What do you mean by that?

The next chapter in First Corinthians begins to deal with our speech.  Verse two states "...he that speaketh in an (unknown) tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God."  If the italicized word "unknown" is removed, since it was added by the translators, a new meaning emerges.  Often words taken out of context create a whole host of problems when understanding scripture. We are not taking the word "unknown" out of context, simply removing it for clarification of the word "tongue."

Thus stated, for a moment let us look at "tongue" and it's meaning.

The Greek word defining tongue, simply stated means, "language."  Quite clearly, it is the way human beings communicate one to another.

Webster's 1828 defines "tongue" further as speech; This blogger would add, discourse or power of articulation to the meaning.  Whether English, Greek or Hebrew, tongue/language is the string of words that sounds out to another thoughts to explain or describe a given subject.  

Then, verse 2 moves on to explain that "he that speaketh in an (unknown) tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God:..." In other words, ONLY GOD really knows what one means when thought is put into the spoken word.  ONLY GOD, really knows what motivates one to speak.  ONLY GOD knows what is in the heart of man that must be expressed in outward speech.  

Scripture gives many observations regarding our speech to one another:  Proverbs 18.21 warns, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." 

• Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying,... Eph 4.29Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.  Ps 141.3
• Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Ps 19.14
• My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. Ps 49.3
• the froward mouth, do I hate.  Pro 8.13
• He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Pro 18.13
• Death and life are in the power of the tongue: Pro 18.21
• Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: Jms 1.19
• A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Pro 15.1
• The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.  Ps 37.30, 31
• Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Pro 16.24
• Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Pro 21.23
• And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Col 3.17
• A wholesome tongue is a tree of life:... Pro 15.4
• but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Jms 5.12

Finally, this blogger would add a wonderful, frightening thought since "death and life are in the power of the tongue," What do you mean by what you say?  The toddler song would put it this way, "O be careful little tongue what you say, O be careful little tongue what you say, for the Father up above is looking down in love, O be careful little tongue what you say...."

Amen and God bless.  Ps 57.7

Real love - Hopeth all things

 Same verse, a little further.  Love/Charity..."hopeth all things..."

Webster's 1828 defines hope this way; A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it or a belief that it is obtainable.  Confidence in a future event. 

This bloggers favorite description of hope; "Confidence in a future event."  How's that for meeting each day with a positive attitude?

Real love always "hopes" for the best.  Real love never gives time or effort to what "might" happen.  Real love is not ashamed to hope. (Rom 5.5) Real love understands that "cast down (is) not destroyed." Real love knows that "persecuted (is not) forsaken" because believers recognize and by the Holy Ghost, grasp that "we are always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus." (I Cor 4.9,10)

Real love can "hope" with a passion to know that "because He lives, we may live too!"

Real love - Believeth all things

 I Corinithians 13.7 seems to be a powerful verse to this blogger at the moment.  It's been read many times thru the years as a believer but recently, the Holy Ghost is quite literally "shouting" it's truth.

The next part of  the verse noted is that real love, "believeth all things."  

Obviously, "all" doesn't mean for one to be naive in "all."  However, the passage speaks to this writer in a very sensitive way since it is not my nature to trust.  Naive, according to the dictionary means "deficient in wordly wisdom or ignorance about life."  Simply put one would be, "unassuming, not skeptical or to take another's word at face value."

Some tend to be skeptical about all information that is given.  Real love doesn't operate this way.  Real love "believeth all things."  If two parties are having a talk, discussion or discourse about any given subject, "real love" will take what is being said literally.  Real love will not question motive or intent.  Ideally, the giver of information will have neither motive or intent to manipulate the other party's thinking on a subject.

If you tell me the sky is green instead of blue, it should be a given you wouldn't lie about it.  Undoubtedly, this is a simple and unrealistic example, unless a tornado is on the way, but it makes the point.

To believe like a child is a hard thing for jaded, hardened adults to do.  Yet, real love is like the innocence of a child.  Trust your Heavenly Father to lead, guide and direct your steps in all matters.  If one wrongs you by virtue of telling a wrong thing, He is their Judge and will set it to rights. (Rom 12.19)

The Lord put it this way in Mk 10.14 and Mt 19.14; "...little children...(their innocence) is (like) the kingdom of God."  

Finally, the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4.8, "whatsoever (was good) ...think on these things."

Real love - Beareth all things

 Just a snippet; When the object of ones love tries patience to the breaking point, Charity/love still wins and patiently waits for the Lords will/answer in a matter.  From personal experience this blogger can say, "love works!"  Ps 57.7

Real love - Rejoiceth in the truth

 I Corinthians 13 always resonated as real "charity/love" for me.  However, this day brings verse six to my attention. "Charity...Rejoiceth not in iniquity, BUT rejoiceth in the TRUTH."

When in prayer, most times this writer will thank God for "candlesticks."  To my heart that would be the men of God who have stood and in the power of the Holy Ghost, unashamedly, proclaimed the gospel.  Sin purged and convictions regarding doctrine and moral living struck this believers heart and are still there.

Do I "love" truth?  I would say, "yes," even when it condemns my sin and convicts my soul.

more thoughts later....

Access

Citing Webster's 1828 definition of "access" we note a coming to; near approach; admittance; means of approach; liberty to approach; implying previous obstacles."

The second verse in Romans 5 says that "we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."  Not only is this reader "justified by faith" but that same faith gives me "access...into this grace."

Then Webster's definition of access tells us that "access implies previous obstacles."  The question becomes, what obstacles and why is that such a big deal?

Let's allow "scripture to expound scripture."  

According to Eph 2.1, former unbelievers were "dead in trespasses and sins."  In Col 2.13 we discover that "He quickened (or made alive those that were dead in sins and forgave) all trespasses."

The obstacle is death (physical and worse, spiritual separation from God) because of unbelief.  One cannot get to God apart from the saving grace by faith through "our Lord Jesus Christ."  Why would that matter?  A dead thing has no life.  A dead thing cannot help itself to move or grow.  John 11 explains that Lazarus died a physical death and was only "resurrected" at the voice of Jesus.  A clear demonstration of who He is and what He can do for a dead soul.  Just as the Lord Jesus, Himself came back to life on that third morning as depicted in Matthew 28, so He will do for one who believes.

How can a dead man, live?  There is a "quickening" (giving life) that takes place in a dark, dead soul.  Only He can "wake an unbeliever" to the truth of the gospel, which, we know is the "death, burial and resurrection" of the Lord Jesus.  Truly, it is a supernatural thing to be "quickened."  In the case of this blogger/believer, He whispered conviction at age 6, 15 and 18.  The first two times could be called a "quickening."  The last time He clearly spoke to my dark heart and said "it's you that is lost."  A wise preacher once said that "repenting is taking side with God against oneself."

I had to agree that without Him I would remain dead spiritually.  A light came on and it was as if cool water rushed over my soul.  I saw Him.  The "obstacle" was removed and I had "access!"

Access to Him allows for repentance, comfort, hope, wisdom, help in times of sorrow or trouble, tears to cleanse and heal...The song says "He's all I need, I need not turn to any other...He's my everything, He's all I need."

When we have "access" we can "glory in tribulations...knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; ad experience hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Rom 5.3-5)

All these things give us strength for the journey.  Believer, "rejoice" that He chose you for His own and gave you "access" to all that is His in this world and the next.  If you don't "have access", there is hope. (Rom 10.9, Eph 2.8-9, Jn 3.16, Jn 14.6) There are many other scriptures but to avoid that place of "outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Lk 13.28, Mt 8.12, 25.30) - eternal separation from God, NO ACCESS!!! Call on Him now while He may be found and is near. (Isa 55.6)

Access is eternal.  Exclusion is eternal.  Where will you be found?

Amen, Ps 57.7

Justified

 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  Rom 5.1

Webster's 1828 defines "justified" in theology as "to pardon and clear from guilt; to absolve or acquit from guilt and merited punishment, and to accept as righteous on account of the merits of the Savior, or by the application of Christ's atonement to the offender."

In the Greek, from Strong's Concordance (1344), "justified" is to "render, show or regard as just or innocent."

The sum of the definition in antiquity and modern day; Even though I was guilty, then pardoned through faith in the Lord Jesus and His blood at Calvary, today, I stand before Him "justified" because of that blood and can know peace through Him.

Another thought has been rattling around as well, "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (Rom 4.8)  "Imputed righteousness," (H 3049) means to take inventory, conclude, reason, reckon, suppose, think on.

Before I could know this "justification" I had to know "imputed righteousness."  Quite simply, when forgiveness is requested, He makes me "justified" in Him.

The gentle nudging of the Holy Ghost causes this believer to "take inventory and conclude" and repent of sins that would break fellowship and attitudes that would separate from His loving hand.  Then and only then, can a believer know "peace WITH God through His Son."

Are you justified, do you know peace?

A teachable spirit

Current studies continue in Romans 1.  As this blogger is a "peculiar" (I Pet 2.9) individual, so an unusual topic caught my attention. 

Paul stated to the Romans that he was "debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise."  Let's look at the definitions for "Greek and Barbarian."

In Webster's 1828 dictionary we read, "Greek - as pertaining to Greece or the Greek language."  Many philosophers, Socrates, Aristotle or Plato are still known for their vast wisdom and knowledge.  One of history's most famous warriors, Alexander the Great, was thought to be Greek.  So, Paul acknowledged much of his intelligence to the Greeks, of which he was a Roman citizen. But the Apostle did not stop there.  He also recognized indebtedness to the "uncivilized, lawless, unmannered Barbarians."  Webster's definition of these peoples are, "uncivilized person, one destitute of pity or humanity, unacquainted with laws or manners, foreign, wild, fierce."  

How is it that such a learned man as Paul could learn from "uncivilized people?"  

This writer believes it is because of the words in verse 16 and 17 of this chapter. "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to EVERY one that believeth: to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'"  Quite simply, as the Lord lead Paul to preach the gospel, wherever he was or was led to go, he believed the Lord could touch the heart of Jew or Gentile, which included the Barbarians AND the Greeks.  The song writer said "I am so glad He included me."  Never despair of your earthly origin. Only seek the spiritual origin.  Are you "in Him?"  

To digress, the lesson is keeping a teachable spirit and this writer believes one can learn from any one or any circumstance.  In other words, if you are in Him you can keep a "teachable spirit." Below, read all the verses noted to this lesson.  God bless and keep you is my prayer.  

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (I Pet 5.5) 

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured." (Pro 13.18)

Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost reacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (I Cor 2.13, 14)  

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. (Pro 12.1)

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Pro 9.9)

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (Pro 4.5)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Tim 3.16)

And the things that thou hast heard of me among man witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Tim 2.2)

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. An if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (I Jn 2.1-29)

And he said, How can I except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. (Acts 8.31)

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10.17)

For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. (Heb 12.6)

Train up a child in the way he SHOULD go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Pro 22.6)

Psa 1.1-6, Jms 1.1-27,  Hos 4.6, I Thes 5.14, Acts 17.11

What is a lie?

Current devotion finds this blogger in Acts 5.  The church was in it's infancy and while some may regard the "rules" harsh, it was in the interest of keeping the "bride of Christ," (Eph 5.25-27) clean and unspotted from the world." (Jms 1.27)  

In the account of Ananias and Sapphria, a man and wife who apparently had a bit of wealth, we find such a condemnation.  Acts 5 opens with "a certain man...with...his wife, sold a possession."  However, they "kept back of the price....and brought the rest" to the apostles.  Apart from a power unction from the Holy Ghost, it's not clear how Peter knew this man had not given all he said he had sold the "possession" for. 

Knowing this, the Apostle rebuked the man for holding back.  He censured the man's decision explaining "it was all yours to give and you told us how much you had to give." (5.4) So, "why did you hold back? You not only lied to us but worse, you lied to God.  The problem was not that the man had the possession but that the possession had the man.

For a believer, this is a dangerous, spiritual place to be in the economy of God.  The lesson seems harsh and unyielding but the point is made.  A believer brings reproach on the Lord when he or she does not live upright and honest. Acts 5.4 states, "thou hast not lied unto men, but.unto.God." "The wages of sin is death." (Rom 6.23)  We understand that lying was a sin but why should the deception cost the man and his wife their lives?

"Christ died for us 'while.we.were.yet.sinners.'" (Rom 5.6-11)  Many scriptures note the Lord's death and sacrifice for His people and their sins.  We will not labor those here except to point out what a price was paid for "the bride of Christ." (Eph 5.27)  The goal was to present a "spotless bride, unspotted from the world," to the Bridegroom.  Whilst we understand we can are not perfect we are to "strive" to be so. (Lk 13.24)

In truth, any deception, half-truth or misleading conduct mars the purity of things of God.  Thus, the example of death to this couple because of their deception was a warning to anyone who would choose this path for their lives as believers.  Much could also be said regarding further teaching about sanctification, justification and consecration for believers but suffice it to say this account is warning enough to those who would heed its message.

Preferring darkness to light

The title of this entry is a thought to ponder from every aspect of one's life.  Clearly, "light" is preferable to darkness because one can literally see where to go without stumbling.  However, today, the thought is to be examined from a spiritual perspective.

Isaiah said in 9.2, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."

 Matthew repeated this in 4.16 when He said, "The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."

Why would one "want" to "sit in darkness?"  We were created in His image. (Gen 1.27)  Literally, we have the big fireball in the sky to demonstrate a brightness unequalled by anything earthly. So, why would one choose "darkness rather than light?" (Jn 3.19)  The answer quite simply is "Because their deeds are evil." (Jn 3.)  The truth is we are born this way.  Our physical birth is demonstrative of just how "dark" our soul is to the Lord.  Babies cry when there is nothing wrong them! (Ps 58.3)

Don't you believe it when someone thinks you can do right by "following your heart."  That too, is dark. (Jer 17.9) The question becomes, "How can I 'walk' in light?"

First John 1.7 explains; "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin..."  

If being "cleansed from all sin" is the way to "walk in the light," then, How is this done?

Many scriptures may be expounded to answer this question. Below are just a few.  By far, the most significant, in this bloggers estimation, is that it is an act of grace on one who would believe. It is the Lord Himself who chooses whom to bestow such grace. (Jn 6.37)  I didn't write it but it's still there.

• Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us...by...regeneration...and the Holy Ghost (Tit 3.5)
• That is thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thing heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Rom 10.9)
• Neither is there salvation in an other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4.12)
• For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Eph 2.8)
• Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. (Jn 14.6)
• No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:... (Jn 6.44)

The truth is you cannot know His light unless He draws you to Himself by way of the Holy Ghost.  When He does, you must believe in His virgin birth, complete death on the cross, and most assuredly His resurrection from the dead.  All this and more too if you would "walk in light as He is in the light." (I Jn 1.7)

We are told to "call on Him while He is near...and may be found." (Isa 55.6)  When He "calls you or draws you," ask Him to save you.  Save you from yourself and hell.  He can never deny His Word which tells us He is "the way, the truth and the life..." (Jn 14.6)  There is no life, no light without Him.

You may prefer darkness to light or so you think.  But there is no true "life" or happiness without Him.

In His Name, my prayer and desire is that you know Him, today.  Ps 57.7

Where was He going?

 

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if not 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, ye may be also." 

"Thomas saith unto Him, Lord (where are you going?). Jesus saith unto him, I Am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father..." Jn 14.1-7

It has been preached and believed, literally, since these words were penned and given into the hands of believers that the Lord was going to heaven to "build" mansions.  The disciples may have had a primitive understanding that He was going to die because of the Jews hatred of the Lord's claims that He was the Messiah but missed verse 6 when the Lord said, "no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."

The  statement "no man cometh unto the Father but by Me" begs the question How will He go to the Father?  Obviously, through death does an earthly believer go to the heavenly "place."

Broken down in this way, it is clear to this believer that the only "place" the Lord had not yet been at the time of these words was the Cross.  

If He is a Sovereign, eternal, with no beginning and no end, and He is, then how could He have literally been referring to "building" mansions after He went back "to the Father. Further, He even states in Chapter 14 and verse 16 that "...the Father (would) give (them) another Comforter..." Thus stating a time when He would not be with them.

The writer of this blog is a firm believer that "the place" the Lord was referring to is the Cross.  Read in this context, the Words take on an entirely different meaning.  However, since the disciples were clearly still in the dark about His death, He changes the subject, just a little and explains that when He is gone, they could "ask anything in His Name" (v14) and He would not "leave (them) comfortless" (v18) when He was gone from their sight.

Conclusion, "Where was He going?"  The Cross.

Humbly submitted in His Name