Wednesday, May 31, 2017

WHERE IS SATAN FOUND?


WHERE IS SATAN FOUND?
Wednesday, May 31, 2017

2Timothy [ESV] 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

  In KJV Biblically searching for “Satan” (i.e. adversary) we find he is only mentioned in 16 books out of 66. Four in the OT, 14 in the NT. Job the most in OT, Paul’s writings the most often in the NT.

49 verses found, 56 matches
1 Chronicles
1 verse found
1 match
Job
11 verses found
14 matches
Psalms
1 verse found
1 match
Zechariah
2 verses found
3 matches
Matthew
3 verses found
4 matches
Mark
5 verses found
6 matches
Luke
6 verses found
6 matches
John
1 verse found
1 match
Acts
2 verses found
2 matches
Romans
1 verse found
1 match
1 Corinthians
2 verses found
2 matches
2 Corinthians
3 verses found
3 matches
1 Thessalonians
1 verse found
1 match
2 Thessalonians
1 verse found
1 match
1 Timothy
2 verses found
2 matches
Revelation
7 verses found
8 matches

  Searching Satan’s other Biblical names results in similar data.
  Though not the main person in history, Satan is a person we definitely need to know about, hence the information in God’s Word. But being a curious fellow and schooled to ask alternative questions, I sometimes wonder why comparatively few of God’s penman mentions Satan? Especially considering God’s Word is not a capricious serendipity volume. Believing this as fact I ask what is the lesson therein and what is its life-application?

EBB4

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

DELIBERATE CONTEMPLATION

DELIBERATE CONTEMPLATION
Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.

  Deliberate contemplation does not come natural to me. I must work at the discipline. Yesterday, Memorial Day, I purposely invested time and effort in the worthwhile training. My main goal being to hear and contemplate “Your story?” if willing to share. Most encountered were agreeable as it was that kind of day.
  Forest Lawn Cemetery outdoor memorial service at 10am turned out to require work focusing on the stated theme as it was a somewhat organized ceremony. The individual before and after conversations were edifying.
  Passing Potter’s Field on my drive home I was impeded by 12 neatly uniformed men dismounting vehicles and motorcycles. They quickly formed up, sharply marched thru the small gate. On command they fired a 21 gun salute. On command they pivoted left and marched back to their cars, but not without thanking me for joining in their respect. Their respect exercised every Memorial Day at a number of locations, most of them sans participants, spectators, TV cameras with commentators as had been earlier up the hill beyond the copse of brushy trees.
  As I slowly walked the 5.5 acres containing 1,663 paupers, 1,180 of them under 2 years of age, 483 of which were stillborn, all interred in a place with only a half dozen or so markers, most of them illegible or not-engraved crumbling concrete . . . without effort I was focused.
  A bit later my granddaughter and greatgrandson accompanied me to Two Rivers State Park. There I chatted with family, friends, and yet more strangers.
  Driving home alone, as planned I stopped at the remote but well kept Elk City Cemetery. (As with a number of pioneer dreams, Elk City was a city-to-be that wasn’t.) There becoming engaged with the only 2 others visiting. Kelli, while pregnant, abandoned by irresponsible “Want to do my own thing.” The daughter Shaylee, 3, a delightfully precocious Shirley Temple “I know things.” type. They soon to move far west were there in respect for Lawrence, USNavy veteran, an older man that supported them thru the difficult times.
  Other than the occasional rumble on the adjacent gravel road, it was quiet while viewing and wondering about pioneers, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam veterans, others, to one quite recent grassless grave.
  And how was your day of remembrance?

EBB4

Sunday, May 28, 2017

LEST WE FORGET

LEST WE FORGET
Sunday, May 28, 2017

Dear fellow travelers,
  This morning I received the following reminder from George and Gordy, men faithful in keeping we other retirees informed on the loss of coworkers.
  Personally this year I viewed a documentary recommended by my dear son-in-law Tom, USAF veteran. SILENT WINGS is about the little known or credited WWII glider units. Their dedication to fighting evil is highly commendable.
  At the end of the summary I added an appropriate verse from God’s Word and a music video that Tom wrote and sings in honor of the Savior and our many saviors. Let us never ever forgot.
EBB4

The Meaning of Memorial Day

  Every Memorial Day, families and communities across the nation take time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Americans observe this special holiday in many different ways.
  Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers.
  Since the earliest ceremonies in small American towns following the Civil War, we have gathered on Memorial Day to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. As in those early days of laying wreaths and placing flags, our national day of remembrance is often felt most deeply among the families and communities who have personally lost friends and loved ones.
  This national holiday may also be the unofficial start of the summer season, but all Americans must take a moment to remember the sacrifice of our valiant military service members, first responders and their families. Memorial Day is a day of both celebration and grief, accounting for the honor of our heroes and reflecting on their tragic loss.
  Civil War soldiers had been mustered from towns and villages across the land. Like today, the loss of each soldier was a profound tragedy for both family and community.
  Today, we honor service members from all of America’s past wars. But there is immediacy in our sorrow; the wounds of war are new again. As we struggle for ways to heal, Abraham Lincoln’s message of almost 150 years ago can still inspire us.
  This, then, is the mission of Memorial Day: to reach out in support of all the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so much for us.

John 15:13  No one has greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.



Friday, May 26, 2017

OUR MANCHESTER CAPABILITY

OUR MANCHESTER CAPABILITY
Friday, May 26, 2017

Jeremiah 17:7-9 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: The train of thought is apparently this: If the man is so blessed who trusts in Yahweh, what is the reason why men so generally “make flesh their arm”? And the answer is: Because man’s heart is incapable of seeing things in a straightforward manner, but is full of shrewd guile, and ever seeking to overreach others. Desperately wicked - Rather, mortally sick. The answer to the question, “who can know it?” To himself a man’s heart is an inscrutable mystery: God alone can fathom it.

John 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

  There is truth that I do not like or want to believe about myself and all others.
  The murder and maiming at Manchester, England, brings up the truth yet again. Scientists, social experts and others considered less wise are energized in looking for reason(s) for the evil actions of man. The well-worn list is again being examined and paraded before us: Genetics, culture, family, stressors, environment social and physical (diet, pollutants etc.), experiences, conditioning, et al. Their motive to alleviate and/or solve is commendable, but they are amiss as they deny the actual reason.
  It’s a spiritual matter. The truth being that we are all capable of evil actions. This is evidenced in our life of socially risking that which we dare; exampled from our tongue and/or countenance used for malice, manipulation, instigation, or other forms of social arson; all the way to horrific deed; or somewhere in between. Actions malevolent or merciful are only limited by that which we believe.
  Once upon a time I believed I am basically good but occasionally commit bad acts.
  Trusting the Word, God Incarnate (Jn.1:1), and trusting His word, the Bible, I repented of such foolish misbegotten thinking and the difficult work began.
  We are innately sinful ever since Adam and Eve refused to trust God. Apart from accepting Jesus and His regeneration we cannot even hope to live with clearest vision.
  This I believe.

EBB4

Thursday, May 25, 2017

THE SELFSAME SPIRIT

THE SELFSAME SPIRIT
Thursday, May 25, 2017

2Timothy [NLT] 2:1-7 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.  You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.  And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.  And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.  Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

  Thankfully I continue to be beneficially blessed by mentors, teachers, and pastors faithful to the Word.
  Last evening Pastor Bob Myers presented a comprehensive one hour overview of church history. Not an easy task. He acquitted himself well. We shall miss him and his dear wife as they completed their one year contract of interim service. We have benefited by his informing, reminding, stimulation to meditative examination. He truly fulfills the Timothian mandate.
  Last evening, as my roaming mind does, I recalled a personal experience. A terrifying one it was. And driving home after the class I again rejoiced in having wise guides that unwaveringly directed me to sola scriptura; God’s Word alone to answer questions. Though they never gave me the words, they gave me the foundation for writing essays such as “I AM NOT A BAPTIST”. (Available upon request.)
  In my first months as a follower of Christ I was approached by a number of fervent denominationalists of various banner, they aggressively wanting me to join them.
  The one example in particular that I remembered was when I was challenged as to whether I had yet received God’s Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in tongues. I replied that I did not speak in tongues. With this they informed me that I was not really saved because not speaking in tongues meant I didn’t enjoy the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit . . . not having His Holy Spirit meant I was not truly redeemed, for only those indwelled by God’s Holy Spirit are redeemed unto life eternal. After a few days of frightful worrying, praying for the gift of tongues, I left off stumbling over my Psalm 32:8-9 pride and went to my mentors.
  Their instruction was quick, easy, and lovingly provocative. “Have you checked to see what God’s Word says on the topic?”
  After confessing to my self-reliance they showed me 1Corinthians chapters 12-14. With two-edged sword in hand I returned to my tormentors. Reviewing the passage with them I then asked them to explained how “selfsame Spirit” (12:11) fit in with their must-speak-in-tongues position on redemption? They Biblically could not.
  We should never abstain from hearing challenging spiritual questions. Refraining should never be a solution. In light of Hebrews 4:13, how we answer is.

EBB4

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

IS SATAN REAL?

IS SATAN REAL?
Wednesday, May 24, 2017


GotQuestions.org: "Does Satan exist?"

  
The Bible explicitly informs us of the existence of Satan. He is described as the enemy of man (Genesis 3:15), the father of lies (John 8:44b), and the accuser (Revelation 12:10), among other things. The very name “Satan” means “adversary.” Isaiah 14:12–17 explains that Satan was originally an angelic being, but he decided he wanted the honor and worship due only to God and was thrown out of heaven (also see Ezekiel 28:11–17).
  Ever since he was cast out of heaven (along with the angels who chose to rebel with him), Satan has made it his purpose to oppose God and lead the people of earth into rebellion as well. Satan has a certain authority in this world; he is called “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). That’s why we are to “be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
  One big way Satan wreaks havoc in our lives is through deception. When Satan deceives us about who God is, who God says we are, and who he is, he gains power and authority in our lives. “Satan does not exist” is one of the most potent lies Satan tells.
  At creation, God gave mankind authority over the earth (Genesis 1:28). When Adam and Eve willingly disobeyed God, they gave up some of their authority; in listening to Satan, they subjugated themselves to the devil. Yet, at the cross, Jesus stripped Satan of his authority: “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out” (John 12:31). “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). Satan has no more authority over those who are in Christ, except when they give it to him by believing his lies.
  Much misinformation about Satan comes from Hollywood and other flawed sources. It’s imperative that we go to the Bible for the truth on this and other matters. The Bible plainly tells us that Satan does exist, and it cues us into how he operates. We have no reason to be intimidated by Satan, as his power is infinitely inferior to God’s, but the Bible teaches us not to be naïve in our spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10–18). The key is to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7), knowing that Christ has defeated him for good at the cross and Satan’s end—eternal judgment—is assured (Revelation 19:20).

Recommended Resource: Angels: Elect & Evil by C. Fred Dickason

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

ABNORMAL NORMAL

ABNORMAL NORMAL
Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Matthew 7:13—14 [Jesus said] "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
John 14:5-12 Thomas said to him [Jesus], "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

In the spirit of reminding myself this morning, I share with you:
·         As followers of Christ we are “peculiar” and should not strive to appear as what the travelers of the John 3:18 broad road deem normal. Tit.2:13-15; 1Pet.2:1-10
·         As temples for God’s Holy Spirit we are quite different than those remaining on the John 3:18 broad road. 1Cor.3:17; 6:19
·         If and when we strive to image behavior acceptable to those plodding the wide trail we are suppressing His Holy Spirit within us. 1Thes.5:19
·         Though we may exercise free-will to suppress the Holy Spirit, we cannot destroy Him within us. Doing so however is presently and eternally costly. 1Cor.3:9-23; 11:30
·         In thought and deed we are to worship Him. Rom.12:1-3
  Now, what with events planned and unexpected this day, will I remain mindful of being His peculiar John 1:12 son, and think and act accordingly? I do not deny for one step that it is a challenge ever before me.

EBB4

Monday, May 22, 2017

A TELLING QUESTION

A TELLING QUESTION
Monday, May 22, 2017

Romans 14:19; 1Corinthians 10:23; 1Thessalonians 5:11-24

  “That’s a telling question.” “I’m going to ask you a telling question.”  are phrases seldom if at all heard these days. They indicated questions to which answers told much about the responding individual or group. Though the phrases have fallen to disuse, the practice has not.
  Such quizzing is both loved and hated by this person. I am not alone in this conundrum.
  We love “telling questions” because by their answers we learn so much about ourselves.
  We hate “telling questions” because by their answers we learn so much about ourselves.
  This morning I’ve been pondering a telling question: Who in my life has trusted me with more responsibility than any other?
  I invite you to join me in answering. I suggest you write your answer and consider throughout this day “Exactly what does it tell me about myself?”
  If you would like to share your answer, the person, and what you think it reveals about you, please do. (Anons accepted.) Doing so will be an edifying experience for all of us. We are all interested in edifying one another, aren’t we?

EBB4

Sunday, May 21, 2017

FALLING IN THE WILDERNESS

FALLING IN THE WILDERNESS
Sunday, May 21, 2017

1Corinthians (GW) 3:9-15 We are God's coworkers. You are God's field. You are God's building. As a skilled and experienced builder, I [Paul] used the gift that God gave me to lay the foundation for that building. However, someone else is building on it. Each person must be careful how he builds on it. After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ. People may build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw. The day will make what each one does clearly visible because fire will reveal it. That fire will determine what kind of work each person has done. If what a person has built survives, he will receive a reward. If his work is burned up, he will suffer the loss. However, he will be saved, though it will be like going through a fire.

  Man, exercising the God-given privilege of choice, individually and by group, has a history of rejecting His direction and falling outside of His verdant provision. For many it results in eternal separation from God and loved ones that trusted Jesus. For those trusting Him for eternal salvation but rejecting His directions for victorious living pleasing to Him, it results in wilderness living.
  Adam and Eve fell in God’s garden in Eden. (Gen.3:6-7)
  Cain was the first to fall outside of Eden. (Gen.4:1-14)
  After seeing God’s hand in miracles and deliverance, a multitude of Hebrews rejected responsibility to God’s direction and lived and died in wilderness. (Num.14:1-29)
  The Apostle Paul understood wilderness penalty. (1Cor.3:9-15; 9:24-27)
  The writer of letter to the Hebrews understood and warned of the cost of refusing God’s direction: “Therefore, holy brothers, called to be partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all his house. For He was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, because he who has built the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. And Moses truly was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken afterward. But Christ was faithful as a Son over his own house; whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness, when your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years. Therefore I was grieved with that generation and said, They always err in their heart, and they have not known My ways. So I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter into My rest." Take heed, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” (MKJV Heb.3:1-12; thread continuing throughout the letter, especially thought provoking at 3:7-19; 5:11 thru 6:6)
  Those of us that have looked up the above Scripture references fully understand wilderness option ever before God’s children. We clearly are aware we can know, observe, and even experience the truth of His obvious direction but choose a detrimental path. Let us choose His life abundant!  (Jn.14:6)
EBB4 (2/15/17)


PS. Why have I been republishing some old DTs? The reason is because God continues to grow this ministry and me. DT readership has expanded considerably from what it was just a few years ago. As some of you beneficially reread your journaling, I reread, contemplate, rejoice and/or work at personal adjustment as recognized. Then, exercising God-given responsible free-will, I carefully decide if and what to redact and republish. 

Friday, May 19, 2017

WAR WITHOUT END


WAR WITHOUT END
Friday, May 19, 2017

  This past week I thoughtfully reviewed Ken Burns PBS documentary THE WAR. It presented photos, commentary, and testimonies on WWII. I was reminded of life then. Three outstanding actual personal memories are 1.) Unlike today’s detached attitude among many, our country was totally enmeshed in the war effort. 2.) My and other childhood friends’ elation in 1945 when the war ended. 3.) My naiveté thinking it was the end of war.
  Exactly when I woke up to the untruth of point 3 I don’t know, but I do know that I saw and finally accepted the truth when I read Jesus’ words recorded by Matthew and Mark. (24:6; 13:7) Prideful partisanship apart from godly love is in our unregenerate nature ever since the first rebellion!
  Then yesterday I read the following essay provided by the Colson Center as part of Wilberforce recognition.

The attempts to create a master Aryan race are not the stuff of science fiction or history books anymore.  By John Stonestreet with Roberto Rivera

  I’m going to tell you a story about an attempt to build a strong nation by breeding better babies. These babies “would be superior in quality, intelligence, looks, and other aspects.” They would be taller and fairer in complexion that their peers. These babies hold the key, we are told, to national greatness.
  Now you’re probably thinking the story comes from the Third Reich or maybe a science fiction novel. But you’d be wrong. This story is not from 1930s Germany nor is it the stuff of dystopian novels. It’s from contemporary India.
  A group in India, Arogya Bharati, which means “Indian Wholeness” in Sanskrit, is working with couples to produce, in its words, “customized” babies. It hopes to “have [produced] thousands of such babies by 2020.” Its long-term goal is to build a strong India through these children.
What’s required to produce such a child? “Three months of [purification] for parents, intercourse at a time decided by planetary configurations, complete abstinence after the baby is conceived, and procedural and dietary regulations.”
  The pay-off? According to the head of Arogya Bharati, “extremely bright,” “fair-complexioned,” and “tall” babies born to less-bright, dark, and short parents.
  As this suggests, the groups methods aren’t rooted in modern genetics. Instead, they’re indebted to a combination of Indian folk medicine, astrology, and Hindu beliefs.
  Yet it would be unwise to discount the seriousness of what’s taking place here. When one commenter said that the group’s project was “straight out of the Nazi playbook,” it wasn’t hyperbole. While the two groups’ methods may have differed, their goals were the same: strengthening the nation by promoting racial purity.
  In fact, the groups share more than just a common goal; they share a central idea–the Aryan. While the Nazi myth of the Aryan is well-known, what’s not as well-known is that “Hindutva,” the Hindu nationalist ideology of groups like Arogya Bharati and its parent movement, the RSS, also has the idea of the Aryan at the center of its national myth.
  Unlike the Nazis, who believed that the Aryans were from what’s now the border between Kashmir and Afghanistan in the Himalayas, Hindu nationalists insist that the Aryans were from northern Indian.
Despite this disagreement, the RSS expressed admiration for Nazi efforts to promote racial purity. In 1938, its Supreme Leader said that Germany “has shown how well-nigh impossible it is for races and cultures, having differences going to the root, to be assimilated into one united whole.” He called it “a good lesson for us in [India] to learn and profit by.”
  It’s a lesson his ideological successors are now trying to put into practice, not in birthing clinics but in the curtailment of religious freedom across India, which, in recent years, has become an increasingly hostile place for Christians, as well as Muslims.
  And I’d be remiss if I left you with the impression that this quest for “customized” babies was only limited to religious fanatics and Nazis. The (un)holy grail of modern genetics is to, as some have put it, “shape our own evolution.” While proponents of this quest would howl in protest if they heard me say it, this, too, is a quest for a kind of racial purity.
  While their definition of “race” is infinitely more generous than the people in India, never mind the Nazis, it’s still an endeavor that has no place for the weak, no matter how the planets align.
Source: the Colson Center

  War, slavery, racism, eugenics, and countless other wickedness are still with us. Though we may hinder we cannot heal the big picture. We can, and should, present the cure as we faithfully continue as God’s Matthew 5:9 blessed peacemakers and 2Corinthians 5:14-21 diplomats in family, friendship, neighborhood, town, village, crossroads, to one and all in our personal world.
EBB4


Thursday, May 18, 2017

IDOLATRY

IDOLATRY
Thursday, May 18, 2017

Matthew 6 [ESV], Jesus explained …. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. … where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1John 3:1-21 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;

  How we define and then recognize and deal with idolatry has much to do with maturation or the hindrance thereof. Before trusting Jesus at age 27 I thought idolatery was all about statuary, paintings, icons, bones and such. Blessedly my mentors showed me that idolatry may include symbols, but that most importantly it always is the matter of our heart attitude. Idolatry is the lack of spiritual growth and the further hindrance thereof. Discovering the truth of the matter left me mindful that by our inherent Adamic nature you and I are drawn to idolatry, for it is centered in self-esteem, ego; whereas true worship is centered in Biblical humility . . . the meekness of the Beatitudes. Without which we lack godly confidence. Sans godly confidence we worship idols much admired and cherished outside of the Kingdom of God.
  The fact is that claiming or denying religion we do worship. Doing so or thinking we abstain from is not the question. Who? or what? is the query ever before us.
EBB4

For further contemplation:
1Samuel 15:23  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Acts 17:16  Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
1Corinthians 10:14  Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Galatians 5:20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Colossians 3:5  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

A question for consideration: Beyond what is revealed in Scripture, is seeking to know the specific will of God in our personal life a pagan practice? An idolatrous practice like reading goats’ guts?

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

LIVING IN THE TOWER OF BABEL

LIVING IN THE TOWER OF BABEL
Wednesday, May 17, 2017

GotQuestions.org: "Why is there so much confusion regarding the teachings of the Bible?"

  God gave us the Bible to teach us about Him and His ways, and since God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), any and all confusion must come from the destructive forces of the world, the flesh, and the devil. The “world” refers to ungodly world system and its people who do not understand or care about the Word of God; the “flesh” is the lingering sinful nature Christians possess that corrupts their godly walk; and the devil refers to Satan and his demons who twist God’s Word, often while masquerading as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
  Each of these forces can act individually or in unison in an attempt to confuse people about the Word of God. But, most confusion results from our own laziness and/or false teaching. Ultimately, and most tragically, confusion about the Bible can lead to a false hope of salvation. And that is Satan’s ultimate goal. When Satan tempted Jesus, he used misinterpretations of the Word of God for his attacks. Satan does the same thing today, taking a truth of Scripture and misapplying it. Satan is skilled at twisting the Word of God just enough so that it produces disastrous consequences, while still sounding like the Word of God.
  Sometimes confusion over what the Bible teaches originates from poor Bible translations, or even intentionally distorted translations. More often, though, confusion results from a lack of serious study among believers and the false preachers, teachers, and writers (2 Corinthians 11:12-13) who are found on radio, television, and the Internet. These false prophets take even proper translations and, through both ignorance and design, twist and distort the Word of God to promote their own agenda or appeal to the thinking of the world. Instead of lazy Bible study and relying on others to teach us the Word of God, we should study God’s Word diligently and rely on the Holy Spirit. He will open the heart to God’s truth concerning Himself and His creation, prayer, worship, Christian love, our battle with Satan, personal conduct, church conduct, and achieving a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
  Most deadly, confusion is rampant regarding the truth of the gospel. While Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth and the only life (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), today many who call themselves evangelical Christians believe that heaven can be gained by other ways and other religions. But in spite of apparent confusion, the sheep will still hear the voice of the Shepherd and will follow only Him (John 10:27). Those who do not belong to the Shepherd “will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear” (2 Timothy 4:3). God has given us His Spirit and the command to preach biblical truth with humility and patience, in and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2), and to study to show ourselves approved, workers who correctly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) until the Lord Jesus returns and puts an end to all confusion.

Recommended Resource: The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Geisler & Howe

Request: If any of you are receiving double sendings from me please let me know. Thanks. EBB4


Tuesday, May 16, 2017

GOD IS IN CONTROL

GOD IS IN CONTROL
Tuesday, May 16, 2017

  Among my responsibilities as a Christian elder is to study Scripture and share what I learn by either explaining or raising provocative questions with design to make others consider what they believe and why they believe it.
  This process is not confined to the comfort of this chair. It goes on during other activities, most of which are mundane in nature. Reactions to what I conclude I am to write are not always gleeful. Sometimes they are far from happy. One such was when I wrote about believing and parroting “God will take care of you.” as though He is spare tire in the trunk of car vaguely supported by poorly maintained rubber.
  Today’s DT will be individually a blessed provocation unto maturation, or otherwise.
  Among the variations the one I hear most is “Don’t worry, God is in control.” And indeed He is, but what of individual free will that He gifted Adam, Eve, and all since. And let us carefully take note that God did not interfere with Eve’s personal volition in deciding who to confer with. Nor did God afterward obstruct or meddle with Adam’s neglectful agreement. God was in control?
  Now to further provocation: In responding to the following questions please give Scriptural basis including chapter and verse. I urge you to begin with Genesis, the first chapters in particular, as much basic theology is therein.
·         Exactly what has God controlled?
·         Exactly what has God continued to control?
·         Exactly what did Adam and Eve control?
·         Exactly what have all people since controlled?
·         Exactly what do you and I now control?
·         Are all matters controlled by God, or by freely willing mankind?
·         Or are they separate entities frequently in opposition of one another?
  Now, just so you know, I am praying in God-given free will that you will study God’s Word and, if you have not already done so, base your belief on the topic according to what His record (the Bible) tells us. And if need be, you will be discomforted in doing so.
EBB4


PS. I’ve deliberately not provided any Bible references today as I don’t want to influence beyond provocation unto personal examination.

Monday, May 15, 2017

THE MEASURE OF GRACE; The Sufficiency of Godliness

THE MEASURE OF GRACE; The Sufficiency of Godliness
Monday, May 15, 2017

  This morning Omaha World-Herald includes an interview with super model Ashley Graham. She shares largely on her self-image struggles. Commenting on plus-size, “… it’s a divisive word. Why would we describe women by the number inside their pants?”
  Her dislike of the broad use of “plus-size” stimulated memories of being under size: On my 13th birthday I was within a fraction of 6’ weighing slightly over 100 pounds and super conscious of it. My personal feelings on ego-centric subjective labeling went far beyond term “dislike”.
  But the thrill of joining individuals accepting God’s grace, living resurrected above labeling, far exceeds the bondage of over or under-size or any other scornful categorization .
  Even the great Apostle Paul had to accept the fullness of God’s grace and benefit from thereafter. His submissiveness profiting you and I this very morning.

EBB4

Sunday, May 14, 2017

GRACE HAPPENS, REALLY?

GRACE HAPPENS, REALLY?
Sunday, May 14, 2017

Matthew [ESV] 5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. [Also note 2Pet.3:1-9]

  The meditation followed by Bible study began a few days ago while traversing the parking lot at Home Depot. The bumper sticker declared “GRACE HAPPENS”. My immediately reaction was “Not really. Grace exists.”
  Grace is God’s undeserved favor and blessing unto all mankind. Considering what you and I are and are not, this is definitely true. God’s grace is existent for one and all: Consider what our lives would be like without God’s undeserved favor and blessing. Jesus explained this fact.
  Grace if as happenstance means that God’s grace is an exception . . . given only upon occurrence, or not; such activity then meaning God is capricious. He is not at all so.  As He is love, God is inseparably grace. God is perfect, the same perfection that Jesus says God’s John 1:12 family are to strive for. (Mt.5:43-48)
  Let us consciously live in and by God’s ever-present grace.
EBB4

  

Friday, May 12, 2017

REPELLENCY

REPELLENCY
Friday, May 12, 2017

  “repellency” is a word seldom heard., in your lifetime maybe never until today. I’m supposing the meaning is easily understood.
  Did you know that coatings facilitating repellency exist, and someday will likely be in common usage? Consider catsup, mustard, mayo, shampoo, hand cream et al containers internally coated with repellent. Not only resulting in bottle, pot, jug, or urn truly emptied, but also helping your household budget.
  Fascinating, isn’t it?!
  Something I, and I suspect you also could live without. But there is a repellency I desire; a way to separate me from the stickiness of sin.
   Wait, there is! It is called love, spelled out in God’s Word, magnificently summed up in Jesus response to the interrogating lawyer: “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Mt.22)

EBB4

Thursday, May 11, 2017

WALKING WITH THE LORD

WALKING WITH THE LORD
Thursday, May 11, 2017

Matthew 6 … seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; …

  After asking self the question “How’s your walk with the Lord going?” and soliciting your input on the query, I’ve been pondering it considerably. And as is my custom, said ponderance involved what God says on the matter. But first from those that responded:

                “How's my walk question?  There are some close, caring friends that know what we are going through with Kathie's pain issues, and I know they are praying for both of us.  The greeting starts with "how is Kathie? and after my response they will look me in the eye and ask, "how are YOU doing?"   It's basically "how's your walk with the Lord?" question framed a bit differently.
  The best I understand my walk, I share with them.  I cherish those kind of friends who feel confident in our relationship to ask that kind of question!
   A much younger friend confronted me this morning with a hug and these inquiries, just prior to the formal time of worship.  I was at peace.  V(AR)”
                “Better than ever!! Able to praise Him through the storms, in situations I just don't understand.” J. (KS)
                “My walk is challenging but good.  I meet with the Lord daily, first thing in the morning. I trey to pray throughout the day, fail miserably but keep trying. I'll know i am walking well with Him when He calls me home. Jim Abraham” (NE)

  One of the first things that came to my mind is a mentor having told me “Walking with the Lord involves much more than simply not stealing anymore.”
  In further meditating on the question and searching out relevant Scripture it is very clear to me there is no neutral middle ground. I am either walking with Him or stumbling along in my own wisdom.
  There is, as ever with all life questions, measure in God’s Word:
·         The question should not be anathema to me. Mt.11:6
·         Jesus is Chief Shepherd. I am not. Jn.10:11, 14
·         I am to hear what my Shepherd says. Mt.17:5; Jn.10:27
·         I am not to resist what my Lord says. Jn.14:23; Lk.6:46; Lk.10:27
·         I am to continue evaluating my condition. 2Cor.13:5; 2Tim.2:13
·         I am to accept cultivation and construction. 1Cor.3:1-23; 2Cor.5:17
·         I am to cultivate and construct according to the Master’s plan. Ps.119; 1Cor.3:1-23; 2Tim.2:2
·         Though I am to enjoy happiness as it occurs I am never to seek it as a goal. Mt.6:10, 33
·         I am to seek first all that pertains to my eternal citizenship. Mt.6:10, 24-34; Lk.11:2
·         I am not to be subjective to or guided by feelings detracting from soldiering on. 2Tim.2:3-4
·         I am to love my enemies. Mt.5:44; Lk.6:27, 35
·         I am to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead reprove them. Ps.119; Eph.5:8-11
·         I am to walk in the works God has prepared for me to do. Eph.2:10; Heb.5:14
·         In particular I’m to keep in mind the pro and con of my stubborn tenacity. Ps.32:8-9
·         I am not to leave this keyboard this morning thinking for one moment that the about list or myself is yet complete.
EBB4


Wednesday, May 10, 2017

ME< TRUST GOD?

ME, TRUST GOD?
Wednesday, May 10, 2017


GotQuestions.org: "How can I learn to trust that God is in control?"

 
Before we can learn to trust that God is in control of all of life’s circumstances, we have to answer four questions: Is God really in control? How much control does He have? If He is not in complete control, then who/what is? How can I learn to trust that He is in control and rest in that?
  Is God really in control? The concept of the control of God over everything is called the “sovereignty” of God. Nothing gives us strength and confidence like an understanding of the sovereignty of God in our lives. God’s sovereignty is defined as His complete and total independent control over every creature, event, and circumstance at every moment in history. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent, God does what He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. God is in complete control of every molecule in the universe at every moment, and everything that happens is either caused or allowed by Him for His own perfect purposes.
  “The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand’” (Isaiah 14:24). Nothing is random or comes by chance, especially not in the lives of believers. He “purposed” it. That means to deliberately resolve to do something. God has resolved to do what He will do, and nothing and no one stands in His way. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:10). This is our powerful, purposeful God who is in control of everything. That should bring us great comfort and help to alleviate our fears.
  But exactly how much control does God have? God’s total sovereignty over all creation directly contradicts the philosophy of open theism, which states that God doesn’t know what’s going to happen in the future any more than we do, so He has to constantly be changing His plans and reacting to what the sinful creatures do as they exercise their free will. God isn’t finding out what’s going to happen as events unfold. He is continuously, actively running things—ALL things—here and now. But to think He needs our cooperation, our help, or the exercise of our free will to bring His plans to pass puts us in control over Him, which makes us God. Where have we heard that lie before? It’s a rehash of Satan’s same old lie from the Garden—you shall be like God (Genesis 3:5). Our wills are only free to the extent that God allows us that freedom and no farther. “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’” (Daniel 4:35). No one’s free will trumps the sovereignty of God.
  Some people find it appealing to think that Satan has control over a certain amount of life, that God is constantly revising His plans to accommodate Satan’s tricks. The book of Job is a clear illustration of just who has the sovereign power and who doesn’t. Satan came to God and, in effect, said, “Job only serves you because you protect him.” So God gave Satan permission to do certain things to Job but no more (Job 1:6–22). Could Satan do more than that? No. God is in control over Satan and his demons who try to thwart God’s plans at every step.
  Satan knew from the Old Testament that God’s plan was for Jesus to come to the earth, be betrayed, crucified and resurrected, and provide salvation for millions, and if there was any way to keep that from happening, Satan would have done it. If just one of the hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah could have been caused by Satan to fail to come to pass, the whole thing would have collapsed. But the numbers of independent, “free will” decisions made by thousands of people were designed by God to bring His plan to pass in exactly the way He had planned it from the beginning, and Satan couldn’t do a thing about it.
  Jesus was “delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23). No action by the Romans, the Pharisees, Judas, or anyone else kept God’s plan from unfolding exactly the way He purposed it from before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1 says we were chosen in Him before the world was even created. We were in the mind of God to be saved by faith in Christ. That means God knit together Satan’s rebellion, Adam and Eve’s sin, the fall of the human race, and the death and crucifixion of Christ—all seemingly terrible events—to save us before He created us. Here is a perfect example of God working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
  Unlimited in power, unrivalled in majesty, and not thwarted by anything outside Himself, our God is in complete control of all circumstances, causing or allowing them for His own good purposes and plans to be fulfilled exactly as He has foreordained.
  Finally, the only way to trust in God’s sovereign control and rest in it is to know God. Know His attributes, know what He has done in the past, and this builds confidence in Him. Daniel 11:32b says, “The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Imagine that kind of power in the hands of an evil, unjust god. Or a god that really doesn’t care about us. But we can rejoice in our God’s sovereignty, because it is overshadowed by His goodness, His love, His mercy, His compassion, His faithfulness, and His holiness.
  But we can’t trust someone we don’t know, and there is only one way to know God—through His Word. There is no magic formula to make us spiritual giants overnight, no mystical prayer to pray three times a day to mature us, build our faith, and make us towers of strength and confidence. There is only the Bible, the single source of power that will change our lives from the inside out. But it takes effort, diligent, everyday effort, to know the God who controls everything. If we drink deeply of His Word and let it fill our minds and hearts, the sovereignty of God will become clear to us, and we will rejoice in it because we will know intimately and trust completely the God who controls all things for His perfect purpose.

Recommended Resource: Trusting God by Jerry Bridges