February 2015

Welcome to the wonderful month of February - may the Lord bless you as you read and study His word.

1-Feb	Leviticus 1-4
2-Feb	Leviticus 5-7
3-Feb	Leviticus 8-10
4-Feb	Leviticus 11-13
5-Feb	Leviticus 14-15
6-Feb	Leviticus 16-18
7-Feb	Leviticus 19-21
8-Feb	Leviticus 22-23
9-Feb	Leviticus 24-25
10-Feb	Leviticus 26-27
11-Feb	Numbers 1-2
12-Feb	Numbers 3-4
13-Feb	Numbers 5-6
14-Feb	Numbers 7
15-Feb	Numbers 8-10
16-Feb	Numbers 11-13
17-Feb	Numbers 14-15
18-Feb	Numbers 16-17
19-Feb	Numbers 18-20
20-Feb	Numbers 21-22
21-Feb	Numbers 23-25
22-Feb	Numbers 26-27
23-Feb	Numbers 28-30
24-Feb	Numbers 31-32
25-Feb	Numbers 33-34
26-Feb	Numbers 35-36
27-Feb	Deuteronomy 1-2
28-Feb	Deuteronomy 3-4

Manners Matter

Heads up, this is a rant.

Mat 7:12  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Luk 6:31  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

I am appalled at the lack of manners in our society today, and amazingly NOT just young people.

You sort of expect the younger generation to be lacking in social graces...I mean they spend most of their time locked into some electronic world, right?

You know, those electronic hand extensions, social (hahahaha) media outlets, etc.

But even older (senior citizens) are lacking in politeness.  I sent an electronic invitation to someone, knowing they don't 'live' in email, I followed up a few days later with a card.  Did I hear anything?  No. I had to 'chase' them down to get an answer.

So why do manners matter - what does it say about us, especially as Christians when we don't treat people, their time, their resources with respect?

When you don't respond - in essence you're saying, "You're not worthy of my time, thought or attention.  I am so (fill in the blank), that acknowledging your request, invitation, gift, etc. is beneath me."

"Oh, I didn't have an answer.  I forgot.  I needed to check with someone before answering."  There is a litany of excuses...but really, how much time does it take to acknowledge you've 'heard' someone?  Acknowledging someone says they have value - and aren't we supposed to value others above ourselves?  Preferring one another?

Then there are the excuses from the 'grace camp':

"They're young. They don't know. Give them time. They are just like that.  They are always (fill in the blank). I'm sure you can think of many more (ad nauseam).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating NO grace...but the question becomes, if no one says anything.  If people are allowed to be thoughtless, rude, insensitive, discourteous and NO ONE calls them on it, are we truly 'loving' them?

If it's not me (or you) saying something, if not now, when?  So they don't know, they are tunnel visioned, they are whatever...so if no one ever corrects, rebukes, challenges, where do we end up?

Someone has to hold a line, point out the plumb line, direct to the standard and ladies, we've been commanded to set a good example, to challenge the younger women.  Why?

So the word of God won't be blasphemed.

Lord, help us to examine ourselves, to see if we in any way shape or form are treating others disrespectfully, not loving one another by being honest, by communicating.  Help us Lord to treat others as if you are watching every word, every thought (which You are), to remember we need to honor YOU in all our relationships.

Rebuking God - Mark 8

Mar 8:32  And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

Mar 8:33  But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Rebuke - G2008 - From G1909 and G5091; to tax upon, that is, censure or admonish; by implication forbid.

• G1909 - A primary preposition properly meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution [with the genitive case], that is, over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.
• G5091 - From G5093; to prize, that is, fix a valuation upon; by implication to revere.
• G5093 - Including the comparative τίμιώτερος timiōteros and the superlative τίμιώτατος timiōtatos; from G5092; valuable, that is, (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved.

The word rebuke is used 44 times in all of Scripture; 12 times in the NT.  Corresponding verses to the ones above are Matthew 16:22 and Luke 17:3, using the same Greek word G2008, as well as in Luke 19:39, 2 Timothy 4:2, and Jude 1:9.

The other 'rebukes' are:

G298 - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G3469; unblameable. Philippians 2:15

G1969 - From G1909 and G4141; to chastise, that is, (with words) to upbraid. 1 Timothy 5:1

G1651 - Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish. 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:13, 2:15 and Revelation 3:19.

I would N-E-V-E-R (or in southern, nevah) rebuke God, would you?

Wait...anytime we grumble or complain (whether out loud or inwardly) aren't we 'rebuking' God?  What we're really saying is God you don't know what you're doing.  I don't trust YOU to really have it all under control.  *sigh* I fail in this area soooo much.  Father, help me to fully surrender to YOU, trusting that everything you allow (or not) is for Your glory and my sanctification.  Help me Lord to praise you in the storm.

Spit - Mark 7 and 8

Mar_7:33  And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

Mar_8:23  And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

Spit - Used 11 times in Scripture - 4 times in the OT.

From the verses above:

G4429 - A primary verb (compare G4428); to spit.

• G4428 - Probably akin to πετάννυμι petannumi (to spread; and thus apparently allied to G4072 through the idea of expansion, and to G4429 through that of flattening; compare G3961); to fold, that is, furl a scroll.

It has a sort of gross factor to it...Jesus spat and then touched the man's tongue.  Then he spits on someone's eyes.  In the OT if someone was spitting, it was a sign of disgrace.  Even the other uses of spit in the NT, was in reviling the Lord.

Mat 26:67  Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

This is G1716 (as are the others in the NT) which means:

From G1722 and G4429; to spit at or on.

• G1722 - A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); “in”, at, (up-) on, by, etc.

A few of the OT:

Num 12:14  And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's commentary on the above verse:

her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? — The Jews, in common with all people in the East, seem to have had an intense abhorrence of spitting, and for a parent to express his displeasure by doing so on the person of one of his children, or even on the ground in his presence, separated that child as unclean from society for seven days.

Deu 25:9  Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.

Spitting would normally be seen as a sign of disrespect, and in some cases could legally be prosecuted as battery.  So why was Jesus spitting NOT insulting?  In 7:33 he didn't actually spit on the person, whereas in 8:23 it's in/on the eyes.

As a blind person can you imagine someone spitting on your eyes...no idea it's coming, nothing to clue you in on the pucker up and preparation to the projectile of saliva.  Just wham.

A deaf mute receives holy spit and he could speak plainly - a blind man has spit in/on his eyes and then sees clearly.  And both were told NOT to tell.  How do you keep something like that hidden?

Why would Jesus want them NOT to talk about it?

Tradition of Men - Mark 7

Mar_7:9  And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Mar_7:13  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

tradition - G3862 - From G3860; transmission, that is, (concretely) a precept; specifically the Jewish traditionary law.

• G3860 - From G3844 and G1325; to surrender, that is, yield up, intrust, transmit.
• 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.
• G1325 - A prolonged form of a primary verb (which is used as an alternate in most of the tenses); to give (used in a very wide application, properly or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection).

The question we all need to ask ourselves, are we, like those whom Jesus was rebuking, keeping traditions which are not grounded, founded or authorized by God?

Do we take time to truly examine ourselves or our habits, routines, etc. to see if they honor Him?  To ask Him?  To seek His knowledge via His word?

How much of what we do (or say or think) falls into the 'traditions' of men?  How different from the world do we look?  Have we lost our distinction and 'saltiness'?

What are we holding onto which we think is 'holy' or 'allowable' but in reality doesn't truly honor Him because we're not being set apart and holy?

A few articles for further review:

Traditions that ARE found in the Bible

Scripture and Tradition of God VS Tradition of Men Over Scripture

Traditions of Men
"Just because people have believed something and handed it down through the years does not make it true. Tradition usually serves merely to perpetuate error."

So beloved saints, what are we holding on to that we think glorifies God, or is holy, or prescribed in the Word, but is not?

Tell/Don't Tell - Mark 5

Mar_5:19  Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell (G312) them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

Mar_7:36  And he charged them that they should tell (G2036) no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;

Mar_8:26  And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell (G2036) it to any in the town.

Mar_8:30  And he charged them that they should tell (G3004) no man of him.

Mar_9:9  And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell (G1334) no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

I was intrigued by Jesus' telling one man to publish what had happened to him, versus the other instances of 'shhh' keep it quiet.

tell - G312 - From G303 and the base of G32; to announce (in detail).

• G303 - A primary preposition and adverb; properly up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.).
• G32 - From ἀγγέλλω aggellō (probably derived from G71; compare G34; to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication a pastor.

Well, I hadn't looked at the other verses to see if 'tell' was the same, and they aren't.  Interesting.

G2036 - A primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from G2046, G4483 and G5346); to speak or say (by word or writting).

G3004 - A primary verb; properly to “lay” forth, that is, (figuratively) relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 and G5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 is properly to break silence merely, and G2980 means an extended or random harangue]).

G1334 - From G1223 and G2233; to relate fully.

• G1223 - A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional). In composition it retains the same general import.
• G2233 - Middle voice of a (presumed) strengthened form of G71; to lead, that is, command (with official authority); figuratively to deem, that is, consider.

I still don't 'get' why, especially in Mark 5:9 - go tell what great things the Lord has done, while in 7:36 and 8:26 don't.  I can somewhat understand with the transfiguration, because it's more of a wait, versus an all out DON'T.

It does make me ponder on what the Lord does and does not want me to 'tell'.  Am I even seeking Him before I let loose with what's on my mind?  Is what I'm telling glorify Him?  Thinking before speaking...how much conflict and hurt could be avoided?

This Little Church Went To Market

Written by Gary E. Gilley in 2002 - our pastor recommended this book.  I read it once, but decided a re-read might be in order.

It is definitely one I'd recommend, especially to those who think we have to 'bring' folks into church to get them saved.

I'll list chapters and titles and any notes I made along the way - either from the 1st or 2nd reading.

Chapter 1 -  A New Kind of Church - 

Chapter Two - Entertainment - "The elite hated entertainment for the same reasons the working class delighted in it.  The elite loved art, Shakespeare, excellent, thought-provoking literature and classical music while the masses were swooped off their feet be dime novels, earsplitting music, and trash of all kinds."

The really sad part of this paragraph is I'm guilty.  I no longer like earsplitting music or trashy novels, but I don't 'hone' my mind anywhere near what I could or should.  I 'bail' and engage in 'mind candy' - Pride and Prejudice anyone?  Rather than reading the Bible, studying it, or reading quality materials like that written by the Puritans.

"Almost all of the literature in the first 150 years or so focused on what could be called the Character Ethic as the foundation for success--things like integrity, humility, fidelity, temperance, courage, justice, patience, industry, simplicity, modesty, and the Golden Rule..." - the author is quoting from Steven Covey Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - he doesn't necessarily advocate the teachings.

Think about the list - how much does our society, made up of individuals (including you and me) really show forth those types of behaviors?

From page 38: "Christianity is a demanding and serious religion." In today's 'user friendly' 'churchianity' do people really hear the gospel?  Lay down your life?  If they hated me, they will hate you. Die to self.

Reflecting upon Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: "In the end, he (Aldous Huxley) was trying to tell us that what afflicted the people in Brave New World was not that they were laughing instead of thinking, but that they did not know what they were laughing about and why they had stopped thinking."

The author is dealing primarily with the behavior (or lack thereof) in the assembled body of believers.  How does your 'church' stack up thus far?  Is your assembly, pastor, teacher more concerned with entertaining the goats than feeding the sheep?

Have we checked our brains, not only at the church doors, but in other areas as well?

Chapter 3 - Market Driven Philosophy

Chapter Four - Psychology

"It may be pragmatism (which adds success to the Bible); mysticism (which adds experience); tradition (which adds the past); legalism (which adds man's rules); or philosophy such as psychology (which adds man's wisdom)."

While it's all bad...adding to the Word of God ought to scare us - I've heard more (lately) about mysticism - what do you feel?  We can't base our relationship with God (or others) on our feelings.  We're fickle creatures.  We have to be solidly, steadfast on/in the Word.


Chapter 5 - A Church With the Wrong Foundation

Chapter Six - A Church With the Wrong Message

Chapter 7 - A Church Focused on the Wrong Need

"If I understand the purpose of my attendance is to have a good time, and as long as the entertainment is not out of sync with Christian character and biblical truth nothing is harmed."  How often do we 'fudge' the lines and allow ungodly behavior in what we watch or read - all for the sake of being entertained?

"It is not wrong to be entertained as a Christian; it is wrong to confuse it with or allow it to replace true worship and biblical instruction"  I took some comfort in this, that mental down time or 'mind candy' isn't necessarily bad, but we shouldn't confuse entertainment vs worship.

Worship is holy - going to a Christian concert is not worship.

"Fun (i.e. entertainment) has become the criteria by which a large number of people are choosing the church they will attend."

So how do you choose a church?  What are the criteria or requirements which form the foundation?  The main emphasis should be on teaching the Word without bells and whistles, frills or 'fun'.  Here is one resource.

Chapter Eight - A Church That Misunderstands Worship (How Shall We Then Preach)

"True worship involves the intellect as much as the emotions.  It underscores the truth that worship is to be focused on God not on the worshiper." John MacArthur.

"Our worship should be centered on God as we praise Him through word, song and prayer, and as we edify the saints through the teaching of the Scriptures so that we are enabled to live lives honoring to Him." Gilley page 106.

"...the Colossians left behind their early instruction and were being deluded into adding at least five things to God's Word: secular philosophy, legalism, asceticism, pragmatism and mysticism."

Chapter 9 - A Church That Misunderstands Worship (How Shall We Then Sing)

Chapter Ten - A Church at the Crossroad

My heart is saddened by how much 'church' is being distorted, people deceived (willingly?) into thinking they can worship God however they please, mimic the world to 'draw' people in...but are they speaking the truth?  Loving people NOT be telling them Jesus loves them, but rather, turn, repent, lest the wrath of God fall upon you.  What are you telling people about the Jesus you say you love and serve, with your words?  Your actions?

Mark 1-3

Mar 3:16  And Simon he surnamed Peter; 

Mar 3:17  And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

Surnamed?  How many times have I read that word, not really comprehending what it means?

The word surnamed is used 8 times in 8 verses, the first incidence:

Isa 45:4  For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

The rest of the time in the NT - in the verses above it is from Greek 2007 and 3686.

The other times G1941 - so from Mark:

G2007 - From G1909 and G5087; to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense).

• G1909 - A primary preposition properly meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution [with the genitive case], that is, over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.
• G5087 - A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate).

G36866 - From a presumed derivative of the base of G1097 (compare G3685); a “name” (literally or figuratively), (authority, character).

• G1097 - A prolonged form of a primary verb; to “know” (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as shown at left, with others not thus clearly expressed).

Other verses which use G1941 - Luke 22:3; Acts 1:23, 4:36, 10:18 and 15:22.

G1941 - Middle voice from G1909 and G2564; to entitle; by implication to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.).

• G1909 - see above.
• G2564 - Akin to the base of G2753; to “call” (properly aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise.

Simon - G4613 - Of Hebrew origin [H8095]; Simon (that is, Shimon), the name of nine Israelites.

• H8095 - From H8085; hearing; Shimon, one of Jacob’s sons, also the tribe descendant from him,
• H8085 - A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively to tell, etc.).

Peter - G4074 - Apparently a primary word; a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037); as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

James - G2385 - The same as G2384 Graecized; Jacobus, the name of three Israelites.

• G2384 - Of Hebrew origin [H3290]; Jacob (that is, Ja'akob), the pogenitor of the Israelites; also an Israelite.
• G3289 - From H6117; heel catcher (that is, supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.
• H6117 - From H6117; heel catcher (that is, supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.

John - G2491 - Of Hebrew origin [H3110]; Joannes (that is, Jochanan), the name of four Israelites.

• H3110 - A form of H3076; Jochanan, the name of nine Israelites.
• H3076 - From H3068 and H2603; Jehovah-favored; Jehochanan, the name of eight Israelites.
• H3068 - From H1961; (the) self Existent or eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.
• H1961 - A primitive root (compare H1933); to exist, that is, be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary).
• H2603 - A primitive root (compare H2583); properly to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (that is, move to favor by petition).

Boanerges - G993 - Of Chald origin ([H1123] and [H7266]); sons of commotion; Boanerges, an epithet of two of the Apostles.

• H1123 - (Chaldee); corresponding to H1121.
• H1121 - From H1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.
• H1129 - A primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively).
• H7266 - (Chaldee); from H7265; violent anger.
• H7265 - (Chaldee); corresponding to H7264.
• H7264 - A primitive root; to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear).

My.  Have you ever wondered what your name means?  If you have a 'Biblical' name, have you researched it?  Done a word study?

Pro_22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Ecc_7:1  A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. 

My name means bee...buzz, buzz!

If you'd like to know the meaning of a name, there are various sites to assist:

Behind the Name

Meaning of Names

English Baby Names

Is it I?

Mat 26:22  And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 

Mar_14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

How oft do we, when there is a question of responsibility, especially if negative, say is it I?  Or rather do we spend time trying to find out who else might be responsible or to blame?

When something isn't done, or properly, how often do we 'step up' to the plate and accept we may have failed, fallen short, or sinned?

Jesus had just told them:

Mat 26:21  And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Betray - G3860 - From G3844 and G1325; to surrender, that is, yield up, intrust, transmit.

• 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.
• G1325 - A prolonged form of a primary verb (which is used as an alternate in most of the tenses); to give (used in a very wide application, properly or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection).

Mat 26:25  Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. 

If we would ask, "Is it I?", either to Jesus or others, how would we handle an affirmative answer?

Judas went onto betray Jesus, then 'repent' which wasn't godly repentance, committed suicide.  If it 'is I' that is part of the problem, or causing an issue, how willing are we to repent and seek forgiveness/reconciliation?