Pray

Mar 5:17  And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. 

Mar 5:18  And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

Reading through and pray and prayed caught my attention.  Wondered if they were the same Greek word.  They are...G3870.


From G3844 and G2564; to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation).

• G3844 - A primary preposition; properly near, that is, (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subjectively), (with accusative case) to the proximity with (local [especially beyond or opposed to] or causal [on account of]). In compounds it retains the same variety of application.
• G2564 - Akin to the base of G2753; to “call” (properly aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise).

Used 108 times in 104 verses...translated comfort, beseeching, besought, intreated, exhort, desire, desiring, exhorting, given.

Of the 16 times the word exhort is used, it's the same Greek definition above, only once is it different.

I find it interesting that both the demon possessed man and his 'neighbors' both prayed to Jesus for something.  One for Jesus to leave, the other requesting to go with him.

How do we, in our lives, ask Jesus to get away from us?  To go with Him?

January 2015

Well here we go!!!  I decided on the Back to the Bible program - historical.  Got out my Complete Jewish Bible to compare and for the OT portion they match.  Completely different for the NT...but since that's months and months away... I'll do a side by side comparison then. :-)

Month	Book
1-Jan	Genesis 1-3
2-Jan	Genesis 4-7
3-Jan	Genesis 8-11
4-Jan	Genesis 12-15
5-Jan	Genesis 16-18
6-Jan	Genesis 19-21
7-Jan	Genesis 22-24
8-Jan	Genesis 25-26
9-Jan	Genesis 27-29
10-Jan	Genesis 30-31
11-Jan	Genesis 32-34
12-Jan	Genesis 35-37
13-Jan	Genesis 38-40
14-Jan	Genesis 41-42
15-Jan	Genesis 43-45
16-Jan	Genesis 46-47
17-Jan	Genesis 48-50
18-Jan	Exodus 1-3
19-Jan	Exodus 4-6
20-Jan	Exodus 7-9
21-Jan	Exodus 10-12
22-Jan	Exodus 13-15
23-Jan	Exodus 16-18
24-Jan	Exodus 19-21
25-Jan	Exodus 22-24
26-Jan	Exodus 25-27
27-Jan	Exodus 28-29
28-Jan	Exodus 30-32
29-Jan	Exodus 33-35
30-Jan	Exodus 36-38
31-Jan	Exodus 39-40

Double Minded

Jas 1:8  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. 

Jas 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. 

Double minded - G1374 - From G1364 and G5590; two spirited, that is, vacillating (in opinion or purpose).

• G1364 - Adverb from G1417; twice.
• G1417 - A primary numeral; “two”.
• G5590 - From G5594; breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew [H5315], [H7307] and [H2416].
• G5594 - A primary verb; to breathe (voluntarily but gently; thus differing on the one hand from G4154, which denotes properly a forcible respiration; and on the other from the base of G109, which refers properly to an inanimate breeze), that is, (by implication of reduction of temperature by evaporation) to chill (figuratively).

I feel like I'm double minded.  Not all the time, or about everything.  Just marriage.  On the one side, I think no, I am content.  I enjoy my solitude.  Then on the other side I think, no, I would love to have someone to share the adventure of life. Especially when I come across something like this:

That sums it up...for me.  I want someone who finds my mind beautiful.  Who seems me as desirable, mentally.  Is that odd?  Selfish?  Shouldn't my desire for a spouse be something, I don't know...more?

Shouldn't I be more focused on what I can give or provide to someone versus what I *want*?

Am I truly praying for whatever His will is?  Desiring His plans and purposes?  Because when it comes down to it, it's really His choice.  Trying to 'force' His hand and go down a path He's not approved doesn't work out well.  Trying to 'make do' or lower your standards to avoid being alone isn't worth the price.

So here I am...wondering, I think yes, then no, so is that double minded?  Or can this be a form of prayer, as I surrender to Him?  Not wanting my way, but trusting, waiting on Him, should He decide He has someone for me?  Or continuing to learn contentedness, seeing, knowing Him as my heavenly husband?  I really don't know, and I think I can honestly say, either path is okay.

Maybe that's where He wants me to be, if it's yes, good.  If it's no, good.  So beloved saints, do we happily receive a NO as well as we would a YES?

Brawling Woman

Pro 25:24  It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. 

Brawling - H4079 - A variation for H4066.

• H4066 - From H1777; a contest or quarrel.
• H1777 - A primitive root (compare H113); to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law).

H4079 is used 9 times in 9 verses:

Pro 18:18  The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

Pro 18:19  A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Pro 19:13  A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

Pro 21:9  It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Pro 21:19  It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Pro 23:29  Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

Pro 25:24  It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. 

Pro 26:21  As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Pro 27:15  A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 

Ouch.  Out of 9 verses, 5 use brawling/contentious of woman. Ouch.

We can be a:

Continual dropping - ever have an annoying dripping faucet?

Dwell in the corner of the house top - man cave?

Dwell in the wilderness - 

Wilderness - H4057 - From H1696 in the sense of driving; a pasture (that is, open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication a desert; also speech (including its organs).

• H1696 - A primitive root; perhaps properly to arrange; but used figuratively (of words) to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue.

Interesting...when I think of wilderness, I think of untamed land, penetrable only by slashing through, no roads or even a navigable path.  It can simply mean uninhabited.  Solitary (or solitude if you're being nagged).

Gill's commentary:

"It is better to dwell in the wilderness,.... Where persons live without shelter, and are not only exposed to storms and tempests, but to beasts of prey; where is want of the necessaries of life, and no society; where no "speech" is, as the word (e) for wilderness may signify; yet it is better to dwell in such a place, where no human voice is heard."

This isn't referring to (the fallacy) of women talking more than men (I've met me who talk more than women, in fact a LOT); rather, how she is communicating.  So ladies, how are we communicating to one another?  Specifically if you're married there is the challenge of communicating your likes, and dislikes, to your spouse without being quarrelsome.

Good communication requires effort for all involved.  It hears everything through the 'ears' of love.  Speaks with the 'tongue' of love.  May the Lord help each of us to strive to glorify Him - that we not be perceived as contentious, driving anyone out into the wilderness or rooftop!

Read Through The Bible - In A Year Challenge

While I'm not a holiday celebrant, keeping God's new year or time table is hard!  When in Rome...etc.?

The challenge - if you have or are reading daily, especially the WHOLE Bible in a year, it's your turn to challenge someone else.

The joy of having others reading the Bible and sharing your discoveries!  Accountability too!

I've found several sites - plenty of choices, no excuses!!

Back To the Bible - They offer several options:

• Chronological
• Historical - I'm leaning towards this format
• Old and New Testament Together
• Beginning to End
• Blended

They give you a month at a time - no PDF.  :-(  Bonus, if you like reading online, you can do it straight from their site.  You can change the translation and even do a side by side!

ESV Reading - They have several, some borrowed from Back to the Bible, in five (5) different formats (RSS, iCal, Mobile, Print or Email - definitely NO excuses with their system!)

• Chronological
• Daily Light on the Daily Path
• Daily Office Lectionary
• Daily Reading Bible
• ESV Study Bible
• Every Day in the Word
• Literary Study Bible
• M'Cheyne One Year Reading Plan
• Outreach
• Outreach New Testament
• Through the Bible in a Year
• Truth Bible Memory Plan - This sounds interesting.

Bible Gateway - A variety of plans available.  With the option of reading online in your preferred translation.  You can view a whole month at a time.

• Old/New Testament
• Chronological
• Beginning
• Historical
• Bible in 90 Days
• Read the Gospels in 40 Days
• New Testament in a Year
• The Daily Audio Bible
• Book of Common Prayer
• Daily Reading for Personal Growth, 40 Days with God
• Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks
• Verse of the Day
• Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)
• Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Biblica - It appears they have one (1) plan.


Heartlight - They have several options available in PDF:

• Straight Through
• Different Topics - (This one sounds interesting)
• New Testament and Old Testament
• The Story of the Bible
• New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs

Alright fellow saints and warriors, who can you challenge/encourage to read through the Bible in a year or read daily?

Backbiting

Pro 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

Backbiting - H5643 - From H5641; a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense).

• H5641 - A primitive root; to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively.

The word 'backbiting' is used only once.  The Hebrew word 5643 has 36 matches in 36 verses.

Secret, secretly, protection, covert, covering, disguiseth, secret place, hiding place, and privily.

Hiding place - makes me think of Corrie Ten Boom, who knew, really knew what it meant to be hidden in God.

Psa 32:7  Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. 

Psa 119:114  Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 

How does an angry countenance drive away a backbiting tongue?

Gill's commentary:

"so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue; drives it away, discourages and silences it. When a man puts on a stern countenance, a frowning and angry look, on such who bring him slanderous reports and idle tales of their neighbours, and reproach and backbite them, it checks them, and puts a stop to their practices; whereas listening to them, and especially with an air of pleasure, encourages them in them; were there not so many that take pleasure in hearing those talebearers and backbiters, were they more roughly dealt with, as the blustering north wind does with the rain, there would not be so much of this evil practised."

Have you ever given someone the 'eye' - the look which says, don't EVEN go there!  A frown which discourages?

This makes me think of communication - a lot of it is electronic now days and there is always the possibility of what you've said being misconstrued because the tone, inflection, body language is missing.  Words said in jest, without the twinkle in the eye may be perceived as harsh, whereas a reproof or reprimand may not be taken seriously.

I've been doing a little research on communication, made up of - words, tone/inflection, body language.  There are variables out there percentage wise about how much each plays into what's being said/received.  Also, factor in how well you do or don't know the person you're communicating with and that adds another layer.

I found it interesting that deaf people are considered to be superior in interpreting body language.  I distinctly remember taking a class with a woman whose daughter was deaf and she mentioned an incidence.  She was correcting her daughter, who wasn't taking her seriously, because her facial expression did not match what was being said/signed.

How often has something been said in 'jest' but with the undercurrent of what was said was really meant more harshly?  Or someone says something and you're offended, and the response is, I was only joking.  Can't you take a joke?

So how do we measure up to this admonishment?

Eph 4:29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Mat 5:37  But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Bitter, Strife

Jas 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

Jas 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Jas 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Bitter - G4089 - Perhaps from G4078 (through the idea of piercing); sharp (pungent), that is, acrid (literally or figuratively).

• G4078 - A prolonged form of a primary verb (which in its simpler form occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses); to fix (“peg”), that is, (specifically) to set up (a tent).

Interesting visual - a tent peg.  Though, having pitched many a tent and driven more pegs, I can 'see' the 'point'.

This bitter is used only twice, both times in James.  The other passage is:

Jas 3:11  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 

Strife - G2052 - Perhaps from the same as G2042; properly intrigue, that is, (by implication) faction.

• G2042 - From a presumed prolonged form of G2054; to stimulate (especially to anger).
• G2054 - From G2056; a kidling, that is, (generally) goat (symbolically wicked person).
• G2056 - Perhaps from the same as G2053 (through the idea of hairiness); a kid or (generally) goat.
• G2053 - Of obscure affinity; wool.

I'd never have thought of strife and goat as having any similarities.  We've had friends who have goats and they can indeed be trying!

Used 7 times - 

Rom 2:8  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

2Co 12:20  For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: 

Gal 5:20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 

Php 1:16  The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 

Php 2:3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 

Then again in our James' passages above.  The goat imaginary is causing me to 'see' these passages differently.  Goats are so...so...goaty {laugh}.  They are headstrong, independent...researching....

This site, stated:

"Goats are capricious. They are impulsive and unpredictable, devious and contrary. If they are not poking their heads through fences, they may be standing on their hind legs, stretching for those tender leaves just out of reach. Goats are never content with what they have.

They are experts in opening gates and squeezing through small gaps because they hate to be confined. Fences that will handle sheep, cattle, and horses will not hold goats. They will work tirelessly to spring themselves from any situation they deem inhibiting.

Consequently, goats are not very good followers. "Gregarious behavior" is a term that refers to the flocking or herding instinct which is found strongly in sheep, cattle, and horses. Again, this quality is rather weak in goats; they prefer leading or going off on their own."

This is somewhat disconcerting, I 'see' some of the above behavior in myself.  Not necessarily impulsive, unpredictable, devious or contrary (at least I don't think so!).  I do see myself as wanting to 'lead' and 'go off on my own'.  Independent.  Not, I hope, to cause disunity within a body of believers.

For the curious among us, differences between sheep and goats:

Sheep 101

I found this statement from Creation [dot] com interesting:

"...sheep and goats in Asia and Africa are often similar in appearance..."

Which would make the Matthew passage about separating out the sheep from the goats easier to understand.

So who do you most resemble?

Order of Melchisedec

Melchisedec - G3198.  Used 9x, all in Hebrews.

Heb 5:6  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Heb 5:10  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. 

Heb 6:20  Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Heb 7:1  For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 

Heb 7:10  For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. 

Heb 7:11  If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 

Heb 7:15  And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 

Heb 7:17  For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Heb 7:21  (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 

G3198 - Of Hebrew origin [H4442]; Melchisedek (that is, Malkitsedek), a patriarch.

• H4442 - From H4428 and H6664; king of right; Malki-Tsedek, an early king in Palestine: - Melchizedek. Used twice in the OT.

Gen 14:18  And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 

Psa 110:4  The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. 

The name is used 6 times in the NT preceded by 'order', once in the OT.

OT - Order - H1700 - Feminine of H1697; a reason, suit or style: - cause, end, estate, order, regard.

NT - Order - G5010 - From G5021; regular arrangement, that is, (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity.

Browsing through commentaries on 'order' and/or 'Melchizedek(c).  This from Gill on Hebrews 7:11:

"what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? that there was another priest promised and expected, and that he should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and who was to make his soul an offering for sin, is certain, Ezr_2:63 and such an one is risen, even Jesus of Nazareth; and yet there would have been no need of him, and especially that he should be of a different order from Aaron's, had there been perfection by the Levitical priesthood."

I was pondering upon the order of Aaron and how there is difference between the 'priests'.  One was a temporary, while the other eternal.  One demanded obedience by strict law, while the other (because of the inward change) woos us to love the Lord with all our spirit, soul and body.  To give unto Him who has given so liberally to us.  Not demanding devotion, time, sacrifice.  Waiting ever so patiently as we are transformed into His image to give a better representation of Him.

O' Father, how grievous are we in Your sight?  How oft do we love that which gives pleasure to our flesh, despising deep fellowship with You and Your Word.  Halting in our duty to You.  O' Lord, create a passion and desire to know You more intimately, to long for fellowship with You in Your Word.

Beware the Flatterer

Pro 20:19  He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

I was curious, what/who is a flatterer?  Word study time!

flattereth - H6601 - A primitive root; to open, that is, be (causatively make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively make) simple or (in a sinister way) delude.

Used 28 times in 26 verses.  The first usage:

Gen 9:27  God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.

Also used in Judges 14:15 and 16:15

Entice - Exodus 22:6; 2 Chronicles 18:19-21; Job 31:27; Proverbs 1:10, 16:29; and Jeremiah 20:10

Deceive or deceived - Deuteronomy 11:16; 2 Samuel 3.25; Job 31:9; Proverbs 24:28; Jeremiah 20:7; and Ezekiel 14:9 (2)

Persuade - 1 Kings 22:20-22; and Proverbs 25:15

Silly - Job 5:2; and Hosea 7:11

Flatter - Psalm 78:36; and Proverbs 20:19

Allure - Hosea 2:14 - Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. 

I don't ever remember seeing the word 'silly'!  I used the word with my children (versus stupid).  My!  Silly isn't much better!

So someone who 'flatters' does so to entice, deceive, persuade, allure, or enlarge.  The first type of person who comes to mind, is a sales person.  They will tell or say almost anything to 'seal the deal'.

Sometimes known as a 'brown noser' - not a pretty phrase, but one who 'sucks' up to someone (usually a position of authority) in order to 'gain' for themselves.

I'm pondering if I 'speak' true words...or if anything I say could be construed (or is!!!) 'flattery' - I'm not talking compliments - but speaking in a way to someone to 'puff' up their vanity or engage their 'favor' in order to gain something for myself.  All without sincerity or truth.

God tells us to let our yes be yes and our no be no.  Lord, help us Your people to speak truth, to compliment and encourage truthfully, without hypocrisy or deceit.  To applaud appropriately, but to also admonish when needed.

December 2014

Ta da!!! The final month of the Roman new year!  May each of our lives be richer and fuller for spending time in our Father's Word.

Talebearer

Proverbs 11:13 - A talebearer (H1980 H7400) revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Who or what is a talebearer?

H1980 - Akin to H3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively).

H7400 - From H7402; a scandal monger (as travelling about).

• H7402 - A primitive root; to travel for trading.

The word 'talebearer' is used 6x, all in the OT, mostly in Proverbs:

Pro 18:8 The words of a talebearer (H5372) are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Pro 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer (H7400) revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Pro 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer,(H5372) the strife ceaseth.

Pro 26:22 The words of a talebearer (H5372) are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Lev 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer (H7400) among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

H5372 - From an unused root meaning to roll to pieces; a slanderer.

H7400 - Is used 6x, 3 of the verses above and as slanders in Jeremiah 6:28 and 9:4, and carry tales in Eze 22:9. 

H5372 - Is used 4x - in the verses above.

Characteristics of a talebearer (or gossip):

Reveals secrets - can you keep a secret or confidence?
Wounding words - do your words wound?
Flatterer - do you 'put on airs' or 'pretend to like someone'?
Strife enducer a/k/a as Pot Stirrer - do you like it when everyone's in an uproar?

The NT has a few verses:

Rom 1:29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (G5588).

Rom 1:30  Backbiters (G2637), haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

2Co 12:20  For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings (G2636), whisperings (G5587), swellings, tumults:

G5588 - From the same as G5587; a secret calumniator (say what? Definition: to make false and malicious statements about; slander.).

G5587 - From a derivative of ψίθος psithos (a whisper; by implication a slander; probably akin to G5574); whispering, that is, secret detraction.

G2636 - From G2637; defamation.

G2637 - From G2596 and the base of G2980; talkative against, that is, a slanderer.

I found this article Gossip and Christian Scripture an interesting read.  We need to be circumspect in our conversations, especially if we are 'sharing' information about someone else; however, honest and open communication and dealing with, or exposing problems shouldn't be label as gossip.

This snippet intrigued me:

"Here is a real-life example of gossip. A Christian woman who was an intercessor would often look at me intently while I was teaching and/or praying. A gossip we will call Charlotte started telling people that we were having a secret affair, and if they peaked during prayer they would see that this woman was making eyes at me. I started hearing all sorts of reports from those Charlotte was calling to "let know what was really going on". Further, Charlotte also came to believe I was madly in love with her as well, and told several people that I was following her home at night (as well as other pastors in the area: all milling around her house I suppose). Charlotte was the real deal: a biblical gossip. She seemed to get a perverted enjoyment from telling slanderous tales obviously detached from the truth. After repeated rebukes and Charlotte's continued rejection of our encouragement to repent and receive prayer and dedicate herself to the truth, we had to dissfellowship her. Perhaps she is in your church now? Just wait till you hear her stories; for it will take only a modicum of discernment or common-sense to know that what she is doing is a grievous sin."

I had a similar situation, I strive to 'give no appearance of evil' in my interactions with men.  Many, many, many years ago, I had sought counsel from an elder in that church.  I did so openly, in the sanctuary, in front of (I thought) God and everyone else.  I did this more than once.  Someone went to the man's wife and caused her to think I was chasing her husband.
Had the person who 'thought' that come to me, we could have resolved the issue, I would have taken more care of how and when I was speaking to the elder and the man's wife wouldn't have been distressed.

So...Before you make a 'call' on someone, check to ensure you have your facts correct.  Don't make the mistake of thinking how you feel, view, see, a situation or based on your life experiences or previous history necessarily makes all situations the same.

If you believe, think, know someone may be out of bounds or engaging in behavior which is not glorifying to God, go and talk to them.  Don't talk behind their back or carry tales.

Thanksgiving

With the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, this word 'jumped' out at me as I was reading through 1 Timothy.  A quick search in the New Testament for the word Thanksgiving netted:

2Co_4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

2Co_9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

Php_4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Col_2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Col_4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

1Ti_4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

1Ti_4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Rev_7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

I'm sort of amazed I missed the word in 2 Corinthians, Philippians, and Colossians.  I still marvel at having read through the Bible numerous times, I still have new 'discoveries'.  He's always revealing 'new' stuff, opening my eyes to see Him in a deeper, richer way.

So...are all these thanksgivings the same?

G2169 - From G2170; gratitude; actually grateful language (to God, as an act of worship).

• From G2095 and a derivative of G5483; well favored, that is, (by implication) grateful.
• G2095 - Neuter of a primary word εὖς eus (good); (adverbially) well.
• G5483 - Middle voice from G5485; to grant as a favor, that is, gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue.
• G5485 - From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude).
• G5463 - A primary verb; to be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off; impersonal especially as a salutation (on meeting or parting), be well.

So...is it used anywhere else?

1 Corinthians 14:16, Ephesians 5:4, 1 Thessalonians 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:1, Revelation 4:9 - translated thanks.

So...what about the OT?

The word 'thanksgiving is used 20x in 17 verses.

H8426 -Used 32x in 30 verses - From H3034; properly an extension of the hand, that is, (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically a choir of worshippers.

H3034 -A primitive root; used only as denominative from H3027; literally to use (that is, hold out) the hand; physically to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively to bemoan (by wringing the hands).

H1960 -From the same as H1959; properly an acclaim, that is, a choir of singers.

A choir of singers.  Voices raised in praise to the gracious, life giving God.  The one who provides the basics (and then some) of our existence.  Have you stopped to thank HIM for what you do have?  Rather than focusing on what we don't have (or want).  Can we see?  Hear?  Smell?  Walk?  Talk? Work?  Play?  Smile?  Frown?  Have running water?  A roof?  Big toes to ensure we can balance and walk?  Hands to hold (or wring?)

Gracious and merciful God, help us Your people to truly raise our voices and hearts in praise to You, not just during this 'season' of thanksgiving, but daily, hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second.

Help us Lord to rejoice in the blessings of goodness, the times where things are not 'going our way', to thank You for all of Your provision, tests, guidance, love and mercy.  May our hearts sing out in praise, glory and honor to You.

Repentance

I'd done a study on this passage a l-o-n-g time ago, specifically because I had someone who kept telling me they were 'sorry' - which I accepted, for a while.

When someone 'apologizes', yet there's no change, what do you do?  How far do you 'turn the other cheek'?  How do you balance healthy boundaries against forgiving your brother (not an unbeliever) 7 x 70?

When we say we're sorry, do we change how or what we're doing which caused the offense?  Do we care?  Should we change what we're doing if someone tells us their offended?  How valid are declarations of 'love' if there isn't any change in behavior?

Is there a point where you can't 'make it right', so you quit trying?  What does it 'look' like when there is genuine repentance?  What did Paul see in the Corinthians?

2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

2Co 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

I find it interesting there are 8 key words - 8 = new beginnings.  Paul saw 'true' repentance.  Not the 'I'm sorry' - I was caught, it's the 'right' thing to say, etc.

1. Sorrowed
2. Carefulness
3. Clearing
4. Indignation
5. Fear
6. Vehement Desire
7. Zeal
8. Revenge

Sorrowed - G3076 - From G3077; to distress; reflexively or passively to be sad.

• G3077 - Apparently a primary word; sadness.

Carefulness - G4610 - From G4692; “speed”, that is, (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness.

• G4692 - Probably strengthened from G4228; to “speed” (“study”), that is, urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication to await eagerly.

Clearing - G627 - From the same as G626; a plea (“apology”).

• G626 - Middle voice from a compound of G575 and G3056; to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, that is, exculpate (self).

Indignation - G24 From G23; indignation.

• G23 - From ἄγαν agan (much) and ἄχθος achhos̄ (grief; akin to the base of G43); to be greatly afflicted, that is, (figuratively) indignant.

Fear - G5401 - From a primary φέβομαι phebomai (to be put in fear); alarm or fright.

Vehement Desire - G1972 - From G1971; a longing for.

• G1971 - From G1909 and ποθέω potheō (to yearn); to dote upon, that is, intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully).

Zeal - G2205 - From G2204; properly heat, that is, (figuratively) “zeal” (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively of God], or an enemy, malice).

• G2204 - A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest).

Revenge - G1557 - From G1556; vindication, retribution.

• G1556 - From G1558; to vindicate, retaliate, punish.
• G1558 - From G1537 and G1349; carrying justice out, that is, a punisher.

What about when we sin against God?  Do we display true repentance to Him?  Do we remember we reap what we sow and God is not mocked?  Have we examined ourselves to see if we need to repent to God, or someone else?

If someone has offended us, have we gone to them as instructed by the Word?  Followed Biblical conflict resolution?  (Matthew 18).  May the Lord grant each of us a sincere desire to seek repentance and reconciliation.

Rom_12:18  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

This is similar to a chart I made, I visualized the 'steps', hence the words and definitions start at the bottom.  There are 8 steps - new beginnings.  May the Lord bless each of us with 'new beginnings' as we seek to have god honoring relationships.

Silence is...

...golden.

Unless you're a mom, then it's nerve racking.

It can turn a woman into super mom, able to leap 3 foot high baskets of laundry in a single bound, run faster than a toddler, and stop children from toppling off inventive 'ladders'.



Silence is good:

Jas 1:19  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Psa 4:4  Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 

Psa_46:10  Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Lam 3:26  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

1Pe 3:4  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Pro 13:3  He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Amo 5:13  Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.

Ecc 3:7  A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

However, there is a silence which is NOT good.

Specifically when used as a weapon.  A weapon?  Immature relating techniques, yes, but weapon?  No it hadn't crossed my mind, until providentially (there are NO coincidences with God), I read this article:

Is Giving Someone the Silent Treatment Really Like Witchcraft?  

"Did you know the silent treatment (which is the stubborn refusal to talk to someone, especially after a recent argument or disagreement) is a form of witchcraft? Witchcraft is sometimes a spiritual force, but it's also a work of the flesh listed in Galatians."

"It's all about the motive. If you are letting things cool off, fine. But if you are seeking to punish someone or teach them a lesson with your silence, you're not operating from a godly motive."

Passive Aggressive - Narcissist - some interesting words.

The Narcissist's Silent Treatment

What Married Couples Should Know About the Silent Treatment

Define Passive Aggressive Behaviour - Examples in Marriage and Relationships

Silent Treatment: Preferred Weapon of a Person with Narcissism

From the article above:  "The silent treatment is a form of emotional abuse designed to (1) place the abuser in a position of control; (2) silence the target’s attempts at assertion; (3) avoid conflict resolution/personal responsibility/compromise; or (4) punish the target for a slight against the narcissistic person’s ego. Often, the result of the silent treatment is exactly what the narcissistic person wishes to create: a reaction from the target and a sense of control.

The target, who may possess high emotional intelligence, empathy, conflict-resolution skills, and the ability to compromise, may work diligently to respond to the deafening silence. He or she may frequently reach out to the narcissistic person via email, phone, or text to resolve the greatly inflated misunderstanding, and is typically met with continued disdain, contempt, and silence. Essentially, the narcissistic person’s message is one of extreme disapproval to the degree that the silence renders the target so insignificant that he or she is ignored and becomes nonexistent in the eyes of the narcissistic person."

So how well are we relating to one another?  Be angry and sin not?  Let not the sun go down on your wrath?  One article (I can't remember which one) said we all engage in passive-aggressive behavior from time to time.  The real question, how often/frequently?  Does it define your relating style?

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 5:19-26