A Warning against Predjudice

Today we will do a study on the first half of James Chapter 2 Which in the Life Recovery Bible (NLT) is Titled: 

A Warning against Prejudice

1 My dear brothers and sister, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor" --well,  4 doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?
5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
8 Yes indeed it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 
10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws. 11 For the same God who said, "You must not commit adultery," also said, "You must not murder." So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.
12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. (The Law of Grace and Mercy, the new covenant under Christ) emphasis mine. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

Our discussion then began with talking about who was this target audience that James was reaching out to? Well, the book of James was written to the twelve tribes of Israel over all, and as we know, this book was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus, the only sibling of His that the Bible records as being a follower of Christ. So this chapter though appears to be addressed to his brother and sisters in Christ based on the very beginning of verse 1: My dear brothers and sisters. He again reiterates and reinforces this thought more forcefully in verse 5: Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters.

James then goes on to talk about how they would give preferential treatment to the rich, while essentially scorning and reviling the poor. The custom in these times, in synagogues, and it would appear in some of the early churches as well was that you would Pay for your seat. The more money you had, the more you could afford to pay, the better seat you got. This is a practice that continued well through the middle ages I believe. Meanwhile, if you were poor, and could not afford to pay for your seat, you were lucky if you got to stand, where you were told, if you were unlucky, you would be told to sit on the floor.

Imagine if you will, coming into church, you have been out of work for an extended period, as many in our church are, and being told by the ushers, that the seats were for those who could pay for them. And that since you weren't working, you could go sit in the back of the sanctuary on the floor. You couldn't see the leading elder very well, you may not be able to hear well (thankfully we have a great sound setup) but you definitely wouldn't be able to see Bernie as he preached. Thankfully you would have the benefit of our large screens that we project to, but depending on how far back you are you might have to turn around and look at the one in the back. Now imagine that when you had to do this, everyone staring at you, knowing that you weren't good enough, or rich enough to afford a seat. 

This is what the apostle was addressing. He then goes on to say that God has chosen the poor to be the one's who are rich in faith. Have you ever known anyone who was poor? I have. In fact, I have known many...Growing up for many years, my family was dirt poor. This principle that he is touching on has practical applications in the secular arena as well as the Christian one. I was tormented and bullied, verbally and physically from Kindergarten until about the 7th or 8th grade. At one time, in Kindergarten, I was actually thrown in a dumpster by older kids, this would have been an elementary school, and in the 70's, when I grew up, I would have been 4, maybe 5. And the elementary schools back then went to about grade 5. So I was thrown in a dumpster by these older kids, under the guise of "Hey kid, do you want to come play with us?" what Kindergartner wouldn't be thrilled to be asked if he wanted to come play with older kids if given the choice? They then proceeded, after throwing me in the dumpster, to throw eggs at me, and dump syrup on me as well as pouring milk and other food stuffs on me. 

In 5th grade, now in another Town, Norton actually, One day at the bus stop (about 100 feet, if that) from my house, the tormenting continued. One day, I was beat up at the bus stop, again because we were poor. One fat kid sat on me, while 4 or 5 others beat the excuse the expression, "hell" out of me. The bus came along, and they all got on the bus, and the bus driver asked if I was coming to school that day, as blood is pouring out of my nose, and my clothes are in tatters... I waved her off, and struggled to get home that hundred feet and made it in the door where I promptly passed out on the floor from inhaling blood. I stopped breathing.

Right around the end of the 6th grade, my family moved back to Easton, another affluent community. Again, I was teased, and tormented. One day in the seventh or 8th grade, a "Zoof" or "Stoner" we called them, stood on his desk in Math class and kicked me in the head repeatedly with his steel toed boots on. When the Math teacher came in, and I told her, she told me that she didn't believe me, to go sit down. I was constantly preyed upon by the older kids, and in Easton at the time, Junior High school meant 7th, 8th, and 9th grade since the high school was too small to house the 9th graders.

One day, I had had enough. I went into one of the boy's rooms to use the bathroom, and a kid who was in the same grade as me happened to be in there, and this particular kid, while never bullying me, was friends with many of those who did. I cornered him, and smashed his head 30-40 times into the concrete wall to send a message. Although I deeply regret doing this, the message was well received. My days of being bullied were over.

I share these stories not for pity, but to give you greater insight into what the Apostle was talking about, and perhaps give you a greater glimpse into me and my life, and the things that have made me into the man I am today.

James then goes on to talk about the Law of God, at this point, He is speaking to the Mosaic Law, the 10 commandments. He says that if you favor some people over others, you are sinning. You are then guilty of breaking the Law, not only the 10 commandments, but we see that in Verse 8, he talks about the second great commandment that Christ gave us, "Love your neighbor as yourself", so you are breaking the law here that Christ gave us as well. You cannot keep all of the law, no one can, if we could, we wouldn't need Christ. He says that to keep all of the law, but break one, it is just as though you had broken them all. He also speaks to how one sin is no better, or worse than another sin, he uses the examples of Adultery and Murder in verse 11. So if you murder someone, but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. Sin is SIN, it doesn't matter if that sin is stealing, or lying, or murder, adultery, and I must be careful here, I don't want to offend you, my brothers in Christ, but homosexuality. In the church, we tend to treat sexual sin, especially the sins of homosexuality or lesbianism as those they are a special class of sin. They aren't. They are sin, just like lust, adultery, etc. 

James concludes this part of the passage by saying that whatever we say, or whatever we do, we must remember that we will be judged by the law that sets us free. This is the law of the new covenant, the law of Christ, Grace and Mercy. Remember that Grace is when God gives us something that we don't deserve, Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve. This is the reason Christ came to earth as a man, lived a sinless life, was crucified to show us both the ultimate act of Grace and Mercy, and show us how we are to act towards all others, then he resurrected, showing us that even when our physical bodies are no more, we will live again in the resurrection. Christ has told us that He will someday return again, and I believe whole heartedly that He will return in the clouds as He has said. Do you? Then let's begin to show it, but practicing Grace and Mercy with others, it isn't easy to do, but the more you practice it, the better you will get. And let's continue to show the world what it means to be followers of Jesus the Christ by not giving anyone preferential treatment over another. This is how we can act out the things that James and ultimately Christ has called us to do!

Next week, Part Two entitled: Faith without Good Deeds

Be Well, and continue to view life through the lens of the Scripture, it really is our guidebook to this life!
-Michael

Praying Over Your Children in the New Year

The Article herein is the Intellectual Propery of: HarperCollins Christian Publishing sent to me via FaithGateway Family <newsletter@e.faithgateway.com> My comments will appear below the Article.

 Copyright © 2014 HarperCollins Christian Publishing, All Rights Reserved.
501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN, 37214 USA

Praying Over Your Children in the New Year by Whitney Lett  With the New Year upon us, I begin to think about the things that I want to do in the next few months. Some of the ideas come quickly, and some require more thought. But there is one consistent commitment I make each year and that is to grow closer to the One to whom I've given my life. In order to have a relationship with my Savior, it is important that I read the love story that He has written to us on a daily basis. It is also important that I talk with Him throughout my day. I do that through prayer and meditation. I’ve learned to bring before Him the big things and the little things. One of the biggest things in my life is my family. As a momma, I am constantly in prayer for my children. As a boy momma, I’m consistently storming the gates of heaven pleading for mercy for those crazy kiddos with whom He’s blessed me. While praying recently I found myself asking God to reveal to me exactly how I should be praying for these beloved boys of mine. He took me to the sixth chapter of Mathew where He was instructing the disciples how to pray. We commonly refer to this section as The Lord’s Prayer. After reading through it again I realized that although Christ was physically speaking to His twelve closest followers, He means for each of us to pray in the same way. So here is how I am praying for my boys: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. Father, may my boys come to know You as their Savior. May they learn to honor Your name and understand that You alone are holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, I beg that Your return would be soon, but until that day I ask that Your will be carried out in the lives of my boys. No matter what that entails, no matter where that takes them, and no matter if it makes any sense to me at all, may Your will be done. Give us today our daily bread. Thank You for each and every provision that You make in our lives. Help my children to understand that not one thing comes to us that doesn’t pass through Your Providential hands. Even the very breath that gives us continued life comes from You. May we always be grateful. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Thank You for the cancellation of our debts through the atoning death of Your Son. May my sons come to know the depth of that sacrifice that was given for them. May they also become men that know how to forgive and extend grace and love to those in their path. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. I know that evil abounds in this world, but I ask Your protection over my boys. May they come to know that though the thief comes to steal and destroy and that darkness is prevalent, You are more powerful than all the forces of evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Father, I thank You and praise You for all that You are. May our family always bow before the great I AM. May we continually look forward to the day when we will be in Your very presence. It is in Your holy name that I pray, Amen. However you choose to pray for your children, just know that when you do this, it is a sweet fragrance to the Lord. He loves to talk to you about your children. He is there in the struggles and He’s also there celebrating each milestone with you. Praying over your children has a benefit that lasts long into adulthood. From personal experience I can tell you that there is nothing more comforting than knowing that my momma and daddy are praying over my me and my husband as we raise our boys. In order to pass on your love of prayer to your children I have a great book suggestion for you. Max Lucado and his wife Denalyn have just come out with a delightful children’s book called Lucado Treasury of Bedtime Prayers: Prayers for Bedtime and Every Time of Day! Max and Denalyn believe that prayer is the foundation of a believer’s life. They offer this book as a wonderful resource to teach your children how to talk to God.  * * * What better way to begin the New Year? Making a commitment to Read the Holy Scriptures and pray for our children and families? As a long time believer, I have struggled to get into the Word on a daily basis, I still don't pray like I know that I should. Would you step out in faith and make a commitment with me to Our Father in Heaven to read His Word, and Pray daily for your families? It must be a deliberate thing. It doesn't matter when you do it, when you first get up, on your lunch break, before you go to bed, or better yet, when you get up, on your lunch break, and when you tuck the children in at night. A good prayer life is an important part of your Christian walk, as is daily reading of the Word. In fact, they are a great gift to give your family, as a legacy, something that you train your children to do, and as an active gift that you do. It is also a wonderful thing to be able to do together. This past Advent Season, I made a commitment to do nightly Advent readings from a booklet we got at our Church. It wasn't always easy. In fact, a few times, we fell behind, and had to play catch up, this tells me that I need to be more deliberate in it. At advent, it can be hard, because there are only two weeks in which to do this, it takes three weeks for something to become a habit, I hate using that word, because it has such a stigma associated with it. But there is great truth in it. That is why I am challenging myself, and you to commit to doing this so that by the time the Advent Season rolls around again I will be in the habit of doing this so that we don't fall behind. As to the scripture readings, I use both Our Daily Bread and Reading plans from YouVersion. These are very handy because you can share it with others which will encourage them to get into the habit as well as allow them to hold you accountable. It was great to see my children's eyes light up as we read through the scriptures and commentary readings. It was heartwarming to me to see their heads bowed and hands folded as we prayed together the simple prayers at the end of the readings. My Dad did these sort of things when we were growing up, and as I grew older, I fell into the routine of being too busy to continue in them. I realize now that I wasted a lot of time that I could have been learning more about the word, talking to my God and King, my Lord and Saviour. Doesn't he deserve that level of commitment from us after all as we see in Romans 5: 7-9 : Christ's Sacrifice for the Ungodly …7For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. I feel like that warrants some commitment on my part, don't you? My brothers, we as men, are called to be the Spiritual leaders in our homes. We as men, in our society are not stepping up, myself included. Let's make the New Year that we do that. Let's not waste any more of our, or our family's valuable time, life is too short, and too precious a gift for us to let anyone be cast into the pit because we failed to do our part. God Bless you and keep you and yours in this New Year. -Michael

Warnings against consulting Mediums, Familiar Spirits, Necromancers, Tarot, Etc.

This is likely going to rub some people the wrong way, possibly even family members. But I really feel that it needs to be addressed. I am not sure if it will make any changes in behaviour in anyone who uses these types of "services" or not, but it is heavy on my heart just the same, and I believe that if the Lord is impressing it on my heart, it must be meant for someone.


Lev 20:6 ¶
And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.


So if we break this down and look at it in the Hebrew, the word soul is translated: soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion, the living man. The word for turneth should be quite obvious, it means to turn, to look to, to consult. Familiar spirits translates ghost, spirit of a dead one. This can be done via card readings, through mediums, many ways, and in any way the scripture says that it is wrong. It says that God will set his face against the person who does this.


Lev 19:31 ¶
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

God tells us here that we aren't to regard, or look to them that have or consult familiar spirits. That by doing so we make ourselves unclean or defile ourselves.


Deu 18:10
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deu 18:11
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

Deu 18:12
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

Deu 18:13
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God

Again, we can see that God considers these things an abomination, and that HE will turn his face from you. He actually also says that HE will drive those that practice this, or consult those who practice this out of the Nation of Israel. There are several other places in the Old Testament where God condemns these practices, but before anyone can say, that is Old Testament Law, let's look at some Scripture in the New Testament where the same things are addressed. 

Act 16:16-19  16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,

So here we see that the Apostle Paul cast spirits of Diviniation (Fortune Telling) out of a woman. This woman brought her masters much gain (riches) by soothsaying, (again, telling the future). When her masters saw what Paul and Silas had done, they caught them and took them into the marketplace unto the rulers, presumably to stand trial.

Our next section that we are looking at we can see that the scripture tells us that we are not to believe every spirit. That we are test the spirits, whether they are of God. This would seem to imply that spirits do have the ability to communicate, but that there are spirits that have information that our loved ones may have had, but can be evil spirits. God does not reveal things to us by spirits of our deceased. He may send an angel in the guise of a loved one, that may comfort us, it is important to remember that this is a comforting angel, and is not the same as a spirit that you would consult at a medium. The test as to whether a spirit is of God, or of evil is that spirits that are not of God cannot confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.

1Jo 4:1-3 KJV 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

So here you can see several instances both from the Old and New Testaments with warnings about consulting Mediums, Familiar Spirits, Necromancers (those who talk to the dead), Fortune Telling of any kind. As Christians we are not to do these things. We are to cut ourselves off from them as God does, and keep them out of our homes. When we do not do this, we are inviting those spirits into our houses, and into our lives to influence us. Is it any wonder that we live in such chaos when we bring these things into our homes and lives? Brothers and Sisters, cleanse your house of these things if you have them. Like the idols of old, using these things is serving satan, worshiping satan, there is no such thing as a good witch, or a white witch. Any power derived from witchcraft and these other types of things can only come from one source, satan.

Peace to you all  in the name of Jesus the Christ.

-Michael

The Christmas Season is once again upon us.

In my Our Daily Bread devoition this morning the Scripture reference was 1 Timothy 6:6-10 King James Version (KJV) (more of my thoughts on this below)

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.themselves with many griefs.

It amazes me that so many of my devotionals lately have been on contentment lately, as I have mentioned to you guys in the past, contentment is a discipline that I learned while I was wrongfully incarcerated. I firmly believe that God allowed me to go through that trial to teach me how to be content where ever I was, in whatever the situation that I found myself in as well as to strengthen my family relationships and prepare us both for future trials and to assist others who had been through or were going through similar trials, even also to reach out to those who were in prison, and likely belonged there. It seems appropriate to me that God would continue to impress this on our hearts, especially during this time of year when we are bombarded with advertising for the "Christmas Season". Think about it, our children are bombarded with ads for every kind of toy and video game out there, we are bombarded with ads for new cars, new furniture we should treat ourselves to. But so many, yes, even Christians forget the reason that we celebrate this blessed time of year. We give gifts to others in remembrance of the wonderful gift that was given to us. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that it is wrong to receive gifts, or even to want nice things, the idea though is to not let those things become idols by allowing them to displace the things in our hearts that God wants our hearts to be filled with, Love for Him, Love for our families, Love for others. Those are the things that endure. 
Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." This includes all earthly possessions.

 
The things that won't pass away are found in 1 Corinthians 13
Love1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Love endures all. Remember that this Christmas Season!

Drinking the Poision, and Waiting for the Other Person to Die

My devotionals the last two days have dealt with Forgiveness. This is a very important topic for us to understand, so I really want to spend some time with it here and see if we can't get to the bottom of this wonderful word that is so hard for us to practice, but as believers was laid out for us so easily that we simply have to rach out and take it.

Scripture Texts:
 Ephesians 4:31-32
 Deuteronomy 29:18

Supporting Scriptures:
Matthew 6:14, 15; 18:35
Mark 11:25
Hebrews 12:15
Colossians 3:8
1 Peter 2:1

In Ephesians 4:31-32 we read: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

So what are these verses all about? Let's get a little deeper and look beneath the words on the page and see if we can't figure this out. What we have in the verses above is Christ's law of forgiveness as taught in the Gospels See the supporting scriptures above. This is also found in the Lord's prayer "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." God does not forgive us because we forgive others, but out of His great mercy.

In Matthew 6:14-15 we read Jesus' Words " For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (italics mine)

So what does this mean? In these verses Jesus is giving us a startling warning about forgiveness: if we refuse to forgive others, God also forgives to forgive us. Why? Is it because God does not love us? No, we are God's children, and he will love us no matter what, the reason behind this warning is simply this: When we don't forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness, however, is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means Reference again Ephesians 4:32 ( And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.) It is very easy for us to ask God for forgiveness, but it is extremely difficult for us to grant forgiveness to others. Whenever we ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask ourselves, "Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?" Just like when we take Communion, we have a silent moment to examine ourselves, to see if we have any unconfessed sin, which includes unforgiveness toward another. If we do, we should let the communion elements pass us by until we have confessed that sin, or given that forgiveness to the one who wronged us. It is important for us to forgive the other person, even if they do not know or think that they have done anything for which they need forgiveness. Forgiving someone has to do with the condition of your heart, NOT THEIRS.

How many times have you harboured unforgiveness in your heart toward another, who either wronged you, or you perceived has wronged you, and how many times have you been like the Miserable, depressed, and emotionally broken person hunched over a chemistry set. His eyes are narrow, his lips are pursed. His fingers are adding just a pinch of this and a dash of that to the acrid green fluid in the test tube before him.

He spends all his time mixing up this poison, and when it is finally done, he drinks the poison and says "This will show him/her!"
We (the man in our story) spend and waste so much time and effort, hardening our hearts with outdated images of all of the past wrongs that they have done to us, harbouring it, allowing it to fester until it finally turns to bitterness and Hate. 

Bitterness is a toxin that we prepare for someone else, but then drink ourselves. This blogger has been there and done that, I got the T-Shirt. Don't let your life be filled with this bitterness. Go to that brother/sister and forgive them unconditionally, explain why God desires for you to forgive them, even if they do not fully realize what is going on, they will be influenced by it and your heart and mind will be free from the torturous, bittnerness that twists your mind so that you can't think straight.

In Deuteronomy 29:18 We read: Lest there should be among you man, woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood:

Here Moses is cautioning that the day that the Hebrews chose to turn from God, a root would be planted that would produce bitter fruit-Gall and Wormwood. What are Gall and Wormwood? 
Easton's Bible Dictionary has the following description:

 Heb. mererah, meaning "bitterness" ( Job 16:13 ); i.e., the bile secreted in the liver. This word is also used of the poison of asps ( 20:14 ), and of the vitals, the seat of life (25).

When we decicde to do what is wrong, we plant an evil seed that begins to grow out of control, eventually yielding a crop of sorrow and pain. But we can prevent those seeds of sin grom taking root. If you have done something wrong, confess it to God and others (Especially those who you may have wronged) immediately. If the seed never finds fertile soil, its bitter fruit will never ripen.

Let's close now in a brief word of prayer:

Heavenly Father God, thank you for your word that we might learn to rightly divide the word of truth. Thank you Father for the gift of your son who became my sin, so that I could put on Him, and be clothed in His righteousness. Because of Him, you no longer see the wretch that I was. Please bring to my mind unforgiveness that I have been harbouring towards others, give me the strength and courage to bring that to their attention, not in an accusatory way, but in a gentle, loving way that will show that I am just there offering forgiveness, not expecting anything from them in return. Help me demonstrate the Love that Christ Jesus showed me when He died for me while I was yet a sinner. Thank your for that precious gift of life, and for your eternal mercy. In Christ Jesus name, Amen

Reflections on the Christmas Story

Matthew 1:18-25

King James Version (KJV)

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

What a gift to be given! The scripture says in Romans Chapter 5: 

Romans 5:8

King James Version (KJV)

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

This is amazing to me! I have been a follower of The Christ most of my life, and I am still blown away every time I read these words. Imagine, God the Father, creator of the universe coming to be born as a mere baby..... Helpless, Defensless, Fully Human, yet Fully God:

Philippians 2:6-8

King James Version (KJV)

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

He submitted to taking our rightfully earned punishment........ This is Mercy as only God can show, and we can only strive for. The result of that, that we get to enjoy eternal life with him instead of Eternal Damnation is Grace.

Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you do not deserve. What a better lesson to reflect on at this time of year when we remember the Birth of our Saviour, and all that he did for us. Share this story with someone else! Do not put your light under a bushell, No!

A Study of "The Rod" Scriptures

I have been thinking alot lately about how Christians cling "religiously" to the "Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child" mentality. I have really been studying this for a while, and I found a Study that I belive illustrates the true Biblical interpretation of these verses. I pray that God's word will illuminate his Truths in your life. 

The Biblical Rod The "Rod" or "Shebet":An Indepth Examination

- A close examination of the "rod" Scriptures in Proverbs -

Which verses are being referred to as the "rod" scriptures?

Pr 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Pr 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Pr 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Pr 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. Pr 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

The word rod is "shebet" in Hebrew. This word is defined as following in Strong's Hebrew Lexicon #7626: rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe a. rod, staff b. shaft (of spear, dart) c. club (of shepherd's implement) d. truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) e. clan, tribe

Strong's definition: From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, for example literally a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, walking, ruling, etc.) or figuratively a clan.

King James Word Usage tribe 140, rod 34, sceptre 10, staff 2, miscellaneous 4

Matteh is another Hebrew word for rod. This word can mean branch as a vine and is not used here. Maqqel, which has no meaning that can be applied here and is not used in this Scripture anyway. Choter, another Hebrew word, is branch, twig, rod and is not used here.

Therefore, the focus is on shebet.

There are 31 other Scriptures using this word, translated "rod" in the KJV. These verses will be grouped into categories according to how the word "rod" (translated from "shebet") is used.

THE ROD OF A SHEEP HERDER OR AS AN INSTRUMENT OR TOOLLeviticus 27:32: And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. Psalm 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. Psalm 2:9: Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Isaiah 28:27: For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod. Exodus 21:20: And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.

SYMBOLIZING DIRECT HERITAGE FROM GOD (offshoot)Psalm 74:2: Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt Jeremiah 10:16: The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name. Jeremiah 51:19: The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things: and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name.

SYMBOLIZING THE AUTHORITY OF THE WICKEDPsalm 125:3: For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Proverbs 22:8: He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

A ROD TO BE USED ON A FOOL (Fool meaning stupid or silly, literally meaning fat...has a connotation of cocky)

Proverbs 10:13: In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Proverbs 26:3: A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

SYMBOLIZING MAN'S AUTHORITYII Samuel 7:14: I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: Ezekiel 19:11: And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches. Ezekiel 19:14: And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

SYMBOLIZING GOD'S AUTHORITYJob 9:34: Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me: Job 21:9: Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. Psalm 89:32: Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Isaiah 10:5: O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation Isaiah 10:15: Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. Isaiah 11:4: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Lamentations 3:1: I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. Micah 7:14: Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. Ezekiel 20:37: And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: Ezekiel 21:10: It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree. Ezekiel 21:13: Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD.

SYMBOLIZING THE AUTHORITY OF A NATIONIsaiah 9:4: For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. Isaiah 14:29: Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. Isaiah 30:31: For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. Micah 5:1: Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

Thus all 36 places where this word is used "rod" in the KJV has been recorded in conjunction with the full counsel of God.

There are only a few places that "shebet" is possibly referring to a literal rod in connection with hitting someone.

First let us look at Exodus 21:20:

Exodus 21:20: And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.

This Scripture in Exodus says that if this rod were used on a maid or servant and killed them that it was punishable. So, one can see that it had to be a heavy duty instrument capable of killing someone which would be consistent with the idea of a staff or club. If it is ok to spank a child using this instrument, then it is not mentioned here and if it were, then the child could die by its use.

Next, one should examine the meaning of "the stripes of the children of men" in II Samuel 7:14:

II Samuel 7:14: I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

Here is a lengthy quote from Matthew Henry's Commentary on this particular verse:

I will be his father, and he shall be my son. We need no more to make us and ours happy than to have God to be a Father to us and them; and all those to whom God is a Father he by his grace makes his sons, by giving them the disposition of children. If he be a careful, tender, bountiful Father to us, we must be obedient, tractable, dutiful children to him. The promise here speaks as unto sons. [1.] That his Father would correct him when there was occasion; for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? Afflictions are an article of the covenant, and are not only consistent with, but flow from, God's fatherly love. "If he commit iniquity, as it proved he did (1 Ki. 11:1), I will chasten him to bring him to repentance, but it shall be with the rod of men, such a rod as men may wieldÂ-I will not plead against him with the great power of God,'' Job 23:6. Or rather such a rod as men may bear Â-"I will consider his frame, and correct him with all possible tenderness and compassion when there is need, and no more than there is need of; it shall be with the stripes, the touches (so the word is) of the children of men; not a stroke, or wound, but a gentle touch.'' [2.] That yet he would not disinherit him (v. 15): My mercy (and that is the inheritance of sons) shall not depart from him. The revolt of the ten tribes from the house of David was their correction for iniquity, but the constant adherence of the other two to that family, which was a competent support of the royal dignity, perpetuated the mercy of God to the seed of David, according to this promise; though that family was cut short, yet it was not cut off, as the house of Saul was. Never any other family swayed the sceptre of Judah than that of David. This is that covenant of royalty celebrated (Ps. 89:3, etc.) as typical of the covenant of redemption and grace. 2. Others of them relate to Christ, who is often called David and the Son of David, that Son of David to whom these promises pointed and in whom they had their full accomplishment.

When one observes the use of the rod on fools, this would be adults who are "fools" because they are grown and still have no self-control. It would be comparable to a criminal being beaten. This is not speaking of a young child. There are examples of criminals being beaten in Scripture. There are NO examples of children being beaten with any rod.

In most other instances the word "rod" is used to symbolize God's authority or the authority of a nation.

SYMBOLIZING THE AUTHORITY OF PARENTSUpon reading the "shebet" passages in Proverbs, one will notice that you can always substitute the word "authority" for "rod". "Rod" is referring to God's authority and the authority of nations in the above verses. Thus, the word "rod" is referring to a parent's authority in all five of the Proverbs references, including the following verses:

Pr 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Pr 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

In the preceding verses, one can see that the child shall not die with this rod. Yet in Exodus, we saw that a man COULD cause someone to die with a literal shebet. If Scripture were talking about a literal rod here, this would be a contradiction because it says he SHALL NOT die. A person cannot kill another with their authority. They can be striking (beating) the other person with their authority by using their authority to discipline (teach, disciple, educate, instruct) and guide them.

IF this Scripture were referring to a literal beating, taken in context, it would have to be speaking about a grown child. The verses before and after Proverbs 23:13-14 was written by a father who was instructing his adolescent son. However, one still has the problem of the contradiction as far as whether or not a "shebet" can cause someone to die.

Another observation worth mention is the Hebrew word translated "child" in the "rod" Scriptures of Proverbs.

This word is "na'ar".

Meaning of "na'ar": a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer a. boy, lad, youth b. servant, retainer

Concretely a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication a servant; also (by interchange of sex) a girl (of similar latitude in age).

The KJV translates it as follows: young man 76, servant 54, child 44, lad 33, young 15, children 7, youth 6, babe 1, boys 1

This word "na'ar" is referring to boys most of the time (since a lad would be a male) and usually young men.

Therefore, *if* one took these Scriptures to mean literal physical punishment, than it would possibly only apply to fathers spanking their sons who are older (since adolescence can go through the early 20's). Most Christian discipline "experts" do not mention this. Yet, if one is to interpret this verse literally, this would have to be the explanation. Law-based Christian parenting authors say a parent should be able to STOP spanking by the time their children reach 12 or 13, yet according to this Scripture, this parent would not even START using physical punishment until then. These verses, if taken literally, would be referring to this form of punishment as an absolute last resort to save the child (which was possibly a boy only) from hell.

Many Christians have taken FIVE verses and hung a whole child rearing philosophy on them! Parents are told to use this as a primary form of punishment (what these experts refer to as discipline). Some use the word "punishment" and the term "discipline" interchangeably when they mean two entirely different things. These people are basing their theology on nothing more than the traditions of men!

Further, we are told in Deuteronomy 21:18-21:

18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: 19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

The parents are told first to talk to their child (he has not heard their voice). Then, they are told to chasten him. Chasten simply means correct with words or blows. It seems they were supposed to instruct, then correct him if he did not heed their verbal correction. Then, if this does not work, he is to be stoned.

If we are no longer to stone, then why do we assume we should use physical beatings to bring about repentance? Shouldn't we make examples of a few children and stone them too? Why were they to go ahead and stone them to death if they would not repent and be obedient? This was because the Holy Spirit was not actively convicting hearts and they did not yet have direct access to God.

Jesus said in the case of the adulterous woman to let him who was without sin to cast the first stone. Parents don't stone their kids because the parents themselves are just as much a sinner as their rebellious child.

Jesus was gentle with children. He is a shepherd to the sheep. The shepherd uses HIS rod to guide the sheep, not to beat them! Psalm 23 uses "shebet" to describe the shepherd's "rod". People have mentioned to this author that the shepherd would use his "rod" to break the legs of a wandering sheep to keep it from going away and getting hurt, so this is proof of how we should physically punish our children. However, this only proves that we should try to keep our children's hearts and keep them on the right path by praying for God to convict and protect them. He is the GREAT Shepherd and He will work in their lives in a much more effective manner than we can. If He chooses to allow some kind of circumstance or situation (to break their legs) in their life, to keep them in the fold, then so be it! He is much stronger than human parents. Our children's "legs can be broken" by natural, spiritual and logical consequences (which God allows in their lives) even more effectively than by man made pain.

This article is posted in it's entirety, It can be found at it's original location here: http://joanneaz_2.tripod.com/positivedisciplineresourcecenter/id4.html