AT WALMART TODAY

 I WAS AT WALMART

AT WALMART TODAY

   I was at WalMart today to return some gifts that I had ordered.  The greeter asked it I had returns and I confirmed that I did.  He asked if he could place a sticker on the package and he directed me to customer service.  I told him that I wanted to pick up a bottle of nail polish before I went to customer service.  He tried to explain about their policy and theft protection, etc.  I explained that I didn't want to stand in the line twice.  The conversation went back and forth for a minute, then, you know me:  it morphed into what we want from God and how to receive it.  I don't remember much about the conversation, since it is second nature for me to steer the conversation to my God.  I do remember we agreed that stomping (and I demonstrated this) and throwing a fit usually results in God either making us wait and adjusting our attitude or just out-right denying our request.  Anyway, that hit a nerve with him, you could see it in his attitude.  We talked a while longer, and I went about my business.

   I bid him goodbye on my way out, when he thanked me for talking with him.  He told me that what I had said went straight to his heart, as it was just what he needed to hear (the answer to a prayer).  WOW  I love this. 

 I exited the store before I realized I hadn't invited him to church, so I went back in and invited him.  He said he attends a different church locally but may come by for a visit.  Once again on my way out the door, I realized he didn't need a church; he needed an answer.  

What about you?  Have you experienced anything like this?  We would love to hear from you.

PSALM 2

PSALM 2

REBELLION

photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org, author:  Carlos8888

   This is a prophetic psalm.  There are four speakers in this Psalm.  King David is the first.  

1) Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

   The question is, "why does the godless imagine and meditate on ways to rid themselves of God"?

2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying,

   Those in position of authority have taken up position against the Lord, all in one accord.

3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

   Every socio-economic class is in full agreement:  They are tired of being told that their way is the way to Hell.  They are tired of anyone telling them what to do and how to act.  "Let's rid ourselves of God."

Now, God speaks:

4) He that sits in the heavens shall laugh:  the Lord shall have them in derision.

   First, His thunderous laughter peals across the world at man's conceit.  Picture here a two year old telling his parents what to do and how to do it!  The child doesn't have the wisdom to tell anyone what to do.  So, these people are laughed at.  

5) Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure.

   Then He lets the hammer down.  He sends His angels down to torment man.

6) Yet have I set My king upon My holy hill of Zion.

   Jerusalem belongs to God.  It will be trodden by the Gentiles for a little while, but God has the deed to it and He sits His king upon it as He will.

Now, Jesus speaks:

7)  I will declare the decree:  the Lord has said unto me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten thee.

   Jesus was God before creation.  Then, He was the Son incarnate, when He was born of a woman.  No matter how much man denies Jesus, He remains God's only begotten Son.

8) Ask of Me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

   Satan offered these things to Jesus, also; but it would have been temporary, since Satan really didn't own creation.  However, God owns it all and He gives it all to Jesus.  Without Jesus, we would have eternally been separated from our loving God.  Do you have a relationship with Jesus?  Click here to make that right:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

9) Thou shall break them with a rod of iron; thou shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

   This foretells of the battle of Armageddon.

Now we hear from The Holy Spirit: 

10) Be wise now therefore, O ye kings:  be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

   During this Dispensation of Grace, The Holy Spirit invites us all to accept salvation while there is still time.  God does not want any to perish.

11) Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

   When you are adopted into God's family, you serve Him with all of the respect due Him.

12) Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little.  Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.  

   Truly, there is nothing we can do without Jesus.  Amen?  We are so blessed when we realize that and put our total trust in Him.

King James Version (KJV) Public Domain  (with a little modification from me)

DEFINITIONS

derision:  a state of being laughed at or ridiculed (merriam-webster.com)

vex:  to irritate; to make angry by little provocations.  ten thousand torments (King James Version dictionary)

PSALM 1

 PSALM 1

LIKE A TREE PLANTED BY THE RIVERS

photo courtesy of PickPik.com

1) Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD:  and in His law does he meditate day and night.

3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season;  his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.

4) The ungodly are not so:  but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5) Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6) For the LORD knows the way of the righteous:  but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

King James Version (KJV) Public Domain

COMMENTARY

For the commentary on the Book of Psalms, I am using Exploring Psalms set by John Phillips.  I had to buy another set, since my first set was a casualty of Harvey.  I like expository commentaries.  I also read Tony Evans, which is not expository.  I encourage you to invest in commentaries that I have mentioned in this blog.

It is interesting that the first two Psalms are not assigned a human author.  All during the Old Testament, no one was recognized for them.   However, in the Book of Acts, chapter 4, verse 25, King David was recognized as the author of the second Psalm.  The first one deals with the law, the second is prophetic.

1)  The blessings of this man comes from what he does not do.  Growing up, I always heard that "God is a spoil-sport" because His commands are "Thou shalt not".  However, we are happier when we avoid certain pitfalls in life.  There was a comic posted on social media recently but I didn't understand it.  As it happens, it was laughing about a movie which I never watched, "Brokeback Mountain".  Then, someone tried to explain the post.  I didn't need the post explained, because I try not to have anything to do with things that I know God disapproves of.  I don't need to intentionally put things in my path that might cause me to stumble.  I didn't read Harry Potter.  I don't try to erase something from my memory that I should have never exposed myself to in the first place.  So, I am blessed by not                        .

   The blessed man does not associate with the ungodly man.  He doesn't take counsel from him, choose him in his circle of friends, nor get cozy with him.  The man with all of the blessings is one who knows Truth, so if anyone does not have Truth, happy is he who avoids them.

   By the way, the word "Blessed" here, is exceedingly expressive; meaning that this is not a singular blessing, but blessing on top of blessing, on top of blessing!  This man is truly blessed!

2)  The blessed man stays in God's Word, reading it, meditating on it, practicing it, knowing it.  His counsel is so much better than the counsel of the ungodly.

3) The Godly man is prosperous.  When a tree is planted by a water source, it is sustained.  It's roots are deep and wide, making it virtually impossible to knock it over.  The blessed man produces quality fruit in season.  His leaves receives enough water (not too little, not too much)  to keep him healthy....he does not wither. He is a blessing to others.  I don't think I know anyone who truly believes on God and studies His Word and is selfish.  Look for the fruit.

4) We have all seen the destruction that hurricanes do to boats.  They are tossed about in the water and some even get airborne from the powerful winds.  This is a picture of the ungodly man's life in the hands of Satan, in whom he does not believe.  But Satan is "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that mow worketh in the children of disobedience".  Ephesians 2:2  The ungodly man believes he is the master of his own destiny but has given power to Satan.

5) The ungodly will be judged in the Great White Throne Judgment.  This will not be a trial, but a sentencing event, where they will be sentenced for an eternity away from the presence of God; where there "will be weeping and gnashing of teeth".  Luke 13: 28

6) And the ungodly will perish.  period.

What about you?  Don't you want to be planted like a tree by Living Water?  My Friend, today is the day to make that decision.  We are not promised tomorrow.  Choose Life today!   click here to find out how:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

If this ministry is a blessing to you, please pray for us, that The LORD uses our efforts for His glory.  You are also encouraged to share this post on your favorite social media and help us share The Gospel.  Thank you and God bless you abundantly.

THE GOD OF COVENANT AND MERCY

 NEHEMIAH 1: 1 - 8

GOD OF COVENANT AND MERCY

cup bearer image courtesy of FreeBibleimages.org

1) The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah.  And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

2) That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

3) And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach:  the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

4) And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

5) And said, I beseech Thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keeps covenant and mercy for them that love Him and observe His commandments:

6) Let Thine ear now be attentive, and Thine eyes open, that Thou mayest hear the prayer of Thy servant, which I pray before Thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel Thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against Thee:  both I and my father's house have sinned

7) We have dealt very corruptly against Thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which Thou commanded Thy servant Moses.

8) Remember, I beseech Thee, the word that Thou commanded Thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

9) But if ye turn unto Me, and keep My commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set My Name there.

10) Now these are Thy servants and Thy people, whom Thou hast redeemed by Thy great power, and by Thy strong hand.

11)  O LORD, I beseech Thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of Thy servant, and to the prayer of Thy servants, who desire to fear Thy Name:  and prosper, I pray Thee, Thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.  For I was the king's cupbearer.  King James Version (KJV) Public Domain      

COMMENTARY

   I have not replaced so many of the commentaries that I had before the flood, or I would have referenced Dr. H.A. Ironsides for this post.   I used The Tony Evans Bible Commentary for this post, as he is also well respected for his commentaries.  I like the way he wrote some of his thoughts.

   Nehemiah was written after the Babylonians captured the Israelites but had given them their freedom to go back to Jerusalem.  Some went back, some did not.  Nehemiah stayed in Babylon and was the cup bearer to the king, Artaxerxes.  This is not only a position that you would lay down your life for the king, but he was also chief of staff.  This is a position of trust and great reputation.  Many of the captured Jews worked for their captures as unto The LORD, as we are also expected to do.

   When Nehemiah asked others who had returned from Jerusalem how things were going back home, the answer bruised his soul.  He wept and mourned, fasted and prayed to God.  He confirmed that God remembered what He said he would do to the Israelites if they did not obey His commands, and Nehemiah asked Him to also remember what He said if they would be obedient.  I say once again, God wants our obedience much more than He wants our sacrifices.

   We have a tendency of making our problems and situations much bigger than life; when we should realize that God is bigger than anything that we find ourselves caught in.  There is nothing He cannot do except lie.  So, we are to start tackling our problems before the throne of God.  We fight the battles, but He has won the war for us.  Keep your eyes on Jesus, Who goes before you and behind you.  If you are faithful, He will turn the circumstances around because He honors His word and He deserves the glory for it.

   Nehemiah was praying to God before "this man", who was King Artaxerxes.  God used this pagan to accomplish His will.  By the way, the answer was not immediate.  It took over four months, but the king provided all that Nehemiah would need to rebuild Jerusalem......and gave him the time off to accomplish the task.

   What about you?  Is your relationship with the Holy God of Jerusalem such that you are confident to go before the throne and ask what you will?  Do you mourn for those you know who don't know what a great God He is?  If you are one who don't know Jesus, here is a link to get you started on the greatest journey of your life:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

If this ministry is a blessing to you, please pray that God uses our efforts for His Kingdom.  You are encouraged to leave us a message to tell us how we are making a difference in your life.  Please also share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you so much for allowing us into your life.

THE PEACE OF GOD PHILIPPIANS 4: 6 - 8

STAND FAST IN THE LORD 

PHILIPPIANS 4: 6 - 8

6) Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7) And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

photo courtesy of Clipart-Library.com

8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  King James Version (KJV) Public Domain

COMMENTARY   

Definition of "supplication":  supplication is a form of prayer but is given humbly, in reverence, and always makes a petition or an entreaty to God.  Body language is usually with head bowed on your knees, or with face toward heaven and hands raised.

 6) Anxiety is one of Satan's most powerful tools and is a violation of The Scripture.  In Matthew 6, Jesus said, 

  31, 32)  "So don't worry at all about having enough food and clothing.  Why be like the heathen?  For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them.  But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, 

   33) and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to.

   34) So don't be anxious about tomorrow.  God will take care of your tomorrow too.  Live one day at a time."  Living Bible (TLB)

And the thanksgiving part is also so important:  We give thanks that God is in control over everything that touches our lives.  Fear not.  We thank Him that He counts us worthy to endure our unpleasant circumstances, leaning on His power to see us through to the other side.

7) This is a supernatural peace that is only for those who have been saved.  It is a tranquil calm in the midst of the storm.

8) This is a constant state for the spiritually stable man:  constantly THINKING, REASONING, STUDYING on TRUTH.  The world today runs on feelings and relativism.  Be ye separated from the world, and use the intellect you were born with.  As you obey these instructions, you gain even more wisdom! 

Truth is the Word of God in the Holy Bible.

Honorable is respectful and dignified.

Right (righteous) is consistent with God's law and His unchanging standards.

Pure is holy, morally clean, undefiled.

Lovely is pleasing to God.  He created us for His good pleasure.

Of good repute--thoughts that are lofty.  Consider your circumstance from the viewpoint of heaven.

True Believers study the Holy Bible, listen to praise music, fellowship with other Brothers and reason on another level.  We don't get washed away in the flood; we are like trees planted firmly and unmoving.  We keep our eyes on Jesus.  We know THIS is not our final destination.

Do you have spiritual stability?  Don't you want the peace that is only found in Jesus, especially in the world today?  Friend, take it now, while there is still time.  Click here for more information:   'https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html

We welcome your prayers, thoughts, comments....and feedback.  If this post is a blessing to you, please share it on your favorite social media.  Thank you and God bless you richly.

 

CONNIE, FROM 2012

The following was posted by Connie while she was battling cancer, which she succumbed to in 2018.  Her life had meaning and she had purpose.

Connie Wiser-Chesney on Facebook

doosptrenS28h08271mf nu067901t7J,g282l09 e  · 
Lord...You are my God.  You breathed on me and I was...All the time inside my mother's womb, You cradled me.  You colored my eyes...You put freckles on my face.  You shaped my nose to curl up just so slightly.  And You made my hair curly and brown.
My journey from womb to coffin has been written with Mercy's pen.  Your Hand of Grace has guided every step of my life.  Even when I was crazy on the back of a Harley Davidson...You kept me balanced.  You protected me each time death looked at me.  You spared my life for some unknown reason.
Each stepping-stone I crossed, You held my hand.  You brought me through the fire with out even a smell of smoke.  GLORIOUS.
And as I face another valley, I know You have already been there.  I am not afraid.  I will proudly and boldly cross the valley with full armor and climb up the MOUNTAIN OF GOD!
All I ask is that I do it to please You!  To make You proud of me!  To show everyone that it isn't about us-------IT'S ABOUT YOU, LORD!I WILL SERVE YOU AS LONG AS I LIVE!  AMEN!!!!

What about you? How is your life going? If you want a life of joy and purpose, click here to discover how: https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html

STAND FAST IN THE LORD

 STAND FAST IN THE LORD

PHILIPPIANS 4: 1 - 5

photo courtesy of beluahnazarene.com

1) Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2) I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3) And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4) Rejoice in the Lord always:  and again I say, Rejoice.

5) Let your moderation be known unto all men.  The Lord is at hand.  King James Version (KJV) modified

COMMENTARY

1)  Paul's joy was in the people who he truly loved and wanted the best for.  Understand this:  the church has been a big target for Satan for a long time.  He loves to sew discord and preach half truths.  We are to stand fast on the inerrant Word of God, not compromising, not giving up our position. 

2, 3) These were powerful, prominent women in the congregation who obviously disagreed with one another.  They had labored along side of Paul.  Even without the internet, people have been getting offended for a long time.  When our personal issues affect the congregation, it is up to the deacons and the elders to help overcome the adversity and promote unity.  It is such a threat to churches that Dr. MacArthur says it this way: 

 "Spiritual instability leads to disappointment, doubt, discouragement, and ineffective witness.  Unstable people are likely to be crushed by their trials.  They are also susceptible to temptation.  ...Spiritual stability requires peace and harmony in the church"

4) The Philippian church had it's share of trials and tribulations.  However, Paul commands them to be joyful.  Joy is not "a happy feeling", but confidence of who we are in The LORD and trust that He is with us no matter our situation.  That is why we read His Word, study It, and meditate on It.  We look at the Psalms for confirmation:

Psalm 1: 1) Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

   2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.

   3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.

For us to have spiritual stability, we must continually, habitually practice rejoicing in The LORD.  Only then, can we say as Paul did, that we have learned to be content, no matter our situation.  Amen?

5) The word "moderation", is "Epieiekes" in the Greek. There is no English word that translates to such a deep meaning of this word.  Dr. John MacArthur likes the word "graciousness" for it:  Christians are "to  show graciousness of humility, the humble graciousness that produces the patience to endure injustice, disgrace, and mistreatment without retaliation, bitterness, or vengeance.  It is contentment."  If you have spiritual stability, you have gracious humbleness.

To understand "The LORD at hand", we look to another Psalm:

 Psalm 57: 1) Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me:  for my soul trusts in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities pass.  He is so close that we live "in the shadow of His wings".

   2) I will cry unto God Most High; unto God that performs all things for me.

   3) He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up.  Selah.  God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.

Before you can obtain spiritual stability, you must first be saved.  Click here for information on that:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html

If this ministry is a blessing to you, please pray for us that God uses us as He pleases and for His glory.  You are invited to leave a comment to let us know how we can help you.  We love hearing from you.

OBSERVING THE LORD'S SUPPER-------1 CORINTHIANS 11:17 - 34

1 CORINTHIANS 11: 17 - 34

OBSERVING THE LORD'S SUPPER

photo courtesy of New Boston Church of Christ

17) Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

The early church would come together to share meals and fellowship and would end the meal with the observance of Communion.  That was the plan, but the Corinthians didn't quite hit the mark.

18) For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

Rather than getting together for loving fellowship and spiritual enrichment, the congregation used this time to draw attention to themselves, shaming the poor brethren, arguing; generally making a mockery of the Lord's sacrificial death and scandalizing the church to the whole world.  

19) For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

When you have those in your midst that are not of you, you will be better able to recognize those who ARE of you.  There are many examples I could cite here, but just look at our politicians:  some know what The Constitution says/means and others want to interpret it to bend to how they WANT it to read.  It doesn't take long to know who to trust on the issue.

20) When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.

Asking for clarification on what they came together to celebrate.

21) For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry and another is drunken.

The church is not practicing sharing, but selfishness and gluttony.

22) What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you?  shall I praise you in this?  I praise you not.

Paul gave instructions to eat before meeting up with the church if you are hungry.  That way, there will be enough to share and no one will over do it.  "All things in moderation."  We are to be pure in heart, without prejudices, pride, bitterness, feelings of superiority, etc. Let us come together as one, loving each other and loving our God, which honors Him.

23) For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:

Let us review how we are to observe the Lord's Supper in a way that honors Him:

24) And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat:  this is My body, which is broken for you:  this do in remembrance of Me.

We are to remember His life, His sacrifice, and His death.

25) After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in My blood:  this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.

26) For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come.

Keeping Jesus forever before our eyes, as we anticipate His return for us.

Do you know my Jesus?  Click here to learn more:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html'

27) Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

You don't want to be guilty of the body and blood of Jesus Christ (His death).

28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup.

We are to participate in Communion with reverence, in awe of Jesus, with thanksgiving, and praise; focusing on Jesus.

29) For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

30) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Here we go again:  are we sick and weak because we are disobeying God?  As we study His Word, we find little tidbits of what we are to be doing and how we are to do it to His glory.  To this, I say, "Keep studying."  When we dishonor Jesus (which the Lord's Supper represents), we will be chastised....and even killed.  It is serious business.

31) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Therefore, let us search our own hearts when we participate in The Lord's Supper, and repent of our unrighteousness.  Let us love our Brethren, as God Himself loves them.

32) But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 

Christians are chastised.  We are not condemned with the world, because we have been adopted into The Royal Family, and are thus sons of God.  This also confirms "once saved, always saved".  We do NOT lose our salvation due to something we do.  Likewise, we did not gain salvation due to something we did.

33) Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

When we sit down at God's table, let us wait on one another and meet their needs first.

34) And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation.  And the rest will I set in order when I come.

The Apostle obviously had other matters to discuss with the church he was mentoring and would address them when he saw the church leaders.

  We had a request to post the commentary after each verse, so here it is.  Would you prefer it posted this way or do you prefer the way we have been posting all of the verses we will be studying followed by the commentary for all of the verses?  Leave us a comment.  We love to hear from you.

If this ministry is a blessing to you, please pray for us, that The LORD uses our efforts for His glory.  You are also encouraged to share this post on your favorite social media and help us share The Gospel.  Thank you and God bless you abundantly.

THE ROLE OF THE MAN AND THE WOMAN ----1 CORINTHIANS 11: 1 - 16

 1 CORINTHIANS 1: 1 - 16

THE ROLE OF THE MAN AND THE WOMAN

photo courtesy of aceshowbiz.com

1) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2) Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

3) But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

4) Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.

5) But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven

6) For is the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn:  but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

7) For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God:  but the woman is the glory of the man.

8) For the man is not of the woman:  but the woman of the man.

9) Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

10) For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

11) Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither is the woman without the man, in the Lord.

12) For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

13) Judge in yourselves:  is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

14) Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

15) But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her:  for her hair is given her for a covering.

16) But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

COMMENTARY

   This is certainly something that you don't hear preached at church on Sundays.  This is the Apostle Paul writing to his church in Corinth, where he poured himself into teaching this congregation.  Here, he is talking about the accepted order according to God:  the role of men and women in preaching and praying in church.

Verse 3)  God the Father has authority over Jesus and Jesus submitted to The Father's will, thus buying our salvation.  Jesus has authority over man, whether saved or lost, every knee will bow to Jesus; man has authority over woman; parents have authority over children.  This is God's will, His plan.  This scripture does not say women are illiterate, ignorant, without faith.  What it says is that when women obey God, they submit to the position of man out of love for God, as Jesus submitted to The Father, although He is fully God!

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Verses 4, 5)  Women were allowed to pray and prophesy(teach) in some settings, but there needed to be a distinction between the authority of the praying and teaching.  They were not men, so the women needed to wear the head covering.  If the women wanted to demand equality to man in these activities, they disgraced themselves and their husbands.  Likewise, men who wore a covering disgraced Jesus, Who is the head of man.

Verse 6)  In those days, prostitutes shaved their heads.  Apostle Paul was saying it would be as a prostitute in a position of authority praying and prophesying.

Verse 7)  Here is God's design:  man is not to wear a hat (head covering) in church or when he is praying or prophesying.  Man was made in the image and glory of God.  Woman was made in the image of God, also, but for the glory of man.  Man was not made for woman, but woman was made for man.  The angels were present at creation, so they know God's unique design for man and woman.  So it would be an insult to the angels, who have great strength and power and submit to God's plan, when the woman doesn't.

Verses 8, 9) Here is the bottom line on the headdress:  the covering was a symbol of submissiveness.  Man was created in the image of God but also to be the glory of God.  His power and authority comes directly from God.  Man was created first and was given dominion over all that was created (Genesis 2:7).  Woman was created in the image of God, also, but for the glory of man.  She was made "for the man's sake".  Her role is to come under the leadership, protection, and care of man; to be his helpmate  (Genesis 2:20 - 22).

Verses 11, 12)  All things were created for God's good pleasure.  Man and woman have the same value to Him.  Woman originates from man and man is born from woman.  All begins with God.  Man has no innate superiority over woman; likewise, woman has no innate superiority over man.  We are created for different roles and to work together for the glory of God.

Verse 16)  After citing accepted cultural practices and nature, there wasn't much more to argue about.  Apostle Paul ended this discourse by saying, basically, that the apostles and churches were going to honor God by the man not having his head covered while praying and prophesying and the woman having her head covered, even if her covering was just with her long hair.

   Dr. MacArthur tells us in another commentary, of which I will have to locate again, that had Adam and Eve conducted themselves in this proper manner, we would have been able to live as God had originally intended, rather than living under the curse of sin.  Had Eve referred to Adam regarding eating the fruit, surely he would have declined the offer.  It's food for thought:  when God's order is breached, turmoil ensues.  Man is the head of the household and is RESPONSIBLE for it in every way.  Woman is to support him.  Be careful who you marry.

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THE TRIAL OF JESUS---Luke 22

 

Dr. Luke did not record many of the details of the life of Jesus.  He basically gave us cliff notes.  The Apostle John gave a lot of details, as he was a first hand witness.  I have included excerpts from both Books to try to paint the picture of what was occurring.  This post is not intended to give the emotional account of The Passion, but to teach that the entire "trial, conviction, and prosecution" of Jesus was illegal.  Had He been guilty of a crime, His death could not be the perfect substitution for mine.  We "have all sinned and come short of the glory of God."  Romans 3:23

JEWISH LEGAL TRADITION PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

1)  The day is for the beginning of the trial, the night is for the conclusion of the trial.  Sanh. 34b

2)  Both sides are required to present oral arguments in person to the court.  (Resp.Ribash no. 98

3) The court's primary role was to be devoted to the defense of the accused against conviction for an offense, and the court served as the defendant's guardian and advocate.

4) The Talmud rules that a unanimous verdict by the Sanhedrin (Jewish court) must be thrown out and the defendant must be exonerated!  The function of the Sanhedrin is to search for evidence of innocence rather than guilt, so if the verdict is unanimous, collusion must be suspected, which convicts the court!

5)  After the proceedings have been concluded during the day, a judgment of acquittal will be announced that same day, but a JUDGMENT OF CONVICTION and sentence may not be announced until the following day, since there is a chance that the judges may change their minds during the night.  NO criminal sessions may therefore BE HELD ON THE EVES OF THE SABBATH AND HOLIDAYS.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Luke 18  (they arrested Him in the Garden of Gethsemane)

12) Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound Him,

13) And led Him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

14) Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

Luke 22  (also when they arrested Him)

52) Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to Him, (in The Garden of Gethsemane where He had been praying) Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

53) When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against Me:  but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

54) Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Him into the high priest's house.  And Peter followed afar off.   This is Thursday night, the eve of Passover (#5).  Jesus was actually led into the house of Annas, who was the former high priest.  At this time, he held no position of authority.  There were no charges read to Him. (#2)

John 18:

25) And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself.  They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of His disciples?  He denied it, and said, I am not.

26) One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with Him?

27) Peter then denied again:  and immediately the cock crew.  King James Version (KJV), Public Domain  Roosters begin crowing before sunrise, about  4-5am on Friday, beginning of Passover.

Luke 22:

66) And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led Him into their council, saying,  (They went from the house of Annas to the chief priest, Caiaphas.  This was to give the appearance of proper protocol)

67) Art Thou the Christ?  tell us.  And He said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

68) And if I also ask you, ye will not answer Me, nor let Me go.

69) Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

70) Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God?  And He said unto them, Ye say that I am.

71) And they said, What need we any further witness?  for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth.

John 18:   (The Apostle John's account:)

28) Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment (Roman court): and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover (#5)

29) Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this Man?

Luke 23: 1 - 24   (Dr. Luke's account:)

1) And the whole multitude of them arose, and led Him unto Pilate. (#1,#4, #5)

2) And they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King.

3) And Pilate asked Him, saying, Art Thou the King of the Jews?  And He answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

4) Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find NO FAULT in this man.

5) And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

6) When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.

7) And as soon as he knew that He belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

8) And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad:  for he was desirous to see Him of a long season, because he had heard many things of Him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him.

9) Then he questioned with Him in many words; but He answered him nothing.  (#2)

10) And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him.

11) And Herod with his men of war set Him at nought, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate.

12) And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together:  for before they were at enmity between themselves.

13) And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

14) Said unto them, Ye have brought this Man unto me, as one that perverteth the people:  and, behold, I, having examined Him before you, have found NO FAULT in this Man touching those things whereof ye accuse Him:

15) No, NOR YET HEROD:  for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto Him.

16) I will therefore chastise Him, and release Him.

17) (For of necessity he must release one (convict or prisoner) unto them at the feast.)

18) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:  (#4)

19) (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

20) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

21) But they cried, saying, Crucify Him, crucify Him.

22) And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath He done?  I have found NO CAUSE of death in Him:  I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go.

23) And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified.  And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

24) And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

King James Version (KJV), Pubic Domain

 

This entire "trial" was illegal.  Jesus did not defend Himself against the false accusations.  Everything was prophesied about hundreds of years before these events took place.  See Isaiah 53)  However, each player in this event could have personally turned back.  Another would have taken his place because the events were God's will for our salvation.  His will prevails.  I am giving Him all the praise and gratitude!

How do you feel about what my Jesus has done for you?  He was led like a lamb to the slaughter to purchase your freedom.  Learn more about how you can live forever in His presence by clicking here:

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JESUS REBUILDS THE TEMPLE IN THREE DAYS--REVISED

 JESUS REBUILDS THE TEMPLE IN THREE DAYS

photo courtesy of biblicalarcheology.org; photo credit:  Stephen Fine

   There is much controversy about reconciling Jesus dying on Friday and being raised from the dead on Sunday.  Today, let us uncover facts and traditions and put the controversy to rest.

  

   When Jesus was preparing for His last Passover meal, He and His Apostles would actually observe the meal on Thursday.  I know, right?  But stay with me as I report how Dr. James MacArthur tells it:  Jesus was from Galilee, which lies in the northern part of Israel, which was also called Judah.  So were most of His Apostles.  Northern Israel observed a day as being from sunrise to sunrise.  The area of Israel where Jerusalem is, and the Temple, observed a day as being from sunset to sunset, as it was in the beginning when God created this Earth.  

   Now, when Jesus and the Twelve had their Passover meal it was on Thursday night.  It would have really been difficult to have slain all of the required lambs on one day, so since North and South Israel observed Passover on different days, that eased the number of lambs being slain on each day.  Jesus observed Passover on Thursday evening, which was part of Thursday to Him, but was also part of Friday for the Jewish leaders.  They observed the Passover meal on Friday evening.  In between the two meals, Jesus was arrested, tried, convicted, and crucified.

   Let us read in Matthew, chapter "15: 6--Now at that feast he (Pilate) released unto them (the Jews) one prisoner, whomsoever they desired."  This happens on Friday.  Now skip down to verse 25:  "And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him."  My Jesus laid on that cross and allowed Himself to be crucified.  It was nine o'clock in the morning.

   Verse 33: And when the sixth hour was come (noon), there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour (3pm).

   Verse 34: And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is being interpreted, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

   Verse 35: And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, "Behold, he calleth Elias."

   Verse 36: And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave Him to drink, saying, "Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down."

   Verse 37: And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

   Verse 38: And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

   While Jesus was killed on Friday afternoon, that marks the first day of His death.  Then Saturday.  Then He picked up His life again on Sunday. That makes three days.  Now, even if you have difficulty reconciling the sunrise to sunrise thing or sunset to sunset thing, you have to admit that you have NEVER seen a corpse give itself life again and walk away!  Jesus has the power!  He was all man, but He is also all God.  

   Then, we pick up the story in Chapter 28 of Matthew:  

   Verse 1:  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

   Verse 2:  And, behold, there was a great earthquake:  for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

   Verse 5:  And the angel answered and said unto the women, "Fear not ye:  for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 

   Verse 6:  He is not here:  for He is risen, as He said.   King James Version (KJV), Public Domain

   Do you have a relationship with my Jesus?  He is wonderful.  He is powerful.  He took the form of man to seek and to save you!  He laid down His life in this fallen world to reconcile you to God.  God cannot look upon sin and we have all sinned.  Jesus took our sin and gave us a relationship with the God of creation.  All we have to do is accept it!  Thank you, Jesus!  For more on this, click here:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

   You are encouraged to leave a comment for us to let us know if these posts are helpful to you.  We always love to hear from you.  You can also share these posts on your favorite social media if they are a blessing to you.  Thank you and God bless you.