it is clear way beyond a doubt that the intent of our founders in Article II, Section 1, Clause 3 and the 12th Amendment, and spirit of the 1887 Act was to LIMIT the power of the Vice President and Congress to NOT pull stunts like that. Anyhow, 130 years! I repeat: An electoral commission was never going to happen.

They didn’t even have the votes. Both chambers would have had to approve. There was no way on God’s green earth that the House was going to approve of the fantasy of an electoral commission. The Senate would never have approved. And neither did. So why? Why would Ted Cruz suggest such a thing and give the angry mob outside the false hope that this was going to somehow miraculously come to pass? Why? He’s obviously not stupid. Why?

He claims that he was aiming to protect the integrity of our elections. Five people are dead now. How does their blood and life give our elections any more integrity? How does leading a charge to do something that was never going to happen and giving an angry mob the false impression that his plan would work protect the integrity of our elections?

You don’t tell people you’re gonna do something that can’t be done. Did he whip the vote? Of course not. He had no hope whatsoever of getting both sides of Congress to agree to form an electoral commission and delay the count of certified votes in order to perform an audit that….. This is either sheer stupidity or most likely a misdirected motive. The ends do not justify the means. You had a better chance of repealing Obamacare on January 6th.

While I’m on the topic, even the word that he used and news outlets used: CERTIFY? I can’t sit back and say nothing. Congress and the Vice President does not and cannot certify votes! Never! Never! Never! They have no business in the certification process. The state certifies! The VP and Congress COUNT “certified” electoral votes. I cannot understand why Ted Cruz would so deliberately mislead the public about our election process. He talks of integrity? Where is the integrity in lying to the American people that the VP and Congress can certify electoral votes?

In 2016 Donald Trump walked all over one of my political heroes, Ted Cruz. Sad that at the end of this, he took up the name that was given to him, Lying Ted.

Then, speaking of heroes, there’s this matter of Vice President Mike Pence. I’m deeply disturbed by the fodder that was hatched out and given to Trump supporters that somehow our Vice President had the power to change the inevitable conclusion that Biden was going to be President. (Not that Pence is my hero, but some people I looked up to [past tense] were peddling this nonsense)

Much like Ted Cruz’s plan, Louie Gohmert’s plan was a failed plan out of the gate and anybody with sense knew that. Cruz and Gohmert’s plans were the constitutional foundation to which all the Trump worshippers were assembled at the Capital. They were there to quote, “Stop the Steal!” How did they think they were gonna do that? What tool could they possibly think they could use to accomplish that? You don’t name a rally “Stop the Steal” unless you got a plan to actually do that. The plan was the Cruz/Gohmert Plan. And all them idiots out there had no idea the shear stupidity of the plan they had bought into. All they knew was that Trump had a plan, Trump is their man, Mike Pence was gonna do some fancy move and Trump is gonna be President for another four years.

Constitutional scholars and talking heads kept repeating this nonsensical plan in some shape or form as if it was gonna work and come to pass! So with Cruz, there was never ever gonna be an electoral commission. With Gohmert, the Electoral Counting Act of 1887 was never, no never, no never gonna be ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. So consequently, Mike Pence was never going to over-step his authority and THROW OUT ELECTORAL VOTES FOR GOD’S SAKE!!!!! That was never going to happen. But they kept telling you that it could; that it was constitutional.

So there go all the idiots to Stop the Steal. That rally should have never happened. It should have been a good-bye party for Trump. But No! The orange man said “Go down to the capital! Don’t stop fighting! Stop the steal!” And now, for most of us, we have the image of a half naked man with a painted face and bullhorns on his head forever etched in our memories. For Democrats, the perfect crisis handed to them on a platter. And for five families, a funeral.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 16:25

Way to go Trump fans! The foundation of that rally was the Cruz/Gohmert Hail Mary with Trump as the quarter back and Pence the wide receiver. But the cement that bound it all together were all the fans and their undying, blind, irrational devotion to the man Trump. January 6th should be the lesson to all what happens when you follow a man in such a manner. Instead of a cliff, it was the capital. Praise God that it went no further than it did. Wake up out of this stupor that set us up for such a horrid mistake.

Which brings me back to this question, “Why?” Any rational thinking person knew that the results were never gonna be changed or stopped on January 6th. Then why? Why did they act like it was? Was it desperation? For some maybe. But what were people smoking?

Here it is, my gut and impressions. Trump is now a power vacuum. His days are numbered and will soon be gone. I think for some (who knew this was not going to happen) Stop the Steal, whether conscious or subconscious, was the opportunity to win the Trump support. It was the opportunity to stay relevant. It was the opportunity to tap into and harness the power of that movement. It was emotions and passion that confusticated clear thinking. It was irresponsibility and pride.

And now, to double down, and claim that Trump was not culpable is inexcusable. And to not admit your own part in the matter is very troubling, whether it be believing those that lied to you or perpetuating those lies. Inexcusable. The families of this five dead people deserve at the least an apology. The collective denial of truth and refusal to heed it by our side will be the fall of this country, not liberalism.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/truth-about-january-6th-trey-gowdy-rep-chip-roy-ut/id1498149200?i=1000504765834

https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/donald-trump-speech-save-america-rally-transcript-january-6/amp?fbclid=IwAR1b9IyG6PyJGRXEQ9ry3ijr9m2DmLXMO4N8amn6IsvltCGiWCBSlkSrYb0

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/videos/politics/2021/01/09/amanda-carpenter-ted-cruz-riot-capitol-vpx.cnn

What DID Jesus Do?

April 12, 2020

In this unprecedented Easter Sunday, churches across America have closed their doors. Some Christians are saying, “Hey! Wait a second. Hasn’t this Coronavirus pushed us too far? This is insanity that we can’t go to church on Easter Sunday?” And some real sanctimonious blowhards out there are trying to tell Christians that Jesus would have you stay at home, practice social distancing, wear a mask and do whatever it takes to take care that your neighbor doesn’t get sick. The What Would Jesus Do crowd claims that the Christian thing to do is forgo the assembling of ourselves as the manner as they have.

The problem is, trying to figure out what Jesus would do is kinda of an uncertain science. We don’t know what Jesus would do? It would just be guessing. I mean Jesus is God. There’s nothing novel about the Corona. God’s been sending plagues since the Exodus. Anyhow, Jesus was always confounding everybody anyway; doing and saying the unexpected. Nobody could ever pin him down. “What would you do Jesus? Taxes? Adultery? Commandments? Resurrection?” There was a point where they just plain gave up trying to figure him out. And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. (Matthew 22:46)

So I would think that asking and trying to answer What Would Jesus Do? could quite probably fall under that 2 Timothy 2:23 and Titus 3:9 category: foolish questions. Rather, it may be more helpful, on this unprecedented Easter Sunday, to ask What DID Jesus Do?

#1 Jesus put himself and his loved ones at risk.

Back in those days, the most dreaded disease was the disease of leprosy. Nobody touched a leper. Six feet was not good enough for a leper back then. They were shunned and exiled from society because nobody wanted to catch the Lepervirus. But what did Jesus do when he encountered a leper. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. (Matthew 8:2) Hold on leper. Let me get my gloves on. Let me put on my N95. Hold on, let me slip on this face mask. No. Jesus was not particularly worried about catching leprosy. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. (Matthew 8:3) Oh goodness! He touched him!

Granted he is God. So what’s he worried about, right? Well, what about his disciples? Jesus might have been a carrier. Yet since he’s God, he’s asymptomatic. So he could pass it on to his disciples? I mean the law does say that anybody that a leper touched was unclean and you weren’t supposed to touch them. I guess Jesus didn’t love his disciples enough after all, huh?

#2 Jesus did not practice social distancing.

The Pharisees had a major problem that Jesus didn’t practice social distancing. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? (Matthew 9:11) Jesus was just very social. And the self-righteous Pharisees looked down upon Jesus because he didn’t socialize the the way they thought he should socialize. Today we got them today too. They would never go along with Jesus and the loaves and fishes, feeding 5000 men with their families. And Jesus touching all the food? They would call that a possible Super-Spreader. I can just hear them: Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. (Matthew 15:2)

I’m glad Jesus didn’t social distance himself from me. I’m glad he passed by my way. And I’m glad I caught what Jesus had. Oh thank God for the imputed righteousness of Christ! And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (Philippins 3:9)

#3 Jesus did not prevent the death of a loved one.

Oh my! This is where the rubber meets the road. I mean Lazarus, one that the bible emphatically tells us that Jesus loved, was dying. And Jesus did not rush to prevent his death. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. (John 11:6) If Jesus loved Lazarus, shouldn’t he have rushed over there and healed him? That’s what Martha thought. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (John 11:21) That’s what Mary thought. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (John 11:32) They both shamed and blamed Jesus for the death of their brother.

What would Jesus do? Would anybody have thought Jesus would have done that? That’s why it’s important to ask What DID Jesus do? I’m reminded of Job. God was proving Job. And in doing so, he let Satan wipe out his entire family. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)

#4 Jesus went to church.

It was Passover time, and Jesus was pretty adamant about going into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Yet he knew it was going to be dangerous and that death was imminent. From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed… (Matthew 16:21) But the threat of death mattered not to Jesus. He was determined to go. And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51) But Peter wouldn’t have it. He loved Jesus too much to risk him dying. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. (Matthew 16:22)

But then Jesus schooled Peter as to the real nature of his display of compassion. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Matthew 16:23) No. Jesus was going to Jerusalem. Nobody was going to stop him.

#5 Jesus did not shelter in place.

They tried to quarantine Jesus in the tomb. They didn’t want him getting out. They were afraid the disciples might catch something. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. (Matthew27:66) The Pharisees, the chief priests, and Pilate thought that they could issue a Stay-at-home order for the dead body of Jesus. They thought they had the power to keep Jesus from breaking out of that tomb. They had no idea they were resisting the higher powers. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. (John 10:18) No power on earth or in heaven could stop Jesus from coming out of that tomb. Not even the dreaded Covid-19! Or the tough guy, Governor Brian Kemp, could keep that tomb closed! Jesus’ dead body was not subject to Stay-at-home orders. Absolutely not. God raised him from the dead! (Acts 13:30) And He rolled back the stone.

When Mary and Mary Magdeline went to the sepulchre on the Lord’s day. They thought Jesus’ dead body would be where it belongs, but were shocked to find the stone rolled back and the angel of the Lord sitting up on the stone. The women asked, “Why isn’t Jesus’ dead body abiding by the Stay-at-home order? And the angel said, “He practicing a little divine disobedience. He is not here: for he is risen.” (Matthew 28:6)

Happy Easter!

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)

 

 

 

Bill, Phil, and Ms. Mabel

March 25, 2020

Tough COVID-19 Topic: The Death of a Loved One

This is most likely the single biggest fear that pervades this entire mess we’ve found ourselves in. This is the difficult subject so consequently this is the subject that must be dealt with. There is much emotion surrounding this simply because we’re talking about our loved ones. That’s natural and good, but the inherent issue is that emotions obscure reason and sound rational thinking. There will be a natural tendency to forgo objectivity and rationality. And soon sensational stories and headlines will direct our actions instead of the Word of God.

The fundamental question I suppose is that if we love someone, will removing them from harm’s way always be the answer?

When put it that way, obviously this is not always the case. Two things come to mind quickly:

  1. Parents love their children but sometimes have to allow them reap the consequences of their actions for their own good.
  2. God loves his people, but that does not mean that we will never have to suffer any losses. The very definition of biblical chastisement indicates that love requires loss at times.

We’ve heard the expression many times, Love hurts. Nobody wants to see loved ones suffer. Nobody particularly wants to see loved ones die. That’s because we love them. We don’t want to see them go. 

So here comes the Coronavirus. And the great fear that struck the pastors and church members across this land was the possibility of spreading the disease to their vulnerable elderly members during church services. And out of love, concern, and prudence, most all churches cancelled public services and opted for livestream services instead. In doing so, we essentially removed the loved one from harm’s way. And I would agree that this, for the most part was a logical, good, sound, and effective solution. 

Now please don’t think that I’m criticizing. Few people believe in local church autonomy and pastoral authority like I do. So don’t even go there. I am concerned, however, that the justification for these decisions throughout our land was more based on fear than on the Word of God. Some things are just not black and white. Fear can cause a logical, good, sound, effective solution just as well as faith can. So being instant in season, out of season, and flu season, I think it good to look at some biblical concepts and situations that speak on the matter.

And if you’ve been around my writing for any time, you know I will usually never give the masses the benefit of the doubt and just go along to get along. I like to search the scriptures. Believing and doing the Word of God will always throw you out-of-joint with the world. So if this makes you queasy, you might want to practice some social distancing and read something else. 

Brother Bill, Brother Phil, and Ms. Mabel 

Let me give you the dialogue that keeps going through my head:

“Aren’t you afraid of catching the Coronavirus?” asks Brother Bill.

“No. Chances are I’m not gonna get it, and even if I do, I’m 37 years old. The great majority of people that die are over 65 so I’ll most likely be okay.” answers Brother Phil.

“Well, what happens if you go to church and Ms. Mabel catches it from you and she dies? I love Ms. Mabel. I’d hate to see her die just because you want to go to church!” presses Brother Bill.

And that’s it. The whole country shuts down. Phil can’t respond in any way shape or form that is contrary to that without being branded as inconsiderate, unpatriotic, and a murderer. That is why this subject needs to be addressed because emotion is driving Brother Bill and now the fear of man is driving Brother Phil.

First of all, there’s no doubt that Brother Bill loves Ms. Mabel. Everybody loves Ms. Mabel. Nobody wants to see Ms. Mabel suffer and die at the hands of the Coronavirus. However, here are some rational things Brother Bill and Brother Phil might want to consider:

Ms. Mabel is not a baby.

She’s a seasoned Christian that has weathered many storms and trials that make this Coronavirus look like the sniffles. Ms. Mabel is an elder, an adult, and may be wiser and more faithful than you give her credit for. In fact, the Bible actually says, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. (1 Peter 5:5)

She is perfectly capable of making an informed decision if she wants to go to church and put herself at risk. The way Americans help is to inform her with the truth and facts and let her make that decision for herself. The way communists help is to shut everything down and assume that Ms. Mabel is incapable of taking care of herself.

Ms. Mabel is not afraid of death.

Instead, she mocks death. She says O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55) In fact, she is actually looking forward to death. She sings every morning, I will meet you in the morning, by the bright river side, When all sorrow has drifted away; I’ll be standing at the portals, when the gates open wide, At the close of life’s long, dreary day. Ms. Mabel believes the Bible and is … confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

Ms. Mabel is gonna die one day.

Just as certain as taxes, Ms. Mabel is going to die. That is not to belittle the death of Ms. Mabel, but to believe and trust the Word of God. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27) No matter what we do, we will not be able to change that. And most likely there will be some suffering for her to endure before she goes to glory.

Why don’t we ask Ms. Mabel what type of suffering she would prefer? One week of severe pneumonia or 7 years in a bed with the mind and digestive system like that of a child? Or how about 3 years of chemotherapy, bald, weak, sick, and in pain and then still dead from cancer? Who are we? God? Are we to determine how people die?

Peter was rebuked by Jesus when he tried to put his hand on the suffering and death of Christ. Peter, in love and concern, forbade Jesus from going to Jerusalem. (The place of worship!) But Jesus said, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Matthew 16:23)

Brother Phil knowing these things responds, “Now bill, I don’t think the situation is truly that simple.”

Brother Bill says angrily, “No. If we have church and Ms. Mabel catches the Coronavirus, she is gonna die. And it will all be our fault because we had church!”

Brother Phil scratches his head and wonders to himself, “Well, that may be true. I just don’t know if I can live with that responsibility, especially if most people think like Bill.”

So Brother Phil texts Ms. Mabel, “Ms. Mabel, you doing okay?”

Ms. Mabel texts back, “I’m doing fine sweetie. You doing good?”

“We’re all good here. I was wondering, if we had church would you come?”

Ms. Mabel texts, “Of course. For fifty years every time the church doors are opened, I have been there. I don’t intend on changing this late in the game!”

“Okay, if you catch the Coronavirus from us and die, are you going to hold us responsible?”

Ms. Mabel texts, “Brother Bill might. But the only accuser of the brethren I know of is old Lucifer. Why don’t you read John, Chapter 11?”

John, Chapter 11, is where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Now the Bible says plainly that Jesus loved Lazarus. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. (John 11:5) And the sisters knew that Jesus loved their brother because the Bible says, Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. (John 11:3) So Jesus loved Lazarus. There is no question about that.

However, after Lazarus died and Jesus finally showed up, Martha questioned Jesus’ love and actions, and attempted to place a guilt trip on him. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (John 11:21) Yup. Then said Bill unto Phil, “If thou hadst cancelled service, our Ms. Mabel had not died.” The implication is, “You must not truly love Ms. Mabel because you didn’t try to prevent her death.”

So Brother Phil, under the weight of these implications texts, “Ms. Mabel, we just don’t want to see you die. If we do have church, will you please just stay home?”

Ms. Mabel responds, “Get thee behind me, Satan! Just kidding. 🤣 If I do get sick from going to church, I’m not worried about it. It will not be unto death, but for the glory of God!, That’s John 11:4, Philly. Did you read it?”

So Brother Phil goes back to Brother Bill and admits. “If we do have church, Ms. Mabel is certainly gonna show up.”

And Brother Bill says emphatically, “Then we’ll certainly forget it. We can’t risk hurting Ms. Mabel. That’s just tempting God.”

Matthew 4:7 is another verse that has been thrown around to justify our fearful reactions, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Let me simply ask this question: Since when has assembling ourselves and worshiping God been tempting God? I guess for that matter, since when has working, living, and eating been tempting God?

From the beginning of time, God has desired and commanded his people to come apart and worship him together; to assemble before him in love and adoration. It was the enemy of God’s people, Pharaoh, that said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. (Exodus 5:2) Now don’t get mad at me. I’m not the one accusing anybody of jumping off a cliff and tempting God. I’m simply offering more Bible that sheds light on the matter. There’s nothing wrong with that.

So Brother Phil gets back to Ms. Mabel, “Okay Ms. Mabel. I see where you’re coming from. But in all likelihood, it looks like we’ll be cancelling services for the time being. You can watch the livestream! 😃”

“🙄 You boys are the biggest bunch of lily livered milquetoast cowards! You spook faster than my old nag, Kringer!”

“Ms. Mabel. We’re just trying to protect you. It won’t be for long.”

“Brother Phil, I know I’m kinda old-fashioned, but I just can’t imagine Jesus coming this Sunday morning and finding nobody at church. That just makes no sense to me. I guess Pastor was right about that Lay-out-of church age in Revelation. Jesus knocking on the door and nobody answering.”

“Ms. Mabel. It’s just too risky.”

“Goodness son. Did your mama not read you the story of David and Goliath when you were a boy? Is there not a cause?

Think about the risk that David was taking. If he lost to Goliath, all the children of Israel would have suffered the consequences. But that did not deter David. Goliath threatened all Israel saying, If I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. (1 Samuel 17:9) This Coronavirus is just another Goliath trying to intimidate the people of God. And it’s working. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. (1 Samuel 17:11) David knew the stakes. David saw the enemy. And he said, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee. (1 Samuel 17:45-46) We all know how that ended for Goliath. 

“Yes Ms. Mabel. I know. But what if you get the virus and you don’t defeat it. We just can live with that.”

“Son, don’t your remember what those boys said about the fiery furnace? I know we covered that in Sunday School. You must have missed that day. 🤨”

The brave young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego truly practiced Philippians 4:6 and were careful for nothing to answer Nebuchadnezzar when he threatened them with their lives. They were fully willing to assemble in the fiery furnace even if deliverance was not guaranteed. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (Daniel 3:17-18)

“Ms. Mabel, nobody is asking you to bow down to some idol, we just want you to stay home.”

“Brother Phil, which Bible do you use again?”

“Alright Ms. Mabel. I see where you stand. Good night. And it is King James, Ms. Mabel! LOL” 

Of course Phil knows down in his heart of hearts there is nothing wrong with going to church amidst this chaos. In fact, because of the nature of this crisis, he believes that God actually wants more of it because the Bible says regarding the assembling of ourselves, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)

But he also remembers that the Bible says If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:8) And it also says not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) And the Bible also speaks of Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3) And the bible also says Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)

So Brother Phil texts Pastor John, “Hey Preacher. Are we having service Sunday morning?”

“No Brother Phil. We’re gonna have to livestream the service.”

“Gotcha, Boss. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. We love you and will be praying for you.”

 

11 Verses in the Bible on the Coronavirus

March 24, 2020

What does the Bible say about this dreaded Coronavirus? How should we react to this epidemic? Does the Bible give us any direct teaching as to what our attitude should be toward these events that have recently transpired? Here are a few scripture I believe may apply. No particular order except the first one.

#1, James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Well it goes without saying: Wash your hand! I thought that was pretty funny. Anyhow, I hope that kinda puts a smile on your face, because the rest of this road may be a little rough.

#2, 1 Corinthians 15:55

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

This whole mess is predicated on the fear of death. Whether you fear your death or the death of a loved one, it’s still the fear of death. Should we allow the fear of death to dictate our response, our attitude, our decisions? Paul mocked death. Paul was never dictated by the fear of his circumstances. Labours, stripes, prisons, beatings, perils, weariness, painfulness, hunger, thirst, cold and nakedness he endured. But above all that in deaths oft!

#3, Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

It doesn’t matter what the reasons are, we’re still doing it. And this is not to criticize the thousands of pastors that have decided to cancel services; they’re doing what they feel they must do. It’s simply to say, that this Coronavirus has indeed caused us to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Time will tell if it was the right decision or not. But let us not be foolish as to think that we’ve done what the bible tells us to do. If this epidemic is a sign of the last days and the coming of our Lord, the King James Bible says our actions regarding assemblying should be so much more! We’re doing the opposite. Now don’t get mad at me. I’m not criticizing. I’m simply letting the Bible speak.

#4, Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Washing your hands, sheltering in place, social distancing? If you are truly concerned and worried about getting the Coronavirus or spreading it to a loved one, I suppose all that has it’s place and there’s nothing wrong with doing all that. But if you are worried, as far as the Bible is concerned, God has prescribed these things: Prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. Does it keep you from getting sick? Does it keep your loved one from getting sick? Not necessarily. But it does promise that (vs 7) the peace of God shall keep your hearts and minds. And in times like these, peace of heart and mind is what you really need to make good, sober, rational decisions.

#5, Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

If it’s not Coronavirus, it’ll be cancer. And if it’s not cancer, it will be heart failure. And if it’s not heart failure, it will be a stroke. And if it’s not a stroke, it will be a wreck. And if it’s not a wreck, it will be any number of ailments or calamities. None of us are guaranteed that the sun will rise for us tomorrow morning. Jesus asked, Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Has this Coronavirus caused an inordinate, unnecessary concern and thought about tomorrow? Then why have we so drastically changed our way of life. How many cubits do we hope to add to our stature by the response we’ve given it? Why are we treating this so different from all the other evils that come day by day?

#6, Psalm 103:2-3

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Let me remind you that nobody has been able to cure anyone from the Coronavirus. There’s only one way it gets healed and that is when, by the LORD’s will, your God-given immunity does what he made it to do. Otherwise, prepare to meet your maker. Donald Trump is not going to bail you out. Nancy and Mitch are not going to help you. Neither is Dr. Fauci. Who we trust is who we will listen to and look to for help and peace. If you trust in politicians, doctors, and so-called experts then that is where you will look for help, peace, and advice. But none of them can heal diseases.

#7, Romans 13:3

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

I’m including this because of the unprecedented actions of legislators and governors across this nation have taken. They have essentially banned the church from assembling. But I guess that’s no big deal because they’ve only banned what we’ve forsaken. Now, in many states it is now technically illegal to assemble. And everybody is okay with it. We’ve got Christians saying, Doesn’t the Bible say to obey the government? Listen carefully now: Let every soul be subject to the higher powers (Romans 13:1) does not not pertain to God’s people when the higher powers violate Romans 13:3 and become a terror to good works. Since when in our great nation’s history has it ever been evil to assemble and worship God?

#8, Psalms 118:24

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Don’t fret. Don’t worry. Instead rejoice and be glad. It’s often easier said than done. I’ll be honest. I’m not afraid of the Coronavirus. I am afraid of this sheeple mentality where everybody goes along to get along, we lose our republic, we lose our freedoms, rational thinking Christians are ostracized and vilified, and on and on and on. For me, it’s very easy to dejoice and be mad in it. So if all that happens, I’m going to choose to just rejoice in the day and be glad in it and praise God he has allowed me to live in this day. It may be nauseating for some to have read this far because what I have written so rubs against the grain. For that I’m sorry. But for some, this may be an inspiration to trust God, trust your Bible, be not conformed to this world, and to come out from among them and be ye separate.

#9, Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

As President Trump said, We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself! This Coronavirus is not going to hurt our country. It’s the fear of death that is going cripple this land and will hurt us far more than any virus. This indeed is the valley of the shadow of death; the threat and fear of death looms over this land and has caused much turmoil. Yet the Christian should be able to say, I will fear no evil. Do our actions boldly state that? They say that America is coming together. Well maybe so. But if we keep up all this fear-driven response, we’ll definitely fall together. Oh but if God’s people would walk on through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil, we may do more good for this nation than any could have ever imagined.

#10, Luke 21:11,28

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Yet another prescription for Coronavirus: Look up, and lift up your heads! I know. I know. This is like tribulation time scripture and we’re gonna be out of here. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But if it works then, it’ll work now! Amen! They’re looking for a cure, looking for a vaccine, looking for a roll of toilet paper! We are Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! While everyone has their head hung down low, we ought to stand head and shoulders above the rest; not in pride, but in confidence and hope and faith. There ought to be a difference between us and them. We’re not hiding in the corner from some germ with a crown. We should be on the rooftop looking for the King of Kings!

#11, 2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I’ll just use this as my concluding remarks. The people that founded this great land were God-fearing people that exercised the spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind. They lived by faith and not by fear. They were in the minority and they knew full well that death would be the cost of liberty. They weren’t perfect and neither are we. But for what it’s worth, I believe that we as Christians, in some degree in these days, have the same choices to make they made back then.

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” ~ Patrick Henry

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” ~Benjamin Franklin

Or maybe the words of Jesus would be more appropriate: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. We consult Presidential briefings, the CDC reports, the NIH doctors, disease trackers, and every manner of information source, but what does the Bible say about this dreaded Coronavirus? How does the Word of God dictate our reactions to this epidemic?

 

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man…

February 5, 2020

Okay so I did it again. Proverbs 22 is a conglomeration of much advice. No wonder Scofield entitles it (Warnings and instructions, continued.) It’s all great stuff. But I can’t cover it all. So I grouped them together into categories that made sense to me. And then I look it over and see if there’s anything that interests me. So I’d like to look for just a bit at a group of three verses that I had categorized under the heading Prudence:

(Proverbs 22:1) A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

(Proverbs 22:3) A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

(Proverbs 22:28) Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Discernment

(Proverbs 22:1) A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

The key word in this verse is than. One thing should be valued more than the other. We have to put one in the left hand and one in the right hand and discern which one is better than the other. Which one has more value? Which path do I take? When is the best time? Who should I choose?

We make hundreds of decisions every day. Principles will determine our practice. If we believe that a good name is better than great riches and that loving favour is better than silver and gold, then we’ll choose a good name and loving favour.

Here are my thoughts on this. Having principles may be somewhat innate, or natural. But I think it’s good to define them. If you never take the time to question and define what you believe, your principles will be difficult to practice. That’s the beauty of the Bible. It defines good principles. Most times, people get their principles by experience, trial and error, the school of hard-knocks. And that is necessary. We do learn Biblical principles that way, and by God’s design.

But in the long run, why guess? What is a good name? What is loving favour? And why is it to be more desired? And how can I practice this? Defining principles and contemplating the meaning of these, I believe makes, good practice. And practice makes perfect – good practice that is. All this is discernment, and possibly the backbone of prudence – the here and now of decisions making.

Foresight

(Proverbs 22:3) A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

There’s discernment, the application of principle, and then there’s foresight. You learn this by playing Connect Four or Chess or Stratego. You imagine yourself making several moves in advance and then guess as to how the other guy is gonna move. You do this over and over and can almost predict what will happen if you do x, y, or z. Don’t move your knight there because three moves later there is a great possibility the enemy’s queen is gonna get him.

I know they tell us You can’t go by feelings. Sometimes our feelings are truly foresight. We survey the path ahead and weigh our moves against our antagonist’s and say as Luke and Han Solo, I’ve gotta bad feeling about this. But it’s not a feeling. It’s foresight. It’s prudence. You foresee the evil!

But I guess the real prudence is in the second part – in that he hideth himself. What is the good in seeing the future if you’re not going to do anything about it? I don’t think that the proverb is telling us to run and hide at any hint of evil. The push here is that we act upon our foreknowledge. Don’t just pass on. Act accordingly. Sometimes the evil is on a road that we just can’t get off, so we must prepare accordingly.

But can you see how practicing discernment will give us foresight? When we learn and experience from the practice of our principles, we can use that knowledge to help determine what lies on down the road.

Memory

(Proverbs 22:28) Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

There’s the here and now. There’s the future. And then there’s the past. And lately, I feel as God has been directing me and encouraging me on this matter of the family. I’d really appreciate you reading this article, Proverbs 20:20 His lamp shall be put out…

You know I’m troubled at the temptation that is upon young families these days to not be a family. From the age of 17 and up, children are pressured within and without to be your own man, be your own woman. Strike out on your own and define yourself. Be independent. It’s all bologna and nonsense. It’s all worldly wisdom and anti-family.

I’m convinced more and more that a child does not learn to submit his will to his authority until he’s got one of his own. And if you think some brat that doesn’t want to pick up his toys or eat his green beans is strong-willed, you may be in for a rude awakening. At these upper ages, all the world is telling you to stop being a parent, stop ruling, and relinquish your authority over your child. All the world is telling these children they don’t need to submit to their parents, they don’t need to obey their parents, they don’t need to consult their parents. It’s wicked.

Do not relinquish your God-given authority over your child until the day God joins him/her to their spouse. Until God’s man pronounces them man and wife, the parent rules and the children obey. God did not make some in-between state where they learn to be a man or a woman. The devil and the world has created this in-between state where men and woman are rather destroyed. This is where they learn to spurn authority, forsake family, and remove the ancient landmarks.

A child can become everything he/she needs to be. They can learn to think on their own. They can be a man. They can be a woman. They can be independent. They can mature. They can do all these things within the constructs and authority of the God-ordained institution of family. Don’t let anybody tell you that it can’t be done.

I know I’m kinda chasing a rabbit there. Prudence is not just looking at the present and making a good decision. It’s not just looking ahead and predicting certain outcomes. It’s also looking back at the lessons our fathers have taught; our earthly fathers as well as our church fathers.

Final Thoughts

I’ve got a lot more thoughts on this, but I’ve got to move on.

Below is how I divided up this Proverb if you are interested:

Rich and Poor

Pr 22:2 ¶ The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

Pr 22:7 ¶ The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Pr 22:9 ¶ He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Pr 22:16 ¶ He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

Pr 22:22-23 ¶ Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: Pr 22:23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Pr 22:26-27 ¶ Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. 27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Diligence and Laziness

Pr 22:13 ¶ The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

Pr 22:29 ¶ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Children

Pr 22:6 ¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Pr 22:15 ¶ Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Prudence

Pr 22:1 ¶ A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Pr 22:3 ¶ A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Pr 22:28 ¶ Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Bad People

Pr 22:8 ¶ He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

Pr 22:10 ¶ Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Pr 22:14 ¶ The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Pr 22:24-25 ¶ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Dos

Pr 22:4 ¶ By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

Pr 22:11 ¶ He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

Pr 22:17-21 ¶ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

Opposites Attract

Pr 22:5 ¶ Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

Pr 22:12 ¶ The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

 

Exodus 28:2 For glory and for beauty…

January 28, 2020

We continue now to look at the construction of the holy garments; the priest and the preisthood.

2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. 3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. 4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. 5 And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. (Exodus 28:2-5)

Now these holy garments are for glory and beauty. I think it good while studying these garments to remember that this is what God has deemed to be glorious and beautiful.

This is not necessarily glorious and beautiful in a fashion sense. But this is what God has determined to be such and this is what he has required in order that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. In other words, nobody is going into the Holiest of all without the garments; confirmed by the words of Jesus, (Matthew 22:12) Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?

God lays down a list of what is to be worn in the priest’s office. There’s quite a few items. In the coming weeks, we’ll look individually at each item of the garments. But I do want you to notice the color scheme of the entire outfit: And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.

This is the same color scheme of the veil. (Exodus 26:31-32) And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold…

This is the same color scheme of the door of the tent. Exodus (26:36-37) And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework. And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold…

This is the same color scheme of the gate of the court, minus the gold. (Exodus 27:16) And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen…

These colors are the colors of entrance. They mark the opening into a place. We see them on all three doors of the tabernacle. And now we see them on the high priest. And Jesus being our high priest, he also is the door. (John 10:9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved…

This signifies to us that the way to God is through the person, Jesus Christ. (John 14:6) I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Blue, purple, scarlet, and gold are the colors of the Christ, and we dare not approach God without them; or pass through any other door that bares not the colors of Christ.

The colors of Christ are what is glorious and beautiful to God. And everybody knows this:

Or, maybe:

We see how Jesus bares all those colors as our high priest. But quickly I want to look how those colors apply to us as priests of God.

And it’s with these glorious and beautiful colors that we (Hebrews 4:16) …come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. All who render service unto God shall wear these colors. They are our team colors. You want to play on the team? You gotta put on the uniform.

Now don’t get mixed up with the wrong team. Guess who else has claimed these colors? (And I doubt that it’s coincidence. They are always trying to pervert the things of God) That’s right, the gay pride flag. I was going to choose a flag with those colors and use that as my featured picture but forget that!

Mark 8:6 They did set them before the people…

January 27, 2020

(Matthew 15:33-39)

33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.

(Mark 8:1-10)

1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.
8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
10 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

Well? I can’t help but wonder what the difference is between the feeding of the 4000 and the feeding of the 5000. Are they truly two distinct miracles in Jesus ministry? You can read about the 5000 being fed in John 6:13 Over and above… There you’ll find that all four gospels give an account of the feeding of 5000. And you will find that there are distinct similarities between the accounts that definitively separate the 5000 from the 4000. After reading them all, I’m convinced that these are truly two different miracles; one with 5000 and the other with 4000. So I’m just gonna look at this independently of the other one and see what I can glean from here.

What stands out to me in these passages is one thing in the two different accounts. There’s a slight difference as to the distribution of the bread.

(Mark 8:6) [He] gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.

Now both accounts say that Jesus gave to his disciples. But in Mark, it’s added this phrase, to set before them. This indicating a specific purpose as to why Jesus gave to the disciples. He gave them the task of setting the food before the multitude.

Jesus said to his disciples, (Mark 16:15) Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Boaz said unto Ruth, (Ruth 2:14) Come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar… By the Prophet Isaiah, (Isaiah 55:1) Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. And in the great words of the Revelation, (Revelation 22:17) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come…

He gave to his disciples to set before them. To those who walk with Jesus, his students and his disciples, he commissions this task, to set before them the bread; to distribute the bread, to give the bread, to present the bread, to serve the bread.

I think about John as Jesus’ disciple. As they sat to eat, he said of himself, (John 13:23) Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. The privilege and joy of being so close to Jesus does not come without responsibility.

(Matthew 15:36) [He] gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude…

Now in Matthew we see that a little better. The way Matthew writes it, we see an amazing order to all this. Jesus gives to his disciples, and then his disciples give to the multitude. Listen, it’s not visitors go first in this buffet. No. The disciples go first. (Now it doesn’t say that they ate before the multitude, but it doesn’t say they didn’t) My point is that the disciples, they who lean on Jesus’ bosom, get the bread from the hand of Jesus; while the multitude receive it by the hand of the disciples.

I like it when God moves in a service and we get help from the man of God. There’s no doubt. Oh, but there is no substitute when it’s just you and God, whether in prayer or in bible reading, by his own hand he gives you manna from above. Can I say this? There’s nothing like just snuggling up with God alone and receiving his sustenance, his provision, his bread.

Thoughts…

It is wondrous that Jesus fed 4000 people plus women and children from only seven loaves and a few fish. That is a miracle. But I suppose part of that miracle is who he used to accomplish that. I can’t help but get a picture of Jesus breaking that bread and giving it to the disciples. But it may be possible that the disciples then took the bread that Jesus gave them and likewise broke and distributed it to the multitude. It doesn’t say that Jesus particularly broke the bread 4000 times.

There’s nothing shocking about Jesus turning water to wine, feeding 4000 men from seven loaves of bread, and calming the storm. I mean, He’s God. (That’s why we sometimes capitalize His pronoun) He has all power and authority of this earth. But when he uses mortal, sinful, natural man to accomplish his divine, supernatural purposes, that can get pretty shocking and miraculous.

But then I suppose that is why Jesus said, (Luke 10:20) Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. We have to be careful to worship the miracle maker and not the miracle; Christ our minister not the ministry; the giver not the gifts. We worship the creator not the new creation. Seems like I’m getting off topic, but you do see that there can be idolatry in Christianity? There is privilege; yet there is responsibility. Maybe to be so concentrated on either to the neglecting of the other leads to idolatry. There’s a balance there. Anyhow, I’m gonna have think on this one some more.

Hebrews 11:22 By faith Joseph…

January 18, 2020

(Hebrews 11:22) By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

This here is a reference to the very last chapter of Genesis. Joseph is talking about the departing of the children of Israel from Egypt back to Canaan. Joseph says (Genesis 50:24) God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Joseph dies there and the book of Genesis ends. The next book in the bible is the fruition of Joseph’s faith. Four hundred years pass from the time that Joseph dies. Many generations have come and gone there in Egypt. And now, by a mighty hand, God is going to fulfill the promises he made to Joseph’s fathers, the ones that Joseph put his faith and trust, in the next book of Exodus.

So after Joseph’s father Jacob dies, they all get back to Egypt from burying him next to Abraham and Isaac. There’s a quick account of an exchange between Joseph and the rest of his brethren where they basically make up and live happily ever after. And the last five verses of Genesis tell the end of Joseph’s life. And these five verses is what Hebrews 11:22 are talking about (Genesis 50:22-26)

22 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.
23 And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees.
24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.
26 So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Joseph when he died did two things according to Hebrews:

He made mention of the departing of the children of Israel.

His exact words in Genesis are God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Faith reached back all the way back to the days of Abraham, his great-grandfather, and looked all the way forward to the days of Moses to bring comfort and hope to the present day.

I always wondered as to why did the children of Israel stay so long in Egypt. There was a great famine in the days of Jacob. Come to think of it, there was famine in Abraham and Isaac’s day also. But surely there came a point in time that they considered going back and decided to stay instead. They settled in for a long winter’s night. It was supposed to be temporary. But Joseph never brought himself to leave. And nobody brought themselves to leave until it came a time when they had no choice and were at the mercy of Pharaoh. But in this time of limbo, they clung to the faith and hope of Joseph. The promises of God stood behind them in Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. And the promises of God stood ahead of them in Canaan.

Do you ever feel that’s where you’re currently at? Do you ever feel like a child of Machir? You don’t even have a name. Well… get over it because that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. Here’s what you have to think about. (Romans 1:17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. You have to think about Jochebed and Amram. (Exodus 6:20) And Amram took him Jochebed his father’s sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.

You have to ask this question. Aaron and Moses were big people in the Bible, yes. But they didn’t just pop out of nowhere. They had a special mom and dad, Jochebed and Amram. We got their names, but not much else. And then they had parents too. Moses had grandparents, and even great-grandparents, and so on. The faith that Moses had was the same one that Abraham had. There’s only one way to get that. Everybody in between had that same faith.

(Romans 4:16) Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, The faith of Abraham and the seed of faith was passed all the way to Moses one way or another. There is a torch to pass on. Therefore there is a race to run. And it doesn’t matter that you are not the first leg or the last leg. No one may ever know or remember your name. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have a course that is set before you of great caliber and importance. You’re maybe somewhere between an Abraham and a Moses. Faith is counting on you to bridge that gap and lay hold upon him and live by the grace of God.

What did he do again? He made mention of the departing of the children of Israel. One day, we’re pulling out of here. We, the children of God, are departing this old world. We reach all the way back to Jesus, the one who told us, (John 14:2-3) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And we look forward to that wonderful day when our faith will be made sight.

He gave commandment concerning his bones.

This is interesting. Firstly, it does speak of the extent of Joseph’s faith; his confidence that they would indeed one day depart.

The second thing that comes to mind is that the Lord gave commandment concerning our bones for the day that we’d depart. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

God is gonna change our bones before he carries them up. (Philippians 3:20-21) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body… Ha ha! Joseph’s conversation was in Canaan. Amen? But our conversation is in heaven.

“…conversation, is a word of a very extensive meaning, implying our citizenship, our thoughts, our affections, are already in heaven; or we think, speak, and act, converse with our fellow-creatures, and conduct ourselves in all our intercourse with them, as citizens of the New Jerusalem…” Benson Commentary

He made mention and gave commandment. We ought to be talking about and much, with great anticipation, of our departing. Even in Jesus’ model prayer, he says something we don’t here much in our public praying. (Matthew 6:10) Thy kingdom come… I like the way Paul put it. Our conversation should demonstrate that we are indeed (Titus 2:13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

I dare you today to make mention of our departing. Talk about them resurrecting bones! Don’t wait until you’re on your death bed to do it.

John 10:4 He putteth forth his own sheep…

January 16, 2020

See that super loose rein on that horse and that head nice and low? See that they’re out in the great outdoors? That’s what it looks like when a horse trusts and respects his trainer. He’s not pulling and tugging and fighting with the beast. He’s gently leading the horse and the horse is willingly following.

Okay, we’re back in Ecclesiology, the study of the church. We’re looking at our relationship with Christ as the church by studying seven figures of that relationship. We’re looking at the first one, the Shepherd and the Sheep. This is our third look at John 10:1-6. Here’s the first, and the second. And here’s the text.

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

So today, the plan was to look at the fourth verse, And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

There are two differences worth noting in this text compared to the previous text. In the previous verse the shepherd leadeth them out, whereas this verse he putteth forth his own sheep. And the sheep likewise in the previous verse hear his voice whereas this verse they know his voice. The difference between the two verses is that in the previous one they are inside the fold being led out, whereas in this verse they are outside the fold.

Now sheep are herd animals, much like horses. I know nothing about sheep. I do know a little however about horses. I would guess that there are similarities. Inside the round pen you can make much progress with a horse, but when you take the horse outside the round pen into a bigger area like an arena, things begin to get a bit more difficult.

The horse will become more reactive, more aggressive. The horse is more sensitive to things happening around it. In the closed round pen he’s learned to listen to the trainer, hopefully. But when it gets into that bigger, wider area, its concentration is diminished and the trainer has to be more diligent and almost retrain the animal and get it back to the point it was in his concentration while in the round pen. Likewise, when you move out of the arena and unto the trail, the same things happens. There’s much more to deal with out on the trail: the trees, the terrain, cats and dogs, people, other horses, and every object imaginable that can just spook a horse for no reason.

So the trainer must be most consistent and precise when training a horse to be a good horse on the trail. But ultimately it’s a matter of trust and respect. If the horse does not trust or respect the trainer, it’s not going to think to check with the trainer before it reacts to something on the trail. If there’s no trust or respect, it will not care what the trainer thinks, it’s just going to react. My point is that it’s different for the horse and the trainer out in open spaces, and there’s usually some adjusting on the trainer’s part to get things tamed down.

I think we see this difference in situation between the third and fourth verse of this passage. Inside the fold, the sheep are simply led by the voice of the shepherd. Outside the fold, the shepherd must put forth the sheep, and then he must go before them. There’s just more to it outside the fold. The Psalmist said, (Psalm 23:4) Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Out in the fields from pasture to pasture the shepherd’s visible physical presence is what gave comfort. I do like the way the commentaries describe Jesus’ word choice. They say that the words in the fourth verse are stronger than those of the third.

Application? We don’t live in a pen. Every morning God leads us out through the door and puts us forth and goes before us to lead us from place to place. There’s much out there to distract us from the shepherd’s journey for us. (Ephesians 4:14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; If we trust and respect our shepherd, we’ll always look to him in any situation, even if it’s new, different, scary, attractive, whatever, we’ll go where he puts us forth and always follow him. We don’t just react. We wait for the shepherd’s leading.

(1 Corinthians 2:14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. They say that a horse has two sides to his brain: the thinking side and the reactive side. His natural inclination is to react first: jump, bolt, rear. A well trained horse has overcome the reactive, natural side of his brain. Instead he concentrates and thinks about the trainer first. Last night we sang a song where the songwriter wrote, As I journey thru the land… and Dark may be the night… and Many arrows pierce my soul… and Satan’s snares vex my soul, turn my thoughts aside… and In valley low… and The mountain height… and Billows rise…

There’s a lot of stuff out there, But my Lord leads me on… My Lord goes ahead, leads what e’er betide… Guiding me… My lord directs my bark… He leads me gently on thru this world below… This brings me back to what it means to have a relationship, between the shepherd and the sheep. One can be related but have no relationship. You may not have a real close relationship with God. You’ve kinda stayed on the fringes. But that does not change the relation you have with him. In other words, despite our wanderings, our aloofness, and apathy, God is still doing his part as the shepherd. He is always faithful to lead and guide us; putting us forth, walking ahead, and speaking to us.

Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret…

January 15, 2020

(Proverbs 21:14) A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

So once again we have an entire Proverb chapter that has no theme that I can see running through it. I did however divide the verses up and reorganized them under similar subjects. And there was one verse didn’t make the cut. It just didn’t have a brother to hang out with. So I felt sorry for it and thought I’d pay it some attention.

I consulted the Great Commentaries. Nothing really profound in there. Most agree that the second part of the verse in the bosom carries with it the signification of being still in secret. So we see a picture of someone quickly and quietly slipping a gift into the fold of another’s garments up close to the bosom. So some think that this is akin to bribery. I don’t know.

I will say this: Whatever it is, the Bible says it works. I think the concept is that the more direct and personal the gift may be, the more effective it will be in bringing about results.

Now, notice there is no tone of rebuke or disapproval in the text. It’s good godly advice to attempt to pacify your antagonist by maybe slipping him a gift, a good gift, up close and personal. Maybe this verse should have been categorized under Love and Marriage.

See how this demonstrates the heart of the antagonized? A heart of love, concern, and desire to reconcile is a heart that gives gifts and rewards. Jesus said (Luke 6:27-28) Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Do good, bless, and pray! And the Proverb 21:14 says, If you want real results, put some effort into it. This verse (Luke 6:38) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. I honestly just saw this. That verse is always used to admonish us to give in church, love offerings, missions, good works of the church usually to good people.

Sorry, but the Bible says what it says. The context of that passage is about loving your enemies, the ones that use you, smite you, and take from you. He’s talking about sinners, unthankful and evil. He’s saying we shouldn’t judge them, but instead forgive them and give to them.

Yup! Luke 6:37 ends in a colon. So God may bless the cheerful giver to good people and people that deserve a gift, but we can’t use this verse for that blessing. Nope. This blessing belongs to the giver that gives to the undeserving enemy. I’m glad we looked into this. Wow! That’s a game changer. Put that in your budget, aye?

But think about this. Was that not us? The striker? The thief? The unthankful? The sinner? The enemy of God? But God blesses us and gave to us what we didn’t deserve. He gave to us knowing that we’d never be able to pay him back. (Romans 5:8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus is for the most part saying, Do unto others as I have done to you. Be like me.

Below are the rest of the verses in this chapter of Proverbs placed in the categories I saw fit:

Lying

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

Opposites Attract

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

The Bad

4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

The LORD

1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

The Good

3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

Money

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

Love and Marriage

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.