The unity of the Spirit. Ephesians 4:3

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

There is one body, and one Spirit. Eph. 4:4

The church needs unity around the goal of it's mission: evangelize and edify...

Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph. 2:18-22

Unity around the chief cornerstone, Christ; Who is also the head of the body, the church

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments. Psa. 133:1, 2

Dwell with them in unity...for the sake of perceptions

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. I Pet. 1:22

We are able to 'dwell together in unity' when we are made more mature in love!

Life Pursuit...

From Samuel Bagster's Daily Light for the Daily Path Devotional [c. 1875]

...with application and prayer responses by me...

Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Col. 3:1

Lord, with all my heart, I seek You, Your will, Your help, guidance and care

Get wisdom, get understanding. Prov. 4:5

Lord, I know you give it, help me to 'get it'!

The wisdom that is from above. James 3:17

The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. Job 28:14

We are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Rom. 6:4, 5

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Heb. 12:1

Lord, give me vict'ry over my sin, cause me to see the 'long look' as a runner in a race and not be overly distracted by the temporal affairs that seek to distract me

God ... hath quickened us together with Christ.... and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:4-6

Am I quickened to spiritual truths? Does my attitude transcend the temporal to the ethereal?

They that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. Heb. 11:14

Ah! Beulah Land, I'm longing for you! And some day on thee I'll stand; where my home remains eternal; Beulah Land; sweet Beulah Land.

Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness. Zeph. 2:3

Lord, help me pursue meekness with all the power you have to give!

Proverbs 29:1-27

(1) He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Watch your response to being reproved
(2) When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
the people are mourning right now...nationally, ecclesiastically, socially
(3) Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
Your father will rejoice if you handle things the right way...evidence of immorality is a certain kind of poverty
(4) The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
bribes ruin a leader's credibility...crony-ism is a scourge to any authority
(5) A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
Be careful of flattery...giving it or receiving it...receiving it is falling into an ego-trap set for you by the one giving it
(6) In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
Evidence of a righteous heart is singing and joy...
(7) The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
A righteous heart considers the plight of the poor...the wicked don't care...
(8) Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
Scorners! they defeat everyone they're around...
(9) If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
the evident and perpetual 'disconnect' between the wise and foolish...
(10) The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
Bloodthirsty, cruel, relentless people don't necessarily just 'avoid' the upright...they focus an attitude of 'hate' on them...contrarily, the upright seek his soul...they want to know his mind, will and emotional sets; application: see an upright man? seek to know his intellectual influences, his decision processes/principles; and ups and downs
(11) A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Keep some things to yourself...
(12) If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
The hole-y umbrella in business and leadership
(13) The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
Sometimes the poor are deceitful as a life-style...it is sometimes justified [as in old gypsy culture] in order to survive...someday, though, God will illuminate their minds that fraud is wrong
(14) The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Merciful leadership = longevity of privilege
(15) The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
what give wisdom? the rod and reproof
(16) When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
If you see offenses increase, it is evidence there are more wicked in the vicinity...the righteous will see their fall
(17) Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Kids wearing you out? correct them properly...the result will be delight to your mind, will and emotions, not 'fatigue'
(18) Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
people perish...we need Christ's vision for the world...those that apply themselves to Christ's commands are perpetually 'happy'
(19) A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
Someone who is a servant [employee] will have learned to keep his mouth shut
(20) Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
...keep thy mouth shut...
(21) He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
...Christ, in eternity, will bring many sons to glory...those who followed His pattern as a servant....
(22) An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
who stirs up strife? someone who is angry...perpetual anger/fury is characteristic of a heart that is in transgression
(23) A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
what brings a man to a low point in his life? pride! humility = honour
(24) Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
Don't partner with a thief...you bring frustration to your mind, will and emotions in doing this wrong...to the point of hearing cursing and bewraying it not
(25) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Faith does not bring a snare...fear does...fear of man...don't worry what man will do to you...worry what God will do if you don't obey His will for your life
(26) Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
Politics happens...but there is a judgment to come
(27) An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Bible-believers value godly character

LOVE & FORGIVE

Walk in love. Eph. 5:2

It's always amazing to me that pastors and brethren can excuse so much un-Christian and un-ethical actions in the name of Fundamentalism...they seldom walk in love, but often in self-love

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34

Love...love...love; have you not read 1 Co 13? Do you not know that your life should be characterized by this sacrificial love?

Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. I Pet. 4:8

this love should be fervent

Love covereth all sins. Prov. 10:12

this love covers all sins...as does the great love of Christ our Savior

When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25

If we don't forgive, we become bound to our offender!

Love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again. Luke 6:35

Love your enemies...do good to them...hope for nothing back...give yourself away!

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth. Prov. 24:17

Loving your enemies means capturing this attitude from Prov 24

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. I Pet. 3:9

Don't render evil for evil to your enemies...nor railing for railing

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Rom. 12:18

What is impossible with God? Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world...

Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Eph. 4:32

be kind...be tender-hearted...forgive one another

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. I John 3:18

love in deed and in truth...be honest in your love efforts...not contrived

Christ, who is the image of God. II Cor. 4:4

The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Isa. 40:5

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:18, 14

He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. John 14:9

The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person. Heb. 1:3

God was manifest in the flesh. I Tim. 3:16

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Col. 1:14, 15

Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Rom. 8:29

As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. I Cor 15:49

Fools and their...mouths [not money]

Proverbs 26:1-28 KJV

Do not honour a fool
(1) As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

Quit worrying about what might be
(2) As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

Fools are an easy target for punishment
(3) A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

When and when not to answer fools
(4) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
(5) Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Characteristics of a fool
(6) He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
(7) The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
(8) As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
(9) As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
(10) The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
(11) As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

Don't be conceited
(12) Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Slothful men and sluggards
(13) The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
(14) As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
(15) The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
(16) The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

Meddling in strife
(17) He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

'Just joking' and other excuses for bad behavior...
(18) As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
(19) So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

Talebearers and contentious men
(20) Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
(21) As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Wounds to our soul
Tale-bearing lips
(22) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Burning lips
(23) Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Dissembling lips
(24) He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
(25) When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
(26) Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

Don't lay traps for people
(27) Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

and the last word in...
(28) A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25:1-28 KJV

(1) These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

God conceals...kings find honor when they search out
(2) It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

we sometimes don't know what condition a king's heart is...this would explain why there was no revolt at Saul's, David's or other kings' disobedience and resulting judgment on their people
(3) The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

O God, purge my dross! make me a vessel for the finer
(4) Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

relationships to kings...as also proposed in vv.1-3; cf. 24:21 'Fear thou the LORD AND the king..."
(5) Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
(6) Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
(7) For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
mention of the king's under-managers: princes [v.7]

Choose your battles carefully...
(8) Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
(9) Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
(10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

Carefully choose your speech...
(11) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
(12) As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Be a faithful 'messenger'...reliable, trustworthy
(13) As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Don't be a cloud or a 'blow-hard', boasting that which you cannot deliver...
(14) Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

Second mention of the 'prince' in this passage...the 2nd in command to the king and very influential
(15) By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

Watch that sweet-tooth!
(16) Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

Pull out early on a house-call!
(17) Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

False witnesses hurt us deeply
(18) A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Be faithful and reliable
(19) Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

Don't try to cheer everyone up...let Christ, the word and the Spirit do it!
(20) As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

How to treat enemies...cf. 24:17-20
(21) If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
(22) For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

Gossipers!
(23) The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

Can't live with...can't live without...can live above, though
(24) It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

Bring 'good news' from a far
(25) As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

The degradation of compromise
(26) A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

Don't search your own 'greatness'
(27) It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

Rule your own spirit
(28) He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Proverb a day...keeps...[you fill in the blank rhyme]

Proverbs 24:1-34 KJV

(1) Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
(2) For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
how sad when this becomes people in leadership positions

(3) Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
(4) And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
a house of treasures

(5) A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
get strength = mental, not merely physical
(6) For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
do you have wise, Christian, counsellors in your life???

(7) Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
Fool: 'When in doubt, I SPEAK! I SPEAK PUBLICLY. I PROVE I'M A FOOL.'

(8) He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
(9) The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
scorner = one who criticizes the good and godly and right; nobody likes a critic!

(10) If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
strength...joy of the Lord is your strength...be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might...wisdom increases strength...

(11) If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
(12) If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
Don't pretend you don't see the needs of the needy! Deal with it and stop being selfish, amen?

(13) My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
(14) So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
God's word: Sweeter also than the honey...and the honeycomb, cf. Ps. 19

(15) Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
(16) For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
not a spiritual fall, but a physical loss...his dwelling may be assaulted 7 times, but he keeps rebounding...

(17) Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
(18) Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
Gut-check/heart-check, Troy! be humble

(19) Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;
(20) For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

(21) My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
(22) For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
them that are given to change...how sad when that is the case of some in spiritual leadership...that vacillate doctrinally and on standards

(23) These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
Pastors, you will give an account for showing favoritism to the 'rich and famous'!!!
...more on this favoritism:
(24) He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
(25) But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

(26) Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
The Lord Jesus gave a right answer...and was given the traitor's kiss

(27) Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
a goal I have for my sons...to be 'set' in career and savings, then build [not a prerequisite for marriage, but a wise thing to do]

(28) Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
(29) Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
I'm often 'set up', but God is watching to see my response...heard this yesterday: 'Life is 90% what happens to you and 10% your response [-s]'

KEEP UP WITH YOUR YARD WORK, SELFS!
(30) I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
(31) And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

GET UP THIS MORNING AND GET IT GOING
(32) Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
(33) Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
(34) So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 23:1-35 KJV
Rulers and leaders are not always to be trusted
(1) When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
(2) And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
(3) Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

Get your priorities straight, Troy!
(4) Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
(5) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
Money: easy come, easy go

Another reference to rulers/leaders???
(6) Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
(7) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
(8) The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

Don't waste your time with some people...
(9) Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Be mindful of the 'down and out'
(10) Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
(11) For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

Listen to good preaching!
(12) Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

Manage your kids, Troy
(13) Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
(14) Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

How to please God today...
(15) My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
believe and think right...
(16) Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
speak right...
(17) Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
note: ALL THE DAY LONG...that's my battle...be in it ALL the day long
(18) For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
what's the end of it all? well, that depends on how you lived all the day long...

Be wise, dumb-dumb!
(19) Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
(20) Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
(21) For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
there's the end for the drinker and partier

MAKE YOUR PARENTS PROUD WHEN YOU GROW UP!
(22) Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
(23) Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
(24) The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
(25) Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

Immodest, immoral women and alcohol go together
(26) My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
(27) For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
(28) She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
(29) Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
(30) They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
(31) Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
(32) At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
(33) Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
(34) Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
(35) They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Greek-ocide...a sorrowful indiscretion

Recently I heard John 21 expounded with these remarks:
Love: Phileo. To be a friend..fond of ..have affection for…personally attached to; Step lower in commitment to agape love.

My response to this faith-eroding exposition: [a borrowed response, edited and pasted here]

• The question was asked: "When Jesus confronted Peter and thrice asked, 'Do you love me?' he used two different words in Greek, why wasn't this captured in the English translation? Of the two occurrences which do use the same word, does the voice change or is it constant."
• The passage is found in John 21:15-17 which reads as follows.
• 15: So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
• 16: He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
• 17: He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
• There are two different Greek words translated as love in this passage. One is agape and the other is phileo. According to the Greek text (and this is true of all Greek texts) the first two times Jesus uses the word love He uses the Greek word agape. Both of these times Peter responds with phileo. On the third time, when Jesus speaks the word love, the word phileo is used by Christ. To this, Peter responds with phileo. Some suggest that the Greek word agape means a deeper love, while the Greek word phileo means friendship or affection.
• The King James Bible is not alone in translating both words the same way. The standard Spanish translation is the Valera. What the KJV is to the English-speaking world, the Valera is to the Spanish- speaking world. Each time the Lord asks, "me amas?" to which Peter replies, "Si, Senor; tu sabes que te amo." In every case, the Spanish word for love is used, not two different words.
• The standard French Bible is the Louis Segond. All three times the Lord uses the word, "m'aimes-tu," and Peter replies with "t'aime." It is the same French word for love.
• The Italian Bible is the Giovanni Diodati. In the gospel according to Giovanni (John), the Italian word "amo" is used throughout the passage.
• And, of course, Luther's German Bible uses the German word for love, which is, "lieber."
• Even the NIV, NASV, RSV, NRSV, TEV, and NEB translated both Greek words as love in this passage. So the KJV is not at all alone in its translation. Leaving the Greek to use two different words.
• Or, is it? Most scholars teach the two different Greek words agape and phileo, mean two different things, or at the very least, two different types of love (such as, I love my wife and I love pizza). However, this does not bear itself out in the Greek New Testament. The simple fact is that these two words are used interchangeably, both meaning love. If phileo means friendship and not godly love, then why does Christ use it in Revelation 3:19? "As many as I love, I rebuke."
• Read John 20:2. Is it agape or phileo? How about John 16:27? Is this agape or phileo? How about John 5:20 or 11:3,36? Reading the context of these passages and being told that agape means godly love one might think this is the Greek word used in these passages. However, the word phileo is used in all. Both words mean love and are used interchangeably.
• Finally, the real issues here was not the change of Greek words. Peter was not grieved because Christ had changed Greek words. He was grieved because he asked three times. It was not the change in words or tense that disturbed Peter. It was, "because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?" Does not this passage in John 21 prove the point that agape and phileo are interchangeable? Jesus asks, "lovest (agape) thou me" (vs. 15), "lovest (agape) thou me" (vs. 16), and "lovest (phileo) thou me" (vs. 17). When Christ asks this last time, the texts states, "He saith unto him THE THIRD TIME" (vs.17). This is true only if these two words are interchangeable. If they are not interchangeable and carry different meanings, the text is in error, for it was not the third time. If the two words carry the same meaning, the text would be correct as it stands in the Greek manuscripts.

Cut to the heart? on circumcision of the inner man...Men's Campout

What profit is there of circumcision? Rom. 3:1

such an odd sacrament...yet doctors agree, circumcision is very healthy and prevents both infection and disease

Much every way. Rom. 3:2

Paul indicates every way...not just what doctors now believe, but spiritually and mentally Paul would say it profits

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart. Jer. 4:4

God's people are to be uniquely separate from the world

If ... their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember. Lev. 26:41, 42

pride in the life = uncircumcised heart

humility in the life of a believer = circumcised heart

Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. Rom. 15:8

circumcision here means the Jews

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Col. 2:11

in Christ my heart was circumcised by Christ...a mystical circumcision that put off the body of the sins of the flesh...I am not the same...and Paul experiencing the same could declare his struggles in Romans 7...'it is no more I [the heart and desire exposed by circumcision] that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me [where previously he said 'that is, in my flesh...dwelleth no good thing...']

You. being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. Col. 2:13

this circumcision involved Christ's Divine act of forgiving us all--ALL--our trespasses...what are trespasses?

The term 'trespass' is also used for a transgression in general, also in the traditional version of the Lord's Prayer. 'Trespass' is in fact a shorter English version of the Latin transgressio. So what is a transgression? A violation of a law, command or duty...the law of God, written in our hearts, that law of Moses, the 10 commandments...

Here's the text of the 10 commandments:

Exodus 20:2-17 KJV
(2) I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
(3) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
(4) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
(5) Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
(6) And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
(7) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
(8) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
(9) Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
(10) But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
(11) For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
(12) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
(13) Thou shalt not kill.
(14) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
(15) Thou shalt not steal.
(16) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
(17) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and ... put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness. Eph. 4:22-24

In Christ, we have ALL THE POTENTIAL TO DO RIGHT...TO DO WHAT WE OUGHT TO DO...TO OBEY GOD AND MAKE RIGHT CHOICES, GOOD CHOICES, ATTITUDE CHOICES, LOVING CHOICES

You've heard the Hollywood phrase, "Stupid is as stupid does"...in the sight of God, Godly is as godly does...I AM ONLY AS GODLY AS THE GODLY CHOICES I MAKE ALL THE DAY LONG...I CAN MAKE GODLY CHOICES AND SINFUL CHOICES IN THE SAME DAY...OH GOD, HELP ME TO MAKE GODLY CHOICES ALL THE DAY LONG!!!

Do you yearn to please God? Do you long to obey Him all the time?

Here's a hymn that expresses that very sentiment, including an obscure verse that is never included in most hymnals:

Whiter than Snow

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Refrain

Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,
Apply Thine own blood and extract ev’ry stain;
To get this blest cleansing, I all things forego—
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

repeat Refrain

He that is of a merry heart...Men's Campout

He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Prov. 15:15

a person with a positive outlook has a party-like atmosphere

The joy of the LORD is your strength. Neh. 8:10
...is your what? your strength!

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. 14:17

not joy in circumstances, not joy in 'luck' or 'good fortune', but authentic, genuine, sincere joy in the Holy Ghost

Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 5:18-20

...we have joy when we giv[e] thanks for all things unto God and the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ...I know a lot of pagans and unregenerates who are grateful but not unto the true God and Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ...they are grateful to the god of luck or fortune, grateful to people, some grateful to all the 'little people' who helped them where they are...oh, how God's people need to confess their deep, abiding gratitude in conjunction with the real source of blessing--the LORD JESUS CHRIST

I remember seeing Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser interviewed after winning the World Series against the odds-on favorite, talent-laden Oakland A's...it was a sort of 'miracle' that the Dodgers won that, having been catapulted by Kirk Gibson's late-inning heroics with the home run against Eckersly, then one of the very best relief pitchers....anyway, Orel, when asked for a response of how he felt began an a capella rendition of the BENEDICTION! I was shocked...there was a professional athlete singing in tune 'Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS FLOW...praise Him all creatures here below...praise Him above, ye hea'vnly host...praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost" I'll never forget it...what a testimony of thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, the object of our gratitude and source of our praise!

By him ... let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Heb. 13:15

...there it is again, giving thanks to His name...many equate that with pray without ceasing, some with vocal praise...nonetheless, the character of that speech is unending gratitude

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Hab. 3:17, 18

this is a great Scripture song...reminds us to rejoice even when times are economically adverse

Sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing. II Cor. 6:10

Paul could rejoice on the inside while wrestling with sorrow on the outside...

We glory in tribulations also. Rom. 5:3

Paul knew, somehow, how to glory in tribulations...as did our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Who is He?

He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. Luke 1:49

Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Exo. 15:11

What distinguishes the LORD among the gods?

1. His imcomparibility [who is like thee]
2. His glory through holiness [purity]
3. Feared through praise [awe and worship]
4. Doing wonders [personal testimonies]
   

Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. Psa. 86:8

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy. Rev. 15:4

Hallowed be thy name. Matt. 6:9

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. Luke 1:68

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.... be glory. Eph. 3:20, 21

Lord, You desire to do for us great things, which we can neither seek nor imagine...You desire that we be satisfied with You like no other relationship...Thou art Creator, my Redeemer, Sustainer and Great Pleasure of all. May we be happy to be holy and satisfied in Your greatness and goodness today and always. Amen.

Set me as a seal...and graven in your hands

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm. Song 8:6

Here this song of passion for one's beloved, is, as many old time commentators insist, an allegory of Christ's love for His own, and vice versa, songs of love from the Church to her Lord.

The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his; and, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. II Tim. 2:19

Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Isa. 49:16

Here the prophet asserts that the people of God are 'carved'/graven upon the palms of God's figurative hands...where we are ne'er forgotten while He does His work throughout all the world, indeed all the universe...what a place of significance and constancy! I am reminded of this hymn reflecting the same sentiment:

Arise, My Soul, Arise by Charles Wesley

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

My God is reconciled; His pard'ning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

oh, those hand of our Lord...hands scarred by His own making...and ours...His to carve our memory in...ours to cause Him that humiliation by which we are atoned...

Zechariah 13:6 And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

John 10:26-29 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

For those who read this and do not believe on Christ...He is the Messiah to all Israel...and, as the apostles stated, the Savior of the world...believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved...our world wounded Him then with words and physical assault...and do wound Him now with words of opposition to His kingdom laws and Personage...what holiness He represents, what moral excellence and light He is...repent of your opposition, embrace Him and love Him more than any love you possess...make Him the Center of your life and walk in the light of His kingdom...make a straight path for His church, a church that teaches and preaches His kingdom laws...those wonderful precepts of God's word, the BIBLE

For those who do believe on Christ...He is most Excellent a Savior...most Wonderful our Lord Who would not be ashamed to call us His friends...let us repent for any denials...and, not as Peter at our Lord's arrest, be ashamed to look on Him, but look FULL in His wonderful face...and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace!

Welcome to my 'God blog'

This blog-site is
For my family and friends...I am accountable on this page and to the Lord for my daily walk with God...and, whether there's a blog site or not, that accountability still exists.

May you be encouraged and strengthened for your daily walk as you see how God guides our path with His lamp and light.

Psalm 71 is a great psalm of comfort; it is deeply reflective...read, meditate and enjoy!

Wishing you God's best and blessings,

Troy
3 John 2

Psalms 71:5-24 KJV
(5) For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. ...reflect...
(8) Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. ...purpose to do it...
(9) Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. ...trust and pray...
(15) My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. ...purpose to do it...
(16) I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. ...trust and pray...
(17) O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. ...reflect...
(18) Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. ...reflect...
(19) Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! ...believe and exult in Him!
(22) I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. ...purpose to do it...
(23) My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
...purpose to do it...believe and exult in Him!