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The theme of being "poor and needy" and making haste for help is seen repeated once again as we saw in Psalm 69 and most of the preceding Psalms in the 2nd section of the book. Verse 18 makes it pretty clear that he was indeed aged with the gray hairs mentioned and a point blank statement of being old. He desired to remain until he reached "this generation" and power to every one that is to come. This would be accomplished of course through giving Solomon quite a financial and planning "jumpstart" to the opulent Temple being built with a modern day value of materials easily in the billions. I have seen estimates in the HUNDREDS of billions. How sad that Solomon's downfall basically ended the Kingdom of Israel and let to a divided state which has to date never reached it's fullest glory but will in the Millennium.
We notice in verse 17 David recognized being taught from an early age. Solomon also had proper upbringing but didn't learn until his life was nearly over the folly that his life became following foreign women and hoarding possessions despite God's warnings to him. Such is the message of Ecclesiastes. May we all learn so as not to embrace madness and folly to achieve understanding!
Praise and proper worship (verse 22-24) also were remembered by David. He was a man after God's own heart ( 1 Samuel 13:14) which Saul didn't like to acknowledge. This was despite his grevious sin with Bathsheeba that the Lord ultimately used for His purposes but cost him the privilege of building the Temple himself. ( 1 Chron. 22:18 and elsewhere).
Verses 3 through 8 precede verse 9 which was quoted in the New Testament ( John 2:17) when Jesus overturned the moneychangers tables (done at least one more time at the end of His ministry). They all could be prophetic about Christ as well; except for verse 5 talking of David's foolishness and sin; as well as the end of verse 4 where he was sid to "restore that which was not taken away" which would seem to indicate he had to give compensation to those accusing him of stealing stuff that he never took from them.
Verses 10 through 12 involving sackcloth and fasting also would apply to David alone (Christ's fasting wasn't for any sins of his own but as an example of how to be more fully empowered with the Spirit to cast out particular demons ( Matt. 17:21). When we go further from verses 13 through 19 once again the themes of mire and deep waters are mentioned; and these passages once again are rather interchangeable between David and Christ's trials.
Verses 20-22 once again are clearly prophetic; Christ's heart literally was boken (v. 20); verse 21 is quoted in Matt. 27:33-34; and verse 22 through 28 are likely describing Judas Iscariot as seen more clearly in Psalm 109 and several other passages. I would say that verse 28 is describing the book of ALL living souls; not the Book of Life. Finally; verse 29 also ties in with Psalm 109 in describing Christ at the crucifixion.
The rest of this Psalm gives hopefulness with again a Millennial type Kingdom to come. Sacrifice isn't needed of animals (v. 31) but I suspect it is a ceremonial and memorial thing.
Prisoners will be released (v. 33); and the land will have it's covenant borders and the world blessed (v. 34-end). The Lord will be praised throughout the earth. Amen.
There is I think a general misconception that once your are BORN again you are automatically in the Bride of Christ .
Let me make it quite clear every true born child of God is called to that high calling .
But it is not automatic . To run a race in the Olympics you have to be qualified to do so . To be BORN again qualifies us to so "run the race " but to win the prize you must run it! And run it correctly or lawfully .
Putting aside those things that will hinder you from running .
For they seek a temporal prize that passeth away .
The Bride is a body taken from a body .
As eve was created from the body of the first Adam . So the Bride of Christ is taken from His own body .
As ALL the tribes of Isreal had an inheritance. Levi had no inheritance for God was their inheritance .
A body taken from a body .
We have twelve Apostles yet from that body we have " Peter James and John" who saw and heard things the others did not . For they walked closer with the Lord .
Yet even out of these three you have John who alone said " who is it Lord" for he knew it was not him.
Who leaned upon the chest of the Lord at the last supper .
A body out of a body .A double selection .
GB
Using the analogy of a jigsaw puzzle ,the milk of the Word is the four corners pieces and the side pieces .
For no matter how big the puzzle those pieces are the most easily recognisable out of all the pieces and the simplest to put together . Every true born child of God shouid comevto a place where they can teach others the same basic tenets of THE Christian faith .
Once these are in place we understand there is nothing outside that framework and we need no further ' revelations' or other ' books' of dubious origin . For everything we need is onside it.
To put it another way Jesus said " The Word is the seed" . A seed has this property while it is not the fruit ,it does have everything that is needed and nothing that is not needed to reproduce the fruit .
Some approach the scriptures differently . Systematically or perhaps clumps by clumps which ever way it will produce the same result .
A puzzle is often subdivided between earth and heaven and it is often the earthly parts that are the easiest to do first . Perhaps because they are more recognisable . And the sky the more difilcukt because they look much the same .
So the more we grow in grace and in the knowledge of God the heavenly becomes easier .
But let us not stay with the milk of the Word for while it is very satisfying to get thus far . It is not the end but rather the end of the beginning .
GB
thank you for updating us about "Bible Discussion". Author: lesson plans
Promise... Zech 12:10 and Zech 13:7...Thats y he always refered to himself as the son of man...B/C of his death mankind will bring forth fruit unto God.. Romans 7:4...This is the New Covenant in my blood drink ye all of it... In Adam we all die but in Christ we will all live...If i be lifted up i will draw ALL MEN UNTO ME....OK
I am angry. I am NOT to blame for being abused and prevented from escaping those who abuse me, and refuse to relinquish their "right" to "my" life: to control it, stalk me, and destroy me.
My hatred stems from GOD being ABLE...seeing EVERYTHING... knowing ALL THINGS...YET: CHOOSING...with HIS "free will," to ignore, not care,and let those who have power reign. He sets up/appoints ALL that in every high place.
His "love..." even in Genesis, when I was younger, made me take notice: He knows what will happen to EVERY ONE OF US... yet...still forms us in the womb and of the seed of beasts! Then, for a select FEW, if we sin...as a DIRECT result of said abuse... guess who MAY get punished by GOD? Guess who's NEVER been punished, but, if GOD would, the world WOULD be a better place. GOD is brilliant. His creation illustrates thus. He us quick to forgive people, the Holy Bible illustrates this. He doesn't always punish, most times He doesn't, but when He does, He NEVER punishes those that lead the world to sin!
How can Man blame a mortal CEO for the UNKNOWN indiscretions of an employee, or a talk show host for sone staff, but COMPLETELY absolve GOD--who is ALL-POWERFUL, ALL-KNOWING, The CREATOR of the Devil, and the giver of his power...how can people attack victims for the FREE WILL acts of their abusers against them, and absolve GOD for not doing what He COULD?
None of us have walked in GOD's "shoes," so NONE of us can speak for y He wills to NOT help victims more & y He wills to protect, cover & prosper the lies of abusers!
People LOVE to jump up & defend GOD WHILE simultaneously ATTACKING those made "in His image." GOD has the MOST free will of all! Who hinders Him?
So, not only in the Gospel of John, but also in this his first epistle, we read of the Holy Spirit's witness & involvement; which witness could not be disputed, unlike some in John's day who were trying to dispute the truth of Jesus' Person & Work. In 1 John 5:6, the Spirit of Truth bore witness to Jesus' start & completion of His Work. In 1 John 5:7, we read of the Triune God bearing record in Heaven, and then in verse 8 (on Earth), three bear witness to Jesus' Mission.
We do well to "receive the witness of men" & we are likely to be convinced. But "the witness of God is greater" ( 1 John 5:9), which must give us no room for any doubt & a certainty that all that Jesus has accomplished for us is fully accepted by those to whom the Spirit of God has been given.
Thanks.
In reference to 1 John 1:8-10: one aspect of gnostic teaching was that God was not entirely perfect (pure); that both good & evil existed within Him. Not only is this belief reprehensible, it also led to diminishing any sin (even the principle of sin) as of no consequence, since God remains unconcerned about it. But John stated that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" ( 1 John 1:5): God is altogether holy/pure - no darkness or evil can be found in Him. Therefore, if it be said that "we have no sin (i.e. the principle of the existing sin nature in us), we are simply deceiving ourselves". We ought not to believe those false teachers who deny this & by extension, "that we have not sinned (i.e. experientially)" (v10). But John is reminding them that we are sinners by nature & performance, but if we recognize sin for what it is & come to God in confession of it, 'he is faithful and just to forgive us & cleanse us entirely' (v9).
Even another striking false teaching is found in 1 John 4:2,3: the denial of the deity of Christ as the gnostic (docetic) teaching was that deity could never unite with anything material. Their claim that this Jesus was just a man endowed with a special anointing; or another teaching: He didn't have a body & was just a spirit, hence He could not die on the Cross; and probably many others beliefs that would take away from the demonstration of God's Love in the sacrifice of His Son.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
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.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
5. Love: Agape-Unconditional. We can't find such a resource in our tool box in our own strength. Go ahead and try and let me know how it works for you. People have; sadly referred to God's love as "reckless"; I will leave out the particular artist that comes to mind with such language...
We are in a feckless world; and the fact that the love of many will grow cold ( Matt. 24:12) certainly extends into the professing church as we see the warning to the Ephesian church ( Rev. 2:4). It is good to be looking for love in the RIGHT places; but sadly many are obsessed with the wrong places; people and situations. In the Body of believers we are commanded to love one another( John 13:34) and of course "they shall know we are Christians by our love (next verse John 13:35). The attributes of love are found in 1 Cor. 13. Our affections need to be grounded there in the fellowship of the saints and our own relationship with the Lord. There are some like myself that I know who have abstained from television for a number of years now. I am living with my parents so watch it sometimes but it is hard to decide when to walk away. Hopefully; we can have a healthy relationship with our cell phone as well as the amount of time on social media or even watching the news. There is much to be avoided with the fear today at epidemic levels; and of course "true love casts out fear." ( 1 John 4:17-18). It is more than for us but for our WITNESS that we avoid having our minds filled with distractions. People will see in our eyes and countenance that we are anchored in Him as Hebrews 6:19 states. We don't need to tell people so much how committed we are they can tell; and let their love or hate for us be dictated by our chastity; and reverence of the Lord Jesus as our Savior and Master.
We are; of course "unworthy servants" ( Luke 17:7-10) along with friends of God ( John 15:15). A healthy balance is good to ponder this upcoming New Year
AMEN
Diary (cont). This diary of course like anything else is our own evaluation. Perhaps an accountability partner can also be there to guide us; and a written record on their part or any specific ideas as to how we are or aren't progressing may be helpful to us. May be a good idea for BFF's....
4. Keeping things in eternal perspective. "All my tears" may say it best as the lyrics to the song go. Revelation promises that He will "wipe away every tear" ( Rev. 21:4). This isn't completed until the end of the Millennium and beginning of the new heaven and earth after the Great White Throne Judgment where many will sadly be condemned. It is only then that death will finally as the last enemy be removed ( 1 Cor. 15:55). It isn't just hyperbole to say that if you are of the remnant that is bearing much fruit and you are patiently enduring contention from those who say all sorts of things against you ( Matt. 5:10-12) that your reward is great and you are greatly blessed. Again; if it is your husband or father saying these things then you have difficult decisions as to how to deal with it. I am convinced that whatever course we need to take God will provide the resources and people to make it clear. There are some things we need to get away from. That subject would be a matter for another pot. Our confidence not fearing (Phillippians 1:28) threats because it is a sign of destruction for the wicked. Also; of course ultimately they can only destroy the body not the soul. ( Matt. 10:28). Overcoming such things from past hurts in your life and for those loved ones who have been violated through God's forgiveness can be needed to avoid a root of bitterness in our hearts ( Eph. 4:21). That verse may not specifically apply as it seems to be missing out on salvific grace; but it could affect how your "enemy" reacts to the Gospel message if YOU have harbored bitterness.
5. Unconditional love. Agape love of course is the penultimate aspiration.
So my conclusion is..to ask God for patience or chastisement...that can be left to everyone in their prayer closet.
Further thought here is how to process our "sanctification" so that we may learn from what God is teaching us in the process in real time. Here are some suggestions...
1. Preparing the journey with prayer. Prayer (thankfully) for such matters as asking God to discipline us can also be laden with requests for Him to bring those individuals in our life to guide us in wisdom and discipleship. We should be "proactive" in some sense by always having a mindset of prayer as well as "meditating on the Word day and night". ( Joshua 1:8). We can trust God's Word to give us counsel; wisdom and strength as well as words to respond to others. This; of course does NOT mean we hurl verses in our own anger about God destroying the wicked when we are annoyed with someone.
2. Learning from our mistakes. There needs to be both an avoidance of thinking we can predict the outcome of things based on our human wisdom of similar situations in the past. There are certainly cases where we can see manipulative individuals who are set on a course of action to constantly resist us. There are clearly some situations such as husbands and wives and their relationship that cannot be avoided. There are other cases where I have found it is prudent to be prepared for detours needed to avoid unnecessary time with those the enemy clearly has placed in our path as distractions. I am saying in general here that true guilt due to our own sin is different than imposed guilt of narcissists. In such cases our confidence needs to be in the Lord where the foundation is and the anchor of our souls ( Heb. 6:19). This is key to stand as a bulwark against the fiery darts of the enemy ( Eph. 6:16).
3. Working on a diary. There is some merit to keeping a written record for future use to indicate how we have progressed (or not) in our growth in the Lord.
Resolutions; it is typically pointed out usually start with a wish to abstain from something (usually tied in with the gluttony around the holidays); or perhaps a promise to ourselves that we will behave ourselves in some capacity for the coming year. The overwhelming result; of course is usually a few weeks of concerted effort followed by a slow decline and eventual collapse a few months later. Behavior modification; of course can be done in a worldly sense; complete with advice from "gurus"; hypnosis or other "positive thinking" mantras. It seems in terms of "vows" that men make; unless it is to God Himself or in something such as marriage that is God's established covenant; we are to let our "yea be yea" or "nay be nay"; anything else we swear is sin. ( Matthew 5:37). It is pointless; of course to say that we will wait another 48 hours from today to avoid any obvious sin whether in commission or omission until the New Year; then have no plans to continue it in 2024. If one is a new believer; of course repentance and turning away permanently may just happen to start around New Years Day. We can also rededicate our lives to the Lord from now on.
If we avoid making resolutions; there is another more scripturally based challenge that I will bring up. I should give a caveat..it is even harder to do at least initially. That would be asking God to "chastise us" as He sees fit; or alternatively; to ask Him to grant us patience. These are scriptural requests ( Heb. 12:6) and I am confident that HE WILL ANSWER it. I don't know how not to shout here in caps over this because of the quote from Hebrews He chastises all that means ALL He loves!
I'm afraid to pray it most of the time; no point pretending. I think I'm learning to appreciate these things; as well as the trying people in my life. It is unlikely that I would pray for anyone else either in that light lest I be the test in others lives and they blame me!
Please pray for me still. I am still having trouble with this virus, now also bacterial, respiratory infection. My airways are so tight and I cannot do much exertion or my breathing is compromised. Returned to the doctor Tuesday and had a breathing treatment and started antibiotics. Felt really good this morning, but now I am beginning to get all tight and wheezy again. Please pray that this calms down and I do not need to go to the hospital, which would be the next intervention as I would need IV's, oxygen, and monitoring. Haven't ever needed to get to that point before. But that may be where they send me if I need to go to Urgent Care again this tonight or tomorrow (I've gone 3 times in a week since last Friday since I cannot get in to see my regular doctor.)