WISDOM FROM ABOVE – A FACTOR OF EIGHT ROSS SMITH

August 27, 2015 Ross Smith

FACTOR OF EIGHT STUDY – WISDOM – (COMPILATION) ROSS SMITH 06082014

This is a compilation of several studies on this most important process of becoming like Christ, the embracing of the “Wisdom from Above “which constitutes the “Ethics of God” and then seeing these characteristics mature and manifest as the “Ethos of God” or His character.

The title “FACTOR OF EIGHT” will become more evident as you proceed through the study of the eight characteristics that constitute WISDOM, but in bible numerology the number “8” represents “spiritual fatness”.

EIGHT: sh’moneh in Hebrew, from the root shah’meyn “to make fat” or “to cover with fat” which means to super-abound.

The attached “MY OBSERVATIONS” page is for you to append the insights and understanding that will accrue as you apply your “thought and study” as suggested in MARK 4:24 and to also record the progress you make as you submit to the recommendations of JAMES 3:17.

Each “characteristic” has extensive implications that will only become evident as we proceed to the place where we can truly SHOW, not claim, that we have received this “Wisdom from Above”. A word of warning however, even though the Word of God says in JAMES 1:5 that “if we lack wisdom then just ask the Lord for it” there are expectations that Father has of us so that we appreciate the value of this sovereign impartation of His character, just as we understand that to accrue “patience” we have to face “tribulation, likewise with Wisdom it has its price.

Proverbs 5:1-2 MY SON, be attentive to my Wisdom [godly Wisdom learned by actual and costly experience], and incline your ear to my understanding [of what is becoming and prudent for you], that you may exercise proper discrimination and discretion and your lips may guard and keep knowledge and the wise answer [to temptation]. (AMP)

These are just some additional thoughts following the study on “Liberation from Agitating Passions and MORAL CONFLICTS.

As we embrace the Wisdom/Ethics of God then we will evidence His Ethos.

WISDOM = The Ethics of God

KNOWLEDGE = The will of God

UNDERSTANDING = The work of God

INTELLIGENCE = The blessing of God

By embracing the above 4 principles we will then have to add an additional one as follows: –

ETHOS The “ethos” or character or morality of God

(Wikipedia … Ethos forms the root of ethikos (ἠθικός), meaning “moral, showing moral character

Embracing the ethics of God (or the Wisdom from above) is not cheap experience, everything of self has to submit to that “The Wisdom from above”. Does that mean that I am no longer “me”? No, it means that “me” reverts back to Father’s original design, “made in his image and likeness”, it means I become more Christlike. And if I am more Christlike, that means I am able to reflect His character, or in other words “Manifest His “Ethos”, and demonstrate His “morality”.

In 2^nd Peter 1:4 he speaks of us being “Partakers of the divine nature”. A similar expression is found in Hebrews 12:10 which indicates that we “Might be partakers of his Holiness”. I am sure this does not mean that we are absorbed into the divine nature so that we lose our individuality. This is confirmed by the Word in relation to our heavenly abode which indicates we will have a separate and individual existence. In all the representations of heaven in the Bible, the idea of “individuality” is one that is prominent and we are identified as worshippers in that dimension.

Can I suggest that both the references in Peter and Hebrews are directing us to embrace the “moral nature” of God and because we are renewed we become participants of the same “moral nature”. This would be true Christlikeness for we would have the same views, feelings, thoughts, purposes, and principles of action. It is interesting that we are exploring James 3:17 which describes Fathers “ethos or morality” in such vibrant clarity but using different words. May I respectfully suggest that these studies also warrant revisiting?

Whilst the word seems simple enough and the plan uncomplicated, the route is tortuous only because I am not close enough to hear the whispered directions of that “still small voice”.

It is worth considering 1^st Peter 3:4 which refers to (in ISV) “the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which God values greatly”. It was drawn to my attention by Linda that the original word (G2272) includes a translation as “properly keeping one’s seat (sedentary) that is, (by implication) still (undisturbed, undisturbing): – peaceable, quite. It is in this state of mind and condition of spirit that will enable the clarity of Fathers instructions to be clearly discerned.”

Using some poetic licence I think Peter was actually saying “don’t get out of your pram, I’ll pick up your dummy”. But having learned to be “quiet” the bible is suggesting we are able to maintain it, “The imperishable quality”, how good is that?

The “determination” required will only be activated when we realise what the goal is Father has for our life. That is why we need to regularly revisit the “THEN’S” of Isaiah 58 which will become the “ethos” that we so desperately require. The “IFS” will have been dealt with as God gives us the 8 components of “Wisdom from Above”. Keeping in mind what Jeremiah 29:11A says, “I have a plan for your life”, which includes all these attributes that we have “diligently” cultivated.

The assistance to attain to this level comes from my application of 2^nd Peter 1:5, “the adding” or the “transforming”. The goal becomes “Conformed to His image and likeness”. (SEE ‘HIERARCHY OF HOLINESS”)

I look forward to the outcome of this principle and confidently expect that as I apply the “thought and study” to this matter that is appropriate then I will receive adequate “virtue and knowledge”.

Proverbs 4:6 If you love Wisdom and don’t reject her, she will watch over you.

A FACTOR OF EIGHT – #1 – PURE ROSS SMITH 08052014

If there is anything you remember from this message this morning it is this, and you should write it down in large letters at the top of the page. “EXAMINE MY MOTIVES”. My original statement was EXAMINE “YOUR” MOTIVES, but I was quickly alerted to the fact that I was a prime candidate here.

And while we are in a receptive mood let us also record what Paul said to the Colossians:-

Colossians 2:20 If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things and have escaped from the world’s crude and elemental notions and teachings of externalism, why do you live as if you still belong to the world?

Biblical definition of numeral “8”.

EIGHT: sh’moneh in Hebrew, from the root shah’meyn “to make fat” or “to cover with fat” which means to super-abound.

You will recall we studied “BREAKFAST” in Isaiah 58 that in verse six it identified eight activities that precede the fulfilment of God’s promises, which are extensive, relating to the life that we should live, and would result in Spiritual Fatness.

Similarly in 2 Peter 1 we found that there were eight qualities which we were encouraged to develop with all our might. I was then interested to see that in Philippians 4:8 there was another factor of eight, comprising “True, Honest, Just, Pure, Lovely, Good report, Virtue, Praise”, a few things that were appropriate for us to think about instead of the mundane

Philippians4:8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honourable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Then recently my attention was drawn to the proposition “VALUES DRIVE OUR ATTITUDES DRIVE OUR BEHAVIOUR”, and this coerced me into exploring this cliché due to the fact that I have been strenuously exercised against being “Vague” and consequently I have been looking at the implications. As we proceed hopefully we will understand the implications of “VAGUE” whilst I proceed with the study on the subject.

Whilst I have some grasp of the essence of ATTITUDES and BEHAVIOUR, I had to admit to myself that I really needed to understand the “VALUES” component, as this is the pedestal for the other two components to rest on.

Because the world at large places great value on things temporal and material, this

infection has also blighted the church. We tend to be “vague” about crystallising the real meaning of “values” and we gloss over much we read without extracting the nutrition.

The reason I keep referring to the term “Vague”, is because it impinges significantly on the outcome of our walk with the Lord and the establishment and implementation of our “VALUES”. There are two groups of people, (1) those who faithfully and energetically run the race, (2) and those who have “sat down and parked themselves inside the door of salvation and are not concerned about purifying their hearts from the contamination of this world”.

This coupled with my studies in Ephesians 5:15–17 it has caused my focus to be fine-tuned, for part of this Scripture states “Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.” As a consequence I set out to determine what “VALUES” really means, because I really want to know “what the will of the Lord is” and as a consequence have had to put my study on Ephesians 5 on hold.

But before we proceed let me ask a question, “If we are not sure of what the will of the Lord is, then do we qualify as vague, thoughtless and foolish”. I ask this question because of recent studies on “HE WHO KNOWS TO DO RIGHT AND DOES IT NOT TO HIM IT IS SIN”, (James 4:17) and consequently if we are not adhering to that injunction then we must be “VAGUE” with its attending penalties and repercussions. Does it mean that we do not understand God’s will? And if we do not understand it we will be unable to “firmly grasp it”. Gods will is clearly enunciated throughout the bible and so this is further incentive for consistent and thorough study.

CONTINUING ….. There are a number of relevant analogies/descriptions of different “Values” throughout Scripture. (1) In 2 Chronicles 9:20 Solomon was so rich that “silver was not counted as anything in the days of Solomon”. (2) The comparison of Father’s value of us as opposed to the birds of the air. (3) In 1 Peter 1:7 it indicates that our faith is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold just to name a few.

The apostle Paul in writing to the Colossians in chapter 2:20 begins his exhortation with, “If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things” and then begins to at admonish them for having such improper “values”. Dare I suggest that these “material ways “is to confine our concepts to the mundane.

So after some musing and a veritable scamper through the Scriptures I was relieved to find that there is specific clarification of what God considers “VALUE”. I could not find any reference to the term “Value for Money,” in fact this concept is derided.

Before proceeding it is worthwhile identifying why we should go to such lengths to explore such a simple term, with such profound results, and yet so poorly understood. The apostle Paul again comes to our aid with such eloquence to describe the outcome of those who have truly established their “values” and have applied the principles of the word.

Philippians 3:8-14 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One), And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith. [For my determined purpose is] (Keep this statement in mind for further down the study) that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], (this is understanding) and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], (this is expectation) and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body]. Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration] (another name for “motive”): forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

I suspect this sort of testimony can only be made after we have obtained “WISDOM”.

Can we identify Pauls Motives? Do we identify WITH Paul’s motives?

I find in the word that the principle “VALUE” that we need to appreciate is “GOD’s WISDOM”. We have for an extended period of time understood Wisdom to be “applied knowledge” and to a large degree this is accurate, however it is also incomplete. It is also in the convolution of those principles of our previous studies involving “Factor of Eight” that propel us past the place of spiritual leanness to spiritual fatness.

The elimination of “vague” is dependent upon “LOVE” which you will recall is the last “quality” referred to in 2 Peter 1 and is preceded by seven other things we are incited to develop. The development of this quality is clearly enunciated in: –

Philippians 1:9-10 And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance (the elimination of “vague”) and more comprehensive discernment], So that you may surely learn (it requires study to learn) to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of REAL VALUE [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, (purified) you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].

The procurement/evidence of LOVE will enable us to recognise “REAL VALUE”, and the incubation of love will result in full development in knowledge and all keen insight, and it is out of this understanding or knowledge that we then can proceed to that further “FACTOR OF EIGHT” neatly packaged up in “WISDOM”, as follows: –

James 3:17 But the WISDOM from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).

Let me put them in list form both for clarity and objectivity: –

Pure
Peaceable
Gentle
Accommodating
Full of mercy
Good fruit
Impartial
Not hypocritical

The difficulty we face is twofold, how we appropriate GOD’s WISDOM so that we can apply it in the practical manner for which it is intended, and what are the attributes so that we can identify the value and develop it. The patriarch Job obviously contemplated what was valuable, and probably had a greater understanding than most because of the accumulation of material wealth that he had experienced, then lost, then recovered. His ruminations are spelt out in:–

Job 28:12-20 But where shall Wisdom be found? (what a good question?) And where is the place of understanding? Man knows not the price of it; neither is it found in the land of the living. The deep says, [Wisdom] is not in me; and the sea says, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price of it. It cannot be valued in [terms of] the gold of Ophir, in the precious onyx or beryl, or the sapphire. Gold and glass cannot equal [Wisdom], nor can it be exchanged for jewels or vessels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; for the possession of Wisdom is even above rubies or pearls. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot compare with it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. From where then does Wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?

This is a great question from a man who has obviously attained to greatness in his community and evidenced great business acumen. This passage identifies that Job had not only an academic appreciation of the value of natural resources, but was able to relate the commercial with the spiritual.

From human ingenuity and contrivance, Job turns to the consideration of “WISDOM“. “Where,” he asks, “is this to be found?” It is a wholly different thing from cleverness and ingenuity. It inquires into causes and origins, into the ends and purposes of things. Perfect wisdom can, of course, only dwell with God (verse 23). Man must be content with something much below this. With him “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding” (verse 28).

This again raises the conundrum because with our research our understanding of verse 28 is indeed vague. How does “the fear of the Lord” constitute wisdom? The dilemma is where we start.

Proverbs 4:7 THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] (the most valuable) And with all you have gotten, (The acquisition of WISDOM is only part of the complete answer) get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation). (And this aspect constitutes a complete study apart from what we are exploring today)

Let us also understand that wisdom on its own is insufficient for the Bible repeats the instruction:-

Proverbs 4:5 Get skillful and godly Wisdom, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation); do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth.

The difference here between “skilful and godly wisdom” and “understanding” is that the first comes from above so that we can safely accommodate the information encompassed in “understanding”, because if we had the understanding without the Wisdom it would be a dangerous condition, flaunted because of our misplaced motives

James 1:5 IF ANY OF YOU IS DEFICIENT IN WISDOM, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

I can easily tell if you have WISDOM, I just have to look for the qualities associated with this characteristic.

And so we are given the starting point for the accumulation of the attributes of WISDOM, identifying clearly that this quality is not academic, is not brought about by striving, (But does come through “costly experience”) but is a resource provided by God himself, and evidenced in SPIRITUAL FATNESS, and this is where the “FACTOR OF EIGHT” again becomes relevant. But there is a progression that is profound.

WISDOM like WORSHIP is a life style, and has qualities like those in 2 Peter 1:5-7, but God does not zap us with them, but tests us by the experiences we pass through to determine our motives and prove our reliability.

Proverbs 5:1-2 MY SON, be attentive to my Wisdom [godly Wisdom learned by actual and costly experience], and incline your ear to my (God’s) understanding [of what is becoming and prudent for you], that you may exercise proper discrimination and discretion and your lips may guard and keep knowledge and the wise answer [to temptation]. (Information)

Ephesians 1:8 Which He lavished upon us (speaking about the riches and generosity of His gracious favour …. Comments mine) in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence),

It is not convenient here to explore “UNDERSTANDING” and probably we will not properly understand it until we have grasped the full intent and content of “WISDOM”.

The first quality of “WISDOM” is “PURE”. But pure what? Without a proper understanding of purity we will be at a disadvantage in our pursuit of this hugely important characteristic, so let’s explore.

No 1 Quality =PURE: When we think about “pure” we tend to measure it by things like “pure gold”. Pure gold is generally considered to be 24 carat, however even this is not pure. Carat purity is measured as 24 times the pure mass divided by the total mass, and the best 24 carat gold is 99.95% gold and the rest an alloy. So we have to have a better measure of “pure”.

This is where some of our previous exploration becomes relevant because we understand that “heart” and “attitude” are synonymous. And as we set out in this study the launching pad was “VALUE” which drives our “ATTITUDE”. And so if we are to “purify our hearts” it actually means “a change of attitude”. The Amplified version adds the explanation “of your spiritual adultery”, or in other words our “two timing”.

This is where you will have to stay with me because I believe the process of “purifying our hearts” is actually “EXAMINING OUR MOTIVES”. So it is probably convenient at this point to review the various scriptural premises relating to “pure heart”. Let us see what it looks like when we alternate the words, “pure heart” and “pure motives”.

Matthew 5:8 Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous–possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God’s favour and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) ARE THE PURE IN HEART (with pure motives …. Comments mine), FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD!

So Matthew again reinforces the proposal that we need to have a PURE HEART and if our attitudes are anything other than in line with the purposes of God, then we jeopardise our destiny.

Conversely however we should look at the first part of the verse where such elaborate provision has been made for those who are “Pure in Heart” with a very important rider “regardless of their outward conditions”. The wisdom that attends PURITY does not have the outward appearances that would invite us to rate a man as “WISE”, we need to look much deeper than that.

“Purity of Heart” is a significant requirement throughout Scripture: –

Psalm 24:3-4 Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, (proper motives) who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully.

Psalm 73:1 A Psalm of Asaph. TRULY GOD is [only] good to Israel, even to those who are upright and pure in heart. (or with proper motives)

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). (The New English Testament translates “weighs the spirits” as “evaluates the motives”.)

1Timothy 1:5 Whereas the object and purpose of our instruction and charge is love, which springs from a pure heart (pure motives) and a good (clear) conscience and sincere (unfeigned) faith.

Titus 1:15 To the pure [in heart and conscience] all things are pure, (starting with their motives) but to the defiled and corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure; their very minds and consciences are defiled and polluted.

1Peter 1:22 Since by your obedience to the Truth through the [Holy] Spirit you have purified your hearts (examined your motives) for the sincere affection of the brethren, [see that you] love one another fervently from a pure heart.

Again I find this is an area where we have been “VAGUE” for we do not fully understand what “purity of heart” really means. Let me pause and ask you what your concept is of “pure of heart”.

(It is probably convenient to take notes of our general understanding of “purity of heart”)

Every action we undertake has an underlying motive, a large proportion of our communication has an underlying motive, the way we dress has an underlying motive, and the way we drive has an underlying motive. Any time anyone does anything, it is for a reason, and with a motive. Perhaps it’s the motive of feeling good about yourself , or is pleasing God, or merits for your future. We will carry within ourselves a unique mixture of pure and impure motives.

Let me list some motives: –

To gain advantage

To impress someone

To ridicule someone

To get my own way

To massage my pride

To protect myself

To avoid a situation

To save Mission energy

To luxuriate in laziness

To obtain what I want

For example, do I act differently in accordance with the situation, that is, wear a different face for different people or different conditions.

As you go through our day and through the events of the day we need to pay attention to what is motivating us to whatever we are doing. Why are we more generous in some situations than in others, is it just from the satisfaction of doing good or is there some obvious payoff?

Consider these following Scriptures: –

1Corinthians_4:5 So do not make any hasty or premature judgments before the time when the Lord comes [again], for He will both bring to light the secret things that are [now hidden] in darkness and disclose and expose the [secret] aims (motives and purposes) of hearts. Then every man will receive his [due] commendation from God.

2Corinthians 1:12 It is a reason for pride and exultation to which our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world [generally] and especially toward you, with devout and pure motives and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God (the unmerited favour and merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, and keeps, strengthens, and increases them in Christian virtues).

2Corinthians 10:2 I entreat you when I do come [to you] that I may not [be driven to such] boldness as I intend to show toward those few who suspect us of acting according to the flesh [on the low level of worldly motives and as if invested with only human powers].

Philippians2:3 Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].

1Thessalonians 2:5 For as you well know, we never resorted either to words of flattery or to any cloak to conceal greedy motives or pretexts for gain, [as] God is our witness.

James 2:4 Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming critics and judges with wrong motives?

James 4:3 [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you all ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.

Revelation 20:13 And the sea delivered up the dead who were in it, death and Hades (the state of death or disembodied existence) surrendered the dead in them, and all were tried and their cases determined by what they had done [according to their motives, aims, and works].

You will recall that we discussed previously that “thoughts are actions in rehearsal” and can I suggest that the way we think is a consequence of our motives.

What is our motive in giving advice or more importantly others giving advice to us?

Proverbs 12:13 The wicked is [dangerously] snared by the transgression of his lips, (or speaking out with improper motives) but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall come out of trouble.

1Thessalonians 2:5 For as you well know, we never resorted either to words of flattery or to any cloak to conceal greedy motives or pretexts for gain, [as] God is our witness.

James 2:4 Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming critics and judges with wrong motives?

Revelation 20:13 And the sea delivered up the dead who were in it, death and Hades (the state of death or disembodied existence) surrendered the dead in them, and all were tried and their cases determined by what they had done [according to their motives, aims, and works].

You will recall right at the outset that I refer to the Scripture when Paul says “BUT MY DETERMINED PURPOSE”, can I rephrase this statement to read, “MY PURE MOTIVE”.

I must at all times “EXAMINE MY MOTIVES”. I must “purify my heart” so that I can embark on the ship of WISDOM

MY OBSERVATIONS

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FACTOR OF EIGHT #2 – PEACEABLE ROSS SMITH 26062014

PEACEABLE is different to PEACEFUL. The latter can be real or alternatively, consist of ambivalence, nonchalance or just plain laziness. However it is interesting to note that there has to be conflict for peace to be evidenced, and we will come to that. Also there are two kinds of peace, if we are to be simplistic about it, can you think what they are? …… INTERNAL & EXTERNAL. Whilst out study is concentrated on PEACEABLE the convolution of PEACE broadens the subject on many fronts, for Peace and Peaceableness are inextricably bound together. For that reason we cannot appreciate “PEACEABLE” without considering the fruit.

PEACABLE however is a characteristic of WISDOM that cannot be mimicked or manipulated, it is observable and practical, real and reliable, and it is of benefit to all who are exposed to it

PEACE together with Grace is described in 2 Peter 1:2 as “perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fear and agitating passions and moral conflicts”. (There is another study on “Liberation from Agitating Passions”)

This compendium of benefits and attributes would seem worthy of aggressive pursuit in its own right, for who would want to live outside of that provision, but it is afforded us through KNOWLEDGE of God and is given of God where we see in verse 3, “He has bestowed upon us all things through the full personal knowledge of Him who called us”. (2 Peter 1:3)

But with all the recommendations made in this respect, peace is not mentioned as a component of WISDOM. The first component we have looked at previously was “PURE” and now we come to the second component which is “PEACEABLE”.

The dictionary gives a definition of PEACEABLE as “promoting calm, inclined or disposed to avoid strife or dissension”. This is hardly an adequate description for a condition born out of Righteousness and with tangible results far greater than “promoting calm”, involving a relationship with God that will affect everything and everyone around us.

HEBREWS 12:11 “a harvest of (peaceable ) fruit which consists (I like the term “exists”) in righteousness—(which is as follows ) in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, RESULTING IN right living and right standing with God”

But peace is also the soil in which the fruit of righteousness is sown, the fertile soil in which the soul in communion with Christ is rooted, and we have superficially explored this previously in “HIERARCHY OF HOLINESS”.

Again in Ephesians 6, “the breastplate of righteousness is a vital part of the PEACEMAKERS armoury.

Righteousness – Integrity, holiness, purity of life, sincerity of piety. The breast-plate defended the vital parts of the body; and the idea here is that the integrity of life, and righteousness of character, is as necessary to defend us from the assaults of Satan, as the coat of mail was to preserve the heart from the arrows of an enemy.

It is true that no one can successfully meet the power of temptation unless he is righteous, as that a soldier could not defend himself against a foe without such a coat of mail. A want of integrity will leave a man exposed to the assaults of the enemy, just as a man would be whose coat of mail was defective, or some part of which was missing, and so the man of war, who went out to “MAKE PEACE” or be a “PEACEMAKER” is compromised

As in the sowing of the fruit of righteousness, so also in its production is it connected with peace. Exercise will bring the “peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Peace will fill the heart while the fruit is borne, even if the conditions and circumstances through which we pass are not “joyous, but grievous.” The Lord passed through constant trial and sorrow while on earth, for He was “A Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” There was no need for chastening with Him, for all in Him was purity and perfection, but, having passed through sorrow as Man, He is able to enter sympathetically into all our sorrows, and He who had ever commanded, learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

Hebrews 12:11 For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a PEACEABLE fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness–in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].

The word “chastening” in this verse is the Greek word “paideia”, an old Greek word for the education or instruction of a child. It comes from the word “pais”, the Greek word for a boy. However, as time passed, the word “paideia” came to signify the education of all children.

Philippians 1:10-11 So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of REAL VALUE [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble]. May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honour and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].

ISAIAH 32; 17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

Hebrews 12:11 says that this discipline will yield “… the PEACEABLE FRUIT of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” The word “exercised” is the Greek word “gumnadzo. This word “gumnadzo” depicts radical discipline! It was the word the ancient Greeks used to portray the athletes who exercised, trained, and prepared for competition in the often barbaric athletic games of the ancient world. It is where we get the word gymnasium.

This word “gumnadzo” (“exercise”) portrays people who want to develop and change so much that they are willing to put themselves through vigorous, demanding, and strenuous discipline in order to bring about change and to achieve the results they desire. Now Hebrews 12:11 uses the word “gumnadzo” to tell us that if we will discipline the flesh, we will see great results in our lives, for we will begin to yield “… the peaceable fruit of righteousness….” Is this not what the spirit of the Lord has been saying to us for many many months?

Isaiah 32:17 And the effect (or the application) of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of (the application) righteousness will be (Peaceableness or) quietness and confident trust forever.

Philippians 1:11 May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].

Isaiah 61:11 For as [surely as] the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth, so [surely] the Lord God will cause rightness and justice and praise to spring forth before all the nations [through the self-fulfilling power of His word].

Luke 19:42 Exclaiming, Would that you had known personally, even at least in this your day, the things that make for peace (peaceable … comments mine) (for freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin and upon which your peace–your security, safety, prosperity, and happiness–depends)! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

Eph 2:14 For He is [Himself] our peace (He is out “peacemaker … comments mine) (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us,

In fact this verse is clearly identifying that Jesus was a PEACEMAKER, He was “PEACEABLE” in every respect. If we are to follow the pattern can we adopt the full scriptural intention of being PEACEABLE which means “complete reconciliation, physical and emotional, between feuding parties, seeking the well-being of others and of one’s self. This description emerges from the Jewish term “Salome” which is interpreted as “the uninjured, safe, sound, and whole”.

If Father wants us to be “PEACEABLE” then He will surely provide the means, because within ourselves exists ego, self-gratification, ambition, self-serving, all which are conditions of the flesh and have to be overcome by the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:7 AND GOD’S PEACE [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

This is the enabling with which we have been provided and by adopting that “tranquil state of soul, fearing nothing, being content” the result is one which “transcends all understanding” and this enables us to operate in a dimension which is “PEACEABLE”.

Isaiah 26:3 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. (the inclination and character can be termed its ”Ethics and Ethos” …. Comments mine)

Romans 14:19 So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another.

Hebrews 12:14 Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord.

MY OBSERVATIONS

FACTOR OF EIGHT – #3 – GENTLE ROSS SMITH 03072014

Following on in James 3:17 the third quality “GENTLE”:-

DICTIONARY DEFINITION OF “GENTLE” “Mild, calm, kind, tender, moderate, placid, temperate,” just to name a few of the synonyms that relate. The opposite is “harsh or rough” as a basis for evaluating gentleness.

“Gentleness” is required both externally and internally. We are often able to exhibit gentleness in an external manner but inwardly we endure the turmoil that accosts us as we subdue the urge to “give them a serve”. We require the “Inward adorning” of 1 Peter 3:4 but we also need the “self- control” of 2 Peter 1:6

“Gentle” ….. makes men gentle, moderate, and humane, so as that they bear, and forbear; they bear with the infirmities of the weak; readily forgive injuries done them; do not rigidly exact what is their due, but recede from their just right for the sake of peace and love; and do not bear hard upon others for their failings, but cover them with the mantle of love

We all probably have some mental image of what it means to be “Gentle”, and in a day and age where this quality is rare in our society, where violence against women proliferates, where child abuse abounds, where innocent people are molested even while they go about their own business, where television invades our homes with pictures of atrocities of war and campus shootings, how then do we understand “GENTLE”? It really means “hard to provoke and easily pacified”.

Because this is the third quality of “WISDOM” it shows that we have a lot to learn and apply in a very short space of time, for if we are going to be part of “His church” and to be “without spot or wrinkle”, or to see “these signs shall follow them that believe” then we need to get more than our head around these qualities, we need to demonstrate them.

The Word of God in 1 Peter 3:4 sets down some guidelines, and although the particular scripture is directed towards ladies, probably because they need it more than men!!!!! It is a direction that is very relevant.

1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of A GENTLE AND PEACEFUL SPIRIT, which [is not anxious or wrought (This is another indicator of a lack of “Gentle”. Comments mine) up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.

If we read this verse in KJV it says “the hidden man of the heart”, but I like the Amplified because it covers all bases in “hidden person of the heart”, even though the scripture is aimed at the ladies.

Note here Peter refers to the “Inward Adorning” but then if we compare

Isaiah 61:3 To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them AN ORNAMENT (A GARLAND OR DIADEM) OF BEAUTY instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

It is also consequential that Peter incorporates the second quality of “Wisdom” in this verse, for we firstly have to be “peaceable”. But it goes further, you will recall that when we looked at James 3:18 it not only incorporated all the recommendations regarding “peace” but had a potent rider on the end, “FREE FROM FEARS AND AGITATING PASSIONS”. How similar is this to 1 Peter, “NOT ANXIOUS OR WROUGHT UP”.

As children we were probably exposed to the bedtime prayer of “Gentle Jesus Meek and Mild”, but without the understanding of what “Christlike” really means then the sentiment is lost in meaningless repetition.

“Competition” does not augur well for gentleness, that need to win seems to pervade our whole nature when we are engaged in some competitive activity, and this undermines our sense of gentleness and temperance, our killer instinct starts to show its ugly head.

Paul said “we are running a race”, but there are conditions Paul applies to this contest, there is “temperance and restrictions in all things”.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither.

The restrictions that we impose are not “legalities” or “self-imposed rigor of devotion”, but the restriction of those impulses which can and do cause us to be less than “gentle”, a temperate attitude in all things.

1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are legitimate [permissible–and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). (let us use some poetic licence here and rephrase to “not all things are done “gently” …comments mine) All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].

I need to determine “What may I do?” and, “What must I do?” the first is legal the second is expedient.

Colossians 2:20 If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things (that is, looking at the situation through Gods eyes ….comments mine) and have escaped from the world’s crude and elemental notions and teachings of externalism, why do you live as if you still belong to the world? [Why do you submit to rules and regulations?

Colossians 2:23 Such [practices] have indeed the outward appearance (this is the external component … comments mine) [that popularly passes] for wisdom, (they may look good and massage the persons ego … comments mine) in promoting self-imposed rigor of devotion and delight in self-humiliation and severity of discipline of the body, but they are of NO VALUE in checking the indulgence of the flesh (the lower nature). [Instead, they do not honor God but serve only to indulge the flesh.] (this is the internal component)

It would seem to me that the inability to be “GENTLE” is birthed in the necessity to assert oneself. This follows on the study “Liberation from Agitating Passions”, for if we were free from this yoke then we would find it much easier to be “Gentle, mild, calm, kind, tender, moderate, placid, temperate,”

Before someone tries to capitalize by claiming that they have this ability or quality, it may require exploration to see if what we really are is a wimp or a pacifist, or vague, or unaware, or conceited, or just plain out of touch!!!

There are times when our “gentleness” will necessitate a review, you cannot be gentle when dealing with demon spirits, there is the requirement to assert God’s authority and you will recall that on many occasions Jesus “Commanded”. In the Amplified Bible it uses the term “commanded” over 400 times, and I would conclude that there were many instances where the “command” was strenuously applied. For example:-

Luke 9:21 But He strictly charged and sharply commanded them [under penalty] to tell this to no one [no one, whoever he might be],

But also we are instructed how to respond to people who may not have experienced the grace of God:-

Pro 15:1 A SOFT ANSWER turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearance and calmness of spirit a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance.

Having a quiet spirit means being peaceable by the way you carry yourself or how you respond to people or difficult situations. And being gentle is how you appear to people. We don’t have to worry about those people who would take advantage our “gentleness” because the bible says:-

Romans 8:33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?]

I know that being quiet when you could give someone a piece of your mind might make you cringe, but God loves it! The reason is because it shows Him that you trust Him to take care of the situation. And I can tell you from experience, He takes care of the situation! We don’t have to fret or take matters into our own hands. God’s got it! And when we do this, we experience God’s grace, which is His unmerited favor.

The next time you want to say something that could cause a hindrance of a mighty move of God in your life, choose to be quiet and humble yourself! Bite your tongue. Try to be gentle in your speech. Guard your thought life and renew your mind with the word of God.

Gentle means “not insistent on one’s own rights” or ‘not pushy’, ‘not selfishly assertive, not demanding one’s own way”.

Let’s take a quick inventory. How do we measure up to God’s view of gentleness?

What is my attitude toward the circumstances in my life?
How do I act when I have the power to control a person or situation?
What is my attitude toward God’s Word?
What is my attitude toward a division in the Body of Christ?
What is my attitude toward those who disagree with me?
How do I handle rejection? How do I relate to others?
How do I use my emotional, political, personal power?

The gentle person accepts God’s dealings as for his good without disputing with Him. He will not fight God. He looks at life and sees Gods hand in all his circumstances. With deep conviction he can say with the apostle Paul:-

Romans 8:28 and we know that GOD CAUSES all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose

This is what a gentle spirit is not: contentious (inclined to argue), bitter, unstable, troubled, fearful, loud, obnoxious, worry prone, prone to cursing, quick to get angry, easily dismayed, easily upset, emotionally unbalanced, careless, impatient, doubtful, foolish, abrupt, irritable, proud, insensitive, self-absorbed, self-seeking, over confident, and with a low-self-esteem.

What is gentleness? It is the humble and meek attitude of wanting to help other people instead of wanting to be superior to them. This attitude flows from a spirit of real love for the individual—having true, outgoing concern for their well-being. Such an attitude is shown in how we think about and treat others and what we say to them.

Philippians 4:5 tells us to “let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” Why does God want those He is working with to be concerned with how gently they think, act or talk? God has all the power in the universe, yet He is gentle with us, and He wants us to learn to be like Him. Then, when He gives us power, (or if we look at the study on “Knowledge and Understanding” we see that we cannot have “Power” if we do not have “Understanding” ….. comments mine) He will know that we will not use it cruelly or rashly.

Humility is closely connected with gentleness, so we need to also consider how God views humility. James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 both say, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” God resists pride, including our prideful justifications for not being gentle to those who have offended us, who have been harsh to us or who we don’t feel deserve gentleness. These attitudes are prideful and lead to rationalizing away the need to be gentle.

It is probably convenient to see what the original Greek word means.

GENTLE – Επιεικης· Meek, modest, of an equal mind, taking everything in good part, and putting the best construction upon all the actions of others. Gentle – Mild, inoffensive, clement. The word here used (ἐπιεικὴς epieikēs) is rendered “moderation” in Philippians 4:5; patient in 1 Timothy 3:3; and gentle in Titus 3:2; James 3:17, and 1 Peter 2:18. It does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament.

Everyone has a clear idea of the virtue of gentleness – gentleness of spirit, of deportment, and of manners; and every one can see that that is the appropriate spirit of our professed walk with the Lord. It is from this word that we have derived the word “gentleman”; and the effect of true religion is to make everyone, in the proper and best sense of the term, a gentleman. How can a man have evidence that he is a true Christian, who is not such? The highest title which can be given to a man is, that he is a Christian gentleman.

“Gentleness” is not apathy but is an aggressive expression of how we view people. We see people as so valuable that we deal with them in gentleness, fearing the slightest damage to one for whom Christ died.

When it comes to the difficult behaviour of some people, give them the benefit of the doubt. They may be drowning in some circumstance right before your eyes. And you would never ask anyone to drown with a smile on their face. Remember to say what you mean but don’t say it meanly

Strong men can always afford to be gentle. Only the weak are intent on “giving as good as they get”

MY OBSERVATIONS

FACTOR OR EIGHT – #4 – EASILY ENTREATED ROSS SMITH 06072014

As I mentioned with the quality of “GENTLENESS” is if often easy to be gentle “externally” but is so doing are we gentler “inwardly”?

To be “EASILY ENTREATED” means that we respond without any sense of retaliation, recrimination or retribution, having willingly and gladly accommodated the other person’s point of view and whether we are convinced of its accuracy, we ponder the content with the view to refuting it by our life, not by our argument.

EASY TO BE ENTREATED; or those who readily yield to the superior judgments and stronger reasoning’s of others; and are easily induced to hope and believe all things, and entertain a good opinion of men, and their conduct; and are far from being proud, arrogant, obstinate, and overbearing:

According to James 3:17, one of the signs that God’s wisdom is at work in a person’s heart is that he is “easy to be entreated.” Such a person is approachable, reasonable, willing to listen, to be persuaded, and to yield. He is not stubborn, obstinate, controlling, or overbearing. The “wisdom that is from above” produces a mildness of disposition, a meekness of spirit that characterizes true gentleness

James 3:13 Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom.

When someone has (or is being told by others that he really does have) an “it’s-my-way-or-the-highway” attitude, that is a sign that another kind of wisdom is at work in his heart. This is the wisdom that “descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. This ungodly wisdom may display knowledge, shrewdness, and tactical or logical skill in arguing its point. But according to James, it produces confusion or disorder, a state of instability and disturbance where nothing is as it should be. It opens the door to all kinds of evil, driving away peace and harmony.

“And easy to be entreated” The Greek word is ”Eupeithes” and does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means easily persuaded, compliant. Of course, this refers only to cases where it is right and proper to be easily persuaded and complying. It cannot refer to things which are in themselves wrong.

The sense is, that he who is under the influence of the wisdom which is from above, is not a stiff, stern, obstinate, unyielding man. He does not take a position, and then hold it whether right or wrong; he is not a man on whom no arguments or persuasions can have any influence. He is not one who cannot be affected by any appeals which may be made to him on the grounds of patriotism, justice, or benevolence; but is one who is ready to yield when truth requires him to do it, and who is willing to sacrifice his own convenience for the good of others.

The quality of being easily entreated is a mark of true piety and of a Christ-like spirit. Where it is wanting, spirituality is always below normal. It is not hard to settle troubles if people want to have them settled; for if they really want them settled, they are willing to settle them the right way. Peace and harmony mean more to them than any other consideration, except truth. Division and discord cannot exist unless people are willing to have it so; that is unless one or both parties place a higher value upon something else than they do upon peace and harmony.

What does it mean to be easily entreated? It means to be kind and just reasonable and self-sacrificing in one’s attitude toward others. The man who possesses this quality habitually manifests this temper in his life. There are those who are very tenacious of their rights. They feel that people do not respect their rights, as they should; so when any question involving them arises, they feel as though they must “stand up for their rights.” They often lose sight of everything else; kindness, mercy, forbearance, patience and Christ-likeness–in fact, nothing counts but their rights. Their rights they will defend; and very often their rights prove to be wrongs, or in insisting on their rights they do that which wrongs others. Really spiritual people are not so particular and insistent concerning their rights. They would far rather sacrifice their rights than to contend for them, unless something vital is involved, which is rarely the case. When a spiritual man is compelled to defend his rights, he will do it in a meek and quiet way, a way that has in it nothing offensive or self-assertive. When they were about to scourge Paul unlawfully, his only assertion was to quietly ask, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and un-condemned?” (Acts 22:25). But there are those who will not yield in the least; they know their rights, and they will not yield to any one! Very often their rights would look quite different if such persons possessed more of the spirit of Christ.

Another thing that hinders is self-will. So many people like to have their own way. If others will do their way, such persons can be very gracious and kind; but if they do not have their way, they manifest a very different disposition. They are ready to “balk;” their kindness is gone; they become stubborn; if there is trouble, they are very slow to yield. It is very hard for them to submit even when they are convinced that they should do so. When they do seem to yield, it is often only an outward yielding, the heart remaining the same. How much trouble this self-will makes, and how different it is in spirit from him who said, “Not my will, but thine, be done!” We are commanded to submit ourselves one to another. When we demand that all the submission be on the part of the other person, it shows that we are self-willed, that we care more about having things go our way than we do about having them go right, or than we care to manifest a Christ-like disposition.

Still another thing that prevents our being easily entreated is pride. A lady was recently talking with me about a conversation she had just had with some other ladies. She had been advocating a certain doctrine, which they did not receive. In speaking of it she said: “I grew a little warm in the discussion of it. I did not mean to let them beat me.” So many people have this disposition. They will not be “beaten.” They will hold to their position even when they are in the wrong, and know it. If they did not take such a position, they might acknowledge the other to be right; but when they have taken the stand, they will not yield. What is the trouble? Pride in the heart is the secret. This disposition always has its root in pride; humility never acts in this way. Pride keeps people from acknowledging truth; it keeps them from changing their attitude. Pride of opinion keeps them from being willing to listen patiently to others who differ with them. Pride is at the root of many church and personal troubles; pride is what they feed on, and the only way to cure them is to get rid of the pride.

Where this heavenly wisdom abides, there will not be a disposition to assert one’s own rights, to be self-willed, or to hold fast to one’s own ways; on the contrary, if its blessed presence fills our souls, we shall be merciful, kind, forgiving, long-suffering, pitiful, and we shall have the same tender feeling for our brother who has done us wrong as the father had for the prodigal. We shall be ready to run to meet him. We shall be ready to forget all the past. Our hearts will be filled with joyfulness at the expected reconciliation. O brethren, there is nothing needed quite so much today and every day, as that heart-quality that makes people “easy to be entreated.”

MY OBSERVATIONS

FACTOR OF EIGHT #5 — MERCY ROSS SMITH 07072014

We are exploring the principles of James 3:17 and the 5^th quality is “MERCY”, and James calls it “FULL OF COMPASSION” where KJV says “MERCY” which really means “disposed to show compassion”. It is also translated “LOVING KINDNESS”.

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is because of the Lord’s MERCY AND LOVING-KINDNESS that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. (I like this rider on this scripture as it indicates the utter stability of God and that means that I can rely on God’s mercy at all times, that is, times that I do not abuse the privilege … comments mine)

The weakness of human nature adopts the attitude “at your mercy” not “FULL OF MERCY.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY!

We are always grateful for mercy when we have encountered the wrath of some individual or organisation, but do we understand the real essence of this quality.

What is mercy, or compassion? It is sorrow at the suffering of a fellow-creature, and, along with that sorrow, an earnest desire, if possible, to relieve suffering, be it physical, mental, emotional, financial, or even imagined. It does not ask the question, “Is the individual of my party, or Church; does the man deserve relief?” It simply asks the question, “Does he suffer?” We are to go further and to pity the person as a sinner, and to show mercy to him simply because he is a sinner.

It is proper for us to look at the rewards of those who not only expect MERCY but have the ability to show MERCY as in Matthew 5 ….. and all these benefits are not dependent upon the conditions around us …. We cannot claim any credit because they are “REGARDLESS OF THEIR OUTWARD CONDITION”.

I have a little confession to make regarding the virtue of MERCY or COMPASSION. Many years ago now Ruth and I were at a sailing club restaurant waiting in line to order. There was a little Asian man a couple in front of us in the line and as he went to order he asked “Could I please have the pensioner’s meal today”. The lady behind the till was very polite and told him that there were no “pensioner meals” today, so he turned and walked out. To this day I feel the shame of not having stepped up and said to the waitress, “just serve him what he would like on my account”, because obviously he did not have the resources to choose from the regular menu. I have tried to make up for that “disaster” and have had a couple of opportunities when people have been at the checkout and find they don’t have enough money to pay for their selection, and begin to remove items so that they can pay. It has never been more than a few dollars but I was acutely aware that Father was giving me an opportunity to see if I had learned anything.

You will recall the story in Matthew 9 where Jesus was reclining at the table and all the tax collectors came and sat down with Him. The Disciples got a bit hot under the collar, or in today’s terms, LACKED MERCY, but see what Jesus had to say.

Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard it, He replied, Those who are strong and well (healthy) have no need of a physician, but those who are weak and sick. Go and learn what this means: I DESIRE MERCY [that is, readiness to help those in trouble] and not sacrifice and sacrificial victims. For I came not to call and invite [to repentance] the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), but sinners (the erring ones and all those not free from sin).

The thing I like about Father’s attitude is that He never changes, He is always merciful, because I always need His mercy, and He confirmed in His word that I can depend upon it, because I can depend on me to mess things up. I take great solace in the scripture referring to His compassions being “New every morning”, but I don’t have to wait till morning, it could be too late.

Luke 1:50 And His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation and age to age.

Psalm 103:17 But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children- (how blest are those children whose parents comply, and how blest the parents to know Father will extend His mercy to our family …. Comments mine)

Do we understand the enormity of the words “everlasting to everlasting”? The physicists tell us that the universe is so extensive that light from the stars on the outer perimeter can take billions of years to reach the earth. I see that as one “everlasting” in dimension and if that is how wide this “everlasting” is in a horizontal sense, then the 2^nd “everlasting” must be of a similar dimension in the vertical sense. The Psalmist have some appreciation of God’s mercy when he exclaimed in: –

Psalm 57:10 For Your mercy and loving-kindness are great, reaching to the heavens, and Your truth and faithfulness to the clouds.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

The quality of mercy is the capacity to feel and express unusual compassion and sympathy for those in difficult or crisis situations and provide them with the necessary help and support to see them through tough times. That is like Paul said to the Romans that we have to operate in spirit, not in the flesh, inferring that a social gospel is inadequate.

There is another interesting example found in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Those people who were most expected to demonstrate their piety, that is the Priest and the Levite chose to bypass this “certain man” (what does a “certain man” mean? Something to look at later) even though we was half dead and stripped naked. This particular route was used by the “clergy” to travel up and down to Jerusalem to fulfil what was often their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to serve in the Temple. One would have thought that they would have had a heightened sense of piety after this excursion. But it took the compassion of an unlikely individual where there is no indication of why he should be travelling this route. I suspect that due to the treatment he had received as a “Samaritan” had made him realise that there was a necessity for compassion not just as a theory but in practical application.

We have to have the ability to “walk in another’s shoes” and to feel the pain and burdens they carry, just like the Good Samaritan. It requires the desire to make a difference in the lives of hurting people without being judgmental. It means that we may have a difficult time evaluating the intentions of others and at times we may appear naïve, even weak and lily livered, but mercy is stronger than the strong man.

Unless we forgive we are not forgiven and forgiveness does not just extend to where we have been maltreated, but even where we have been misunderstood, misquoted, misrepresented etc etc.

We are all called to be merciful because God has been merciful to us The Greek word for the spiritual gift of mercy is “Eleeo”. It means to be patient and compassionate toward those who are suffering or afflicted. The concern for the physical as well as spiritual need of those who are hurting is covered by mercy. Those with this attribute have great empathy for others in their trials and sufferings. They are able to come alongside people over extended periods of time and see them through their healing process. They are truly and literally the hands and feet of God to the afflicted.

The Holy Spirit gives the attribute of mercy to the church, viz, US, to love and assist those who are suffering, and walk with them until The Lord allows their burden to be lifted. The gift of mercy is founded in God’s mercy towards us as sinners and is consistently expressed with measurable compassion. They are sensitive to the feelings and circumstances of others and can quickly discern when someone is not doing well. They are typically good listeners and feel the need to simply “be there” for others

Galatians 6:2-3 Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfil and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another’s load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.

Paul stretches us further in his exhortation to the Romans when he prescribes that when showing MERCY, we have to have a particular “presence” about us.

Romans 12:8 He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with GENUINE cheerfulness and JOYFUL eagerness.

Jude 1:22 And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt.

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 :7, one of the Beatitudes is “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy”. Mercy is what we express when we are led by God to be compassionate in our attitudes, words, and actions. It is more than feeling sympathy toward someone; it is love enacted. Mercy desires to answer the immediate needs of others and alleviate suffering, loneliness, and grief. Mercy addresses physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual crises with generous, self-sacrificial service. Mercy is a champion of the lowly, poor, exploited, and forgotten and often acts on their behalf.

A good example of mercy is found in;-

Matthew 20:29–34: “As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us”. The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” He asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed Him.” Notice that the blind men associated mercy not with a feeling but with an action.

Psalm 85:7 Show us Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation.

Notice here again that “Mercy and loving kindness” are joined together as a quality but then there is the action, that of providing our salvation.This bedrock understanding that our hope depends on Christ’s mercy alone and not in any merit of ours should inspire us to follow Christ’s example of compassionate service and show mercy to others as it has been shown to us.

When we are tempted to be a little outrageous in our attitude to others we should reflect that He is a God of Justice and manifested Himself as the Father of Mercy. Justice renders to each their due and calls each to assume responsibility for themselves. Mercy goes beyond the issue of who is responsible. Mercy is simply love’s response to suffering.

Mercy is Never Condescending. The goal of the enemy is to use suffering to rob those made in God’s image of their human dignity. Our goal in the work of mercy is always to restore that dignity and honor it. “Charity” (can I interpose the term “social gospel) that belittles the recipient is never true mercy. It may relieve some bodily suffering but only causes a deeper suffering of alienation and humiliation, the realization that they are less than adequate. The one giving mercy cannot look down on the recipient of mercy. In fact the merciful humbly understand that they always receive as much or more as they give when they work to alleviate the suffering of the needy.

Ephesians 2:4-7 But God–SO RICH IS HE IN HIS MERCY! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation). And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.

Psalm 130:3-4 If You, Lord, should keep account of and treat [us according to our] sins, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You [just what man needs], that You may be reverently feared and worshiped.

The merciful person is merciful toward himself as well as others. This does not mean that he makes light of his sins and takes God’s forgiveness for granted. It means rather that he does not plague himself with neurotic guilt and remorse, surrendering to sinful scruples which are the death of the soul. It means that he trusts in the loving-kindness of God and knows, as Paul has said, that no works of his own will ever deliver him from the need of God’s mercy and love.

The Catholic Church has a prescribed theory for mercy as follows:-

The Corporal Works of Mercy are these kind acts by which we help our neighbours with their material and physical needs.

Feed the hungry

Shelter the homeless

Clothe the naked

Visit the sick

Bury the dead

Give alms to the poor

The Spiritual Works of Mercy are acts of compassion, as listed below, by which we help our neighbours with their emotional and spiritual needs.

Instruct
Advise
Console
Comfort
Forgive
Bear wrongs patiently

Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve and Mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we do deserve

Nothing can make injustice just, except mercy. It is fanciful to adopt the mantra of the world, “God have mercy on my enemies, because I won’t!!!!

Proverbs 3:3-4 Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man.

James 2:13 For to him who has shown no mercy the judgment [will be] merciless, but mercy [full of glad confidence] exults victoriously over judgment.

Psalm 85:10 Mercy and loving-kindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

MY OBSERVATIONS

FACTOR OF EIGHT – #6 – GOOD FRUITS ROSS SMITH 07072014

Where James 3:17 states “FULL OF GOOD FRUITS” leads me to conclude that there also must be “BAD FRUITS”.

Grapes of wrath – Revelation 14:19 and Deuteronomy 32:32.

Bad fruits are easily recognised, when we visit the greengrocer you will notice that all the produce is inspected quite thoroughly before being placed in the trolley. We like our fruit to be like Christ wants the church, “without spot or blemish”. Some of the more obvious bad fruits are anger, malice, hatred, envy, strife. These are the obvious ones, and like natural fruit, sometimes the skin looks okay but the contents are corrupt.

There is a scriptural principle that corresponds with this thought, and let me read that Scripture with some paraphrase:

2 Timothy 3:5 For [although] they hold a form of piety (or the skin looks good on the fruit) (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. (when you get to the inside the contents are rotten)Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]. (don’t buy that fruit)

Colossians 1:10 That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. (this sort of fruit is readily recognised and generally appreciated and enjoyed … comments mine)

John 15:16 You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you. (note the incredible associated benefit of “fruitfulness”, we reach the stage where we are recipients of Gods readiness to respond to our requests … comments mine)

Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit. A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration]. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits.

By their fruits ye shall know them, an intelligent approach by “Fruit Inspectors”.

This test is a reasonable one.
It is a sensible one.
It is a simple one.
It is a just one.
It is a sure one.
It is one which men apply continually in judging of each other’s conduct.
It is one which the Judge will apply on the final day

1 John 3:9-10 No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God. By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ). (clearly a simple test, with obvious recognisable results, corresponding to the pattern set out in God’s Word for our benefit, both now and for eternity …. Comments mine)

Luke 6:43-45 For there is no good (healthy) tree that bears decayed (worthless, stale) fruit, nor on the other hand does a decayed (worthless, sickly) tree bear good fruit. For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit; for figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a bramblebush. The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

I am not an expert in determining what sort of tree it is, there are some trees I do recognise because I have something to do with them, such as cherry trees or mango trees, but that about where it finishes. I sometimes recognise banana palms if they are in a plantation but at other times they might just be a palm tree!!!

But when I see fruit I readily recognise that fruit and particularly when it is a fruit I like. I cannot wait sometimes for a particular season to come around where that fruit is in season and I can indulge myself. But if I see that fruit on a tree then I can also recognise what sort of tree it is, because it is “by its fruit I recognise the tree”. If you see apples hanging on a tree, you can be sure it is an apple tree. If you see a vine-like plant growing in your garden, you may not recognize it, but once you see a watermelon growing on the vine, then identification of the plant is easy. If you see tomatoes hanging on a plant you can be sure it is a tomato plant. That is why when people see the “fruit of the spirit” being borne by us they can recognise the “stock” from which are grafted into, and this fruit then will satisfy them as we manifest the qualities of JAMES 3:17, and we will receive Fathers endorsement by answered prayer.

That’s why we have to have acorns, we are “oaks of righteousness”, and that will be the reason some people will think we are “nuts”, because the evidence of fruit born of the spirit will be confronting.

Fruit when it has matured seldom needs any further preparation before it can be used, many fruits can be eaten with the skin on, but watermelon needs to be “skinned”, it has a thick “hide” and this suggests it is not easily offended. This analogy carries through to what James is talking about when he says “Full of good fruits”, that is, fruit of our spiritual maturity that ensures that we can offer that fruit to those around and they will both enjoy it and be nourished by it. So this gives me a clue to what I need to look for as a “Fruit Inspector”!!

Fruit is the Expression of Life. Fruit is that which is produced by a living organism. Fruit is the result of life. Dead trees do not produce fruit. Rocks do not produce fruit. Only a living plant or vine or tree can produce fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is the result of God’s life. No one can have God’s fruit unless they have God’s life.

The secret of fruit bearing is to stay healthy. Why don’t some trees or vines produce good fruit? There could be a number of possible problems: frost, disease, caterpillars, other harmful insects, etc. A healthy tree produces good fruit. The believer must stay spiritually healthy and in a right relationship with the Lord. He must resist such diseases as legalism (thinking that he can please God by his own works and formalism (thinking that outward acts of religion can cover up a lack of inner power and reality. These diseases choke out the life of Christ and dim one’s view of the cross. The believer must abide in Christ and stay connected to Him because being connected to the true Vine is the only healthy place to be

Fruit-bearing, or fruitfulness, is much better seen as quality than quantity. Though both are important and scriptural, God’s priority seems to be “being” over “doing”. God looks for “brought forth” products from the essence of a person’s being. These are personal characteristics coming from the nature of the whole tree.

Some think Jesus said, “Go and do witnessing.” He didn’t. But He did say, “Go and be my witnesses.”, or bear fruit

Remember, fruit is not a gift. Fruit is produced and grown. It is much more biblical to see the fruit of the Spirit as personal characteristics that are worked out because of the nature of what’s inside; because of attitudes made about obedience. You can’t talk about fruit without talking about obedience

Romans 7:5 When we were living in the flesh (mere physical lives), the sinful passions that were awakened and aroused up by [what] the Law [makes sin] were constantly operating in our natural powers (in our bodily organs, in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh), so that we bore fruit for death.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.

MY OBSERVATIONS

FACTOR OF EIGHT #7 – WITHOUT PARTIALITY ROSS SMITH 14072014

Further in James 3:17…. “Without partiality”, or without “bias”.

To me this seems to be one of the most challenging qualities to embrace, for if I look at my life and behaviour I have “preferences” in so many areas that it concerns me where to start. If I get really “pedestrian” about this subject I can identify my preference for grain bread over wholemeal, or warm weather over winter, or suits over jeans, or labor over liberal, or restaurants with kids or without kids.

This may seem to be a rather simplistic listing of things that affect my life style but I have no doubt that as you conduct some introspection you will find areas of “PARTIALITY” that are contrary to Fathers disposition. And in this arena I would suggest that if we start with controlling our impulses with such mundane area then we will find the process will be similar when dealing with people, and that I believe is James target. We may need to start with some definitions rather than rely on out prejudice.

“IMPARTIAL” candid, disinterested, dispassionate, equal, equitable, even-handed, fair, indifferent, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced. The quality or state of not being prejudiced towards or against any particular side or party.

NOT PARTISAN …. Is this more relevant? Do you seem to like some people over others, if so why? Probably because their attitudes mirrors our attitudes. We hear this term more in relation to Government decisions, but of late we have not hear much of it, they speak of “partisan support”, what they mean is that they agree with the other side. It dissipates very quickly if it doesn’t suit their purposes.

Impartiality renders to everyone his due, without being swayed by self-interest or worldly honour, and determined to do equal justice to all, according to their moral worth.

Can you relate, “There are some people whom I find difficult to accommodate, their behaviour of bearing grates with me, then there are others I just can’t stand and as a consequence I trust that I will never have to deal with them. Sometimes the task seems insurmountable, that person is just so perverse that I get agitated at the sound of his voice, or the way he licks his knife etc”. Am I affected because some covert habit in me is unconsciously triggered?

Now if I am honest, this is completely at odds with the instructions of James 3:17, so now I have a task ahead of me to find the determination to petition Father until I get all the qualities of the “WISDOM FROM ABOVE.”

I find it interesting that each “quality” that arises in the study of this verse, that I note two things. Firstly, I am afforded adequate opportunity to evidence that I have been awarded one or more of the qualities sought, but comfortingly, I sometimes amaze myself by the response/reaction that occurs, and then I recognise that Father is responding to my continuous prayer, for “Wisdom and Understanding”, but as yet have not fully accepted the challenge.

The original word, adiakritos, signifies “to be without suspicion, or free from judging, making no undue surmises nor differences in our conduct towards one person more than another.”

How corrosive are some of these areas when they are not properly addressed, like “suspicion”, you know like “I wonder what he/she is up to, what is their motive?” Or the second one, “I’m sure it was him/her that made that comment”.

“Anti-discrimination” This has become a catchcry of some elements of society, we have discrimination in the work place, discrimination against women, discrimination in relation to the indigenous, in religion, etc. etc. etc. Whichever way you turn someone is intent on gaining advantage by claiming they were discriminated against.

DISCRIMINATION (or PARTIALITY) … recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another.

Romans 2:11 For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another]. [Deut. 10:17; II Chron. 19:7.]

Deuteronomy 10:17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, the terrible God, Who is not partial and takes no bribe.

We have spoken about “Christlikeness” previously and here again is a significant indicator of a “Christlike” nature. It is not just an outward display but an inward attitude.

Deuteronomy 21:16 Then on the day when he wills his possessions to his sons, he shall not put the firstborn of his loved wife in place of the [actual] firstborn of the disliked wife–her firstborn being older.

How often in families do we see dispute, and frequently it comes into stark focus when a family member dies. I have on several occasions had to function as “Executor” for an estate and have been appalled at the avarice and dissention that exists. It is not as a result of the passing of that individual, it is a deep seated animosity that has never been dealt with. Deuteronomy spells it out, he had a “favourite” wife and a “disliked” wife.

Colossians 3:25 For he who deals wrongfully will [reap the fruit of his folly and] be punished for his wrongdoing. And [with God] there is no partiality [no matter what a person’s position may be, whether he is the slave or the master].

We do not need to be concerned about the behaviour of other folk when they are acting unbecomingly, we have to reach that state where we are content to leave the matter in Fathers hands, He is far more capable in addressing those issues that we are, and we are wasting good emotional energy, providing an opportunity for the enemy to stir up our agitating passions, and acting in opposition to the Word of God. How foreign it seems that we should just let the other person go on their merry way whilst they take advantage of me, step on me, treat me as inferior or even stupid.

2Samuel 22:48 It is God Who executes vengeance for me and Who brought down [and disciplined] the peoples under me,

But Paul extends the principle quite alarmingly when he penned:-

Romans 12:14-19 Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. IF POSSIBLE, AS FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON YOU, (can I pause here, because I often use the “IF POSSIBLE” but then neglect “DEPENDS ON YOU” because I adopt the position that “IT IS NOT POSSIBLE BECAUSE I AM UNDEPENDABLE”!!!!) live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY (REQUITE), SAYS THE LORD.

James 2:1 MY BRETHREN, pay no servile regard to people [show no prejudice, no partiality]. Do not [attempt to] hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ [the Lord] of glory [together with snobbery]!

Here come another challenge, we might not show any partiality but we have to be careful that in being able to rise above the insults, or the mistreatment, we then get smug about the fact. What this means actually is that we refrain from telling someone else how good we were at ignoring so and so.

James 2:9 But if you show servile regard (prejudice, favoritism) for people, you commit sin and are rebuked and convicted by the Law as violators and offenders.

This chapter of James is chock full of good advice in advancing beyond our present state of “Partiality”, it is a glaring reflection of the areas that Father is trying to rid us of.

1Timothy 5:21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the chosen angels that you guard and keep [these rules] without personal prejudice or favor, doing nothing from partiality.

Proverbs 24:23 These also are sayings of the wise: To discriminate and show partiality, having respect of persons in judging, is not good.

Job 12:11 Is it not the task of the ear to discriminate between [wise and unwise] words, just as the mouth distinguishes [between desirable and undesirable] food?

Job has balanced the equation in identifying that there are some things we need to discriminate against. We are not expected to accommodate illegal or immoral behaviour, but we are encouraged in these instances to “Let you lives be such a contrast as to expose and reprove and convict” (Ephesians 5:11)

Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for full-grown men, for those WHOSE SENSES and MENTAL FACULTIES are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law. (doesn’t seem to include “mouths, tongues, outbursts!!!!)

Job 32:21 I will not [I warn you] be influenced by respect for any man’s person and show partiality, neither will I flatter any man. For I know not how to flatter, [wasting my time in mere formalities, for then] my Maker would soon take me away.

How good a testimony is that, and to put it on paper seems very brave, but Job says “he will not waste good emotional energy”

Lev 19:15 You shall do no injustice in judging a case; you shall not be partial to the poor or show a preference for the mighty, but in righteousness and according to the merits of the case judge your neighbour.

How does this sit then when we are called up for Jury Duty?

To be a good juror you need to be fair, impartial and willing to keep an open mind.

THERE is no mention of juries in the Bible; the jury system was a much later development in the history of human law. A kind of jury was introduced into Britain by the Normans but there have been many changes in both function and nomenclature since then.

Romans 13:1-6 LET EVERY person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them]. For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behaviour. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath and escape punishment, but also as a matter of principle and for the sake of conscience. For this same reason you pay taxes, for [the civil authorities] are official servants under God, devoting themselves to attending to this very service.

FACTOR OF EIGHT #8 — WITHOUT HYPOCRICY ROSS SMITH 15072014

Romans 12:9 [Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good.

In Luke chapter 1 Jesus warned the disciples about “the yeast of the Pharisees” which was hypocrisy. What he was trying to educate the disciples in was about to value. Luke then comes to our rescue in Luke 12:34 which reveals that you can find someone’s heart if you discover what he or she truly values.

No matter how much value we place on everything else, we are more valuable to God. We act out what we believe not what we know. Our actions our lifestyles and our decisions are all reflections of our belief systems. We may say otherwise, and, intellectually we may know better, but we’ll live out what we truly believe.

Luke 12 again warns against hypocrisy. The primary meaning of the word is “pretending”. True disciples who follow Christ and lead others to do likewise place great temptation to be hypocritical. Jesus said “be on your guard”. In other words, if we are going to live free of hypocrisy we must proactively guard against it. The bottom line of hypocrisy is the need for people to think more highly of us than we really are.

IT’S EASIER TO ACT THAN TO CLEAN UP OUR ACT

Hypocrisy has so much to prove. Ironically, it seeks to prove what is not even true. When we realise how true value to God we don’t have anything to prove and consequently can eliminate hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy is the claim or pretense of holding beliefs, feelings, standards, qualities, opinions, behaviors, virtues, motivations, or other characteristics that one does not in actual fact hold. It is the practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another.

Both the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts have tend to broaden the intention of the term “hypocrisy”:-

From H2610; moral filth, that is, wickedness: – hypocrisy.

From H3584; literally a failure of flesh, that is, emaciation; figuratively hypocrisy: – leanness, lies, lying.

From G5271; acting under a feigned part; that is, (figuratively) deceit (“hypocrisy”): – condemnation, dissimulation, hypocrisy.

From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G5271; undissembled, that is, sincere: – without dissimulation (hypocrisy), unfeigned.

Hypocrisy is one of the most difficult human conditions to correct – mainly because those with the problem are not aware of it. Wisdom require us all to take the logs out of our own eyes, and escape from our ceaseless, petty, and divisive moralism.

Where does the term hypocrisy originate?

“HYPO” = UNDER

“CRISY” = SIFT OR DECIDE

We use the term, “he’s hypo” meaning he is overactive, but in fact what is meant is “Hyper” active. “HYPO” relates however to so many areas, we have “hypothyroid”, “hypoactive”, hypothesis”, ”hypodermic”. The last one is interesting because this is where people get under our skin, or needle us!!!

I am finding that praying for “The Wisdom from Above” has its downside, just like praying for “Patience” has a down side. The bible says that “tribulation works patience” and I find that the more I ask for Wisdom the greater the opportunity afforded me to not just accept, but implement the eight different qualities of the “Wisdom from Above”, and some of them have really sharp claws.

And so the term has come to mean “A deficiency in the ability to sift or decide”. It is the art of affecting qualitied for the purpose of pretending to understand a virtue.

I think “HYPOCRISY” is like a 7-11 store, handy when you need it!!! How often do we use 7-11, and how often is hypocrisy convenient?

Deceitful is a similar term and it means insincere, hypocritical, underhanded, false, dishonest, treacherous, sneaking, double-dealing, tricky, cunning, and crafty. Such a person is altogether untrustworthy.

Jeremiah 17:9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?

Our “heart is desperately sick or weak”, implying it knows better but deceives anyway. This is where the first quality of Wisdom applies, that is “PURITY” and as we understand it that means PURITY OF MOTIVE OR HEART ATTITUDE. Who can fathom its corruption, manifested in the incessant transgression of is this commandment?

Human nature is a reflection of the spirit of the prince of the power of the air, whom Jesus identified as the father or generator of lies (John 8:44). Satan had so deceived himself, he thought he could overcome his Creator!

Proverbs 11:9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbour, but through knowledge and superior discernment shall the righteous be delivered.

Satan is a destroyer who passes this carnal attribute along to those who will follow him. Unless the hypocrite repents, he destroys himself too.

This is also the lesson of:-

Proverbs 26:26-28. Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness shall be shown openly before the assembly. Whoever digs a pit [for another man’s feet] shall fall into it himself, and he who rolls a stone [up a height to do mischief], it will return upon him. A lying tongue hates those it wounds and crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

The proud hypocrite deceives himself into ignoring realities in the conduct of his life that the meek and humble person quickly recognizes and takes into account. The proud person’s vanity pushes him into conduct that will end in shame. The humble person’s attitude, on the other hand, is a vivid contrast, for his wisdom prevents him from pursuing the same conduct. This in turn produces even more wisdom when good fruit is produced because it reinforces his right decision.

Proverbs 11:2 When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiselled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly WISDOM AND SOUNDNESS.

This pride seen in Proverbs 11:2 literally means “boiling up,” or we might say, “puffed up.” It can mean “to overstep the boundaries.” The proud person has an inflated opinion of himself and/or his possessions, abilities, powers, and accomplishments. This exists because pride has deceived him about his importance. He is the center of the world! The day is coming soon when everyone’s proud ego will be deflated, and man’s haughty self-regard will be stripped away.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, (what a precise description of “attitude”) so is he. As one who reckons, he says to you, eat and drink, yet his heart is not with you [but is grudging the cost]. (that is that inability to “sift or decide”)

In one sense, what we are cannot be hidden. This proverb cautions a person to understand that people can be two-faced, playing the role of an actor or a hypocrite. The words that come out of the mouth may be far different from what the heart really means. The heart, however, cannot really be hidden; it will reveal its true intentions and feelings in time. It is good to understand this and thus protect ourselves.

2 Timothy 3:5 For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]. (how many people qualify, easy to determine, see if they do what they say and evidence it by their conduct. But scarier is the rest of the verse indicating we should not have anything to do with “hypocrites”. I then must ask myself, “how lonely coul

James 1:8 [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]. (this is good soil for hypocrisy, that definition “”A deficiency in the ability to sift or decide” … coments mine)

James 4:8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. (that description really puts “hypocrisy” into a new dimension, it is just not being unsure, it is equated with adultery)

Matthew 24:51 And will punish him [cut him up by scourging] and put him with the pretenders (hypocrites); there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

Matthew 7:1 DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.

Some people use this verse proof that we should do no judging whatsoever: “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Here, the Greek word for “judge” is krino, meaning to condemn, avenge, damn, sentence, or levy a punishment

krinō = kree’-no Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish: – avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.

Though it is certainly hazardous to evaluate the problems or behaviour of others, the context answers the question of whether we are to do so. We should consider our weaknesses and sins very carefully, to the point of overcoming them, before we make judgments on others. How can we condemn someone else when we may have even bigger problems? He instructs us to remove the hypocrisy and then we can help our brother with his difficulties.

Matthew 23:25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence.

In other words, their outward expression was one of being pious and righteous, but inwardly their “Attitudes” or hearts were compromised. Jesus declares the Pharisees “hypocrites” because they looked like they led “clean” lives, but inside they were greedy and self-indulgent. In the light of our studies, THEY LACKED WISDOM FROM ABOVE

A person indulges himself, or becomes “hypocritical” by taking unrestrained pleasure in his pursuit of enjoyment and showing undue favor to his desires and feelings. By excessive compliance in gratifying our own desires, we pamper, humour, and spoil ourselves.

Pamper:- = implies inordinate gratification of desire for luxury and comfort with an enervating effect, regardless of how it affects anyone else.

Humour:- = indicates yielding to moods or whims. Do we sulk, yell, berate, belittle, harass, nag, etc?

Spoil:- = stresses the injurious effects on a person’s character. Self-indulgence is excessive satisfaction of our sensual appetites and desires for the specific purpose of pleasing the self, again no matter how it affects anyone else..

Put them altogether and we get “HYPOCRISY” or the inability to sift and decide.

MY OBSERVATIONS

The Value of Keys

August 27, 2015May 23, 2020 Ross Smith

THE VALUE OF KEYS ROSS SMITH 15112014

ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED

“God often gives us a key but then we need to find the door it unlocks”.

My thoughts were directed on the subject as I studied how important it is for us to recognise the sovereignty of God, His all-powerful nature, the enormous expanse of creation, and I began to understand that A MAJOR “KEY” TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNISE AND UNDERSTAND AND COMMUNICATE INTIMATELY WITH THE KING OF KINGS WAS TO HAVE A HEART COMPLETELY ENGAGED IN PRAISE.

Petitions do not have wings of their own, they are carried on pinions of praise. This is a “KEY” and I am sure as we grasp the significance of this key then, many doors will open.

Keys are generally only given to people who are responsible, although in the present generation we have “key kids”, kids who have been issued keys because there is no one home when they get in. But in so saying, not everyone is given the key to the car, or the key for next door, and not everyone who works in the bank has a key to the bank. A KEY CONSTITUTES A PRIVILEGE.

How trustworthy are we that God would condescend to provide us with keys that give us unlimited access to His very throne room, unfettered access to the King of Kings, but He also expects us to guard these keys with our lives.

I was further challenged by a prompting of the spirit which said: – “I want everyone else to understand this key I have given you, but more than anyone else, I want you to understand.”

Some weeks ago Ruth and I left the house to carry out some tasks and on return I went to put the key in the lock. The only problem was I had brought the wrong keys. I was able to access the building courtesy of another owner and recalled that I had a spare key in the garage. The only problem with this solution was that the key to the garage was in the unit.

An hour later the locksmith arrives and attempts to pick the lock, and after about 20 minutes decides that because this is a security lock the only way to open it is to get “the key”. This entails accessing the computer records to identify the appropriate key, then reproducing the key and voila, access was granted. I had located the right door but was equipped with the wrong key. It is noteworthy that the door was equipped with a special key and no one else could open this door unless I gave them the key.

This applies in the spiritual dimension as well, Father is sharing with us gems from his Word, “KEYS”, principles that are coming to life with new emphasis and clarity, and I believe equipping us with keys to scriptural truth of profound consequence, He expects us to unlock the door and then be able to give succor to others who may need, but do not have that key for appropriate access.

My lack of accuracy in taking the incorrect key incurred a cost of $150 for the callout and another $25 for the key. Suddenly I learned “The Value of Key’s”. This mundane experience however has great spiritual relevance.

I am not sure that there is a 24 hour locksmith available in the heavenly realm, if we lose the key then we have lost the access and in this case, I would think that it was not an accident that we lost the key, it was either neglect, irreverence, blatant disregard, or stubborn refusal. And I recall that Father is very jealous of His “assets”, if we are careless in embracing the favour Father shows to us then we lose the privilege.

Genesis 6:3 Then the Lord said, My Spirit shall not forever dwell and strive with man, for he also is flesh; (The promptings and revelations and goading of Father will not go on forever, and if we neglect them then we qualify as just being “flesh “or lacking that component of “responsibility” that identifies us as being “borne of the spirit …. Comments mine)

Firstly for keys to be useful you have to have doors, or at least one door! The apostle Paul was aware of this principle, and no doubt took advantage of it.

1Corinthians 16:9 For a WIDE DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY for effectual [service] has opened to me [there, a great and promising one], and [there are] many adversaries.

What the apostle Paul was saying is that not only do we have to perambulate through the door but to be ready to carry out and put into effect the opportunities, despite our sense of inadequacy, lack of confidence, deficiency of self-worth, or any other of myriad adversity.

This is the consciousness we should have when God offers us a key, as it is generally a “wide door of opportunity”. Paul’s description of the door serves as an incentive for us to go through the door God opens for us when we use the key.

You will note that a key is not a remote control. A remote control can open any door within range of its transmitter, if it is on the right frequency. A key however will only open the door for which it was designed. Obviously we have been equipped with “Key’s” and offered “doors” but sometimes are slow to either recognise or respond. Jesus quickly dispelled this myth as he addressed His disciples prior to His arrest.

John 7:6 Whereupon Jesus said to them, My time (opportunity) (or “door” …. comments mine) has not come yet; but any time is suitable for you and your opportunity (or “door” …. comments mine) is ready any time [is always here].

There is also a different door which requires a different key, a key which has already been provided and the door identified, now all that is required is effort of passing through the already unlocked door.

Luke 13:24 STRIVE to enter by the narrow door [force yourselves through it], for MANY, I tell you, will try to enter and WILL NOT BE ABLE. (It is obvious that these people have not been given a “key”. Also noteworthy is that Paul had a “Wide door of opportunity”, and this door is “narrow” … comments mine)

There are times however when Father will give someone else the key that will bring us into victory, to open doors that for some obscure reason, or our stubborn blindness, we have not been able to recognise as the “key” of Grace that has been so liberally afforded us. These are identified in the Word as “spiritual gifts” and are “for the good of all”.

Acts5:18-20 They seized and arrested the apostles (special messengers) and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors (had possession of the key … comments mine) and, leading them out, said, Go, take your stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life (the eternal life which Christ revealed). (or make good use of the opportunity … comments mine)

There are generally two ways involved in the use of the door once the lock has been opened, that is we can go in or we can go out. In this case the Apostles had someone else bring the key, but they still had to make use of the door. The Apostles could have sat in fear and trembling of the consequences of leaving prison without permission, and so often we replicate that sensation because we are not quite sure what might happen after the door is opened.

Father has provided us with another very important key, one that has already been placed in the lock and the door opened into a great opportunity and place of safety. It is within this secured environment that we can experience another dimension of that “sweet satisfying companionship” referred to in Psalm 25:14, and it is as follows.

Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your [most] private room, (that room of “sweet satisfying companionship” Psalm 25:14 … comments mine) and, closing the door, (the door Father has already opened for us …. Comments mine) pray to your Father, Who is in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.

It is important to note here the instructions regarding going in through the door, and how significant is the consequence when we come out from the door, the results will be evident when we apply the “key” of Matthew 6.

Losing keys in the natural realm seems to be a common past time, in fact there are now numerous devices on the market that will enable you to attach a “tag” to your keys so that when they are misplaced you can locate them. My question is, WHY DO WE LOSE OUR KEYS? I would suggest firstly, that we are not conscious of their value, we are not careful enough to realise the implications, and lastly, we “forget” because we are not concentrating. How many lessons for us does this provide?

I fear that there are those who have been alerted by Father of things, principles, procedures, purposes, truths, that have been lost due to our lack of concentration, and as a result we are locked out of the blessing that Father intended for us. So is there a remedy? There is a potent example recorded in:-

2Kings 6:5-7 But as one was felling his beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried, Alas, my master, for it was borrowed! The man of God said, Where did it fall? When shown the place, Elisha cut off a stick and threw it in there, and the iron floated. He said, Pick it up. And he put out his hand and took it.

CHERISH THE KEYS FATHER HAS GIVEN YOU AND DO NOT NEGLECT OR DELAY TO USE THEM

The Key for Humility

August 25, 2015August 27, 2015 Ross Smith

ROSS SMITH 24/06/2015

Philippians 2:14 DO ALL THINGS without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining (a) [against God] and questioning and doubting (b) [among yourselves], (This constitutes the double barrel PROCESS) THAT YOU MAY SHOW YOURSELVES to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom YOU ARE SEEN AS BRIGHT LIGHTS (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, This constitutes the PROOF)

The first, and very confronting aspect of this scripture is the introduction, DO ALL THINGS.

Now let me firstly say that we should not confuse it with “EVERYTHING”. However, there is an INSTRUCTION followed by a CONDITION, and unless we fulfil the INSTRUCTION there poses a real threat to being able to fulfil the CONDITION, so be prepared to DO ALL THINGS.

What does this constitute? Does it relate to the work I am employed in, does it relate to my ministry, is it relevant to the demands of my family, well I find that scripture provides my safest answer.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 WHATEVER your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (the place of the dead), where you are going.

We are offered a chance here and now to demonstrate to the Lord that there is nothing either too hard, too demanding, too demeaning, too illustrious, too way out, or whatever other spin we may want to apply, because if we don’t take the opportunity now, regardless of anything, then as sure as hell we won’t get to do it later.

Just so I eliminate any chance of us skipping out by thinking that “HAND FINDS TO DO” only refers to practical, work type matters. This term is intended to represent and be a symbol of our active nature, whether it be physical labour, academic pursuits, bible study, ministry etc. Saul came to this conclusion with quite a jolt as we see in:-

Acts 9:6 Trembling and astonished he (Saul) asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do? The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.

The duties that lie nearest will commonly be the most urgent, or as we have learned, “DO FIRST WHAT YOU FIRST KNOW TO DO”, but let me reinforce this, “DO IT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT”. Again, let’s not distort the intention, some people MIGHT JUST DO IT or MIGHT THINK ABOUT IT, no, it is the manner Peter described in 2 Peter 1, “Apply every effort”.

So we have here both the PROCESS and the PROOF or the INSTRUCTION and the CONDITION. There are two parts to the PROCESS, firstly our communications with the Lord need to be refined so that when we come to Him we do so in accordance with the principles of scripture, and secondly how we communicate with each other. They are inseparable in their requirement and unbelievable in their result.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!

There is nothing in this verse that provides “wriggle room” for me to tell the Lord how unfair He has been to me this week, and it reflects a state of proper motive together with at least some comprehension of His “Inconceivable Greatness”.

The second part is a little more demanding, because we have been taught over generations to question everything and winge to get our own way, called “the squeaky wheel syndrome”. This component does not relate what we are called upon to do, BUT IS FOR US TO RECOGNISE THAT IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT IT IS WE HAVE TO DO, FATHER DESIGNED IT, DEFINED IT, CONSIGNED IT, and for us to say that we don’t have the where withal or the ability, or the talent, or the time, or the inclination ….. or are poorly equipped, or prone to failure, this is “grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God]

Did your Mum or Dad, when they asked you to do something and you questioned them as to why, responded with the old cliché? Well my parents often said “JUST DO IT” and now as I look at scripture I see that this was very wise approach, although at the time it was quite unpalatable. I was prone to “grumble and fault find and complain against Mum and Dad”, I always had a “why”, always needed them to give me a reason. Just to maintain the context of where we are going, did I act like this because I thought it was below my dignity, or not my job, or was being asked too much of, well that’s where “JUST DO IT ” comes into it, IT REQUIRES SUBMISSION, WHICH IS HUMLITY.

1 John 5:3 For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are MINDFUL of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous).

HUMILITY IS THE FERTILE SOIL OF RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER.

I recall recently that there was some study involving “BIRTH PANGS” and wondered at the time if these “PANGS” would come as a test to anyone, and provide a platform for us to complain to Father. You see whenever we find the Word of God speaking to us, it is not enough to agree with the principle, we then have to provide the evidence. A sermon is never finished, it has to be lived.

And that is the reason sometimes that people are inclined to “COMPLAIN AGAINST GOD”, simply because He gives us the opportunity to see if we have comprehended the revelation. You may recall that God will give us Wisdom if we ask, but in comes “By Costly Experience”. (Proverbs 5:1 AMP)

Now contrast the instruction from:-

Philippians 2:3-4 DO NOTHING (The complete opposite to verse 14 “DO ALL THINGS”) from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. (Or in a manner lacking HUMILITY …. Comments mine) INSTEAD, in the TRUE SPIRIT OF HUMILITY (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. (Balance comes to mind!!!)

Now we have the “DO NOTHING” as opposed to “DO ALL THINGS”. And again the first part of this verse describes the “PROCESS” and the second part the “PROOF”. The list of “no no’s” includes some very relevant terms.

What does it mean to be contentious, the very first term in the list, and I will leave you to develop the rest?

Likely to cause people to argue or disagree
Involving a lot of arguing
Likely or willing to argue
Exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes

My quirky mind developed the definition further, for if we break the word down it looks like this and clearly defines that we lack humility when this characteristic is demonstrated:-

(a) CONTENT
(b) IOUS

Let us explore (a) first, for again there are two parts. What is the CONTENT of the dispute, is it worth fighting about, does it have components that will benefit either party in the long run, is it edifying, does it glorify the Lord or is it just “Worthless Thoughts”?

Then if we go to the second aspect, if I am “CONTENT” then I have no need to be “CONTENTIOUS”. Remember what Apostle Paul said “I have LEARNED” to be content”. Sometimes I realise I am a slow learner!

But part (b) has some implications that are often found lurking either at the back of our mind, or buried amid our ambitions, or simply to make me feel better.

What are “IOU’S”? In the context of this word it is relevant, it really means “I will get you, or I owe you one”. It robs us of the ability to be “CONTENT”, it highlights, in retrospect, just how worthless the argument or dispute was about, because contentiousness rarely solves anything, it just metastasizes into a cancer that eats away at relationships, destroys confidence and isolates us from each other, IT DESTROYS THE BODY, both naturally and spiritually.

This sort of behaviour totally contradicts Philippians 2:4:- Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. In other words the only IOU is that I owe you my total respect, despite any perceived short comings, because that is probably how I would like to “be concerned for my own interests”.

2 Peter 3:14 So, beloved, since you are expecting these things, (referring to the final outcome and the return of the Lord) be eager to be found by Him [at His coming] without spot or blemish and at peace [in serene confidence, free from fears and AGITATING PASSIONS (See the study on “Agitating Passions”) and moral conflicts].

HUMILITY suggests total freedom from threats, either real or perceived. Even Old Testament advice is appropriate here.

Job 22:23 If you return to the Almighty (this next part is the confronting part … comments mine) [and SUBMIT AND HUMBLE YOURSELF before Him], you will be built up; if you put away unrighteousness far from your tents,

So it suggests that a failure to embrace Philippians 2 results in “absenteeism”, as described above, because we have to “RETURN TO GOD” (Job 22:23) so that we can evidence HUMILITY AND SUBMISSION.

UNDERSTANDING COMES AFTER WE OBEY GOD, NOT BEFORE

1 Corinthians 10:10 Nor discontentedly complain as some of them did–and were put out of the way entirely by the destroyer (death).

This was the experience of the Israelites, although God had provided for them miraculously, with food, water, pillars of cloud and fire, indestructible shoes, etc., they still found occasion to complain against God, with the end result “were put out of the way entirely by the destroyer (death)

The list continues in Philippians 2 with “contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance”. But we don’t need to go there except to say that when we engage like this, we are in fact doing exactly the opposite to what Philippians 2 said “DON’T COMPLAIN AND GRUMBLE AGAINST GOD”.

Now Philippians expands the issue a little further in verse 14, “questioning and doubting [among yourselves]” or as the BBE version says, “Do all things without PROTESTS AND ARGUMENTS;”

Oh how I long to get to this place, where I can absorb, or deflect, or ignore, or accommodate any and every exigency that arises with that serene and peaceful nature that I know lies buried in me somewhere THAT “SPIRIT OF HUMILITY”

This study so far is extracted from just 17 words in Philippians 2 as recorded in the Amplified Bible, and has related to our communication with Father, and how it spills over into our behaviour.

So why all the hoo-hah? Well the verse goes on to say: – “THAT YOU MAY SHOW YOURSELVES”. This is a similar thought to that of:-

Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them.

Much of the behaviour of Christians today does little to identify and individualise them as being “DIFFERENT”. We argue the same way, we have dissention and disunity, we still evidence a lot of “I, Me My Mine , Want Wish Wallow”

Let me rephrase this now not as we saw previously, “I WILL GET YOU, OR CALL IN MY IOU, BUT I WILL SHOW YOU

This is the “PROOF” or the outcome of the “PROCESS” and now we have a lovely list of characteristics which just ooze “HUMILITY”.

• Blameless and
• Guileless,
• Innocent and
• Uncontaminated,
• Without blemish (faultless, unrebukable
• Bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly)

Do I need to go into any protracted explanation of these terms? We all know without a doubt that these things are areas that the Lord has been dealing with for years, trying every which way to get us to the place where we are “HUMBLE ENOUGH” so that He can finalise the transaction:-

1Peter 5:6 Therefore HUMBLE YOURSELVES [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, THAT IN DUE TIME HE MAY EXALT YOU,

Do I need to go into any protracted explanation of these terms? We all know without a doubt that these things are areas that the Lord has been dealing with for years, trying every which way to get us to the place where we are “HUMBLE ENOUGH” so that He can finalise the transaction:-

1Peter 5:6 Therefore HUMBLE YOURSELVES [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, THAT IN DUE TIME HE MAY EXALT YOU,

Causal or Casual

August 23, 2015August 27, 2015 Ross Smith

CASUAL AND CAUSAL ROSS SMITH 30/04/2013

I have been prompted to review how our relationship exists with the Lord and how we address it. Two words emerged and there is a common factor to both words in that:-

THEY HAVE THE SAME LETTERS IN THEM.

These words are CASUAL and CAUSAL.

One can be easily misled if the words are misread. The key to these words is where you place the “U”, and this is where it becomes relevant to our position with the Lord. This can lead to an extension of the word CASUAL to CASUALITY. This then can be the result of being CASUAL, we can become a CASUALITY.

Can we explore the more precise meanings of both terms?

The word CASUAL (which comes from casus, the Latin word for chance) means ‘happening or done by chance’. So we may speak of a casual encounter or a casual remark. Derived from this root meaning of the word is a further meaning: “relaxed or informal”. A casual attitude is an attitude that is relaxed and unconcerned, while casual wear is clothing that is suitable for a relaxed or informal occasion.

Romans 11:7 What then [shall we conclude]? Israel failed to obtain what it sought [God’s favor by obedience to the Law]. Only the elect (those chosen few) obtained it, while the rest of them became callously INDIFFERENT (or in my terms “CASUAL) (blinded, hardened, and made insensible to it).

2 Chronicles 15:2 And he went out to meet Asa and said to him, Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him [inquiring for and of Him, craving Him as your soul’s first necessity], He will be found by you; BUT IF YOU [BECOME INDIFFERENT AND FORSAKE HIM, HE WILL FORSAKE YOU.

So we must become alert to our ensuring ours is not a casual relationship with the lord ….. Not a “happening or done by chance” or with “an attitude that is relaxed and unconcerned”, as described in the definition, or we become a CASUALITY

*************CAUSAL ************

The word CAUSAL means ‘BEING OR INVOLVING A CAUSE’ – for example, “There is a causal connection between obesity and susceptibility to heart attacks”. An action or occurrence can cause another (such as smoking causes lung cancer). If one action causes another, then they are most certainly correlated. (We need to hold the word CORRELATED as it is important) This is most significant in light of what we have been studying in ISAIAH 58 where we are promised several “THENS” if we carry out the requirements. By loosing bonds, by destroying yokes, by undoing the bands, there is a CAUSAL RESULT

In general, or to the mortal mind, it is extremely difficult to establish CAUSALITY between two correlated events or observances. There are several reasons why common sense conclusions about cause and effect might be wrong..

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his OWN EYES but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart).

Hebrews 4:12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; (the word and power are correlated)it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. (Whether those purposes are casual or causal – comments mine)

CAUSALITY

How, then, does one ever establish CAUSALITY? This is one of the most daunting challenges. When the stakes are high, people are much more likely to jump to causal conclusions. (Everyone becomes an EXPERT ) This seems to be doubly true when it comes to suspicion about chemicals and environmental pollution. In general, we should all be wary of our own bias; we like explanations and if they are not forthcoming we can create them.

Luke 11:13 IF YOU THEN, evil as you are, know how to give good gifts [gifts that are to their advantage] to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!

The key is IF THEN …. Because we understand our love/responsibility/obligation to our children THEN THE CAUSE KICKS IN WITH A RESULT

CAUSALITY refers to causal relations, i.e. the relations between causes and effects. Remember we needed to hold the word CORRELATION – there can be CORRELATED events which may not be CAUSAL )

A study of the field of CAUSALITY must also include an investigation of non-causality in all its forms. For, as we shall see, even if we were to consider spontaneity impossible, the existence of causality in one form or other between things in general does not imply that any two things taken at random are necessarily causally related, or causally related in a certain way. We need both positive and negative causal propositions to describe the relations between things.

Psalm 107:20 He sends forth His word (cause) and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction. (effect)

Matthew 8:8 But the centurion replied to Him, Lord, I am not worthy or fit to have You come under my roof; but only speak the word, (cause) and my servant boy will be cured. (effect)

****************CASUAL **************

happening by accident or chance
offhand; not premeditated: a casual remark
shallow or superficial: a casual affair
being or seeming unconcerned or apathetic: he assumed a casual attitude
Informal wear: a casual coat (esp of dress)
occasional or irregular: casual visits, a casual labourer

Etymology: 14^th Century: from Late Latin cāsuālis happening by chance, from Latin cāsus event, from cadere to fall; see case¹

CASUALLY / CASUALNESS
Forum discussions with the word(s) “casual” in the title:

“a casual sort of way” or “a sort of casual way”?
“immediately” less “casual”?
a casual glance
a casual kick
a casual love story
a casual lover
casual
casual link
casual relationship
casual work, worker
Inversion in indirect questions – only in casual language?
Is “or so” casual?
Just act casual
odd jobs vs casual jobs
offhand and casual
plain/casual clothes
small talk or casual talk
They are casual friends
********** CASUALTY**********

This can occur as a result of being CASUAL or UNTHINKING. How often has something occurred when you least expected it, simply because we were UNAWARE. There is a remedy for this, and it involves our being aware at all times ….. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE????

Isaiah_26:3 You will guard him and keep him in PERFECT AND CONSTANT PEACE whose mind [both its inclination and its character] (I read this as CORRELATION – the intention and the effect) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in YOU.

DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU PLACE THE “U”!!!!!!!

I am sure there is more to follow.

Preparations, Presentation, Demonstration, Continuation

August 22, 2015August 27, 2015 Ross Smith

PREPARATION, PRESENTATION, DEMONSTRATION, CONTINUATION ROSS SMITH MAY 2013

A SHORT NOTE OF ENCOURAGEMENT

I am sure that the Lord is adapting folk to carry out tasks that we have not faced before, no longer is He content to have adequate ministers, I think He is looking for EXEMPLARY ministers. The “feel good” that we often experience when we know we have been subject to the Lord’s advice as to the message we either PREPARE or DELIVER, (remembering that some things are for sharing, some things are for keeping), is no longer the criteria of a “job well done”, the job now HAS TO BE DONE. Also noticeable is the extent of some of the material, I am continually returning to ISAIAH 58 and feel prompted to “get deeper” (WIP) whilst there are notes like “Casual and Causal” and the note below that are noteworthy for their brevity.

The time has come I believe when we can no longer ignore the message after we have “done our stint” in the pulpit, or in Sunday school, or in the choir or orchestra, but how do I get to maintain the fervor of the truth so that it becomes a demonstrative example rather than an eloquent discourse. The Lord reminded me:-

John_14:26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And HE WILL CAUSE YOU TO RECALL (WILL REMIND YOU OF, BRING TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE) EVERYTHING I HAVE TOLD YOU.

Can you imagine that when we have attained to the requirements that Father is asking of us that we will remember all the messages that we have delivered, not only in the context of the material but also in the application of the principle, and as a consequence become a mirror of the One we serve.

I offer the following “work in progress” for your consideration and extension

PREPARATION, PRESENTATION, DEMONSTRATION, CONTINUATION

PREPARATION …. This involves not only the subject matter we are researching or exploring or practicing. I recall several years ago that we were prompted to understand that PREPARATION IS PARAMOUNT, a term that has never forsaken me.

We need to be prepared before we start to prepare (study or practice). If our concentration has been on other things then we need to sit and listen so that we do not contaminate the message with our own ideas. Sometimes the Lord will demand a particular time of our day so that He has our undivided attention ( it is possible!!!) then at other times He will come to us in the night watches, or in the midst of some frenetic activity just to prove that no matter what or where we are He is watching us intimately.

Ephesians 6:15 And having shod your feet IN PREPARATION [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

PRESENTATION …. This is always a challenge, does our personality exhibit itself when we are in the pulpit, leading bible study, teaching Sunday school etc etc. We can be either too bold to too shy when making our “presentation” and are espousing the truth. We cannot afford to have any sense of superiority or inferiority as we “present”. PRESENTATION comes from the root “PRESENT” or “OFFER” and if we are inspired by the Holy Spirit it is difficult for folk to refute the “Present” or “Gift” although it may be confronting. This of course only applies to the genuine seeker after God, when we are lukewarm or ambivalent plenty of excuses will surface. Let us not detract from the subject we have PREPARED so thoroughly, by our sense of inadequacy and its attendant distraction.

Romans_12:1 I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to MAKE A DECISIVE DEDICATION OF YOUR BODIES [PRESENTING ALL YOUR MEMBERS AND FACULTIES]AS A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY (DEVOTED, CONSECRATED) AND WELL PLEASING TO GOD, WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE (RATIONAL, INTELLIGENT) SERVICE AND SPIRITUAL WORSHIP.

DEMONSTRATION …. How contradictory or hypocritical am I if I deliver a potent exposé on an important truth where Father is trying to “Build His Church” and then fail to apply the principles and behaviors to my own life. This should not deter us from seeking after and presenting the truth, it should encourage us to be even more vigilant in our searching after God.

Demonstration is never easy, it first has to overcome my habitual behavior learned over decades and then has to implant honourable behaviors , all in line and clearly seen and defined by my PRESENTATION, firstly in line with the Word of God and secondly as a rework of my character.

1 Corinthians 2:4 And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, BUT THEY WERE IN DEMONSTRATION of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them],

CONTINUATION …. I often find that the challenges the Lord puts before me, I can accommodate once or twice and then fall back into an old pattern, I lack the “CONTINUATION.” I need to do it by “ALTERATION” or by adjustment of my characteristics in line with my Presentation.

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law SHALL NOT DEPART OUT OF YOUR MOUTH, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may OBSERVE AND DO according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. (in putting the facts into reality – comments mine)

Isaiah_59:21 As for Me, this is My covenant or league with them, says the Lord: My Spirit, Who is upon you [and Who writes the law of God inwardly on the heart], and My words WHICH I HAVE PUT IN YOUR MOUTH shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouths of your [true, spiritual] children, or out of the mouths of your children’s children, says the Lord, from henceforth and forever. ( REAL CONTINUATION – comments mine))

John_15:7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words REMAIN IN YOU AND CONTINUE to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. ( LOOK OUT, HERE WE COME!!!!!)

Calm

August 21, 2015February 28, 2017 Ross Smith

CALM ROSS SMITH 22032014

Psalm 94:13 That You may give him power to KEEP HIMSELF CALM in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked.

The first point of interest here, outside of the subject matter of CALM is that God gives US the power to keep OURSELVES calm.

Romans 12:21 DO NOT LET YOURSELF be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.

calm1

Knowing to do right and not doing it is “evil”, we have the choice and need to overcome!!! (see JAMES 4:17)

The reason I find this interesting is because of the studies done under “Hierarchy of Holiness” where James 3:18 states:-

And a HARVEST of righteousness is grown from THE SEED OF PEACE planted by PEACEMAKERS. (ISV)

So I conclude that “PEACE”, “CALM”, “RIGHTEOUSNESS”, “SERENITY” are so intimately related , so convoluted that scripture reinforces the benefits, and the necessity for us to be a righteous people, and therefore provides numerous reasons.

calm2

By comparing a verse in the Old Testament with a verse in the New Testament we can see the consistency of this truth. Look at the comparison.

Isaiah 32:17 And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. (can I insert here “CALM”?)

James 3:18 And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]. (can I insert here “CALM”?)

calm3

Psalm 85:10 Mercy and loving-kindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

If we want to experience the depth and breadth of “CALM” or “PEACE” that the word prescribes then we need to strive to evidence His righteousness. The scripture in Hebrews 1:9 is an incentive and also a very instructive verse.

Hebrews 1:9 You have loved RIGHTEOUSNESS [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed you with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond your companions.

How closely does this relate to the pattern laid down in 2 Peter 1 where we are encouraged to “expend every effort, with diligence, and exercise”

Words are powerful tools not the least of which is CALM, when we consider words such as “CALM, SERENE, PEACE” they carry the intent of a settledness and induces that sort of sensation that then becomes infective on those with whom we relate.

Conversely if we employ words like ”STORM, TEMPEST, VIOLENCE UNREST” and all those other terms which conjure up in our minds scenes of disruption and conflict, they have an unsettling effect, and a similar infection on others. We can “sow peace”.

And so we will be aware that there are two sides to the equation, contrasts that we can determine where we stand, for I would suggest that the EVIDENCE OF A PEACEFUL NATURE IS ONE MEASURE OF FRUITFULNESS. For example, when Jesus was on the Sea of Galilee and a great storm arose, and because of His nature, his fruitfulness, He could speak “CALM” to even the sea, which by nature is restless.

But even equally important is the contribution that “CALM” makes for our health. I often ponder why someone should be so ill and why they are passing through various experiences, but part of that answer lies in :-

Proverbs 14:30 A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.

Notice that we have to have both the “MIND”, which compliments PSALM 94:13, “Keep himself CALM”, but also involves the HEART or as we now understand the “ATTITUDE”.

Before someone tries to misinterpret what I am saying, I am not implying that “The power of positive thinking” is the intent of these verses, because both of these attributes are germinated in RIGHTEOUSNESS. There are many reasons why people are ill and because we don’t understand the reasons is often why they are not healed, because “we ask amiss”

1 John 5:14 – 15 And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.

What peace and calm that will afford us, that “settled and absolute knowledge”. In this state or condition we can live in total calm, it is when we are not sure of what hinders that we become insecure, or lose our CALM.

CALM contributes to “The peaceable fruit of Righteousness”, and the process we go through to reach that point is acutely aligned with 2 Peter 1, as follows.

2Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of CALM AND WELL-BALANCED MIND and discipline and self-control.

Do you recall what Peter said in 2 Peter 1? We have been given “qualities” but now we have to “develop” them:-

2Peter 1:6 And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety),

There is a purpose in being calm, not just for the benefit of evading conflict, because that is not possible, but to be able to exert our ministry. Some may say, “What Ministry”, well every one of us has a part to play and whilst we cannot go into it here, but we are all strategic parts of the body.

2Timothy 4:5 As for you, be calm and cool and steady, ACCEPT AND SUFFER UNFLINCHINGLY EVERY HARDSHIP, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry.

It is a medical fact that people who have a bitter spirit frequently end up with arthritis, a condition which cripples the body while the bitterness cripples the mind. Even under the most perverse conditions we need to maintain this supernatural calm, not a complacency, or a resignation, or an ambivalence, but a CALM that has been given us to develop.

Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the temper of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place [or show a resisting spirit]; for gentleness and calmness prevent or put a stop to great offenses.

Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; FRET NOT YOURSELF–it tends only to evildoing.

I enjoy reading about Elijah and Elisha. Elijah had just informed Elisha that he was going to Bethel and that Elisha should stay where he was, but Elisha was not having any of that, so they both went off to Bethel. See what happens when they get there.

2Kings 2:1-3 As the time drew near when the LORD was about to take Elijah to heaven in a wind storm, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah instructed Elisha, “Remain here on this side, please, because the LORD is sending me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives, I’m not going to leave you while you’re still alive!” So they both went on to Bethel. When the Guild of Prophets who lived in Bethel came out to greet Elisha, they asked him, “You are aware, aren’t you, that later today the LORD is going to remove your master from being your mentor? “OF COURSE I’M AWARE OF IT,” HE SAID. “CALM DOWN.” (ISV)

2 Peter 3:14 So, beloved, since you are expecting these things, (that is, the Second Coming of Christ ….. comments mine) BE EAGER (or could we use the word “Diligent with its potent intention ….. comments mine) to be found by Him [at His coming] without spot or blemish and AT PEACE [IN SERENE CONFIDENCE, FREE FROM FEARS AND AGITATING PASSIONS AND MORAL CONFLICTS].

This is the only time I can find such an amplification that brings such clarity, “In serene confidence”, Peter takes up where he left off in chapter 1.

Hebrews 12:14 STRIVE to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness (or commonly called RIGHTEOUSNESS ….. comments mine) without which no one will [ever] see the Lord.

Hebrews12:11 For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness–in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].

calm4

This condition or state of PEACE or CALM is part of that convolution of RIGHTEOUSNESS that we have now contemplated for such a long time but found it elusive. But the Prophet Isaiah was moved to write:-

Isaiah 32:17 -18 And THE EFFECT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BE PEACE [internal and external], and the RESULT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BE QUIETNESS AND CONFIDENT TRUST FOREVER. My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting-places.

See how it is intended that “CALM” and “PEACE” are to be a lifestyle. You will recall how when we started out in this study I referred to the power of words, well PROVERBS reinforces this with some force.

Proverbs 17:27 Whoever controls what he says is knowledgeable; anyone who has a calm spirit is a man of understanding.

Sometimes it suits us to “blast off”, it seems to relieve the congestion of our gastric juices, even if we don’t have all the phrases and adverbs that suit the occasion, it just feels good to get it off our chest. Well may I suggest that if it is on our chest then we haven’t applied the principles of the Word that are applicable.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, THAT PEACE] WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING SHALL GARRISON AND MOUNT GUARD OVER YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.

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The Lord is my Rock

August 20, 2015September 23, 2015 Ross Smith

THE LORD IS MY (ADD IN YOUR CONCEPT) ROCK ROSS SMITH 09012015

Can you nominate the characteristics of the Lord that are meaningful to you, what is your response when I ask “The Lord is my………………”

Do we have any worries or concerns this morning? How important are they? Do they tend to crowd out our consciousness of the Lord at work? Do they keep us awake at night? Do they constitute “Worthless Thoughts”?

If we revert to Scripture, which is the safest and securest of method for overcoming these problems, we will begin to wonder why we ever let these “weeds” take up room in the fertile soil of our spirit.

We are familiar with Scriptures that say “Cast all your cares upon Him”, “Do not let yourselves become agitated et cetera”, “take no concern for tomorrow”, and no doubt you can add relevant scriptures. Can I suggest that maybe we lack one thing that will erase every trace of the insecurities that are the major constituent of worry.

We have discussed at length the concept of “God’s Inconceivable Greatness” but as yet it is still much a theory rather than an experience. We glimpse it sometimes, like early in the morning when the cacophony of birds in their chorus, even in their ignorance they exalt the Lord. And so I would like to explore a channel of expression proven by at least one of the patriarchs, by the name of David.

ANOTHER “FACTOR OF EIGHT

It is remarkable how often the characteristics that relate to the Lord appear in groups of eight, and as we recall, the numeral 8 in Scripture characterises “Spiritual Fatness”. (See the attachment to this study for a summary) So here we find another classic example of “Spiritual Fatness” for in this Psalm, the Psalmist describes how he is utterly unreachable by the enemy, he has taken refuge in the many citadels arranged by Father.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my ROCK, my FORTRESS, and my DELIVERER; my GOD, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take REFUGE, my SHIELD, and the Horn of my SALVATION, my HIGH TOWER. [Heb. 2:13.]

IN SUMMARY, THE LORD IS MY ….

MY ROCK
MY FORTRESS
MY DELIVERER
MY GOD
MY STRONGHOLD/REFUGE
MY SHIELD
MY SALVATION
MY HIGH TOWER

And this is where the dilemma starts, because the list of areas of “TRUST” are not only impressive, they are wide ranging, so why are we so slow to adopt this resource, and exhibit the fearlessness that is contained therein?

You will recall that David’s enemies were myriad, they were very well equipped with horses and chariots, a formidable host, but they were just an earthly power. The Israelites regarded Egypt like this.

Isaiah 31:1 WOE TO those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses and trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they look not to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek and consult the Lord!

What is it that constitutes our “Horses and Chariots” this morning, is it our job, family, money, reputation, position, fight or flight? What do we revert to when we fail to recognise the purpose of the circumstance we find ourselves in? we My need to personally identify our “Horses and Chariots”.

Isaiah 14:27 For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who can annul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

Difficult as they may be in appearance, and incredible as their fulfillment may seem, yet His purposes are formed in full view of all the circumstances; and there is no power to resist His arm, or to turn Him aside from the execution of his designs. (See Acts 9:5 re “kicking against the pricks”)

Isaiah 30:2 Who set out to go down into Egypt, AND HAVE NOT ASKED ME–to flee to the stronghold of Pharaoh and to strengthen themselves in his strength and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

A shadow, as above, is a dark shape produced by a body coming between a source of light and a surface. What a poignant description of our failing to trust in “OUR ROCK”.

David is scathing in identifying the futility of using our own resources, but the Psalmist goes on to contrast the two different attitudes of people, and he has had some experience on this subject when he confronted Goliath.

Psalm 20:7 SOME trust in and boast of chariots and SOME of horses, (first category ) BUT WE WILL TRUST IN AND BOAST OF THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD. (second category)

But before David launches into his euphoric recognition of God’s attributes he makes one very succinct and important statement in verse 1, “I LOVE You fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength.”

#1 MY ROCK How frequently the analogy of a ROCK is used in scripture, and does the Psalmist intend that we embrace all these examples, or should we restrict it to the simplistic singular description? Exploration of the metaphor opens up how significantly the term refers to our experience.

In Scripture, “Rock” is identified with shelter, refuge, strength, security, the foundation of an altar to God, the place of sacrifice to God, a stumbling block to the stubborn and disobedient, life-giving water (foreshadowing baptism?), the source of life and existence, salvation, the divine, Yahweh Himself, and Christ Himself. It is how we view “OUR ROCK” that determines our trust in God. Even sand is a mineral constituting rock, but how insecure is that, how big is my “ROCK”?

Rocks can be hard, soft, permeable or impervious, depending on what type of rock it is. Slate, marble, chalk and granite all have different uses and characters.

What is our concept of a rock, is it a thing you throw at a rabbit, is it a difficult place to dig in the garden, how is it different to a pebble, or then we have monoliths like “The Olgas” and “Eyre’s Rock”. But none of those truly can represent “MY ROCK”. Even the mighty Himalayas which are made of magmatic rock, the result of great disruption in the bowels of the earth, are not an adequate simile, and I have stood absolutely spellbound at the foot of this huge brooding monolithic evidence of the creative genius of our God. If that vista can inspire and promote awe, what can it be like when we truly observe the incalculable enormity of “OUR GOD”?

HIMALAYAS

ULURU

GIBRALTA

DEFINITION OF ROCK From H6696; properly a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally a rock or boulder; figuratively a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous): – edge, X (mighty) God (one), rock, X sharp, stone, X strength, X strong.

See also H1049 “BETHZUR” (“house of rock”.) One of Judaea’s strongest fortresses in the mountains of Judah, between Halhul and Gedor

There are 6 types of characteristics for rocks and minerals. They are :-

Hardness (is a measure of the mineral’s resistance to being scratched,
Lustre (some minerals are shiny and some are dull, lustre means metallic or non-metallic
Colour (Colour is an important property of a mineral but colour doesn’t totally identify it.)
Crystal Structure (Crystal structure is another way to figure out what type of rock or mineral it is. The mineral or rock must have straight edges, flat sides and regular angles)
Streak (Streak refers to the colour pouder that the mineral leaves after it scratches it)
Cleavage and fracture (Cleavage is a way the mineral breaks and fracture is a breakage that is rough and has jagged edges.)

Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros–a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra–A HUGE ROCK LIKE GIBRALTAR] (what a lovely recommendation for Peter) I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].

The change of name for Peter was very significant. Peter’s preeminent position among the apostles was symbolized at the very beginning of his relationship with Christ. At their first meeting, Christ told Simon that his name would thereafter be Peter, which translates as “Rock” (John 1:42). The startling thing was that, aside from the single time that Abraham is called a “rock” in Isaiah 51:1-2 in the Old Testament only God was called a rock. The word rock was not used as a proper name in the ancient world.

If you were to turn to a companion and say, “From now on your name is Asparagus,” people would wonder: Why Asparagus? What is the meaning of it? What does it signify? Indeed, why call Simon the fisherman “Rock”? Jesus was not given to meaningless gestures, and neither were the Jews as a whole when it came to names. Giving a new name meant that the status of the person was changed.

Take a closer look at this verse:-

Matthew. 16:18) “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church”. Since Simon’s new name of Peter itself means rock, the sentence could be rewritten as: “You are Rock and upon this rock I will build my Church.” The play on words seems obvious, it is suggested that the word rock could not refer to Peter as a man but must refer to his profession of faith or recognition of the Christ.

I see here that the verse recorded in ISAIAH is the basis for the Lords statement

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious CORNERSTONE of sure foundation; HE WHO BELIEVES (there is another word that I like to replace “believe” with, and that is “OBEY, FOR THAT IS THE EVIDENCE OF “BELIEF”) trusts in, relies on, and adheres to THAT STONE) will not be ashamed or give way or hasten away [in sudden panic].

Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone that will make men stumble, a Rock that will make them fall; but he who believes (can I suggest the word “obeys” is another word for “believes” .. comments mine) in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations.

I MUST ASK MYSELF, WHY DO I FAIL TO IMPLEMENT THIS TRUTH?

How many people have been faced with the reality of what Father requires and found the expectation too much for them? Some have had an inspiring and developing ministry, but have “stumbled” at the first hurdle of handing over the reins to Father, and failed to put the last part of Romans 9:33 into practice

The term “ROCK” as applied to the Messiah and referred to here in Romans, is derived from the custom of building, as He is the “cornerstone” or the “immovable foundation” on which the church is to be built. And although He was rejected, He has now become the “cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22) And the same thought as we saw in those who trust in horses and chariots is evident here again, are we clinging to Him as our Rock of Safety, or are we being repulsed from Him as from a rock of offence?

WE HAVE BEEN AFFORDED THE “LESSONS” BUT HAVE WE “LEARNED”?

“THEORETICAL THEOLOGY IS ONLY THEATRICS”.

1 Peter 2:4-6 Come to Him [then, to that] Living Stone which men tried and threw away, (or “stumbled” …. Comments mine) but which is chosen [and] precious in God’s sight [Come] and, like LIVING STONES, (This suggests to me that we are to be “CHRISTLIKE”, for He is the “Living Stone” are to be “Like Living Stones”) be yourselves built [into] a spiritual house, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. For thus it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen (honored), precious chief Cornerstone, and he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall never be disappointed or put to shame.

Have you ever looked at an opal, it seems to be alive with such colour and fire.

Notice that the reliance on “MY ROCK” contains three distinct promises, as found in: –

Isaiah 28:16 ) NO SHAME

Romans 9:33 ) NO PANIC

1 Peter 2:4 -6 ) NO DISAPPOINTMENT

Just as the Temple had many types of stones, rocks and boulders making up the foundation, flooring, walls, roof, and pillars, so will God’s spiritual Temple. The spiritual Temple of God is a work in progress. Undoubtedly, God is excited to see its different elements taking shape. He is building us, as living stones in a living Temple, “on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:19-20)

Do we have to wait until all other avenues (or horses and chariots) are exhausted that we will turn to the Lord as our last resort? But even then He is our sure refuge even if He is our last refuge!

Mark 5:2627 And who had endured much suffering under [the hands of] many physicians and had spent all that she had, and was no better but instead grew worse. She had heard the reports concerning Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment, (her last resort!!!!)

My Word

August 20, 2015August 27, 2015 Ross Smith

MY WORD ROSS SMITH 02042015

Jeremiah 23:29 Is not MY WORD like fire [that consumes all that CANNOT ENDURE the test]? (THE TEST — maybe many tests —- see study on “recognising the purpose of circumstance) says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?

Deuteronomy 13:3 You shall not listen to the words of that prophet or to that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being. (That is called “Concentration”… comments mine)

Psalm 12:3-4 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and the tongues that speak proud boasting, Those who say, With our tongues we prevail; our lips are our own [to command at our will]–who is lord and master over us?

When a minister shares God’s Word under inspiration, Jeremiah 23:29 applies.

If the message doesn’t “have heat or force” then we need to step back to find where, we as ministers, have “lost the axe head” or missed the point, ignored the signs, or neglected the challenge. This is how the Word should be proclaimed:-

Jeremiah 5:14 Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts: Because you [the people] have spoken this (inappropriate) word, behold, I will make My words fire in your mouth [Jeremiah] and this people wood, and it will devour them.

Multitudes are ruined by being made to believe that God will not be so strict with them as his word says.

This is the result for the unbelieving who deride God’s word, who mock at the Prophets, who use the word to make themselves comfortable, it is the same “FIRE” that is referred to in Jeremiah 23, but now their words come home to haunt them, they are consumed by the fire of Jeremiah’s words brought about by their own delinquent words, and we need to have some Jeremiahs today whose words are “FIRE” straight from the throne room. The CEV version sums it up nicely:-

Jeremiah 5:14 I am the LORD God All-Powerful. Jeremiah, I will tell you exactly what to say. Your words will be a fire; Israel and Judah will be the fuel. (CEV)

Notice the subtle change space – “My Word = like fire, “My words= are fire”

Notice that the wood, the worthless, the contaminants, the slag is the stuff that cannot stand the test, and in our lives it is all those aspects that constitute our ego, our self-will, those aspects of our nature that do not represent the Lord and His nature, the Wisdom from above– that “ethos”. James 3:17

Similarly, “The Word” will confront our attitudes, because that is where the hardness lies, in our heart, and depending upon the type of “hardness” determines how much force is to be used to smash that rock, and after it is smashed it is shown to be just dust, that’s how meaningful it is for us to hold a hard heart.

Psalm 12:6 The words and promises of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over.

But the Word of God when it is born of the spirit goes much deeper than just the fire in the messenger’s mouth as seen in Jeremiah 5.

Jeremiah 20:9 If I say, I will not make mention of [the Lord] or speak any more in His name, (obviously not speaking about the name of Jesus, as this is Old Testament) in my mind and heart it is as if there were a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I CANNOT [CONTAIN IT ANY LONGER]. (Concentration)

And if we thought Jeremiah was a “one off” and the only person that had that sort of “heart burn, let’s look at David.

Psalm 39:3 My heart was hot within me. While I was musing, (in other words contemplating his God) the fire burned; THEN I spoke with my tongue: (Too many people speak during the “musing stage” – the fire has not yet been lit)

Luke 6:45 The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse of the that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

Matthew 13:52 He said to them, Therefore every teacher and interpreter of the Sacred Writings who has been instructed about and trained for the kingdom of heaven and has become a disciple is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse treasure that is new and [treasure that is] old [the fresh as well as the familiar].

“Produces” is a creative word whereas “bring forth” is simply repetitive.

I find it so encouraging that even as David “Contemplated his God” that the same provocation takes place as when we are called to minister, but then it will be manifest to achieve God’s purpose.

Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing (the same word as used in Luke 6:45) any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (not mans word/musings)

These men of old experienced that “FIRE”, firstly in Jeremiahs mouth, then in his mind and heart, then in his bones until it flared uncontrollably, and David had a similar experience with the “FIRE” raging in his heart and exits through his mouth.

Let me digress to another analogy. Similarly, just like if we need spiritual surgery, like “heart surgery” or some intervention, the Word carries that same inherent power, and so our approach to the reading and study of God’s Word has to take on a whole new meaning, a new look at what it is we are doing when we open the Word of God, — is it to fulfill some obligation we feel, — is it a religious rite or ritual that we have perpetuated over maybe decades, — or is it powerful spotlight that causes us to tremble?

IF WE ARE NOT IN WORD – – – – WE ARE NOT IN THE RACE

This in no way excuses us as lay people from the same experience as a minister, every time we open the Word we need to be exposed to either the fire or the hammer or the scalpel, because this Word is alive and active, it is not just a book.

There is a marked difference between true and false, the true is readily identified: –

* Consuming fire )

* Purifying fire )

* Destructive hammer ) To everything not of God

* Penetrating blade )

Can we possibly imagine or begin to grasp the power contained in the Word of God, or are we content to read it as a book, even as a text book, without exploring the practical application and demonstrating that which we read. Let us extrapolate.

Hebrews 4:12 For the WORD THAT GOD SPEAKS (Think of creation, and also the Centurion who said “just speak the word”) is ALIVE AND FULL OF POWER [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is SHARPER than any two-edged sword, (the surgical precision of the Word) penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, (even the world’s finest brain surgeons cannot exhibit such precision and consummate skill … comments mine)) and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analysing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

When the blade is not “sharp” it hacks away at the material – this is the same as man’s words

Psalm 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he who honors those who fear the Lord (who revere and worship Him); who swears to his own hurt and does not change; (Or who keep His Word, even when it hurts)

Firstly let me reinforce the term “THE WORD THAT GOD SPEAKS” for we find in:-

Revelation 1:16 In His right hand He held seven stars, AND FROM HIS MOUTH THERE CAME FORTH A SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD, and His face was like the sun shining in full power at midday. (an analogy of the tremendous heat of the sun)

2Timothy 3:16 EVERY SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED (GIVEN BY HIS INSPIRATION) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, IN CONFORMITY TO GOD’S WILL IN THOUGHT, PURPOSE, AND ACTION), (REFER TO THE NOTES ON “VALUES’)

Where our lives, our thoughts, words, actions, intentions, purposes, direction, relations — where all of these things need to be rectified or renewed there is only one way, AND THAT IS BY THE TOTAL IMMERSION IN GOD’S WORD, NOT JUST IN READING BUT SERIOUS STUDY, exposing ourselves to the Fire and Hammer and Surgery

Psalm19:7-11 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes. The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); and in keeping them there is great reward.

It is worth exploring the effects of THE WORD in Hebrews 4:12:-

ALIVE Not just an inert force but “living.” It is not dead, and powerless. It has a “living” power, and is energetic and operative. When someone is alive they communicate!!!

Hebrews 6:1 THEREFORE LET us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ (the Messiah), advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belong to spiritual maturity. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance and abandonment of dead works (dead formalism) and of the faith [by which you turned] to God, (In other words, we should “grow up”) (The “conformity” of 2 Timothy 3:16)

POWERFUL Not just “powerful” but “FULL OF POWER” inferring an unending resource, a force that cannot be contended with. Notice the nuances used so that we do not in any way underestimate the “POWER”, “active – operative – energising – effective” all denoting a current, vital, available, and life changing force. We must look for the effect. (Such as God’s control of the universe all his speaking to the sea of Galilee”)

There is no force that can compete with the Spirit of God. This is a force that cannot be contained within the confines of a man’s imagination or his mentality. It cannot be measured mathematically, there is no formula that applies to this force. This force has a foundation securely based in a relationship Jesus, and that force is the “LOVE” born in us of the Holy Spirit

SHARP Not just “any old how” sharp, but the combination of both sides and keen edges of the sword. A sword with two edges has no blunt side. The Greek helps to understand, In G5114 the word means “to cut with a single stroke”. Other uses of “sharp” use the Greek in G2875 which means to chop with repeated blows, in other words “hack”. We will see how sharp further down.

PENETRATING There is nothing superficial about “The Word that God Speaks”, that’s what makes it so different from “The Words that Man Speaks”. There is not just the tickling of the ears, there is a deep, profound, life changing, renewing, revitalising, healing, restoring and eternal consequence when it is “THE WORD THAT GOD SPEAKS” and which “PENETRATES”, not only is it “sharp” it is also “pointy”!!!

This “Penetrating” constitutes the heart surgery of the two-edged sword, and if that doesn’t work the alternative is the hammer. It is not superficial, not just a flesh wound, but it penetrates to our very heart.

DIVIDING This clearly identifies that the “soulish” aspects of our nature, all those emotional and superficial attitudes that combine to make up the selfishness that the world exhibits so blatantly, are “excised”, that is the earthy part of us is put into a condition of “solitary confinement” so that is does not molest our spiritual nature, and that division must be clearly in view. The apostle Paul identifies the difference between the conflict of the flesh and spirit in Romans 7

JOINTS AND MARROW This separation whilst having intense consequence as to the “sharpness” of the sword, or the Word, I see has other significant and current consequences as well. Let us reflect on:-

Ephesians 4:16 For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the JOINTS AND LIGAMENTS with which it is supplied.

Ligaments are bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that surround a joint to give support and limit the joint’s movement. When ligaments are damaged or misplaced, the joint may become unstable. This is like the poles that are used to carry the ark, they were always to be in their place, just as we are, otherwise the “joint” can become unstable.

Ligaments are similar to tendons and fasciae as they are all made of connective tissue, just like all the other soft tissue of the body. The differences in them are in the connections that they make; ligaments connect one bone to another bone, tendons connect muscle to bone and fasciae connect muscles to other muscles.

See what things can disrupt the unity and smooth working of the body, and apply it to the church. Awkward movements, (or fallacious churches) falls (like TV evangelists) and collisions, sudden twists, (various winds of doctrine) excessive force ( or organizational control) or overuse (or in our own strength) can result in a range of injuries to the joint and the structures supporting it. The rereading and contemplation of 1 Corinthians 12 will bring clarity to this aspect.

The “MARROW” is a beautiful analogy, because this pulpy mass is responsible for the production of red blood cells deep within the core of our bones, and this marrow produces up to 500 billion red cells every day. We know that the life is in the blood and consequently the marrow is part of that physiological system, and if there is no marrow there is no life. In medicine this condition is called leukaemia, in church it is called “fellowship”. God’s scalpel of the word is able to separate the marrow containing bone from the joint holding ligament.

1 Corinthians 12:14 For the body does not consist of one limb or organ but of many.

So can I deduce from this that when the Word of God comes like a FIRE AND HAMMER AND BLADE that it will in some, maybe many cases, divide the church, the body, the joints and ligaments. It will consume the rubbish and will smash wrong attitude. We have been warned repeatedly that if we do not take up the offer the Lord has been proposing over long periods, then we can be picked off by the Amalekites, as stragglers, and lose our heritage.

THOUGHTS AND PURPOSES How often has the Lord dealt with us for engaging in the soulish behaviour of “WORTLESS THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES”. But now the effect of the “FIRE AND HAMMER” goes much deeper, and this could be embarrassing. How would I like you to be able to read my mind in its unrenewed state? We have seen that there are remedies to our “vagabond” thoughts, if we roll our works on the Lord our thoughts will become agreeable to His will. (Proverbs 16:3)

Is that what the Word of the Lord is accomplishing in the church today? If not why not? So we all need to ask ourselves the question, and find the answer why the “FIRE” of God’s Word is lacking this exhibition in our lives. I would respectfully suggest there is not enough commitment to intense study of God’s word, the church has become lazy, ambivalent or maybe even stupid.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is tried and purified; (in other words, it comes with a guarantee)

FIRE does several things, it enlightens, warms, melts, purifies, consumes. The word, without the spirit is just “fuel” so there has to be an ignition. But if the earlier work of the “Fire” of the Word doesn’t have its effect on us, like the warming or enlightening, then the “consuming “ ability will come to bear.

Some folk need fire, others need a hammer, others need surgery, but in each case it is “HIS WORD”. This is the differentiating factor between “THE WORD” and “HIS WORD”.

Jeremiah 23:30 Therefore behold, I am against the [false] prophets, says the Lord, [I am even now descending upon them with punishment, these prophets] WHO STEAL MY WORDS FROM ONE ANOTHER [imitating the phrases of the true prophets]. (Not “fresh and new”)

This instruction is to those who take the pulpit and repeat a sermon they have either read or heard, THERE IS NO PLACE IN MINISTRY FOR PLAGIARISM!!! Nor is there any room for imitation carried out by wolves in sheep’s clothing

How many of us like stale bread? There is nothing attractive about stale bread except to be ground up into bread crumbs and be used as a filler in some recipes. The same applies to “second hand” sermons, a God who Holds the universe in His hands doesn’t need us to reheat someone else’s message, He expects us to bring “The fresh and New”.

Mark 1:27 And they were all so amazed and almost terrified that they kept questioning and demanding one of another, saying, What is this? What new (fresh) teaching! With authority He gives orders even to the unclean spirits and they obey Him!

The same applies to the presentation of God’s word, it needs to be fresh and new. But the Word also places greater emphasis on this principle, equating the teaching of the word as “TREASURE”.

Matthew 13:52 He said to them, Therefore every teacher and interpreter of the Sacred Writings who has instructed about and trained for the kingdom of heaven and has become a disciple (see notes on “Disciplined Disciple) is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse TREASURE that is new and [treasure that is] old [the fresh as WELL AS THE FAMILIAR]. (Treasure has intrinsic value)

This ability and characteristic is not restricted to just a special few, it is a universal provision, BUT IT IS TREASURE (often “buried”!!!). Old jewellery is often more precious than new jewellery, so we need to get into Father’s Jewel box in a dedicated manner so that we can be entrusted with this “TREASURE”, and this is how it is done.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand). (This is the treasure we need to seek and find)

Should you take the time to explore the book of Jeremiah you will find repeatedly the term “The Word of the Lord CAME.” Now I know that is Old Testament, however we can /are /will be elevated to the illumination of God’s Word as we apply ourselves or open ourselves to the “breath” that inspired Gods Word.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and DWELL IN YOU in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom (or God’s “Ethos”) [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.

Pertaining to Poles

August 3, 2015August 27, 2015 Ross Smith

By Ross Smith (10 July 2015)

Further to our exploration of the “Purpose of Poles” in the study “Consequences of Irreverence” it is convenient to expand upon the purposes that are relevant to our walk with the Lord using the poles as symbolism. There are several aspects that come to mind and as you ponder this subject no doubt you will expand on both the areas and the essence. The fact that all these characteristics align with the letter “P” is simply a launching pad, and may prompt a whole new arena of contemplation and concentration that will enhance our appreciation of what a wonderful purpose Father has for our lives.

This study is intended to explore the “Symbolism” and as such must not be misconstrued to be a “doctrine”, but an incentive for us to occupy the place Father has nominated as our unique and special ministry in the body of Christ. The headings below are intended for cues for contemplation, areas for action, material for mediation.

PERMANENT
POSITIONED
PRACTICAL
PROMINENT
PURPOSEFUL
PREPARED
PREORDAINED
PROTECTIVE
PRESENT
PROXIMITY
PRIVILEGES

The similarity between the appearance and actions of the “POLES” of the Ark of the Covenant have increasing similarity and application to us in this day and generation. Jesus spoke in parables so that the disciples could understand the principles He espoused, and I see parallels in events in the Word that should quicken us to recognise the importance of our calling and position. Even though the poles were not engaged in their purpose on a daily basis, that is, to relocate the ark, they were firmly attached, ready at all times, tightly aligned with the Lords presence, evident in their function etc. An exploration of some of these characteristics is interesting, and hopefully challenging.

The task of the “POLES” was not only to carry the ark representing God’s presence, but within they also carried the law, the tablets of stone. Likewise, we are a “sweet savour” when we carry His presence, but we also are called upon the exhibit the “Law of Liberty”, not that legalistic branch but the demonstration of what it means to live under the New Covenant with all the provisions of God’s grace.

Psalm 119:11 Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

They were “POLES OF PURPOSE”, reflecting our position:-

They had a core of wood = the natural,
They were covered in gold = the indestructible,
They had an abandonment to their purpose = ministry.

Hebrews 9:5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the place of atonement. (We cannot discuss these things in detail now.)

What is the significance of the Cherubim? Were they removed when the ark was transported? How heavy must they be? Why cannot this matter be discussed as referred to in this passage, very interesting material for further study!

Exodus 25:19-22 Make one cherub on each end, making the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat, on the two ends of it. And the cherubim shall spread out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, facing each other and looking down toward the mercy seat. You shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony [the Ten Commandments] that I will give you. There I will meet with you and, from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are upon the ark of the Testimony, I will speak intimately with you of all which I will give you in commandment to the Israelites.

The “POLES” were always involved when the Lord visited, “There I will meet with you and, from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are upon the ark of the Testimony, I will speak intimately with you of all which I will give you in commandment to the Israelites.” They were intimately involved with the event, they were not intimidated or shy, and they stood in their place and were available to “MOVE” as required, they didn’t have to say anything, THEY FUNCTIONED IN THEIR PLACE.

Another significant point of interest relates to the time of Jesus death. Three of the gospel’s record that when Jesus hung on cross, intense darkness pervaded the land from 12 noon till 3 PM. Could this be that the entire deprivation and degradation that had overtaken man, that sinful condition unable to be dealt with by sacrifice, the depravity of society such as described regarding Sodom and Gomorrah all suddenly congealed into one intense and concentrated event to be purged by Jesus death?

The relevance to “POLES” in this example relates to the magnificent curtain that shielded the Holy of Holies, a curtain some 60 feet wide and 30 feet high, and “as thick as the Palm of a man’s hand”, which was rent from top to bottom at this point in time so that no longer were the “POLES” obvious as stated “THE POLES WERE SO LONG THAT THE ENDS OF THEM WERE SEEN FROM THE HOLY PLACE BEFORE THE HOLY OF HOLIES,” but now they are “EXPOSED”.

This “NEW AND LIVING WAY” did not remove the poles from a position but clearly exposed their function. And so we, in this New Testament era are not only to be prominent but our MINISTRY needs to be “EXPOSED”

1 PERMANENT

THE PERMANENCY OF THE “POLES” accurately represent our position in Christ, there are no “casual” appointments, each one is permanent and secure, has an enduring and eternal consequence.

Romans 11:29 For GOD’S GIFTS AND HIS CALL ARE IRREVOCABLE. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]

Those who draw back, or opt out, or treat their salvation as a casual or a part time occupation have not recognised the significance and importance of the honour Father has bestowed upon them, and I fear the end result is dire. Each of us is “gifted”, some with more obvious responsibility but none with less responsibility. Our liver is never given much respect until it malfunctions, but without it we are dead. Likewise, my gifting in some areas is unrecognized until it is needed, but it is permanently “on standby” for use.

2 Chronicles 5:9 The poles were so long that they could be seen from just outside the most holy place, but not from anywhere else. AND THEY STAYED THERE FROM THEN ON. (or “Permanently)

Exodus 25:15 The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; THEY SHALL NOT BE REMOVED FROM IT [that the ark be not touched].

Exodus 25:13-14 (CEV) Make two poles of acacia wood. (the natural) Cover them with gold (the “indestructible) and put them through the rings, so the chest can be carried by the poles (the “ministry) DON’T EVER REMOVE THE POLES FROM THE RINGS.

THE WRONG SORT OF PERMANENCY

2 POSITIONED

Ephesians 6:13Therefore put on God’s complete armour, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, HAVING DONE ALL [THE CRISIS DEMANDS], TO STAND [FIRMLY IN YOUR PLACE]. (or “POSITIONED”) .. comments mine)

The first thing is that we have to know is our place. There is an old saying that says “If you want to bear fruit you have to have roots”. The migratory habits of the Christian community these days precludes the potential to be fruitful,

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man BE IN CHRIST, (or “in his place”) he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (Notice that the Bible did not say if any man be “in church”, he is a new creature.)

Father is more interested in our function than our posture, and the location of our fellowship is most often determined by our involvement in our function, and that is not done by vagrants, because the Apostle Paul gave discreet instruction to the twelve Apostles, as follows:-

Acts 6:3 Therefore select out FROM AMONG YOURSELVES, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom WE MAY ASSIGN (or put in their place, that to which they are assigned.) to look after this business and duty.

They didn’t just wander in off the street, they didn’t come from some employment agency, they were men who had proved themselves and their ministry by the consistent participation in developing fruit.

GOD ALWAYS DEVISES THE PLANS, OUR JOB IS TO IMPLEMENT THEM

Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand

What was Paul’s purpose in this instruction? It was twofold, firstly to have tried and trusted men cemented into their “POSITION”, and then secondly to demonstrate the goal for which they should pursue.

Acts 6:4 But we will continue to devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Exodus 25:27 Close against the frame shall the rings be as PLACES FOR THE POLES to pass to carry the table [of showbread].

Exodus 40:20 (CEV) The stones with the Ten Commandments written on them were stored in the sacred chest, the place of mercy was put on top of it, AND THE CARRYING POLES WERE ATTACHED. (or “positioned”)

3 PRACTICALITY

Exodus 25:28 “You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.” This was of course referring to the poles that were designed for use with the Table of shewbread, but the same instruction was applicable to the poles in the ark.

Have we left the Table of the Lord without any means of being carried forward, is the Table afforded similar respect as the ark, are the “human poles” in their place? I would hasten to suggest that the “bearers” of the provision and privileges of the Lord Table are languishing, because I see in The Table such a richness, such a wealth of God’s grace, such opportunity for healing of every aspect of our lives? And this is just one aspect of the ministry that “POLES” are called upon to dispense, bearers of liberty from all hindrance whether it be sin, sickness, stubbornness, or stupidity et cetera

But just as the Ark was captured and its benefits and blessings denied to the Israelites, so the Table and its blessings, including the “Poles” have been captured by complacency, and the methods used today are like using a “cart” and not the “Poles of Practicality”.

Father does not leave us without the resources necessary for fulfilling His function, for many say “I have such and such a ministry but no opportunity”. Well when God gave the (PRACTICAL) instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, everything fitted together. And that is the case with our ministry, so I must not be envious or jealous of what other “POLES” are called to do, because Father has made provision for my ministry to be performed. The poles on their own were of no use, they could languish under the table, or be stood in the corner, but then as we see in:-

Exodus 30:4 You shall make two golden rings under the rim of it, on the two ribs on the two opposite sides of it; and they shall be holders for the poles with which to carry it. (The rings make opportunity for the “Ministry” of the “Poles”.)

How “PRACTICAL” is that? When the poles are in place, there is no question as to how the ark will be carried, there is no question as to the stability of the ark, the poles are firmly lodged in the rings and so progress is unimpeded, the goal is pursued, the energies are being expended, all because Father is so very practical. You are very familiar with the disaster that overtook David and his men when they attempted to use methods that were not endorsed by God Himself, and they suffered the consequences.

Going back to Exodus 40, there is a real practical use for the ark,

Exodus 40:20 (CEV) The stones with the Ten Commandments written on them were stored in the sacred chest, (it could have just been a beautiful box, but it was a practical box) It was the task of the poles to be used in carrying the Law of God, at the head of the multitude so that the instructions of God from on the mountain were to be observed at all times. We are to be similar transport for truth, carrying “THE LAW OF LIBERTY” and the presence of God.

4 PROMINENCE

Exodus 40:20 He took the Testimony [the Ten Commandments] and put it into the ark, and SET the poles [in the rings] on the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark. (notice there was a place for each “member” .. comments mine)

1 Kings 8:7-9 For the cherubim spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, AND THE CHERUBIM COVERED THE ARK AND ITS POLES. THE POLES WERE SO LONG THAT THE ENDS OF THEM WERE SEEN FROM THE HOLY PLACE BEFORE THE HOLY OF HOLIES, but they were not seen outside; they are there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two tables of stone which Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites when they came out of the land of Egypt.

We have no need of self-promotion or self-seeking when we are covered by the anointing like the Cherubim covered the ark AND ITS POLES. But what acknowledgement is given to the function of the cherubim:-

Exodus 25:20 and 22 And the cherubim shall spread out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, (and the POLES remember) facing each other and looking down toward the mercy seat. THERE I WILL MEET WITH YOU AND, from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are upon the ark of the Testimony, (and with the “POLES” firmly alongside .. comments mine) I will speak intimately with you of all which I will give you in commandment to the Israelites.

The practicality of doing what the Lord requires of us has many facets. Firstly the Bible says in:-

James 4:10 Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant]. (Or to use the terms we are looking at – “PROMINENT)

FUNCTIONAL POLES STICK OUT:-

1 Kings 8 “THE POLES WERE SO LONG THAT THE ENDS OF THEM WERE SEEN FROM THE HOLY PLACE BEFORE THE HOLY OF HOLIES.” These poles didn’t need an agent, or an advertising manager, a religious TV program, or even a recommendation from someone in the know, “THEY STUCK OUT”. And that is what will occur when we are in our place, fulfilling our function, dedicated solely to what we were designed to do, fulfilling our ministry and not our passion, but not necessarily accepted. This principle has been repeated again in:-

2 Chronicles 5:8-9 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, making a covering above the ark and its poles. And they drew out the poles of the ark, so that the ends of the poles protruding from the ark were visible from the front of the Holy of Holies, but were not visible from without. It is there to this day.

There is a sobering thought here, the poles were not visible from without the tabernacle, and this suggest to me that our ministry may not be acknowledged by some of those “outside”, for should they come near they will be offended by our testimony and our principles and the reflection of Christ, and that’s when the church can expect some real opposition, it is FROM WITHOUT that people will not recognise the significance of the “POLES”, but it is also likely that our “placement” or ministry will be an offence, even to some who enter the Holy Place.

There is a telling example of this in: –

Mark 6:3 Is not this the Carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not His sisters here among us? And they took offense at Him and were hurt [that is, they disapproved of Him, and it hindered them from acknowledging His authority] and they were caused to stumble and fall.

IT’S OKAY TO BE A CARPENTER, BUT NOT CHRIST, similarly we as “POLES” will be an offence to them who know us as “Carpenters”, but refute our ministry as God’s representatives. People saw the background but forfeited the foreground, they were astonished by His doctrine and offended by His person.

I LIKE THE SAYING, “WE WERE NOT MADE TO FIT IN, WE WERE MADE TO STICK OUT”.

5 PURPOSEFUL

1Chronicles 15:14-15 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel. THE LEVITES CARRIED THE ARK OF GOD ON THEIR SHOULDERS WITH THE POLES, as Moses commanded by the word of the Lord.

I am so glad that Father has my destiny in hand. Everything that occurs in my life, if I can but stop and acknowledge it, has a purpose that fits into what Father is trying to accomplish through me. I may be an “accessory” to the ark, to God’s presence, but I get to be in His service in a unique and special way.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans (or “purpose”) that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Gods purpose can be delayed but never thwarted)

We have an extraordinary propensity to view things from an earthly perspective and process the information to suit our purposes, but we need to recognise that Father has a plan designed specifically for our future benefit, if we will remain in our place, for His PURPOSE

1 Corinthians 1:30 BUT IT IS FROM HIM that you have your life (or “PURPOSE”) in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], (or in that proper place like “in the rings”) and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin].

1 Kings 8:8 (CEV) The poles were so long that they could be seen from RIGHT OUTSIDE the most holy place, but not from anywhere else. And they stayed there from then on.

PREPARED

The long-standing principle which we have attempted to adhere to for an extended time now is “PREPARATION IS PARAMOUNT”. This is reinforced throughout Scripture.

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on God’s complete armour, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

This is the prerequisite for being able to “stand in our place”, we have “done all the circumstance demands”. It includes that intense preparation of heart and mind that proceeds to eliminate any doubt that would undermine our “standing in our place”, just like the poles were in the place, having been “invented then contented”, they were “PREPARED” for any contingency.

Ephesians 6:15 And having shod your feet IN PREPARATION [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

Verse 15 then goes on to explain by saying “And having shod your feet IN PREPARATION”. Whilst this verse specifically refers to facing the enemy, I suggest that if the Gospel is entrenched in our heart and mind, then we have done the “PREPARATION”. If our thoughts and activities are scattered and miscellaneous, then we may need to do some more preparation, because the manifestation of God’s power through dedicated “POLES” will create enemies.

The poles were at all times prepared to carry out the nominated purpose, and we must follow suit

Isaiah52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns! (To do this requires constant and intense preparation)

“FEET” are featured because they represent progress, born out of PREPARATION, for the messenger could not bring “good tidings” if he didn’t know what the good tidings were, SO HE HAD TO DO HIS PREPARATION

Genesis 1:1 IN THE BEGINNING GOD (PREPARED, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.

If it is good enough for God to “PREPARE” then it is a stark example for us to follow. You may recall that when Jonah was being a dope that “GOD PREPARED a great fish”. Some would just suggest that Father had arranged to have this fish in the right place at the right time, but I see that there is more to it than that. The fish’s digestive system had to be prepared so that Jonah was not excoriated by the function of nutritional absorption. Then I think the fish’s throat had to be “PREPARED” so that Jonah went down in one piece, not several, a MIRACLE in itself. The fact that Jonah was in the fish’s belly for three days meant that there had to be an adequate supply of oxygen or air, and generally air in the tummy has its own set of consequences!!! Here is another example of being “PREPARED”.

Matthew 25:10 But while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and THOSE WHO WERE PREPARED went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.

This is self-explanatory even to the most self-absorbed individual.

Titus 3:1 REMIND PEOPLE (see study “Provocation, Encouragement and Incitement”) to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared AND willing to do any upright and honorable work,

I have recounted the incident where I was visiting the church and arrived earlier than the nominated start time, unaware that the Pastor was on leave, and just before service the sound engineer came and said “Here is your microphone Sir”, thinking I was the visiting speaker. I had been in study all that week, so my “studies” were up to date, but I was not “PREPARED” for the offer of a microphone, or to deliver the content of my studies. So I had to reflect if I was not “WILLING” even though “PREPARED”.

1Corinthians 13:7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

Love is always PREPARED for “anything and everything”, for “anybody” and for any “circumstance”. To be in the place that 1 Corinthians 13 describes requires that I have truly grasped the essence of love, and that does not come about by chance, it comes about by commitment and dedication and preparedness.

Proverbs 24:27 [PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST.] Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house and establish a home.

Have we got our priority right, even in the workplace, for that is where we get to practice the art of “Preparation”? If the boss wants a rundown on a particular aspect of your work, it is imperative that we do the “Preparation” so that we “PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST”, even in the workplace. This means we acknowledge Him even in the very mundane, it must be the “first” thing we do, even before proceeding with the project.

It is of consequence that many people would put family ahead of Father’s demands on us, and Proverbs clearly defines this is disorderly. Family, particularly extended family, are so often disinclined to fit in with our obligations to the Lord, and so we either neglect our regular times with the Lord, or skip out on meetings, just to accommodate family. This can become a very sore point and cause for question by those who do not understand our privileged position of “POLES” and will cause the offence that Jesus encountered in Mark 6:3

John 14:2 In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you.

We have always known that “PREPARATION IS PARAMOUNT”, this has been a byword for as long as I remember.

PREORDAINED

How far back in history was our “ordination” established in the mind of God? How improbable to our understanding is the fact that God had chosen us, instilled in us particular talents and proclivities, just as it applies in the “POLES” so that when he wanted to move His presence in a particular situation, His fully ordained situation, we would be he is “POLES OF PURPOSE” from before time began. We should not confuse “PRE-ORDINATION” WITH “PREDESTINATION”.

It is fascinating to reflect on the unprecedented arrangements that Father made so that the artisans in Moses day had available to them materials that would seem generally unsuitable. The trees from which the timber was obtained for the “POLES” were not some huge, slender, attractive trees but were more like scrubby bush, which flourished in the most inhospitable, hostile and challenging climatic conditions.

The tree from which this wood was obtained, Acacia wood, had its growth in the wilderness, very little water and very high temperatures. And so in the development of His humanity, it was declared of Christ that “He should grow up like a root out of dry ground.” The Acacia wood was incorruptible, durable, insect proof, AND COVERED WITH GOLD in its role as a pole.

Consequently to obtain timber of sufficient diameter, but more particularly of adequate length, some 15 feet or 5 m, demanded a special, preordained, specially chosen and intensely healthy specimen.

If that is the length that Father went to so that the very substance of the poles had been in the process of development over maybe decades, just so that they would be ready for the craftsmen to use at the appointed time, of suitable length, diameter and straightness, how much more significant is His preordained purpose for us.

Jeremiah 1:5 BEFORE I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and BEFORE you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I APPOINTED YOU (or “Preordained you”… comments mine) as a prophet to the nations

Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be moulded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 4:17 As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the non-existent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.

If this is not an example of “PREORDINATION” then what could it be. The instructions to Moses regarding the manufacture of the “POLES” is of the same origin as per Romans 4:17

Ephesians 1:4 Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] (or “preordained us” … comments mine) in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.

8 PROTECTIVE

The Ark of the Covenant was so holy anyone who touched it, outside of the High Priest, and then only on is specific occasions, would die instantly. The “POLES” therefore provided protection to those whose task was to carry the Ark. Uzzah found this out to his detriment.

More than that, the “POLES” protected the Ark from the sort of instability as was evidenced when David was returning the Ark to Jerusalem, carried on a CART. You will recall that the “cart shook” as it passed over the threshing floor, and this in itself was remarkable as generally a threshing floor was compacted and smooth from the threshing process, a most unlikely surface to create instability to the cart.

Not only did the Poles protect the Ark, they were also in themselves protected, they had a covering of gold, so that there was no opportunity for the atmospherics or ecological conditions to work their destructive forces on the timber. Here we remember the Scripture where Isaiah found it hard to find words to clarify our covering.

Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

This “covering” represents the same quality as the gold overlay on the POLES, a covering that is glorious, incorruptible, inspiring, drawing attraction to its beauty, practical, everlasting, protective, intimate in association, immeasurably valuable etc etc

So already we can see our position in the body of Christ beginning to emerge in this example, and we are to protect those whose task it is to carry the ark, as we provide the means, and for the responsibility for the protection of the purity and solemnity of the Word of God, for it is the Word of God that now, in new Testament times has “Own inherent power”.

1Thessalonians 1:5 For our [preaching of the] glad tidings (the Gospel) came to you not only in word, but also in [ITS OWN INHERENT] POWER and in the Holy Spirit and with great conviction and absolute certainty [on our part]. You know what kind of men (or what sort of “poles” … comments mine) we proved [ourselves] to be among you for your good.

We also have a great responsibility to maintain the accuracy of the doctrines we know and believe for the days are upon us when great “INSTABILITY” is overtaking the church, with spurious doctrines and watered down teachings, with compromise on every hand, and we need to protect the faith with unshakeable stability and resilience and durability

2 Peter 3:16 Speaking of this as he does in all of his letters. There are some things in those [epistles of Paul] that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misconstrue to their own utter destruction, just as [they distort and misinterpret] the rest of the Scriptures.

There was a lack of protection of the “Law of Liberty” like the Ark provided for the tablets of stone. But we also need protection, just like the poles were covered with gold, we also have a protective resource that will become more relevant and noticeable as we evident our role of being “POLES”.

Psalm 32:7 You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me (intrinsic charcterietic of Acacia … comments mine) from trouble, You surround me (like the gold covering … comments mine) with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Psalm 119:114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

Not only do we have a citadel of retreat, a “hiding place”, we also have his “shield”.

We have recently looked at “THE LORD IS MY ROCK” and a revision of that study will reinforce the fact that we have and also provide PROTECTION

9 PRESENT

The most useful and appreciated friend is the one who is near to us or “PRESENT” when we need them. It is nice to have friends and acquaintances in faraway places so that we can visit them and enjoy their company and fellowship, however, in time of pressure we need people who are like “POLES”, that is, they are with the “Ark” all the time, or they are on tap to Minister when and where required, dependable, functional and practical, and carry the anointing of His presence

We as Father’s representatives are required to reflect His characteristics, His “Ethos” and so as I ponder what that involves I realise just how “PRESENT” He is.

Psalm 46:1 To the Chief Musician. [A Psalm] of the sons of Korah, set to treble voices. A song. GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], A VERY PRESENT AND WELL-PROVED HELP IN TROUBLE.

There was no point in having POLES for the Ark if every time it had to be moved the priests had to go looking for them. “Now where did Aaron leave those poles the last time we used them?”

Exodus 25:15 The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be removed from it [that the ark be not touched].

The “POLES” were always “PRESENT” for when they were needed. This does not mean that we have to be at every event, party, election campaign, sleepover etc., but it does mean that we are acutely conscious that we have a role to play and that there is an everlasting call on our lives to be firmly attached and “PRESENT” whenever there is the possibility that we are needed, where our Ministry or talent can be called upon, where our fellowship could be required, and none of these come under “social events”, but does not exclude social events where there is the potential for reaching souls. Programs will never cut it but people of purpose will always be PRESENT to “carry the Ark”.

While “PASTOR” and “PARTY ANIMAL” both start with the letter “P”, they both have different functions and should not intrude on each others territory, and this also applies to “MINISTERS” and “MANIPULATORS”.

10 PROXIMITY

Often we are dissuaded from participation or discharge of our Ministry because of the miles involved or the effort required to be “close to the action”. The demands of the week impinge upon us so that even our bones object, but we need to get up and present ourselves to the “arena of war”, whether that be to a meeting in Father’s house, or an early morning appointment with the Lord, or even in the middle of the night when we find sleep eludes us, those are always a good time to “DRAW NEAR”. Scripture abounds with this injunction as we can see.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near (or even “wearily … comments mine) to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] (think lamentations 3:23, His compassions new every morning) and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

Hebrews 10:22 Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning (that “leaning” requires “proximity” or nearness, it’s hard to lean on something that is not close .. comments mine) of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water.

The “POLES” were imbued with all those characteristics, as an example for us, that everything they had, all were intended to be was their only purpose in being.

Ecclesiastes 5:1 KEEP YOUR foot [give your mind to what you are doing] when you go [as Jacob to sacred Bethel] to the house of God. For to draw near to hear and obey is better than to give the sacrifice of fools [carelessly, irreverently] too ignorant to know that they are doing evil. (Notice the contradiction to the state some find themselves in as identified in James 4:17, “So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin” so we have to “PURSUE PROXIMITY”)

Psalm 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. (Our “PROXIMITY” to God, our drawing near, determines our communications … comments mine)

Hebrews 7:19 For the Law never made anything perfect–but instead a better hope is introduced through which we [now] come close to God. (Recall the “law” was carried in the Ark, and we now carry the “law of liberty” as evidence of our “PROXIMITY”)

James 4:8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. (This infers such and intimacy, such a “close PROXIMITY” that nothing can interject itself between us and our God and’s purpose) [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. (Or have been a bit remote or remiss)

The last part of this verse reveals the benefits of “PROXIMITY”, it enables all those little aberrations to be erased, it gives us clean hands so we can ascend into the Hill of the Lord, it strips us of double mindedness and its inherent instability, it restores our “marriage relationship” to Lord, and joins us in intimate fellowship, A PROXIMITY THAT ENSURES OUR FUNCTION WILL BE ATTENDED BY GOD HIMSELF

11 PRIVILEGES

“PRIVILEGES” are afforded to special people.

John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, HE GAVE THE AUTHORITY (POWER, PRIVILEGE, RIGHT) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe (we can change this word to “OBEY”) in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.

Did you notice that there are four evidences of benefit for service to “POLES IN THEIR PLACE?”, AUTHORITY, POWER, PRIVILEDGE AND RIGHT

Isaiah 56:5 To them I will give in My house and within My walls a memorial and a name better [and more enduring] than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

A “PRIVILEGE” is an advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their position, something regarded as a special honour, a special opportunity to do something that makes you proud. As a servant of God we have a unique and special place, a “PRIVILEGE” designed to fit us into the eternal plan of God.

How do we regard the opportunity we are given to evidence our position in Christ Jesus. Do we cherish the fact that we have the privilege of representing Him in every action and conversation we conduct? We may not be in the pulpit or conducting a seminar, but everything we do should be with the consciousness that we are securely ensconced in Fathers purpose, just like the poles were securely attached to the Ark by gold retaining rings.

The “RING” that retains us is the aura of his presence that will attend us and keep us close to Him when we are prepared and accept the enormity of the privilege of using the name of Jesus, all with the concomitant blessings and opportunities that HE affords us of being “POLES” in His service.

We must never take our “PRIVILEGE” for granted, or be presumptuous, or develop a familiarity so that we do not cherish the unique position and privilege of being like “POLES”.

Ross Smith

HOME BIBLE STUDY

Month: August 2015

WISDOM FROM ABOVE – A FACTOR OF EIGHT ROSS SMITH

The Value of Keys

The Key for Humility

Causal or Casual

Preparations, Presentation, Demonstration, Continuation

Calm

The Lord is my Rock

My Word

Pertaining to Poles

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