The Wisdom of Death: Press/Articles

Patience – the character of God in me

Although I am learning and becoming better, I have at times been an impatient man. Impatience is part of my human character, but not part of God’s character. Here lies the problem – if Christ is in me and I in Christ with all old things dead, and a new creature re-born, then patience must become part of my new character. James, the half-brother of Christ points out the extreme importance of patience as a Godly character trait.

“But let PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4, NKJV).”

It is a fact that my God has patience. Patience is one aspect of His character, which translates to one of the fruit of the Spirit that all believers must display through their lives. The Prophet Jeremiah called on God’s patience,

“ . . . In Your enduring PATIENCE, do not take me away (Jeremiah 15:15, NKJV).”

And the Apostle Paul refers to Jehovah as the “God of patience” as he admonishes his readers to have the same mind-set of patience as Christ Jesus.

“May the God of PATIENCE . . . grant you to be like-minded . . . according to Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5, NKJV).”

Yet, character traits of God are not immediately imputed on a person at the moment of salvation, rather they are to be grown into the person through life’s situations, troubles, trials, adversities, hopes, joys, promises, and journey. An infant does not have the character of its adult parents, but must grow into an adult through life processes. To be re-born in the Spirit is the same. Spiritual infants will develop the character of God as they grow in obedience to His word and direction. It is only God who gives the “right and the power” to become children of God.

The writer of Hebrews commands his readers to examine those who have gone before – who have inherited the promises of God – through faith and patience. The passage demands our imitation of the patient and the faithful. Why? Because that is how we inherit the promises of God.

“ . . . Do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and PATIENCE inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12, NKJV).”

So, I take seriously this command not to be sluggish, and I examine what lessons are to be learned from today’s misfortune and from its mishap. The death of my little furry friend was the cause of my impatience, and I pray this prayer for me,

“ . . . May the Lord direct (my) heart into the love of God and into the PATIENCE of Christ (2Thesolonians 3:5, NKJV).”

Because today I killed my dog.

I was agitated and frustrated with a neighborhood problem, and had met and discussed the issue with law enforcement outside of my home. I started to drive my car up my driveway when I noticed my little dog outside of the gate. I was concerned a passing car might hit him, and so I yelled at him to go back through the gate and onto my property, which he did like the good dog he was.

As I drove up my 601’ long driveway, I could see him chasing my car, and for a moment I thought to myself, “Paul, stop and let him into the car.” Yet, I was agitated, frustrated, and impatient – none of the characters of God. I just wanted to get back to the house and continue whatever it was I was doing. Now I do not remember its importance. But I do remember seeing my little friend one last time in front of me.

I heard it and felt it. As I rushed my little guy to the animal hospital, he screamed in pain. I prayed to God to take away his pain and to allow me to get to my destination safely. He did. God is always faithful. The hospital staff was excellent, and they tried their best. Perhaps, I should have prayed for patience and God’s help before rather than after this unfortunate mistake.

The internal damage I caused to my little friend was too great, and he died. Because I lacked patience, I killed my dog. And in my grief, I asked myself, “Paul, what is to be learned from this, and how do you find God in this misfortune?” My answer is that having the character of Christ - the very character of God - within me is really of utmost importance. All of the time, every-time, continually, it must be Christ in me. Jesus said,

“By your PATIENCE possess your souls (Luke 21:19, NKJV).”

Three days later while at work, one of my police officers witnessed a terrible car collision. I heard him asking for assistance and for medical aid. His supervisor telephoned me with the details.

A young 26-year old woman was attempting to turn onto a main thoroughfare from a side street. However, a passenger bus was blocking her complete view of the major highway thus limiting her sight of approaching traffic. She entered into the roadway regardless of the obstructed view and collided with a larger vehicle traveling very fast. The driver of the other car was man driving with a suspended driver’s license. He was not hurt, but the young woman was dead.

After I notified the detectives to respond and take over the collision investigation, I pondered what had just happened. The woman could not wait for the bus to move out of her way. She just had to go. Now. And her impatience over one or two minutes cost her eternity. The man that struck her was driving with a suspended license. The courts had suspended his license for a reason, but he could not wait. He just had to drive. Now. And this cost him the life of a young woman. See, regardless of who was legally at fault, both drivers were impatient. The outcome of this impatience was death and tragedy.

Later, the detectives told me that when they arrived, the victim’s car looked like a peeled sardine can. The victim was hanging out half way out of the car, and was clearly dead. Yet, no one – not even the bus driver blocking the victim’s view – stopped. The bus was outfitted with a camera to the front, which recorded the tragic accident, and yet the bus driver pulled away from the curb and drove off without stopping or rendering any aid. Why? Impatience. No one on the road that day had the time to stop.

God’s commands, like putting on His character, are for our own good. If we have the character of Christ and exhibit self-control with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness – will those traits not benefit us in life?

If you have peace, the character of Christ, you will not allow your mind to create that illness in you, that depression, that self-condemnation, that cancer. You will not get punched in the face by someone you offended, get fired from your job for punching your boss in the head, end up in jail for punching a cop if you have self control. If you have patience, you may save the life of your dog, your child, your wife, or a total stranger on the highway.

One Died

We are nothing without Christ, and must abide in Him, and first and foremost must be reconciled to God through Him. This is “Christ in me and me in Christ” because none of these facts can be diligently accomplished through our human endeavors – only by the transformation of our spirits through the Lord Jesus Christ.

In addition, it all started with the Apostle Paul's clear and direct statement of truth that,

Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence (2Corinthians 5:17, God's Word Today).

But how did we end up as a “new creation” with our former way of life eliminated, and a new manner of living established? How then, as verse sixteen (16) states, do we confidently declare?

So from now on we don't think of anyone from a human point of view.

Here is how, because Paul states in verses 14 and 15 that,

We are convinced of the fact that one man has died for all people. Therefore, all people have died. He died for all people so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the man who died and was brought back to life for them.

This is how we confidently exclaim the fact that we are new creatures in Christ, and He abides in us – because He (one man) died in place for everyone. And because He died for everyone, all have then died. By “faith-ing” in Christ, we then live for Him because He was raised from death and now lives. Our human lives (manner of operating in the flesh) have become extinct and a new life in God (through Christ) has become the new.

The Apostle Paul harkens back to a prophetic word spoken by the Chief Priest Caiaphas when he stated that Jesus should die for the sake of the people rather than have the Romans destroy the entire nation. The Jewish leaders were worried about the people believing in Jesus as Messiah.

The Apostle John wrote about the Jewish leader’s conversation,

If we let him continue what he’s doing, everyone will believe in him. Then the Romans will take away our position and our nation.

One of them, Caiaphas, who was chief priest that year, told them, “You people don’t know anything.

You haven’t even considered this: It is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

Caiaphas didn’t say this on his own. As chief priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation.

He prophesied that Jesus wouldn’t die merely for this nation, but that Jesus would die to bring God’s scattered children together and make them one (John 11:48-52, GWT).

So, God became flesh and - as “one man” - died in place for all people. All those who become reconciled to Him will be gathered together to live in Him, and become “one” with Him and therefore, Christ in us.

The God-fearer

In October 2007, Southern California was literally on fire. Every county was experiencing major blazes with hundreds of millions of dollars in damage occurring. Resources were running thin and a state of emergency was declared. National relief was authorized. Just prior to the fires starting, there appeared the seasonal Santa Ana winds. However, this time the winds were excessively hostile and violent causing much damage. Once the fires started, the winds, gusting to 100 miles per hour, spread the havoc for miles. One county had over half a million people evacuated from their homes. These were the worst firestorms in history.

Although not directly affected by the fires, the closed roads, traffic, and smoke inconvenienced my wife and me. The winds that had spurred the flames had caused considerable damage to our pool and front gate. We had piles of dirt all over the house with broken trees and shrubbery. It was a mess that had to be cleaned up, and I was not happy about it. Additionally, my wife drove to her university classes every day in traffic congestion being inconvenienced by the blocked highways. And we both complained.

I looked at all the mess I had to clean up, and asked God, “Why did you allow these winds to damage our property?” I said, “I am a child of yours, and you could have parted the winds and had them pass around our home.” At the same time, my wife was having difficulties in some of her university courses, and she cried out to God, “If this is your will and purpose for my life, why does it have to be so difficult, why does everything have to be a struggle?” We both complained and questioned God for several days about these situations.

I was confused as to why God would allow these bad things to happen. I seriously pondered the question, “What benefit is there in this life in serving God?” If Christians are not guaranteed protection from adversities, troubles, hardships, and difficulties in life then what reason is there to serve God? Other than the promise of eternal life in the presence of God (after death or being caught up), what does one get here on earth more than a sinner?

I began to question my motive for worshipping God. If God allowed only good things to happen to me and there were no troubles in life, would I serve Him only because of the benefits rather than out of true faith and trust?

In frustration I started to clean up our house. I kept telling myself, “Find God in this mess.” Suddenly, it hit me. I started to see all of the bad things He spared us from. I then began to thank Him for not allowing the wind to blow our patios away, or damage the roof, or bring the fire on us. I started to see that all I really had in front of me was a mess of dirt and a few broken plants. Everything else could be repaired. Yet, there were others who had lost their homes and lives.

I felt small and self-centered. I asked God for forgiveness. I realized that God is always faithful and merciful, not because he spared my property from major damage, but because He cares enough to teach me and grow me deeper in Him through adverse situations. God cares enough to guide me into eternal salvation rather than allow me to slip into overt sin and disobedience as a result of frustration and lack of trust.

This change of mental thought was not an “attitude check” on my part or an exercise in seeing a “silver lining” behind a dark cloud. This was the Holy Spirit teaching me. He began to point out that if I had fear for God I would not have blamed Him for allowing the hostile winds to touch my property. If I had true fear for God, I would have reverence for His ultimate authority in any circumstance, knowing that all things work together for good to those called according to His purpose. But, because I still did not understand the concept of the “fear of the Lord,” I had to experience it in order to get it into my soul. Once again, I asked for forgiveness and began to learn this lesson in the “fear of the Lord.”

Let us examine that word “fear” as it relates to fearing God. I have heard many preachers attempt to define what it means to fear the Lord. Some say that it is not a scary fear of being punished, rather a healthy respect or honoring of God that is meant. No. Fearing God means to be afraid of the consequences of disobedience. Fearing God means to be in awe, submission, and reverent to a superior being. Understand that God is a God of love and a God of justice. With His justice comes wrath for disobedience and faithlessness. I know this concept is so un-American. A God who punishes? Yes. All sinners will be thrown into the lake of fire. This is the reason He has provided Jesus Christ as our escape route from eternal damnation as the result of our sin.

It is the fear of God that enables one to have the proper attitude of worship in life toward Him. A human military commander having real leadership abilities coupled with the ability to punish you, gains both respect and fear. His goal is not to harm you, but rather to train you for combat and for survival. However, discipline is needed to accomplish that goal.

If you do not obey his commands, then he will punish you. The punishment is the result of disobedience. Do not confuse the punishment for disobedience with the difficulties in training. One is designed to get your behavior back on track, while the other is used to make you better than you currently are. You have to submit to the commander’s authority and discipline because you and others will certainly die on the battlefield if you do not. Yet, you can choose to disobey and suffer the consequences.

The boot camp and journey may be unpleasant and difficult, but the end result is a well-trained and disciplined fighting force. At some point, you will come to honor, respect, and be in awe of your superior officer as you gain more wisdom and maturity. So, fear is coupled with awe in order to produce the best possible soldier.

Is there anyone who thinks that going into military service is easy, or who believes that the military organization will protect them from unpleasant situations, and give them all the good things in life? No. Then why do Christians believe that bad things will not happen to them? Why do they think that God would never allow “that” to happen to my family? Why do many believe God will only prosper and increase them, and not take anything away?

Fearing God gives one the proper perspective on “things” and possessions. God gives and blesses, and He also removes. A true “God-fearer” does not worship Him because of the positive benefits he obtains in this life. A true “God-fearer” worships God because He respects, honors, and trusts Him in all matters concerning this life. The “God-fearer” submits to and under God’s authority at all times and in all circumstances.

The “God-fearer” is afraid and anxious about displeasing his God in disobedience. His respect for God will not allow him to blame God for any misfortune or hardship. Why fear? One should fear because only God has the power to give eternal life or death, and nothing else in this world matters more than your eternal position of blessing or torment.

The man Job, the persecuted one, was a “God-fearer”. In the Biblical book bearing his name, the reader finds Job being blessed by God with great wealth, family, and possessions. We also read that Job was not evil and feared God. In fact, he was morally blameless and upstanding. Because of Job’s worshipful life and character, God had placed a protective hedge around him and his possessions. God blessed Job with wealth and increase, and took care of him.

Who would not serve God under these circumstances? If God promised only great things would happen in your life with no difficulties, hardships, or suffering in exchange of worship, everyone would jump at that opportunity. The service or worship of God would be based on the “benefits” received in this life from Him rather than on respect, fear, trust, love, and honor.

Instead, God will test us. He will purify our hearts, intentions, and faith through life’s difficulties. Yet, if we submit to His guidance, He will always prove faithful and merciful. That is how we learn to truly obey and love Him based on faith and trust in Him. This is how He ascertains the motives of our worship. This is why the path to Heaven is narrow rather than wide. Your Christianity is not easy. True Christianity is not a “walk in the park.” There is suffering and submission involved.

Satan knows this fact. This is why he asked the question to God,

“Haven’t you given Job a reason to fear God? Haven’t you put a protective fence around him, his home, and everything he has? You have blessed everything he does. His cattle have spread out over the land. But now stretch out your hand, and strike everything he has. I bet he’ll curse you to your face (Job 1:9-11, GWT).”

The accuser knows that most people are attached to the things of this world, and when the going gets tough they will blame God and abandon their faith. Someday, in eternity, we will not have pain and sorrow, but for today we do. This is not an easy pill to swallow. It was not easy for Job either.

After God allowed Satan to dispossess Job of his family and wealth, Job fell to the ground and worshipped. He bowed himself down to a superior being in an act of respect and reverence for his God. Job said,

Naked I came from my mother, and naked I will return. The LORD has given, and the LORD has taken away! May the name of the LORD be praised (Job 1:21, GWT).

How could a man take such a stance in such a grave situation? Job could say this because he “feared” his God. Job’s recognition of God’s ultimate power and authority over everything led to his deep respect and reverence toward his superior. We cannot worship God in our daily adverse situations without genuine fear of the Lord. It is impossible to attempt to manipulate our attitudes, beliefs, or philosophies. It is only through a sincere and experienced fear and reverence for the most High God that we can even come close to Job’s behavior.

See, this is why it is so difficult for some Bible teachers to exhort their congregations in the “fear” of God. It is easier to talk about blessings, prosperity, and increase rather than hardships and the purifying of faith. But, the fear of God is the anxious, anticipation of eternal harm resulting from the constant and overt disobedience, faithlessness, and lack of submission to God. It is sin, and the wages of sin is death. Eternal death is something to be feared, and this fear should lead to respect and reverence toward the superior being who can prevent eternal death.

We do a great disservice to Christians by not teaching the fear of God. When the storms of life hit, they will be unprepared to trust in God for deliverance, grace, and mercy. They will never know the faithfulness of God or His mercy. They will lose faith and then sin with their thoughts and words. However, by teaching the fear of God, Christians can look beyond life’s circumstances. They can look beyond situations because their fear of sinning against God coupled with great respect for His sovereignty and authority over everything allows them to do so.

At this point in Scripture, Job was able to look beyond his suffering out of respect for His God. Job continued to be sinless and did not blame God for his bad circumstances. He refused to accuse God of doing him wrong.

Through all this Job did not sin or blame God for doing anything wrong (Job 1:22, GWT).

Is this easy? No. In fact, it is not humanly possible to behave like Job did. It takes the grace and mercy of God through His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. The ability to look beyond the temporal and see the eternal in very bad situations is a gift from God. It is a mature wisdom that comes from God. We can attain it by asking for it. The Scriptures, which tell us that various trials produce patience in our lives, also tell us to ask God for wisdom and He will give it liberally.

My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance. Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won’t need anything.

If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them (James 1:2-5, GWT).

Job’s testing of his faith, trust, and fear in God continued with a painful physical ailment. He was so disfigured that his friends did not recognize him. We learn in this passage that one can sin against God through the words spoken. It was Job’s fear and awe of God that prevented him from speaking sinful words. Often our negative words commenting on our adverse situations bring a faithless, untrusting, irreverent, and disobedient aspect to our lives. When Job’s wife suggested that he let go of his integrity, curse God, and die, Job replied,


We accept the good that God gives us. Shouldn’t we also accept the bad?” Through all this Job’s lips did not utter one sinful word (Job 2:10, GWT).

Finally, recognize that God often uses difficulties in life to grow and mature us in faith in Him. These particular tests are not the result of one’s sin or disobedience. There is a difference between negative consequences resulting from disobedience and sin, and hard times designed to push us closer to God. You will know the difference if your relationship to God is good. Like Job, you will hold onto your innocence and integrity knowing that you have not sinned. The end result is (as James wrote) patience, maturity, completeness, and the freedom from needing anything.

We know that Job feared God and shunned evil. But, Job also feared the punishment by God for human sin. In Job 1:5, we read that he regularly offered burnt offerings to God to sanctify his sons just in case they may have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. This is a fear that Job had. He was afraid something bad might happen to his children as a result of their sin. So, he regularly made sacrifices in their behalf “just in case” they sinned. It is no wonder then that he along with everyone else blamed his misfortune on sin. Job, his wife, and friends could not see the “testing” and “purifying” of his faith in God within all these troubles. Everyone thought the death of Job’s children was the result of their sin against God. This is exactly what Job was afraid would happen to his children.

When they finished having their parties, Job would send for them in order to cleanse them from sin. He would get up early in the morning and sacrifice burnt offerings for each of them. Job thought, “My children may have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job offered sacrifices for them all the time (Job 1:5, GWT).

After their deaths and destruction of his property, Job states,

What I fear most overtakes me. What I dread happens to me (Job 3:25, GWT).

The New King James Version of the Scriptures reads,

For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me (Job 3:25, NKJV).

The Hebrew word translated “thing” is “Pachad,” and is a proper noun. It refers to an object of terror, or to have fear of something or someone. Job’s “Pachad” was that his children would sin against God thus punishment would ensue.

The Hebrew word translated “feared” is also “Pachad” with a long “a” sound. This word is derived from the noun Pachad. This word means to be startled or to tremble. As opposed to the Hebrew word “Yare” (used in referring to the fear of God), Pachad has no connotation of reverence or worship in the fear. It is just plain terror. What Job dreaded and was afraid of came to pass. However, what he did not yet realize was the death and destruction was not “punishment” for sin, but rather employed as a means to test and purify his faith, trust, and worship of God.

In light of this, the Scriptures written in James regarding various trials in life take on significant meaning. If the end result of our suffering is patience, maturity, completeness, and the freedom from needing anything, then we can embrace the concept that it is God who gives and removes. As James wrote,

My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways.

You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance.

Endure until your testing is over.

Then you will be mature and complete, and you won’t need anything (James 1:2-4, GWT).

Exousia: Right and Might

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13, NKJV).

Suppose you and your spouse desire (will) to have a child, a baby. The desire and actions of both you and your spouse then produce an infant (flesh) born to you with your blood (life) running through its veins. It was the wish and desire of both you and your spouse to give birth to this child. As a result of that intention and union, a child was born. This is a child born of blood, flesh, and the will of man. This child is not a child born of God, but of human parents.

The human infant is born, and as parents you may wish that your baby would grow into a mature child and adult. However, as human parents, you have no control over the growth of your infant into a child or adult. You can give no power or right to the infant for growth. Here lies a big difference in natural and spiritual birth.

People who receive the LORD Jesus Christ as savior into their lives are born of God. They are spiritual infants of God. However, unlike human parents, God gives the re-born person the power or the “exousia” to grow and become children of God.

The Greek word “exousia” is translated “power” in the King James Version and “right” in the New King James Version of the Scriptures. So, when John writes, “He gave the right to become children of God,” he used the word “exousia”.

“Exousia” means that something is first permissible and allowed, and second has the authority, right, liberty, and power to do anything. “Exousia” comes from the Greek word “exesti,” which means there is no hindrance present. It can refer to the right to do a certain action or to the capability to do a certain action. The two words combine to generate the idea of Right and Might. A person re-born of God is given the authority and the capability to become a child of God. In contrast, an infant born of the flesh cannot receive the right or capability to grow from its parents.

So, having the right and might to become a child of God entails power and ability. It entails strength. Growing in Christ and obtaining His character is not impossible because God has granted all believers in His name the “exousia” to become His children. We have the right and the capability to live righteously before God.

The word translated “become” means to form, or to be made or formed. John writes we have the power to “become children of God.” God has given every believer in Christ the authority and capability to be formed into a child of God. This gift is from God and not from our works or religious activities. God gives the increase. Only God creates in us a new heart.

And this Right and Might to be formed into offspring of God is “to those who believe in His name.” To “believe” is not an intellectual belief, like one would believe in the earth’s rotation. To “believe” means to “have faith in.” Believing is trusting in God for all things in life, it is total confidence in His word, it is relaxing in His grace, and it is all encompassing reliance on Him through every situation. It is better translated “to those who FAITH in His name.” The name of Christ encompasses all of His authority. We must “faith” in His authority.

I was at a car wash waiting outside for my car to be cleaned when I heard the sounds of birds coming from a nearby aviary. I looked into the large birdcage, and saw various types of birds inside. My attention was drawn to a chicken or a hen on the floor of the cage. She seemed to be just standing there watching the other birds when suddenly I saw a little baby chicken’s head peek out from under one of the hen’s wings. Then I saw another and another. There were at least three little chicks hiding under the shelter of their mother’s wings. I thought of the Scripture in Psalms,

“He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge (Psalm 91:4, NKJV).

This is what faith is like. The chicks did not worry about anything because the mother hen sheltered, fed, and protected them. This is how we must respond to God – as a baby sheltered under His wings. Although a protector and a provider, the hen had no power or authority to bestow on her chicks for growth into mature chickens. Yet, our God has given us both the power and authority to be born of Him and become His children.

Becoming a Ghever

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5,6, NKJV).

To trust in God is to “attach” to Him. Become carefree and “careless” in God and in His word. Do not try to figure things out on your own because you cannot do it. You may want a situation or circumstance to have an outcome, which is generated in your own mind, but God controls the outcomes. He also controls how those outcomes are achieved.

In the Apocryphal book of 1Maccabees, there is an historical account of a battle waged between the warrior Judas Maccabees and the Syrian army. The Syrians gathered a large army together to war against Judas Maccabees and his small group of warriors. When the small group of warriors saw the vast Syrian army approaching, they said, “How can we, few as we are, fight against so great and so strong a multitude?”

Then Judas replied to his men,

“It is easy for many to be hemmed in by few, for in the sight of Heaven there is no difference between saving by many or by few. It is not the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven. (1Maccabees 3:18,19, New Revised Standard Version).”

For God, it does not matter what your circumstances are. He delivers regardless of strength or weakness, many or few. The victory is from God. Attempting to understand the issues through human wisdom is futile. Complete trust or attachment to God is the only way to victory.

Judas Maccabees not only trusted in God in this battle, but also acknowledged Him or “perceived” Him in this situation. When we see God in our lives and troubles, He will respond to smooth out the path. This does not mean that work is not involved or that things will be easy, but means the end result will be hammered out and made straight.

Self-confidence is confidence in self, but God confidence is confidence in your standing in Him through Christ. Because He is God, all things are possible. One gains confidence in God through respecting, loving, and honoring Him. One gains confidence through trust. One gains confidence by fearing Him.

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge (Proverbs 14:26, NKJV).
But,

A fool rages and is self-confident (14:16).

So, with confidence in God, we must commit our life, work, and love to Him. Then we can be sure that He will make our plans, intentions, and purposes reliable and firm. The Hebrew word translated “commit” in Proverbs 16:3 means to “roll” oneself onto God or to roll oneself in blood and become dyed red. The picture is of a person covered in blood, dyed red due to their rolling around in the substance. Likewise, we must have that kind of commitment and trust in our Father God. The promise is that He will steady and establish all of our intentions and purposes regarding our works. In other words, we will know what correct choices to make in any situation and circumstance.

Entrust your efforts to the LORD, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3, GWT).

We attach ourselves to God. We roll on Him. In all circumstances, we need to trust in His guidance and purpose. In Hebrews 11: 30-34, the writer speaks of Israel’s heroes of faith. The passage is about some of the bravest, valiant, and faithful men and women in history. In verse 34, it reads that out of weakness these warriors were made strong, became valiant in battle, and chased away the enemy’s armies. They started out weak (in themselves) and became strong (in God, attaching to Him). God transformed these ordinary men and women into brave courageous warriors of faith. They became “Ghevers.” A Ghever is a Hebrew word referring to a person who is a successful, brave and valiant warrior or hero. It refers to Israel’s past heroes in the prime of their strength.

Proverbs 20: 24 uses the Hebrew word Ghever, which is translated “man.” But, this word means much more than “man.” Ghever is a successful warrior. The passage states that God orders (firms and steadies) the steps of the Ghever (mighty warrior). So how can an ordinary man discern his life’s journey?

In other words, the ordinary man who learns to trust in God with all of his heart and does not try to understand things from his own wisdom can become a mighty warrior of faith through the steady guidance and direction from God. The ordinary person starts off weak, but ends up strong through faith in God. Because of our human weakness, we must rely and trust in God in all of life’s situations. This is strength – God’s strength.

A man’s (Ghever – a mighty valiant warrior) steps are of the LORD; how then can a man (Adam – an ordinary human) understand (discern, insight, know between right and wrong) his way (way of life, journey or worship) (Proverbs 20:24, NKJV).

The passages in Hebrews and Proverbs are stating that God has taken regular ordinary people in weakness and made them strong valiant warriors through trust and faith in Him. God is the one directing and guiding their steps. The question is posed, “If God directs the steps of the valiant warrior, why would an ordinary weak person not trusting in God and leaning on their own wisdom think they are able to understand life’s journey and purpose?” Attach and roll is the battle cry.

Live in Jesus

I was reading in the Gospel of John about becoming a new productive plant (creature) in Christ.

I, as many of you, have been renewed and washed by the grace of God. God has created a new heart in me as He continues to “surgically” remove the stone, anger, dross, faithlessness, and fear from my very core being. This transformation can only be accomplished through Jesus our Savior. It is accomplished by “abiding” in Him or “living” in Him and He in us. As we wash ourselves in the truth of God’s Word, we transform from infants into mature children of God.

There is a submission part to this. We must submit our entire lives to God, allowing Him to break us and remold us according to His will and purpose. Hence, becoming a new creature, a new vessel, and a new person. We must repent and set-apart ourselves from practicing sin, returning glory to God through our lives.

Jesus said,

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned (John 15:4-6, NKJV).

The Greek word, “meno” (Strongs Reference 3306), translated “abide” also denotes to “dwell,” to “remain,” or to “live,” in Jesus. So, when He calls for us to abide in Him, He calls for us to dwell or live in Him, and to remain there. The promise is that He will also dwell, live and remain in us. The analogy is that of a vine with its branches - branches that produce fruit (the character of the new creature) because of its connection to the life- giving vine. Therefore we can say/sing/play, “Christ in me” and “I in Christ”.

It is interesting to note that the Greek word “meno” is derived from “hupomeno” (Strongs 5278), which means to patiently endure a load, miseries, adversities, and/or provocations in faith and in patience. This is what we call the “fruit of the Spirit.” Verse five states that if we abide in Christ and He in us, than the result is fruit of the Spirit production in a large capacity. We cannot produce fruit of the Spirit without abiding in Christ and He in us. We cannot glory in our own transformation.

What is the fruit of the Spirit? It is,

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:22-24, NKJV).

So, “Christ in me” is also “me in Christ” because a branch that is separated from a vine will die. I pray that I can grow in the vine and produce much fruit. Although at times I feel as a small bud on the vine, I am confident in the calling that God has for His children.

Logos and Faith

In the Gospel of John, there is an account of Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman, and engaging in a discourse or intellectual discussion with her. She perceived that He was a prophet, and later realized that He was the Messiah or savior of the world. She was so impressed by His words (He knew everything she had ever done) that she went and told many others in her village about Jesus. Many people in the village believed on Christ based solely on this woman’s testimony. She told them that Jesus knew everything about her, and that He was the savior. She had faith in the logos. She believed (faith, trust, confidence) in Christ because of the words (logos, discourse, communication) with her.

And the other people believed (faith) in Christ based on her testimony. They had not yet seen or talked to Jesus, yet believed on Him based on what the woman said. They had faith in the logos. Without any miracles, signs, or wonders, the Samaritans in that village had faith in Christ and who He was based solely on the words, which were spoken.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.”

And many more believed because of His own word.
Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” (John 4:39,41,42, NKJV).

It is so important we as Christ-followers listen and faith in the logos of God. We must believe the word of God as it is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit and Scriptures. We cannot base our faith and walk in Christ on miracles, signs, and wonders. We cannot base our life in God on the spectacular, but on the truth contained in the logos. Jesus shows this to be true as the account in the Gospel of John continues.

Jesus leaves the Samaritan village and travels to Galilee and He declares, “A prophet has no honor in his own country.” Why did He say this? He said this because He was going into Galilee, His own region. The Galileans had seen Him perform miracles in Jerusalem and also many witnessed His first miracle of turning water into wine. They “received” Him because of the miracles they had witnessed, not because of the logos He spoke. They would believe in Him only after seeing the miracles He performed.

Now after the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee. For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.

So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to the feast. So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine.(verses 43-46).

Now there was a nobleman who wanted Jesus to come with him to his house to heal his son, which was near death. Jesus knowing the Galileans’ faith was based on the miracles observed rather than on His words of truth, said to the nobleman, “You will not believe in Me unless you see a miracle.” However, surprisingly enough, the nobleman did not reply to Jesus’ comment, but instead exhibited faith in Him. The man simply and urgently restated his request, “Please come with me before my son dies!” Jesus, knowing this man had faith in Him, granted his request, telling him that his son had been healed. And the nobleman believed Christ’s word or logos and went home to his son.

The man expressed a clear, articulate, and confident trust in Jesus’ ability to heal his son. He expressed by implication of his acceptance of the yet unseen miracle, his belief that Jesus was the Messiah sent from God. He “faithed” in Jesus without first seeing any miracles. His faith was based on Christ’s spoken word or logos. Because of this faith in the logos, the man’s son was saved from death.

Like the Samaritans, the nobleman believed (had faith, trust, and confidence) in Jesus (as the son of God, the savior and Messiah) based on His word (logos, communication, or discourse). They both believed without requiring signs and wonders. They both believed on the spoken word of God through His Son. The account reads states it clearly.

And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”

Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way (Verses 46-50).

As the nobleman was on his way home, his servants met him with the good news that his son was alive and healed. The man questioned the time of the child’s recovery and discovered it was the exact same time that Jesus had spoken the logos word to him. This man’s faith resulted in the healing recovery of his son, and the salvation of his entire family because they also believed in Christ.

And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household (Verses 51-53).

The Scriptures are clear on this concept. Do not base your faith in Christ because you can get self-centered things from the relationship, rather base your faith in Him because He is God made flesh and provided redemption for you. Because He is the Son of God and salvation comes only through Him. The account in the Gospel of John shows that in both cases of the Samaritans and the nobleman, the miracle occurred after they “faithed” in the words of Christ. Whereas the Galileans “received” him because of His prior miracles they had witnessed, it is unclear whether they continued in their faith and walk with Him. It seems that the purer faith comes from listening-hearing-obeying God’s logos word.

You will see it when you believe it.

Just like the Samaritan woman and the nobleman let everyone around them know of the transformational words of Christ, so we as Christ-followers display our redemption for the world around us to see. We must be witnesses to His great and mighty works in our lives. We must be witnesses to His redemption. He has transformed your life and marriage through the washing of His word. As you and your spouse obey the logos word of God, the miracles will start taking place. There is another account in the Gospel of John, which teaches this concept of displayed redemption. John 5:8-15 gives a command of Jesus. He tells us to “take up our beds and walk” regardless of the opinions of others.

Display Your Redemption

There was a sick man, one who could not walk who lay by a pool of miracles hoping he could be first to get into the water at the right time in order to get healed. As Jesus was passing by, he saw this man and knew that he had been sick for 38 years. And Jesus asked this man if he wanted to get well. The obvious answer was “yes,” but he could not get into the water fast enough before another received the healing.

Then Jesus commanded him to do something odd. He says, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Ok, this has nothing to do with being placed into the pool of miracles for healing. However, the sick man exhibited faith in the logos or in the words of Jesus prior to seeing any miracle. He did as he was commanded, and he rose up, picked up his mat, and started to walk. He was immediately healed and made whole. Now, Jesus commanded this man to do three things (John 5:1-14).

1. Rise
2. Take up your bed
3. Walk

There was a problem with this command. There were some who would view it as a violation of the law rather than see the wonderful healing, which took place. Yet, Jesus knew that, and still commanded the man to walk around carrying his sick bed. Why? Jesus wanted this man to display his redemption publicly. He wanted everyone to know the great power of God. Jesus could have commanded the man to simply “rise and walk.” If the man had risen healed and then walked around, he would not have attracted the attention that he did as when carrying around his bed – on the Sabbath.

The Greek word used for “take up” means to raise, lift, and carry as a burden. It feels the same as the command to “Take up your cross and follow me.” The cross was an instrument of sin, which Jesus was nailed to and died on. As we Christ-imitators walk and follow Christ, we show our redemption of past burdens, sins, sickness, and despair. We carry our “sin instrument” publicly for all to see. The world needs to see that our cross has our past sins and failures nailed to it, and by the grace of God, we have been saved and healed.

John 5:10-12 discuss the seriousness of the offense of “carrying a burden” on the Sabbath.

The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

Why then would Jesus command this healed man to violate the Sabbath law? The answer is found in Jeremiah 17:21-22.

Thus says the LORD: “Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; nor carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work, but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.

The law referred to conducting business on the Sabbath. It referred to carrying burdens of merchandise to sell and trade on the Sabbath. It did not prevent the carrying of non-work related items, like one’s coat, staff, or moneybag. The idea here was to separate the Sabbath day to God, and abstain from doing customary business and work. But, the religious leaders in John’s account had taken the law to its extreme, placing a yoke of burden on the average person. They missed the fact the healed man had been sick for 38 years, and now was walking around. Instead they focused solely on the violation of their interpretation of the Mosaic Law.

Hosea 2:11 declares the thought of God regarding Israel keeping the ritual of Sabbath while living sinful lives the rest of the week.

I will also cause all her mirth to cease, Her feast days, Her New Moons, Her Sabbaths—All her appointed feasts.

Also, Amos 8:4-6 reveals what God thinks about people who honor the Sabbath as a ritual, yet continue to cheat and deceive others in business throughout the rest of the week. See, God is not impressed with our attempt at ritual, legalism, and religion. What God desires is obedience to his logos – to his word.

Hear this, you who swallow up the needy, and make the poor of the land fail, saying: “When will the New Moon be past, that we may sell grain?

And the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat? Making the ephah small and the shekel large, falsifying the scales by deceit, that we may buy the poor for silver, And the needy for a pair of sandals—even sell the bad wheat?”

The people in Amos’ day were religious and observed the Sabbath. They also could not wait until it ended so they could cheat others out of their money. God hated this. Likewise, the people in Jesus’ day were observing the Sabbath, but could not recognize the miraculous healing and salvation from God. They could only focus on the violation of their Law. And so they questioned the healed man about the person who commanded him to carry his bed around on the Sabbath.

He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’” Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?”

The text does not indicate that the Jewish leaders asked the man about his healing. They were concerned only with finding the man who commanded the cured one to violate the Sabbath law. And for this cause, they sought to kill Jesus.

The lesson learned from this passage is that every Christ-imitator should “rise, take up their bed, and walk.” Every true believer should “pick up their cross and follow Christ.” This we all must do regardless of the religious climate of our day, and irrespective of the opinions of those who are under the bondage of ritual and legalism. If Christ has redeemed your life, career, or marriage, then we must publicly display that redemption. When we attract the attention of others because of our testimony, then we can point to miraculous healing of Christ in our lives.

Here is the command of Christ.

1. Rise (be healed, saved, redeemed)
2. Take up your bed (show the world where you came from and what God had done)
3. Walk (be seen, testify of God’s work in your life)

Images of Distrust

In Ezekiel chapter eight, we read of the prophet Ezekiel warning the nation of Israel of impending destruction based on their worship of idols and false gods. The worship or trust in these demon-based gods is the result of their disobedience to the commands of the God of Israel. The “abominations” which the nation committed literally drive their true God away from His own sanctuary. Although, we must be careful not to arbitrarily apply every promise, curse, rule, law, or statement given specifically to the nation of Israel to modern day Christians, we can see a universal principle relating to the trusting of idols over the true God.

Passages in chapter eight depict three distinct methods in which people worship idols or place their trust in things other than God. There is no difference between the ancient nation of Israel’s idol worship and our modern day lifestyle of distrusting God in our lives. The three ways of idolatry still exist.

1. Images that we create
2. Images that we imagine
3. Images that we submit under

The fact that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever tells us that he fervently hates with a strong passion all idol worship. God hates anything that takes away our trust and confidence in Him and replaces it with a false security, pride, arrogance, strength, or belief. God will still remove Himself from your sanctuary (life) if you choose to continue to distrust Him.

“Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary (Ezekiel 8:6, NKJV)?

Ezekiel saw abominations, and the first of these was related to images that were humanly created for worship or submission. The ancients often drew or pecked images of animals, people, or other things on their walls, tombs, and temples. These images were not mere decorations, but invoked the spirit and assistance of the thing depicted. Many ancient cultures practiced this invoking of the spirits. Ezekiel peeked into a visionary hole within the temple wall and saw the leaders of Israel worshiping or submitting to the powers of demons for assistance.

So I went in and saw, and there—every sort of creeping thing, abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed all around on the walls.

And there stood before them seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, and in their midst stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan. Each man had a censer in his hand, and a thick cloud of incense went up.
Then He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the room of his idols? For they say, ‘The LORD does not see us, the LORD has forsaken the land (v. 10-12).’”

The spiritual leaders were placing their confidence and trust in false gods in secret and in darkness. While on the surface they seemed legitimate and religious – they practiced demon worship in secret. The text states that they had censors and a thick cloud of incense was being offered to the drawings on the walls. These were not mere drawings or paintings on a wall, but a thing created by human hands to invoke worship. The thing created represented the power of the animal or demon god. The worship always involved submission to a greater power.

The ancients Hebrews lived in an agricultural society and depended on the earth, rain and sunshine to grow food and sustenance. They also were concerned with insects, fires, floods, and other circumstances that could destroy their food. God promised them that He would take care of them if they would live in obedience to His commands. However, when they began to assimilate pagan practices from other nations and feel that God had forsaken their land, they turned to trusting idols and false gods to meet their needs.

The question we must ask is how does this apply today? In what ways do we create an image representing our power, strength, assistance, sustenance, or survival? Does your car, job, or education represent your power and strength? Does your position on the church board or staff represent your spiritual survival? What can you not live without? What have you created as an image to place your trust in? If you trust anything other than God in your life, then you are an idolater. If you worship or submit to anything other than God, than you have opened the door for demonic influence in your life.

The second manner of idol worship is creating an image of trust in our mind.

And to my dismay, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz (V. 14).

The false god, Tammuz, was an Assyrian fertility god. He was connected to the death of crops in winter and the resurrection to life in spring. The women of Israel cried over his death and mourned the death of their crops. They placed their trust, hope, confidence, and faith in the spring resurrection of this demon god to bring food and sustenance to the community. Instead of trusting the true God of Israel, they resorted to worshiping an imaginary god. They imagined an image of worship and trust.

What do you imagine will pull you through hard times, your dead mother or father? Do you place your trust in an imaginary stock market that will return to life after it had been dead for so long? How about trusting in your denomination, religious traditions, or child hood beliefs about God to get you through the winter? Do you imagine a great career after college that will make you self-confident and financially independent? Are you looking for that perfect man or woman to fulfill all your dreams? The point is that we cannot place trust in things we create in our minds over trust in God for our sustenance.

The third manner in which we can turn to idol worship is to submit and bow down to things that are real.

Their backs toward the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east, and they were worshiping the sun toward the east (.V. 16).

In this passage there are men in the temple of God with their backs toward the Lord and their faces toward the east sun. They are worshipping the sun. The Hebrew word used for worship means to bow down or prostrate oneself. It always connotes paying homage or submitting to a higher authority or being. Once again, when winter destroys all food sources, the spring sun is very important. However, these men were bowing down to the sun and invoking its power to save them. Rather than trust God, these idolaters trusted in the sun as a god.

The sun is a real thing, not a humanly created thing or a thing imagined. What real things do you worship? What pastor, preacher, teacher, or spiritual leader are you trusting in rather than trusting in God? What real church body or building do you place your submission under rather than submitting to the will of God? Are you trusting in your mother’s or wife’s prayers to get you into Heaven? How about your ministry? Do you bow down to that ministry in submission believing that it will make you a better person in the sight of God?

Idol worship in any form or manner is a very serious thing with God. He is fervently jealous and will punish those who distrust Him. And not just for His sake, but for the good of society as well. Violence always follows idolatry. God destroyed the world by a flood because of the great violence on the earth. Violence is a natural outcome of demon worship because demon worship removes a person from obeying God’s commandments and taking on His character.

Seriously consider the three manners of distrusting God through things created, imagined, or real. Pray and ask god to reveal these things in your life, repent, and submit totally to the only God who can save and sustain you in this life and in the one to come. It is no trivial matter.

Is it a trivial thing to the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence; then they have returned to provoke Me to anger. Indeed they put the branch to their nose.

Therefore I also will act in fury. My eye will not spare nor will I have pity; and though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them (V.17, 18).”

Attach to God

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5,6, NKJV).

To trust in God is to “attach” to Him. Become carefree and “careless” in God and in His word. Do not try to figure things out on your own because you cannot do it. You may want a situation or circumstance to have an outcome generated in your own mind, but God controls the outcomes. He also controls how those outcomes are achieved.

In the Apocryphal book of 1Maccabees, there is an historical account of a battle waged between the warrior Judas Maccabees and the Syrian army. The Syrians gathered a large army together to war against Judas Maccabees and his small group of warriors. When the small group of warriors saw the vast Syrian army approaching, they said, “how can we, few as we are, fight against so great and so strong a multitude?”

Then Judas replied to his men,

“It is easy for many to be hemmed in by few, for in the sight of Heaven there is not difference between saving by many or by few. It is not the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven. (1Maccabees 3:18,19, New Revised Standard Version).”

For God, it does not matter what your circumstances are. He delivers regardless of strength or weakness, many or few. The victory is from God. Attempting to understand the issues through human wisdom is futile. Complete trust or attachment to God is the only way to victory.

Judas Maccabees not only trusted in God in this battle, but also acknowledged Him or “perceived” Him in the situation. When we see God in our lives and troubles, He will respond to smooth out the path. This does not mean that work is not involved or that things will be easy, but means the end result will be hammered out and made straight.

Self-confidence is confidence in self, but God confidence is confidence in your standing in Him through Christ. Because He is God, all things are possible. One gains confidence in God through respecting, loving, and honoring Him. One gains confidence through trusting in Him. One gains confidence in God by fearing Him - being afraid of the consequences of active and overt sin against Him.

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge (Proverbs 14:26, NKJV).
But,

A fool rages and is self-confident (14:16).

So, in confidence in God, we must commit our lives, works, and loves to God. Then we can be sure that He will make our plans, intentions, and purposes reliable and firm. The Hebrew word translated “commit” in Proverbs 16:3 means to “roll” oneself onto God or to roll oneself in blood and become dyed red. The picture is of a person covered in blood, dyed red due to their rolling around in the substance. Likewise, we must have that kind of commitment and trust in our Father God. The promise is that He will steady and establish all of your intentions and purposes regarding your works. In other words, you will know what correct choices to make in any situation and circumstance.

Entrust your efforts to the LORD, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3, GWT).

Seeing God

I had heard about you with my own ears, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. That is why I take back what I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show that I am sorry (Job 42:5, 6 GWT).

This is what Job said to God after He had revealed Himself to Job. After all of the suffering, confusion, anger, and depression, God answered Job with a glimpse of His magnificence. God never explained to Job the reason for his suffering. God never justified Himself to man. God only revealed Himself, and in the light of this all-powerful God, Job realized that he did not really know his God previously.

Job realized he knew of God only through second hand reports and from hearing about Him. He “thought” he knew of God’s ways and had placed God in a box governed by human wisdom, knowledge, and principles. When all of this collapsed, Job sought to find God and to be vindicated before Him. As God revealed Himself in relationship to Job, then he could declare, “but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”

During this awful time in Job’s life, he had a blatant need for a savior, a vindicator, and a redeemer. He cried for someone in the Heavens to “plead his case” of innocence in his behalf. Job needed an advocate before God. He knew that no man could stand before the all-powerful God to vindicate himself, and so knew he could not save himself. Job actually called on God to plead his case before God. Job knew only God could save man.

In the end, Job can only acknowledge God’s power. Suddenly seeing his prior relationship with his God lacking in that he never really knew Him. Job’s repentance had nothing to do with his integrity, because he did nothing wrong, but had everything to do with his relationship to his God. This I why he repented of the words he had spoken.

Job had been a highly moral, ethical, and religious man. He sacrificed to his God, feared his God, and ran away from anything evil. In his human rational thought, these acts of good works would keep calamity and apparent punishment away. Yet, he learned that good works may or may not benefit one on earth, in this temporal life. He learned that God is not governed by principles, but God governs all. God is first. Job saw that good works and religious acts do not save. Only God can save. The relationship with God is primary with the good works being an outflow of that relationship – not the opposite.

With his physical and spiritual worlds collapsed, he seeks to find meaning through finding God. Job never once rejected his God, but complained in bitterness, as all humans do who cannot see the bigger picture and purpose of God’s unfathomable greatness. Mankind often forgets God’s love coexists with His sovereignty. This is easy to do when all beliefs systems are shattered.

Divine Justice:

God is not governed by the human principle of justice, but rather He governs principles. We want to see the evil people punished and good people prosper. Sometimes we do observe this pattern, but not always. We have to know that God’s justice will occur, but not necessarily in this lifetime. But, we know that all sinners (those who reject God’s salvation) will face eternal death and punishment in the Lake of Fire.

Sometimes, good God-followers suffer. They die. We question God and ask why He would allow such good people to suffer badly, and our very foundational beliefs are shaken. Understanding suffering requires an eternal view. God’s purposes are eternal and transcend what we see or experience on this temporal earth. Like Job never saw the accuser in Heaven getting permission to destroy Job’s possessions and health, we do not see the totality of a God that is too great for our understanding. Yet, we know by faith, all things work for good for people who are in God through Christ Jesus.

Rational Universe:

Fairness and justice are human concepts created to make sense out of our environment. What we believe is rational behavior or direction is not always the case with God. His actions, purpose, and plans may not necessarily seem rational to us. This is why faith is so important. Without faith, one cannot please God.

Job was a good servant who feared his God. He was morally and ethically blameless, the very qualities that caught God’s attention. Yet, he was allowed to suffer thorough a horrible time for no human rational reason. Job’s story does not lend itself to rationality. But, God viewed it in relationship. The relationship and eternal salvation is much more important than temporal “stuff” here on earth, regardless of the pain caused through their loss.

And so we read in the following verse in James that the end for Job was God’s mercy and compassion. It is easy at first glance to think that God’s mercy and compassion is related to Him restoring Job’s possessions and health. But, God’s mercy and compassion in the end is not related to Job’s “restoration” rather to his “relationship”.

If we believe that God showed mercy and compassion on Job in the end by only restoring Job’s “stuff,” then we can easily cry unfairness because it was God who too that “stuff” in the first place. The picture is that of a bully who beats and robs a weaker kid, then picks him up, dusts him off, and gives him more money than he originally took. The end does not negate that fact the victim was beaten, humiliated, and robbed. This is not going to create a good relationship.

So, to understand what James wrote about suffering through trials in life, we must view it in “relationship” to God. We must view it through our eternal salvation and purpose glasses. The end for Job was the result of God willingly, mercifully, and compassionately revealing Himself to Job.

Prior, Job only heard of God and worshipped Him according to what human wisdom believed how He should be worshipped. But, in the end Job saw God and knew God. Job’s sufferings were the path used to reveal God in relationship. Centuries later, James would then write about the blessed status of those who can endure,

Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful (James 5:11, NKJV).

Seek God in your circumstances.

The House of Paul

On March 2, 2008, a woman that I only know as Sister Rose spoke an exhortation to me between Sunday morning church services. This was the second time within several months that this woman said similar words to me. She said,

“Paul, your Father (God) is going to take you to new places. He is going to use you in a big way because you want to be used. Keep your eyes on Jesus, do not get distracted, stay focused on Him.”

It was not because Sister Rose spoke an exhortation to me, which seemed unrelated, that within a week both Linda and I began to see the Scriptures differently. We began to open up to God’s Word in a new and fresh manner. We both knew that “something” had happened to us while seeking God in church. There was no prophet, no laying on of hands, and no impartation of gifts. We had just been attending church absorbing God’s Word, and now things were different. Something imperceptible changed within us. We both started hearing the Word differently, seeing patterns in Scripture with links that no commentary could give us. It was the Holy Spirit teaching and guiding us into all His truth. No person could claim the glory for this impartation, as it was God who imparted His wisdom to us. Interestingly enough, recently Linda had been praying and asking God for wisdom. She had been praying for it, not me rather her. Yet, we were both experiencing the same growth spurt.

I would share with Linda a pattern in Scripture illuminated to me by the Spirit, and she would in turn share a pattern with me. We were both energized by the Word of God and wanted to absorb it all. I had ministering dreams, lessons taught to me in my sleep. Linda also had dreams of significance. It seemed as if spiritual electricity was snapping in the air around us.

On March 5, 2008, Linda had a significant dream that pointed to the fact that one must stay within the household of God, and be weary of worldly delusions. The dream was so disturbing to her that she awoke at 2:00 in the morning to type it out. Usually, I am the one who interprets dreams (except my own). But, this time Linda received the correct interpretation of her own dream. It seemed as if she was being stretched to a new height.

As I read Linda’s dream and agreed with her correct interpretation of it, I then thought of the exhortation given to me by Sister Rose a few days earlier. It is a fact that the exhortation that stated God was taking me to new places was being realized-not just in me-but, also within Linda. Yet, Linda was not there during the exhortation nor was her name mentioned. Just like I was experiencing wisdom from God as Linda was experiencing it, yet I did not specifically pray for it rather she did. How can a prophecy, exhortation, dream, vision, or calling from God to one spouse affect the other in similar ways? In this case, it is obvious to me that Linda is being “taken to new places” and also being warned (through her dream) to keep focused on Christ.

Here is the pattern that God illuminated to me.

1Chronicles 15:2-12 has King David attempting to move the Ark of the Covenant a second time after a failed first attempt. He failed the first time because he did not inquire of God or of His commandments on how to move it according to the law given through Moses by God. But, this time David has inquired of God and has knowledge regarding the laws concerning the movement of the Ark of the Covenant. It can only be moved through the family lines of Aaron and the Levites, who in ancient times were chosen by God to minister to Him as priests in Israel. Aaron and Levi are no longer alive, but God’s command, promises, and purposes are still valid through the generations of their households. Their family, children, and descendants were to carry on the same work and commands as God had given them.

Then David said, “No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever” (Verse 2).
Then in verse four, David gathers the children of the descendants of the household of Aaron and Levites and names the chiefs or heads of each household along with the multitude of unnamed family members who were all to carry out God’s work.

Here are the “chiefs’ or “heads” of each household.

1. Uriel (named) and 120 of his family members (unnamed).
2. Asaiah (named) and 220 of his family members (unnamed).
3. Joel (named) and 130 of his family members (unnamed).
4. Shemaiah (named) and 200 of his family members (unnamed).
5. Eliel (named) and 80 of his family members (unnamed).
6. Amminadab (named) and 112 of his family members (unnamed).

In Verse 11, David talks to all six of these heads of households without actually naming the multitude of other family members. Yet, all were going to do the work they were called to do – not just the heads or chiefs.

And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab, and said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it (Verses 11 and 12).

Notice that the heads of the households had to sanctify themselves and their families so they could do the job God had chosen them to do.

Illumination:

Linda and I are “one flesh” under God’s ordained marriage covenant, just as we are “one spirit” with Christ as His bride. We claim (as the bride of Christ) and possess for ourselves the authority and power, which is Christ’s because He is our head of household or our Chief who is named and chosen of God. We are both His bride and God’s children called according to His (God’s) purpose. That is why we can do for God what He calls us to do with power and authority because we are under the “head” of our household, which is Christ Jesus. And that is why all things will work to our good if we are doing the job we were called to do under the authority of our “head of household”.

Likewise, whoever is under the “House of Paul” receives promises, exhortations, callings, and purpose just as Paul (the head of his house) receives them. And Paul receives what his family is granted by God through prophecies, exhortations, Callings, and purpose. We are called according to our family line both spiritually and physically. This is why both Linda and I are experiencing the promises of a prophetic word and answering of a prayer, which were initially given to each one individually. Because we are one flesh, what one receives the other does also.

This is part of the mystery of marriage that the Apostle Paul wrote about. This is part of the natural / spiritual connection between human marriage and spiritual marriage with Christ. This is also why God placed the man as head over his household along with the tremendous responsibility to be chief over the family and ensure that God’s purpose is carried out thorough the family line. This is why the chief must “sanctify” himself before sanctifying his family, and before anyone can do what God has called them to do. Amen.

The true key to prosperity

There are many “money preachers” out there trying to separate you from your wallet. Unfortunately, they also separate the flock from any type of true Shepard and expose the sheep to danger, starvation, and death. The following is a Biblical account of the true key to prosperity, but not for prosperity’s sake because if you are eternally minded as you should be, you don’t care too much for worldly gain and loving prosperity.

The prosperity here is simply a by-product of God’s blessing if that is His will in your life, but it is never the goal. The goal is always to love God wholly and to love others. The focus here on this earth, in this very short temporal life, is to love, obey, and submit to the Father in order to accomplish His spiritual will and purpose in this natural world. And by so doing, we lay up the real treasures in eternity.

In 1Chronicles 22:1-19, we see the factual basis for God’s favor upon us. Why do the prosperity and “money preachers” miss this fact? They do not study the Word of God through the submission to His Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth.

King David intends on building a great big magnificent temple for God. He intends on placing the Ark of the Covenant (God’s presence) in this house of God. He makes much preparation and gathers all the needed building materials to build it. However, he is not allowed to build it himself because he has shed the blood of many. Once again, because David shed the blood of many, he could not build God’s temple. Now Christ’s atoning work on the cross builds us into temples of the Holy Spirit. Because the blood of one man (God incarnate) was shed, God’s temple can be built in us.

So, God tells David that his son, Solomon will be the one to build the temple because God will give him peace and not bloodshed. And David charges his son to build the temple of God and see the construction of it through. In verse eleven, David says,

“Now, my son, may the LORD be with you; and may you prosper, and build the house of the LORD your God, as He has said to you (NKJV).”

The prosperity in this context is not referring to only wealth, but the success of building the house of God. The prosperity is directly tied to obeying God’s command. The prosperity is directly linked to doing God’s work for His glory and purpose. It is not wealth just for wealth’s sake. In verse twelve and thirteen, David gives Solomon the true key to prosperity as it is tied to doing God’s will. David warns,

“Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.

Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the LORD charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed (emphasis mine).”

There is a one-fold reason for getting wisdom, understanding and authority (charge); that is to keep the Lord’s commandments. Our rule, job, position, and goals are all secondary. First and foremost is the gaining of wisdom to keep the law of God. Wisdom and understanding with authority is not for the “enlarging” of our territory, financial gain, or social status. Our sole focus is on serving our God, only then will everything else fall into place.

Wisdom is the application of the understanding of the knowledge gained so we can take charge and authority to disseminate it to others. This is very much like true preaching. This is how the law of the Lord is kept; through the application of the knowledge that is taught to others. This is preaching, teaching, exhorting, etc.

But how do we gain Godly wisdom (not the wisdom of the world)? In James 1:5 we are told that we are to ask God for it.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (NKJV).

Then we can prosper if care is taken to fulfill God’s law. Our prosperity assists us in obeying God’s directions in our lives. It is never for our egocentric benefit alone. Obedience always comes first. But what is the law of God that we need to fulfill?

Love God wholly and love others as you love you.

Jesus summed up the prophets and law in Matthew 22:37-40 stating,

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

God ordained prosperity comes only after one seeks God wholly and uses wisdom to apply the knowledge learned in teaching and loving others. Obedience is first. God first. The things we need like food, shelter, and clothing will be given to us after we seek God first. God’s prosperity is not our prosperity. He is concerned with supplying all your needs not your wants or excesses, that is worldly thinking and lust of the eyes. Jesus summed this principle up in Matthew 6:33.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (NKJV).

Worship Leader (ship)

In 1Chronicles chapter 13 we have the Biblical approach to leading others in worship of God. Too many churches allow anyone and everyone on the stage to showcase their talents without taking serious thought if God has chosen those people to lead in worship. Many of today's worship leaders are concerned with creating an “atmosphere” for the assembly to enter into God's presence. They use stage lights, multi-media, smoke, candles, various instrumentations, and everything but the will of God. Instead of reading God's commands on how to conduct Biblical worship, they attend worship conferences and read worship magazines. There is no lasting prophecy in their music. They succumb to many problems and rebellions within their ministry. However, there is a Biblical approach to worship that every leader should understand.

In verses one through four, we find King David with great intentions consulted every leader about gathering all of Israel together with its priests and Levites to relocate the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Everyone consulted agreed to relocate the Ark because it seemed like the right thing to do. David did some correct things regarding leadership.

David as leader consulted with his captains both great and small in position, and made no independent decision without them.
David used two criteria in deciding to relocate the Ark of the Covenant.
First criteria: “If it is good to you.”
Second criteria: “If it is of the Lord our God.”
Only after consultation, thought and discussion did everyone agree to relocate the Ark.

Then in verses five thorough eight we read that all of the people were gathered together, and they went and placed the Ark on a cart with oxen pulling it. As they moved the Ark, David and all Israel sang, played music, and danced. Nevertheless, this was not the correct way to worship God, and it displeased Him. These are the things done incorrectly.

First, There was no consultation with God on “how” to relocate the Ark of the Covenant.

Although the “how” was written down in the law that God gave to Moses, no one (not even the priests and Levites) told David that there was a correct and incorrect way to worship God. David had consulted with all of his leaders, which was good leadership practice, however he failed to consult with God, which was bad leadership practice.

It was not the “idea” of moving the Ark that was bad. Actually, this idea was a high and noble one containing great intentions and motivation. This idea was not malicious or evil. This idea was pure and only wished to serve God. Yet, it was not the idea that was wrong rather the “how” that was wrong. It was the “How do we get there from here? How do we do it according to God's principles?” that was lacking.

Many sincere worship leaders and musicians want to lead people to the throne of God, They wish to take them to God's very presence with music and song. This is a noble idea with great intention and motivation. So, the worship leader consults others about his vision, and they agree with his ideas. He then attends a worship conference, and they tell him to darken the room, use theatrical lighting with candles to set the mood and atmosphere for worship. But, he fails to understand God's proper manner in how to approach His throne. He fails to grasp the importance of all worship leaders living a holy life before God. So, he worships God in an unscriptural way, which leads to paganism and idolatry.

The second thing David did incorrectly was to allow “all” of Israel to play music before the Lord.

God appointed only the Levites to minister before Him in music, and so only the appointed ministers of God should lead in worship today, not anyone or everyone. Because God was approached incorrectly regardless of good intentions, punishment ensued. Verses nine through twelve describe God's disfavor.

Moreover, when they came to Chidon's threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God (NKJV).

The results of inappropriate worship of God are disfavor and punishment. Uzza, although having great intentions, motivation, good desire, good heart for worship, great heart to serve God did so incorrectly. His worship was not according to God's commands. Seeing this seemingly unnecessary death, King David becomes angry with God, and then the anger turns into an unhealthy fear of God, a distrust of His character.

Often people with good intentions for worship are not grounded in the “how” of Scripture, and they fail. In failing, they become angry, discouraged, and fearful. Knowing “how” to approach God Biblically is of utmost importance, or else we will be lead astray by false doctrine and practice, bringing into the church the pagan practice of demon worship and new age (occult) philosophies.

Yet, David did not give up on his quest to enter into true worship. In verse twelve he asks God,

David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God to me?”

Notice that he asks the question “how” do I do it? God is faithful and answers David. In chapter fifteen verse two David discovers God's word and proclaims,

Then David said, “No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever.”

Here is the key to worship leadership.

God “chooses” His worship leaders and participants.
Only those “chosen” of God can minister before Him.

The focus is not the old testament priesthood or Levitical law, but on God's “choosing” and “appointing” those to ministry. There are churches that hire professional musicians to play before their congregations during Christmas or Easter productions. Without knowing these professional musicians or their lives, it is dangerous to have them in a worship community setting. Maybe your oboe player just finished having sex with her live-in boyfriend that morning, or your bass player got high on marijuana just hours before his “gig”. But, it is just as bad to allow church members who are not living a life of holiness to God off stage to participate in worship. Members and leaders must be chosen through prayer, inquiry, and discernment. The risk in displeasing God is great in this area.

We read in verse thirteen terrible events happened to Israel when they did not follow God's proper order for worship.

For because you (talking to the Levites) did not do it (the Ark) the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.(Parenthetical clarification and emphasis mine).”

David then has God's chosen worship leaders, the Levites, chose others among their family to assist them. These worship leaders then appoint their brothers who are skilled in singing and playing music. David as a type of Christ appoints and chooses those who were to lead in worship, and in turn they appoint their brothers to assist them. The Levites picked people who were skillful at what they did. They were good. Verse twenty-two tells us,

Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful.

The results of following God's proper order in worship were God's assistance to the “chosen” worship leaders, success, joy, shouting, singing, and playing of music. Then all of Israel brought the Ark to Jerusalem with praise and shouting. They praised God with “the sound of the horn, with the trumpet, and with cymbals, making music with stringed instruments and harps.”

Understand that when God's chosen worship leaders were assisted by God in leading others in worship, then all the people were able to engage in serious worship, sacrifice, and adoration. But, first God's chosen leaders had to lead.

And with them Heman and Jeduthun and the rest who were chosen, who were designated by name, to give thanks to the Lord, because His mercy endures forever (16:41, NKJV).

Why is it so important to have God's chosen people lead worship, and in turn they select and appoint those participants that God chooses? In chapter 25, the musicians are referred to as “prophets”. A worship singer or musician should proclaim God's word, His greatness, His majesty, His love, and His return. They “prophecy” in that they exhort the body of Christ, uplift, and lead them into adoration of God. Some of the Scriptures that refer to musicians as prophets are,

Moreover, David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals (25:1).

The sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied according to the order of the king (Verse 2).

Under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord (verse 3).

Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to exalt his horn (Verse 5).

It should be clear from these passages that worship in the church in vitally important, and it is of exceeding importance to conduct it Biblically. To worship God in an unscriptural way leads to idolatry, pagan practices, new age, and occult performances. No matter what the good intentions are, worship to God has to be Godly worship and Scriptural.

Galatians 5:19-26 DAILY CHECKLIST

Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious:

illicit sex, (sex outside of the Law/marriage)
perversion, (sexual perversion, thoughts, acts, unclean)
promiscuity, (sexual acts with many others, pornography, lust)
idolatry, (idol service, placing trust in other than God)
drug use, (mind altering substance, sorcery,)
hatred, (hate)
rivalry, (fight)
jealousy, (jealousy)
angry outbursts, (unwarranted anger, uncontrolled anger)
selfish ambition, (selfish)
conflict, (division)
factions, (heresy, unbiblical teaching)
envy, (jealousy, covet, envy)
drunkenness, (out of control in thought and action)
wild partying, (out of control in thought and action)
and similar things. (catchall phrase for anything else God reveals)

I’ve told you in the past and I’m telling you again that people who do (PRACTICE as a lifestyle #4238) these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (The effects mentioned above). These behaviors are or can lead to “lawlessness” and actions that are against God’s and human law – leading to negative effects).

But the spiritual nature produces

love, (love, God’s character trait, display God’s character)
joy, (resting in God, confidence in Him)
peace, (the result of faithfulness, confidence in God)
patience, (to suffer long, to endure with confidence in God)
kindness, (to display God’s character of mercy to others)
goodness, (God’s attribute of being good, just, merciful, kind)
faithfulness, (faith, belief whole heartedly in God’s provision)
gentleness, (meek, not boisterous for self, humble in God)
and self-control. (control of oneself, command of self-nature for God)

There are no laws against things like that. (These behaviors are totally legal everywhere!! You can’t go wrong with walking in the Spirit – no negative effects, only positive ones).

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires. If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature.

We can’t allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other.

(Wednesday, April 16, 2008)

Abominations

Son of man, make known to the people of Jerusalem the disgusting things they have done (Ezekiel 16:2, GWT).

“Abominable things” in Hebrew is “TOEVAH,” which has the general meaning of being morally disgusting and yet has many applications throughout Scripture. It is interesting that the use of the word is dispersed with some behaviors and practices that we find detestable today (idol worship, murder, human sacrifice, witchcraft), and others completely acceptable (eating pork, homosexuality, sexual perversion, unfair business practices, lying, and disobedience). Whether we engage in such practices or simply tolerate them in our environment is not the defining line. The line is drawn in God’s commands to stay away from disgusting, detestable, and abominable behaviors and practices.

Can we accept the command to avoid an abomination like idol worship yet, eat unclean animals? But, one may protest, “we are not under the law anymore.” Yes, this is true, but I still ask the question, “is it possible to accept some of the abominations and reject the others? The vision that the Apostle Peter saw commanding him to eat the unclean animals was symbolic of Gentile salvation. Do we believe the Jewish Peter ate of unclean animals after he saw the vision or did he stick to his Jewish roots and avoid unclean flesh? (Acts 10:9-47). Did God become “un-disgusted” with unclean flesh after the dispensation of grace was brought in through Christ Jesus?

Can we reject the thought of making of an idol image to worship as an abomination to God, while allowing the roots of paganism found in Halloween celebrations or Christmas trees to enter into our sanctuaries as harmless festivities or objects of the American dream?

Will we find the thought of bloody human sacrifice to an unknown god repulsive while at the same time tolerating homosexual and lesbian ministers in the church? Will we today tolerate and accept homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle while being disgusted at the thought of a male temple prostitute in ancient times?

Shall we cast away the person who practices witchcraft and sorcery, and accept the casual reading of the daily horoscope in the local newspaper? Is the thought of burning a child alive on a pagan god’s alter disgusting while cheating in business or treating others poorly is an acceptable way to climb the corporate ladder?

May we insist on the death penalty for the murderer and child rapist, and at the same time lie at our place of work? Do we have permission to be arrogant, prideful, contentious, or deceitful? Is it situational?

I believe we (the Church) are closer to committing abominations and detestable things than we realize. Mostly out of ignorance of God’s word and commands are we led astray by false doctrines. It is time to reevaluate our lives according to the commands of God. No yoke, no bondage, just understanding of the truth in God’s word. We cannot, we must not accept some things and reject other things according to our likes and dislikes. This itself is an abomination.

And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things (Jeremiah 16:18, KJV).

MORALLY DISGUSTING

For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,
But His secret counsel is with the upright (Proverbs 3:32, NKJV).

GOD hates cheating in the marketplace; He loves it when business is aboveboard (Proverbs 11:1, GWT).

The sacrifice of wicked people is disgusting, especially if they bring it with evil intent (Proverbs 21:27, GWT).

One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination (Proverbs 28:9, NKJV).

IDOL ASSOCIATION

Worse, they had male sacred prostitutes, polluting the country outrageously—all the stuff that GOD had gotten rid of when he brought Israel into the land (1Kings 14:24, GWT).

Instead he followed in the track of the kings of Israel. He even indulged in the outrageous practice of “passing his son through the fire”—a truly abominable act he picked up from the pagans GOD had earlier thrown out of the country.
He also participated in the activities of the neighborhood sex-and-religion shrines that flourished all over the place (2Kings 16:3-4, GWT).

SEXUAL PERVERSIONS

Don’t have sex with a man as one does with a woman. That is abhorrent (Leviticus 18:22, GWT).

If a man has sex with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is abhorrent. They must be put to death; they are responsible for their own deaths (Leviticus 20:13, GWT).

HUMAN SACRIFICE

Don’t do this to GOD, your God. They commit every imaginable abomination with their gods. GOD hates it all with a passion. Why, they even set their children on fire as offerings to their gods (Deuteronomy 12:31, GWT)!

EATING UNCLEAN ANIMALS

Don’t eat anything abominable.
These are the animals you may eat: ox, sheep, goat, deer, gazelle, roebuck, wild goat, ibex, antelope, mountain sheep— any animal that has a cloven hoof and chews the cud. But you may not eat camels, rabbits, and rock badgers because they chew the cud but they don’t have a cloven hoof—that makes them ritually unclean. And pigs: Don’t eat pigs—they have a cloven hoof but don’t chew the cud, which makes them ritually unclean. Don’t even touch a pig’s carcass.
This is what you may eat from the water: anything that has fins and scales. But if it doesn’t have fins or scales, you may not eat it. It’s ritually unclean (Deuteronomy 14:3-8, TMSG).

OCCULTIC PRACTICES

When you come to the land that the LORD your God is giving you, never learn the disgusting practices of those nations.
You must never sacrifice your sons or daughters by burning them alive, practice black magic, be a fortuneteller, witch, or sorcerer, cast spells, ask ghosts or spirits for help, or consult the dead. Whoever does these things is disgusting to the LORD. The LORD your God is forcing these nations out of your way because of their disgusting practices. You must have integrity in dealing with the LORD your God. These nations you are forcing out listen to fortunetellers and to those who practice black magic. But the LORD your God won’t let you do anything like that (Deuteronomy 18:9-14, GWT).

DISHONEST BUSINESS PRACTICES

Never carry two sets of weights, a heavier one and a lighter one.
Never have two kinds of measures in your house, a larger one and a smaller one. Use accurate and honest weights and measures. Then you will live for a long time in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Everyone who uses dishonest weights and measures is disgusting to the LORD (Deuteronomy 25:13-16, GWT).

GOD hates cheating in the marketplace; He loves it when business is aboveboard (Proverbs 11:1, GWT).

ACTS OF DISOBEDIENCE


There are six things that the LORD hates, even seven that are disgusting to him:

1. Arrogant eyes,

2. A lying tongue,

3. Hands that kill innocent people,

4. A mind devising wicked plans,

5. Feet that are quick to do wrong,

6. A dishonest witness spitting out lies,

7. A person who spreads conflict among relatives (Proverbs 6:16-19

Or

These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19, NKJV).