Ascribe to the LORD the Glory Due His Name: Part Two

    Last week, we looked at some of the blessings we can wrongly take credit for. It is good to stop and trace these blessings back to God so we can give Him the glory He is due. Today, let’s look at a few more blessings that we may take for granted, so we can express renewed praise and thanksgiving to God for His generous love, mercy, and grace.

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 NKJV) 

The Bible: God created us to seek Him and find Him (Acts 17:26-27) and did not leave us to puzzle over how we “got here” (Genesis 1), how to find Him (Jeremiah 29:13), or how to be pleasing to Him (Colossians 1:9-11). He loved us enough to provide His will to man, prepared men to write down His words (1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:20-21), and those very words were preserved over these millennia, translated by faithful men into languages we can understand, and now printed in such abundance that we could have ready access to them in a convenient, portable book we call the Bible; we may even have several copies in our homes. When we realize the very wonder of this – we hold the very Word of God in our hands – we need to thank God for the preparation, preservation, and provision He has granted, we need to give Him all the glory He is due for His generosity and show our true joy for this precious information by using it for reading, study, and guidance each day (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Church: Some have still not returned to regular attendance after the pandemic - yes, even all these years later - choosing to stay home and “watch online,” maybe they don’t want to give up the new habits developed during the nation’s lockdown or maybe they like not having to interact with others, but they are missing out on something huge: participating in worship – listening to the sermons and prayers together, singing together, studying together, partaking of the Lord’s Supper together, talking/visiting together. Every part of it is an encouragement to both ourselves and others. God determined for Christians to gather together, to be a brotherhood, a family, so we can help each other walk the narrow and difficult way (1 Peter 5:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:22). If you aren’t there, how can you help another? If you aren’t there, how can you be helped?  God blessed us abundantly by establishing the church and giving instructions for local congregations to gather on the Lord’s Day to worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), let’s remember the value of the church, and appreciate that we can serve God today just as they did in the 1^st century because God provided all the information/instruction we need in the Bible. Let’s give Him the glory for its establishment and not let bad habits and/or personality differences get in the way of our attendance or our praise and thanksgiving.    

God’s Lovingkindness and His Faithfulness: When we read Psalm 92:1-2, we find an encouragement to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to His name, to declare His lovingkindness every morning, and His faithfulness every night. Over the past few years, I have remembered this verse as I opened my eyes to a new day and immediately turned my mind to thanking God for His lovingkindness (aka mercy) in granting me a new day in which I could learn more so I could serve Him better. Each night I thank Him for His faithfulness – that He remained over all, that He was listening every time I voiced a prayer, that His promises of help (Hebrews 4:16, Psalm 46:1-4), comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), peace (Philippians 4:6-7), and strength (Psalm 18:32, 1 Peter 5:10-11) held true, and that His wisdom proved true (doing things God’s way truly is the best way, James 1:21-25). Recently though, I have realized that I need to be thanking Him for His lovingkindness that stretches beyond me, giving another day to my family and my family in Christ, and beyond them, thanking Him for the love He demonstrates through His longsuffering, giving those in the world another day to turn to Him and seek Him (2 Peter 3:9) – which reminded me of my need to be a light to the world and do good with the time I am granted Today. Let’s remember that our tomorrows are not guaranteed. Praise God and thank Him for each new day, and purpose to shine His light throughout the day. When you lay your head down at night, thank Him and praise Him for His absolute faithfulness – He has not and will not forsake His children (Psalm 37:27-28, 94:14, Hebrews 13:5).   

God’s Mercy and Forgiveness: We hold grudges, we give people the cold shoulder or the silent treatment, we allow resentment to build, we keep a mental record of wrongs, and may even begin to look forward to when the next mistake is inevitably made so we can cluck our tongues, roll our eyes, and unleash the storm that has been brewing in our minds toward them. Imagine if God was like that toward us? Would we even stand a chance? Take an honest look at your life and think about how often God has been merciful to you and the innumerable times He has forgiven you; how longsuffering He has been with you? How patient and loving He has been with you? How many times you have disappointed Him but He still loves you and wants you to come to Him for comfort, strength, and help? We should be praising God for His lovingkindness (aka mercy) every morning (Psalm 92:1-2), we should be careful to appreciate His forgiveness, give Him glory, praise and thanksgiving for His expansive compassion and willingness to forgive our debts, so much so that we have hearts that are compassionate and forgiving as well (Matthew 18:21-25). Take time to think on the commands found in these verses: Ephesians 4:29-32, Matthew 6:12; 14-15, Colossians 3:13, Mark 11:25, John 17:3-4 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-6, 1 John 3:1-3.  

“Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.” (Psalm 96:2-3 NKJV)

 

    These are just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ when it comes to our blessings and the things we can glorify God for, and glorify Him we must! He has granted us such astounding benefits, we need to not hold them as commonplace, but we need to appreciate them, thank God for them, praise Him for His wisdom and love, and give Him the glory due His name!!

You can do it! So can I!!   

   

Giving God the Glory: Ascribe to the LORD the Glory Due His Name

“Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, give to the LORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:7-9 NKJV) 

    When my daughters were small I would ask them to think about all the things they could thank God for before they prayed at night. My youngest daughter started listing off her toys and was soon told by her older sister that “those were made by people” but after a moment’s thought I encouraged them both to thank God for their dolls and toys because God had given the people who made them the creativity to think them up, the ability to make the materials, and the skills to put them together. After that, we began to think up all sorts of things, and for every one we, with this new perspective, were able to trace them all back to God, give Him thanks, and happily talk about how awesome He is!

     Do we, as adults, pause long enough to consider God’s involvement in all that we have? We need to offer God the sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psalm 116:17, 107:21-22), we need to think on His works so we can offer Him the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15), and glorify Him as God and Creator of all; giving Him the all the glory due His name!!

Your job(s)/source(s) of income: Remember it is God who gives you the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). He granted you your talent, your ability to do the work and to gain knowledge, your health and function to accomplish what is needed.

Your transportation: If it is your own feet and legs – God blessed you with health, strength, and mobility to use them – or maybe it’s a bicycle or a type of motorized vehicle, so, like my daughter’s toys, these can be traced back to God because He granted people the ability to create these mechanisms and to source the materials needed to make them work safely and efficiently to transport us through varied weather and road conditions.  

Your talents: Maybe you were born with an ability or were quick to learn and master a skill that people now describe as ‘your talent, ’ whatever it may be, you were blessed with your talent by God, who gave you function and mobility to do it, and time to hone it.

Your house and belongings: See the first point. It is either from your job/income (that God granted you the ability to accomplish/gain) or from your inheritance/birthright (God granted you life) that you have a place to call home filled with things that mean something to you. Your house and everything in your house can be traced back to blessings God has bestowed on people at some point in time. The fact that we have them; that we can see, touch, hear, and smell the things around us proves that He continues to bless us abundantly as well!

Your daily “bread”: Most of us are in the habit of bowing in prayer before we eat our daily meals, but have we become so habitual in those prayers that we say them by rote. Hopefully we have grown beyond, “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food,” but do we race through a familiar prayer of our own making that has come to require little thought? I have tried to take a bit longer in my prayers for my food by considering all that goes into what is before me: God provided us with this earth where soil and atmosphere are good for growing crops, sustaining livestock, and supplying fresh water. He granted people the ability to make use of these conditions, to grow and sell their produce so we, who work at other things, can enjoy them as well. Within these food sources are natural vitamins and minerals, put there by God when He created them, that provide us with nutrition. He has granted us ability to gain wealth that allows us to have electricity and therefore a way to preserve and prepare the food we bring into our houses (heating/cooling, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, etc.), He also grants us health and wellness to prepare our meals and to eat them.     

    These are just a few things that we can so easily take for granted, or worse, think they are from our own doing! We can puff ourselves up and say, “It was my talent and skill that got me the job; I have all these things because I work hard for them!” or “I slaved all day over this meal, if you’re gonna thank anyone, it better be me, I did all the hard work!” or “I know right? I am pretty talented!” – remember Nebuchadezzar’s downfall when he looked over Babylon and declared, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for my royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honour of my majesty?”  (Daniel 4:30).

    Stop for a moment and look around you, really study all that surrounds you. You.are.blessed. Do you enjoy all these things but forget to thank God for the blessing of life, breath, and all things? Do you praise Him for all He has provided and continues to provide (Psalm 68:19); do you give God the glory due His name?

“…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20 NKJV)

    God is worthy of all the glory we can ascribe to His holy name!! Let’s open our eyes to the blessings and benefits He has given us to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17), and open our lips to give Him the credit, the praise, and the thanksgiving He deserves!!

You can do it! So can I!!  

   

Glorifying God, Giving Him the Glory

“Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, give to the LORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:7-9 NKJV)

glory ‘doxa’ (G1391) very apparent dignity, honour, praise, worship

glorify ‘doxazo’ (G1392) to render or esteem glorious. To testify of one’s value by recognizing their real value – i.e. valuing God for who He really is, to worship, honour, hold in honour, magnify

“By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.” (Leviticus 10:3b NKJV)  

    Moses and Aaron were both prohibited from entering the Promised Land because they did not hallow God before the people (Numbers 20:1-13, 24, Deuteronomy 3:23-27, 34:1-8). God has not, does not change, so we must think very soberly and seriously on this information.

    While the book of Leviticus is often regarded as ‘just commands for the Levitical priests,’ the value of the book for us today is this unwavering message: God is holy and must be regarded as holy. You do yourself a huge favour by reading it carefully and taking serious note of this prevailing message.

    Giving God the glory is of utmost importance. Do we approach Him and acknowledge Him as we should? Do we give Him the credit for our abilities, joys, and successes? Do we value Him as worthy of mention? Do we hallow Him in our hearts and conduct as we should?

    If the Lord wills, over the next several weeks, I would like to delve into what it means to give God the glory.

    I hope you will join me as we look into this vital subject together! Let’s learn what it means to glorify God and give Him the glory so we can honour Him and proclaim His praises as we should!

You can do it! So can I!! 

Understanding the Righteousness of God: Our Response

    God is righteous. He set the standard for what is right by being the standard. His righteousness is made known in His in His mercy (lovingkindness), His faithfulness, His judgments, His truth, His words/His Word (Jesus), in the gospel of Christ, in His forbearance to overlook our past sin, and in promising salvation for those who have faith in Christ Jesus and retribution for those who have tormented believers. What God says He will do and nothing, no one, can prevent Him from accomplishing it.  

    When we understand the righteousness of God, what should our response be?

    We should praise it, practice it, and proclaim it.

Praise His Righteousness

    Our Creator, our God, and our Father made us so that we would seek Him; He made us in the hope that we would search for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:26-27). He “rose early” (well beforehand) to tell His people what is right (Jeremiah 7:13, 25, 25:4); He did nothing without telling His prophets, and they in turn would inform the people (Amos 3:7-8). From the beginning of time, God has made His righteousness known, and for that we can and should praise Him!  

“I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” (Psalm 7:17 NKJV) 

Practice His Righteousness

    We must practice the righteousness of God – what He says is right – we cannot make up our own standards for what we think is right and believe that it is okay with God. We must seek His righteousness first and foremost (Matthew 6:33) and make His righteousness our daily practice, only then can we be considered righteous just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7).

“He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honour.” (Proverbs 21:21 NKJV)

 

    Humility and the removal of bad habits are necessary to properly practice righteousness. It can be difficult when you feel like you’re always being told what to do, but when we humble ourselves enough to seek our Creator and come to understand His complete love for us, when we comprehend how much He wants us to find Him and follow Him, and when we realize that all His commands are “for our good always” (Deuteronomy 6:24-25) that they guide us toward what is beneficial and they guard us from what is harmful, then we will happily put diligent effort into removing bad habits from our lives (Ephesians 4:17-32, James 1:19-20, 3:13-16)

“If you seek [wisdom] as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores us sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil.” (Proverbs 2:4-12 NKJV)

    Humility, coupled with appreciation for God’s loving provision, should lead us to ask God for wisdom when we comprehend that His wisdom is the best wisdom to attain, and that He gives it liberally and without reproach (James 1:5-8, Psalm 25:8-9). Wisdom (putting what we learn from God’s word into practice) will guide us in His righteousness (Proverbs 2:10-12, 8:8-9, 18, 20-21). Seeking the wisdom that is from above and putting it into practice will produce the fruit of righteousness (James 3:17-18).

Proclaim His Righteousness

    As long as time continues God’s people will be able to proclaim God’s righteousness to the next generation because it will always be true and it will always be pertinent (1 Peter 1:25 and Psalm 111).

“A posterity shall serve him. It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation, they will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, that He has done this.” (Psalm 22:30-31 NKJV) 

    We are to proclaim the praises of God, who called us from darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We should be so full of gratitude for the righteousness of God, so thankful for His constancy, His consistency, and His salvation that we overflow with proclamations of praise for Him! Please take time to read, reread, and meditate on Psalm 145 this week today, and each day this week, as the Lord wills.

“…I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only. O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” (Psalm 71:14-18 NKJV) 

    Let’s respond to the righteousness of God with praise from a heart and mind full of appreciation for it, and let us practice His righteousness with a keen determination so that we, through our words and conduct, may proclaim His righteousness to our family and to the world around us!

    God’s way is the best way! Let’s seek first His kingdom and His righteousness every.single.day.

 You can do it! So can I!!

Understanding the Righteousness of God: What is it? (Part 2)

    Please turn in your Bible to Micah 6 and read verses 3 through 5.

    The LORD wants His people to know and understand His righteousness, so much so that He addressed Israel through His prophet, Micah, and tells them to think on two specific events in their history so that they would know the righteousness of the LORD:

1.       When He brought them out of Egyptian bondage (Exodus 3-17, see also Deuteronomy 4:15-20, 24:5-7)     

2.       When Balak, the king of Moab, asked the prophet Balaam to help him defeat Israel (Numbers 22-25, 31:1-24, see also Deuteronomy 18:20, 23:3-5, Joshua 24:8-10, 2 Peter 2:15, and Jude 11)

    How do these events help us to know the righteousness of the LORD?

1. God keeps His promises; He is faithful and does not lie (1 Thessalonians 5:24, Titus 1:2, Numbers 23:19). The LORD promised Abram that He would give his descendants the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1-8) – and He did. He raised up

    Miriam, Aaron, and Moses to lead the children of Israel (Abraham’s grandson’s children) out of Egyptian slavery (Joshua 24:5-7). He protected His people in their travels (Exodus 13:21-14:31) and provided for them (nourishment: Exodus 16-17, victory: Exodus 33:1-2). The LORD brought them to the land of Canaan with Joshua and His faithfulness never failed (Joshua 24:11-14).

Bottom line: If God has said it, you can be rest assured that He will do it, and He will be with you to help you every step of the way.

2 . God will bless His people, and the wicked He will punish (Psalm 37:37-40, Proverbs 11:18-21). Balak, the king of Moab, wanted to defeat the immense nation of Israel that had been steadily conquering their enemies as they approached the land of Canaan, so he requested the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22). Balaam went to inquire of the LORD to see if it would be alright for him to curse the Israelites; God told him not to go with Balak and not to curse the people “for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12). Yet, when Balak once again begged Balaam to come with him to curse the Israelites (this time promising him great honour, Numbers 22:17), Balaam once again went to inquire of the LORD to see if He had changed His mind. God told him to go if the men came to call him the next morning, but Balaam took that instruction as approval, rose the next day, saddled his donkey, and went with the Moabite princes.

    The whole time Balaam was with Balak, each time he opened his mouth, the LORD made every attempt at a curse into a blessing for His people (Deuteronomy 23:5), frustrating both Balak and his evil plans.

Bottom line: God daily loads us with benefits and blessings (Psalm 68:19) and no one can block or prevent His blessing on His people (Numbers 23:19-20).

    God’s word will never fail. His promises are real. His blessings are real. Neither will fail because our God and Father has given them. All will be fulfilled. Our righteous God could not do otherwise, of this you can be wholly assured.

    Take time this week to think on all that God has done and continues to do – His word and His work have not failed, will not fail, do not fail. Are you confident in God and His righteousness? Are you ready to seek it first and foremost (Matthew 6:33) each day?

You can do it! So can I!! 

Understanding The Righteousness of God

    In my study on this subject I came across an excellent summary definition for the righteousness of God: “It is the plumb line for human life.”  God is righteous (Psalm 11:7, Psalm 85:10-13, 1 John 3:7) and His very nature defines righteousness; all the He is and all that He does is right – God is the only and absolute standard for what is right. God is consistent and unchanging, which means His righteousness is consistent and unchanging; His creation can wholly trust Him and cling to His righteousness with unwavering assurance that we who practice His righteousness are right in His sight (1 John 3:7, also consider Romans 10:2-3, Philippians 3:8-11).

    The heavens declare God’s righteousness (Psalm 50:6, 97:6) – day follows night, Spring follows Winter, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the sun, the moon, and the stars – they all, without voice, declare His righteousness through their consistency and God-given order. Read and think on Psalm 19:1-4.

But the righteousness of God is also seen…

…in His mercy (lovingkindness) Psalm 36:5-6*

…in His faithfulness Psalm 36:5-6, Psalm 143:1-2, Psalm 40:9-10

…in His judgments Psalm 36:5-6, Isaiah 26:9, Psalm 119:160

…in His salvation Psalm 40:9-10

…in His truth Deuteronomy 32:2-4, Psalm 40:9-10

…through His words/His Word (Jesus) Isaiah 45:19, God’s “right hand is full of righteousness” (Psalm 48:10) – Who sits at God’s right hand? Jesus (Colossians 3:1), the Word of God (John 1:1-4, 14). Read and consider Malachi 4:2.

…in the gospel of Christ it is the power of God to salvation Romans 1:16-17

…when He sent His Son to die for us Romans 3:25-26

…in His forbearance to overlook our past sin and grant us forgiveness Romans 3:25-26

…to all who have faith in Christ Jesus Romans 3:21-22

…when we are counted worthy of His kingdom because we endure persecution patiently and faithfully 1 Thessalonians 1:5

…when He repays those who trouble us with tribulation 2 Thessalonians 1:6

 *Just as Psalm 19:7-11 uses “testimony of the LORD,” “statutes of the LORD,” “commandments of the LORD,” “the fear of the LORD,” and “judgments of the LORD” to speak about the “law of the LORD,” I believe that the passages I have referenced (in the above section) give us insight to additional terms that speak of God’s righteousness, because His mercy, His faithfulness, His judgments, His truth, and His salvation are all as He is: consistent, unchanging, and right (Psalm 119:160).

• God's mercy is right; it is the standard for what is right – we need to be merciful as He is merciful (Luke 6:36).
• God’s faithfulness is right; it is the standard for what is right – we need to be faithful like Him in all our doings (Ephesians 6:5-7, Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:23, 1 Peter 4:19)
• God’s judgments are right; they are the standard for what is right – we need to respect His judgments and learn from them (Psalm 19:9-11, Psalm 119:137-138, Micah 6:8, Hebrews 5:14, 12:3-11)
• God’s truth is right; it is the standard for what is right - we need to know the truth and obey it (Psalm 119:1-176, John 14:6, John 8:31-32, 1 Peter 1:22)
• God’s word is right; it is the standard for what is right – we need to know it so we can live upright in His sight (Psalm 33:4-5, Psalm 119:1-2, 10-11, 17-18. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12)

“How precious is your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the rivers of Your pleasures. For with you is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.” (Psalm 36:7-10 NKJV)

     God determined before time began that He would provide grace to mankind through His Son (2 Timothy 1:9-10, Titus 1:1-3); He decided it was right to do, and in all the facets of His righteousness He has given us both a plumb line and a life line – a sure standard to live by now and an eternal life to confidently strive for (Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 Peter 2:21-24, 1 Peter 1:3-4).

     Are you using the righteousness of God as the plumb line for your life? Are you imitating Him as a dear child? He loves you and wants you to walk in the way that is right (Deuteronomy 5:32-33, Proverbs 3:5-6); He has provided all that you need to do exactly that (Proverbs 2:10-11, 20, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)! Let’s determine that we will align ourselves with God and His righteousness!

 You can do it! So can I!! 

Understanding the Righteousness of God: An Introduction

    Today is the beginning of a new study that will hopefully help us better understand the righteousness of God. If the Lord wills, throughout this month we will dig into scriptures that will help us answer these two questions: What does “the righteousness of God” mean, and how should we respond to it?

    To begin, let’s look at some verses that tell us about God's righteousness in a general way:

    God is righteous and He loves righteousness (Psalm 11:7). His righteousness is like the great mountains (literally, the mountains of God, Psalm 36:6); it is very high (literally, to the height of heaven, Psalm 71:19). Righteousness and justice are the foundations of His throne (Psalm 72:9), His right hand is full of righteousness (Psalm 48:10), and like His throne and dominion, His righteousness endures forever (Psalm 11:3, 112:3, Psalm 119:142, 144, 2 Corinthians 9:9).

    God’s righteousness is revealed to and known by all who have faith in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:21-22); when we call on Him He answers us by awesome deeds in righteousness (Psalm 65:5), and His righteousness can and will revive us (Psalm 119:40).

    God’s righteousness is the only acceptable righteousness (Romans 10:2-3, Philippians 3:9). We cannot follow what seems right to us and think ourselves right and accepted in God’s sight, we must submit to His righteousness (consider Judges 17:6, 21:25, and Proverbs 14:12, 16:25, and compare to Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 1, Jeremiah 17:5-8).

    The righteousness of God is the absolute standard; it is the high water mark for all people. He set the standard and has revealed it to us, and with each day we are blessed with we can learn of it and put it into practice so we can be righteous just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7).

Are you ready to better understand the righteousness of God?

 You can do it! So can I!!

A Year in Review: October Through November – Word of the Week Series

    Throughout October and November we took a closer look at eight words used in the Bible that may be considered old or obscure, but as with every word in the Bible, it is important we know what they mean. 

Here is a summary of each word we studied:   

Beautify

beautify  (byut’-e-fi) verb: from Hebrew word pa’ar (H6286) to gleam, embellish, glorify. It is from this word that the Hebrew word ‘pehora’ came which means ‘foliage (including limbs), as bright green’ (Abingdon’s Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, 1983)

    Isn’t it a lovely thought that the word ‘beautify’ also means to grow beautiful (consider 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 3:17-18) and it is the basis for the description of bright green foliage  - that is how those who trust in God are described in both Psalm 1:1-3 and Jeremiah 17:7-8 - please take time to read those passages! Also, read and think on Psalm 149:4 and Psalm 92:12-15.

Alleluia

alleluia (al-le-loo’-yah) a Greek word (Strong’s G239, ‘allelouia’) that literally means, ‘“Praise ye Jah!” (or in modern language, “Praise the Lord!”), an adoring exclamation’ Formed from the two Hebrew words ‘hawlal’ (Strong’s H1984) and ‘Yahh’ (Strong’s H3050.) which respectively mean, ‘to be clear, to shine, to make a show, celebrate, commend, make a boast, sing, praise, cause renown’ and ‘”Jah, the sacred name,” “Jah, the Lord, most vehement (to the highest degree)”’

    Alleluia exclaims a celebration of God’s renown! It commends His goodness, His greatness, His might, His majesty!! It is often followed by a direct mention of His doings that have caused joy in the heart of the one exclaiming His praise (Psalm 146:1-2)!

Cleave

cleave (klēv) verb: from Greek ‘proskooloa’ (Strong’s G4347); to glue, to adhere, join one (self). It comes from two other Greek words, ‘pros’ (Strong’s G4314) meaning by the side of, motion towards, you-ward (moving toward the other) and ‘kollao’ (Strong’s G2853) meaning to glue, to stick, to join (self), keep company.

    Considering Matthew 19:5-6 and Acts 11:23 when you married you made this commitment to your husband. When you were baptized you made this commitment to the Lord. Are you cleaving as you should? Are you always drawing nearer to these?

Succour

succour (səkər) from ‘boetheo’ (Strong’s G997), to aid or relieve, help, particularly assistance that relieves and delivers from difficulty, want, or distress.

    We find the word ‘succour’ (and its variations) only six times in the whole Bible (3x in OT, 3x in NT) and only in the older versions, like the King James. This word can be found in 2 Corinthians 6:2, Hebrews 2:18.

    As God the Father and Jesus the Son have succoured and continue to succour us, let us look for opportunity to also be a succourer, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:9-10)!

Hearken

hearken (härkən) verb: to hear, give audience to, come to the ears, understand, give self wholly to listening

    The now archaic word, “hearken” is used five times in the King James Version of the New Testament, six times if you include the alternate use of hearken that is ‘listening as a subordinate, be obedient, and obey’ as found in Acts 12:13 when Rhoda hearkened to the door when Peter knocked.
N.T. uses of the word ‘hearken’: Mark 4:3, Mark 7:14-23, Acts 4:19, Acts 7:2, Acts 15:13, and James 2:5, translated as “listen.”

    When we read/hear the word hearken it should alert us to pay attention to what is about to be said. It is an instruction telling us to give our full attention to the words, to not only hear them, but listen to them so that we may understand what is being said.

Peculiar

peculiar In Hebrew (Strong’s #H5459 ‘cegullah’) it means jewel, treasure, proper good, special, to save/protect as with wealth. In Greek (Strong’s #G4041 ‘periousios’) it means beyond usual, special. This Greek word comes from ‘peripoiesis’ (Strong’s G4047) which means acquisition (the act or the thing) and by extension, preservation – obtain purchased possession, saving.

    To God, you are beyond special! You are a precious jewel, a treasure worth saving!!        

    ‘Peculiar’ appears only seven times in the Bible (5x in OT/2x in NT). With the exception of one usage (Ecclesiastes 2:8, in which Solomon describes his acquired wealth as king of Israel) this word is used to describe God’s people (in the King James Version); and is often translated in newer versions as “special.”

    We are special! Beyond usual or common – we are peculiar! We are loved beyond measure, and therefore treasured!!

    With this status comes responsibility. In the two New Testament verses in which we find this word, we also find instruction for those described as “peculiar”: Titus 2:13-14, and 1 Peter 2:9

Leaven

leaven (levən) from Greek word ‘zume’ (Strong’s G2219) meaning to ferment (as if boiling up). A persuasive influence that modifies something or transforms it.

    Beware of the leavening of the world (Ephesians 5:15-17, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34). Consider your companions, are they helping you seek God or are they hindering your efforts to follow Him? Are you doing all you can to keep yourself from bad influence? Take time each day to examine your heart so you can identify and remove the granules of bad influence before they begin to ferment and modify your thoughts and behaviours! Throw away that book, turn off the TV, shut off the computer, put down your phone, shred or compost that newspaper/magazine, and instead fill your heart with God’s word, put on His armour, and continue to do whatever is necessary to live a life that is sincere and true, and influences others to turn to God!

Hallowed

hallowed (halōd) from the Greek word ‘hagiazo’ meaning ‘to make holy, purify, consecrate, sanctify.’ It comes from the Greek word ‘hagios’ (where our word ‘holy’ comes from) meaning ‘sacred, most holy;’ ‘to render or acknowledge to be venerable.’ Side note: venerable means ‘accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character’

    ‘Hallow’ and ’hallowed’ appear thirty-five times in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament we find its use limited to one statement made by Jesus which was recorded in both Matthew 6:9 and Luke 11:2.

When speaking God’s name, make it your A.I.M. to:

• Give it your full ATTENTION; you are speaking of/to your heavenly Father and Creator.

• Speak of/to Him with sincere INTENTION, remembering all He has done and continues to do for you. 

• Make specific MENTION of His wonderful goodness, majestic greatness, and awesome glory (proclaim His praises, 1 Peter 2:9).  

    Read and consider how the psalmists spoke to/of God, begin with Psalms 100, 105, and 78.

    If there are any other words that you would like to study in the future, if the Lord wills, please send me an email and let me know.

    I hope that these word studies and all our previous studies this year were helpful to you!

    May we each develop a greater desire to do God’s will in humble, loving obedience.

You can do it! So can I!!   

A Year in Review: September – A September to Remember

    Throughout the month of September we looked at direct commands found in the Bible that told us to remember.

“Remember now your Creator…”

    In Ecclesiastes 12 we find Solomon advising both younger and older people to remember their Creator.

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them.”” (Ecclesiastes 12:1 NKJV)

 “Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well.” (Ecclesiastes 12:6 NKJV)

    The overarching message? Take time right now to remember God and submit to His will.

    It is God who created us and not we ourselves (Psalm 100), He has loved us enough to provide us with His word, the Bible, and with a Saviour – His Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 4:9-10, 14-16).  Remember your Creator today while you still have time and a mind to reason and obey. God does not want you to perish, He wants you to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9); He desires that you be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Are you willing?

Remember That You Were Once Gentiles

“Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh – who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands – that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:11-13 NKJV)

    The New Testament term “Gentiles” comes from the Greek word ‘ethnos’ (Strong’s Greek #1484) which means a group of people (a tribe) joined through the practice of similar customs; customs and a culture distinct from those of the Jewish people of Israel. Often used to describe all people who were non-Jewish; Gentiles were considered strangers, foreigners, and heathen/pagan (not having faith in the one, true God).

    If you are a Christian, at some point in your life you heard the gospel message and believed it. You realized your spiritual state before your Creator, and you confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:36-38), you repented of your sins (make the necessary changes to not return to them) and you were baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:37-38; 22:16).

    All Christians have a past, and only by God’s grace can we declare: ‘But now in Christ Jesus, we who once were afar off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.’   

    Remember from where you have come, remember God’s grace, and remember Jesus’ sacrifice. It was so you could be brought near and have access to God the Father; it was so you could know the truth and do it, so you could live for Christ and share it, so you could have help in this life and hope in eternity! Keep going! God’s way is the best way – your labour and efforts are not in vain! We are all in this together!!

“Remember Lot’s wife.”

    In the context of Luke 17:32, Jesus, in teaching about His return, told His listeners to be ready for it  - not in the sense of stop all work and wait (as some in Thessalonica thought, see 1 and 2 Thessalonians), but to recognize it when it happens, rejoice in it, and not worry about what is being left behind.

“Set your mind on things above and not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2 NKJV) 

    Remember Lot’s wife (and her demise) and learn to see sin for what it is: a path that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13). Taste and see that God and His ways are worth our efforts and our sacrifices. If you are walking on the narrow path that is delivering you from sin, keep looking forward, toward God. Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (see James 4:7-8a, 10). Don’t look back with longing at the life you once lived, look to God and rejoice that He granted you time and opportunity for deliverance from your life in sin! Forget those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are ahead; press toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14)!    

Remember the Poor, the Prisoners, and the Elders

The Poor:

    In Galatians 2:7-10, when Peter, James, and John gave “the right hand of fellowship” to Barnabas and Paul (accepting them as preachers of the gospel and supporting their ongoing efforts), they encouraged these men to “remember the poor” while they taught the Gentiles – something Paul states as being “the very thing which [he] also was eager to do.”

    Take time to read and consider reread and consider: Matthew 7:9-12; 25:31-46, Mark 14:7, Galatians 6:9-10, 1 Timothy 5:4; 16, and James 1:21-27; 2:14-20

The Prisoners:

God, through the writer of Hebrews, tells us to remember our brethren who are in mistreated in prison – not just think of them occasionally, but remember them as though chained with them – because we are all in the same body (Hebrews 13:3, also consider Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:25-26).

    Maybe we don’t know of any brethren who are in prison for their faith, but do we know of those mistreated for their faith/uprightness at work, at school, or at home? We need to be praying for them, feel for them, and encourage them in every way. We can help them “to set [their] mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). We need to empathize enough that we consider what we would need in those situations, what would benefit us, and do what we can to provide that, so that no part of the body is neglected or forgotten.

Those Who Rule Over Us (Elders):

    Again in Hebrews 13, this time in verse 7, God, through the Hebrews writer, tells us to “remember those who rule over [us], who have spoken the word of God to [us].” We are to consider the outcome of their conduct and follow their faith. These teachers/leaders – maybe the elders of the church – should be proving through their words and conduct that God’s will is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2). They should be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity – we all should feel the weight of this responsibility – we all need to take heed to ourselves and to the doctrine (1 Timothy 4:12-16).

    We should be a reason for joy in those who teach us, rule over us, and lead us, not a reason for grief and/or frustration (read and think on Hebrews 13:17). If we put our best effort into serving God, we will encourage our leaders and brethren, and we, too, may become an example to the believers as our progress becomes evident (1 Timothy 4:15)! Let us remember those who watch out for our souls!

    Please remember all that we studied in September – take it with you into the new year! Remember your Creator, remember from where you came, remember Lot’s wife and don’t look back to your ‘old life’ with longing, keep moving forward in your faith and obedience! Remember the poor – share with them from your abundance. Remember the prisoners – share comfort and strength, and remember those who rule over you and who watch out for your soul – show them that their effort was not in vain!

God is worthy of our every effort – always remember that!

You can do it! So can I!!  

  

A Year in Review: April to August – A Study of Romans 12

    When we studied this chapter earlier this year we found three easy to spot “fence posts” that help our minds stay aligned to the overarching message: choose good over evil.

• Fence Post One (vv1-2): choose transformation over conformation.
• Fence Post Two (v9): cling to what is good and abhor what is evil.
• Fence Post Three (v21): overcome evil with good.

    The verses between these fence posts are filled with instructions to keep us on the right side of the fence; instructions for how to behave toward our brethren and toward those who do evil and persecute us.

    God’s way takes effort: effort in preparing and effort in doing.

Any dead fish can flow with the current; it takes a live one to swim upstream.

    We need to prepare our hearts and minds to obey, to swim against the current of the world around us. How? By remembering all that God has done for us.

    He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us so we could be saved from the bondage of sin (1 John 4:9-10, Romans 6:17-19). His mercy is so abundant that He preserved His word through these centuries so we, too, could access it and learn of Him, seek Him, and find out what is acceptable to Him (Romans 15:4-6, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Ephesians 5:8-10). And in reading His word, we discover that His commands and instructions are for our good always (Deuteronomy 6:24-26); that His prohibitions keep us safe from harm (and from harming others), and His permissions benefit us (and help us benefit others).

    When we remember and appreciate what God has done for us, and continues to do for us (Psalm 68:19, Romans 8:26-27, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 4:14-16, etc.), we will come to realize that submitting to Him in obedience is the most logical response; He has done so much, and asks so little of us in return.

    When we have gained knowledge (by learning God’s commands and instructions), wisdom (by obeying His commands and instructions), and spiritual understanding (coming to realize the immense value of God and His word, the pure wisdom of His ways, etc.) then we will logically conclude that God’s way is the best way; we will be willing to put ourselves and our own ideas aside and submit to His will (present your bodies a living sacrifice); we will want to be holy and acceptable to God. We will desire the transformation (being changed for the better) that will come when we renew our minds – turning our focus from the world and its ways to God and His way (Colossians 3:1-2) – and we will determine to use the gifts/talents/abilities God has given us, and to use them for good.

    We will grow to love our brethren by applying the instructions given verse 10 through 13, and we will grow to a place of faith in God’s way and strength of spirit so that we will not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with the good that God has instructed us in (verses 14-20) – we will follow His way and in so doing show others in the world that there is a better way.  

    There is work to do, and God wants you to succeed – to overcome! Are you ready to present your body a living sacrifice, to be holy and acceptable to God? Are you ready to use your abilities for good? To prepare yourself through faithful application of His instructions to love your brethren with brotherly love and to overcome evil with good? God has given us all we need to do exactly that! Are you ready?  

You can do it! So can I!!

A Year in Review: January to March – Wisdom that is From Above

    We spent the first part of this year taking a closer look at the facets of wisdom that is from above (James 3:13-17).

We learned that wisdom from above is…

…first pure; pure to its very core, and not in any way defiled by sin, selfish interest, or harmful intent. Wisdom from above, at its very Source, is pure (I John 3:3). Its path is pure; it will not lead us astray or away from God. God’s pure words/commands will enlighten us (Psalm 19:8), chasten us (Hebrews 12:3-11), warn us, and correct us (2 Timothy 3:16-17); they will purify us to the very core when we, in wisdom, hear His words, obey His commands, heed His warnings, and make the necessary corrections.

…then peaceable; undisturbed and undisturbing. This wisdom wants to bring peace (pacificatory) and to calmly resolve the conflict (conciliatory). Having/using wisdom from above helps us to be at peace in conflict (consider 1 Peter 2:20-23, James 1:19-20) and, as much as depends on us, it helps us to bring peace to the situation with a God approved (aka scripture-based) resolution (Romans 12:18, Matthew 5:21-26; 44, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

…gentle; helping us to respond to situations appropriately, with mildness, patience, and moderation; it does what is suitable, fair/impartial, mild, and merciful. Think of God’s gentleness when we ask Him for wisdom when we are lacking; He is not disappointed or disapproving, but gives liberally to all who ask Him in faith (James 1:5-8), and consider His longsuffering patience with mankind because He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Read and take note of the benefits of gentleness in 1 Peter 3:1-4.   

…willing to yield; ready to obey, willing to yield your former thoughts and beliefs for the truth that is set before you. Willing to yield your pride, your notions; your own self (Matthew 10:37-38, 16:24, Luke 9:23, 2 Corinthians 5:15), to obey the true and proper way. Every time you choose God over self you are showing yourself wise in your willingness to yield, in your willingness to present your body a living sacrifice, in your willingness to choose holiness and acceptability to God over selfish, carnal desires, and your willingness to be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2)!

…full of mercy and good fruits; when we are full of mercy and good fruits our faith and service to God will be evident to all (1 Timothy 4:12-13, 15-16), even to those who hate us, curse us, persecute us, and spitefully use us, because we will not limit our love and care to only those who are loving and caring toward us (Matthew 5:44-48, 25:34-40, Titus 3:8-14).

…without partiality; unwavering, undivided, unambiguous. Wisdom from above is consistent, steady and unbiased; without favouritism. It is not influenced by personal opinions or external pressures. Everyone, and every effort we put our hand to, will receive the very best that we can give - every time. Others will be able to count on us to be consistently upright, above board, and immovable in the practice of doing what is right (1 Corinthians 15:58).

…without hypocrisy; the quality of being genuine, sincere, and without pretense. Wisdom from above is seen in us when we are genuine people who honour God with our lives; when we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16-17), when we walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:3-6), and prove ourselves to be His disciples in every aspect of our lives. We will not carry a basket to cover up our light when we are around certain people (Matthew 5:14-16), but will remain true to God and His way and happily and consistently work as though we are working for Him (Colossians 3:23). We will also be humble and openly acknowledge our dependence on God, His mercy, and His grace. We will confess our sins to God in repentance (1 John 1:5-10), determine to do our very best to flee those things that made us stumble, and reinvigorate our pursuit of those things which are good and right (2 Timothy 2:22, Romans 12:9).

We also learned that Jesus is our perfect example of wisdom that is from above; He had it, and proved it through unwavering use throughout His life. If you want to know more of what this wisdom means and how to apply it, you need only look to Him and His Father, our Lord and Creator – they have provided all we need to know, they have given us both example and instruction, and we have access to more wisdom that is from above simply by asking God in faith!

“For the LORD gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 NKJV)

    Now with these facets of proper wisdom refreshed in your mind, I would like to bring a few verses back to your attention. Please consider all that you have learned about wisdom as you read and meditate on these passages:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” (Psalm 111:10 NKJV)

“If you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding…. If seek for [wisdom] as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly...” (Proverbs 2:1-7 NKJV)

“When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness…” (Proverbs 2:10-13 NKJV)

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain that fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare to her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.” (Proverbs 3:13-18 NKJV)

“…Keep sound wisdom and discretion; so they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet… For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.” (Proverbs 3:21-24, 26 NKJV) 

“The wise will inherit glory…” (Proverbs 3:35 NKJV)

“Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from my mouth. Do not forsake [wisdom], and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal things; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring your honour, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.” (Proverbs 4:5-9 NKJV)

“I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life.” (Proverbs 4:11-13 NKJV)

    Ask God for wisdom – He is ready and willing to give it to you liberally! Let’s ask for it, and receive it with a heart fully determined to apply it, as we follow Jesus’ example each day in both deed and in truth! As you can see from the passages we read, it is worth our every effort and our every sacrifice to obtain it and retain it!

Are you ready to flourish in wisdom that is from above?

You can do it! So can I!!