Tag: proverbs

SUMMER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word “summer” is used frequently throughout the Old Testament scriptures, while only being employed in the New Testament by Jesus Christ Himself in the gospels of Matthew (24:32), Mark (13:28), and Luke (21:30).  Each of these accounts occur in the “Parable Of The Fig Tree” and is the Greek word “theros” meaning, “to heat” but particularly in context speaking of “summer” as the season of heat or the hot season. 

However, in the Old Testament, while the Hebrew word, “qayits,” can refer to the specific, one of four seasons on the earth — with “summer” being classified as the “dry” season — it is also periodically, uniquely connected to the idea of fruit, grain, or a seasonal harvest.

In Psalm 32:3-4, David declares:

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night Your (the Lord’s) hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.  Selah.

 Obviously, we identify the distinct reference to the dry, hot feeling that “summer” brings, yet the reference is speaking more fully of David’s emotional and spiritual feelings as he refused to deal with some ubiquitous and prevalent sin that was negatively impacting his life, and dramatically hindering his spiritual walk / relationship with the Lord.

In Proverbs 6:8 we see the often used, familiar Old Testament connection of the word “summer” with the idea of fruit, grain, and/or harvest.  Here, Solomon considers the wisdom of the ant, who “Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.”  Proverbs 10:4-5 expands this biblical, as well as practical truth:

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

Clearly, without hesitation or indecisiveness, the necessary work should be accomplished within the suitable season.  If the opportunity that presents itself in the “summer” (fruit/grain and harvest) is neglected, the irresponsible individual cannot possibly expect the fruit/grain and harvest in autumn or in some/any other season.  For one to sleep or rest when the plenteous harvest lies ready, is seen in this passage as the most extreme laziness.  If an individual refuses, choosing not to work, they will be poor, whereas the diligent worker eventually reaps blessing and reward … by taking full advantage of the “summer” (fruit/grain, harvest), but the one who falters brings shame and disgrace. (Please study Proverbs 6:6-11)

A REALITY CHECK   

#1 The hand of one person is diligent, the other is slack.

#2 The soul/spirit of one seeks and seizes opportunity, the other neglects them, letting opportunity pass … sleeping, napping, or resting instead of harvesting.

#3 The destiny of one is God’s blessing, biblical prosperity (See III John 2), the other is that of devastation and ruin …laziness whether spiritual or physical, clothes a person in rags.  

#4 Perhaps one will hear from his Master, “Well done good and faithful servant” … but what about that other individual? (See Matthew 25:19-30)

In Proverbs 30:24-25, Solomon states that the ant is wise, even though not necessarily — “strong” — when compared to all the creatures of the earth!  Why?  Because, “they prepare their food in the summer (a time for fruit/grain and harvest).”

This summer, for the first time in the 31 year history of WOF, we are embarking on a new adventure for the whole family.  Beginning June 22, for 7 consecutive Wednesday evenings, the children will have a complete VBS (Vacation Bible School) very similar to our Mission Trip ministries including Recreation, Refreshments, Scraise (kids worship & drama), Crafts, Bible Teaching, and Scripture Memorization.  Simultaneously, “ALL” our adults (this is especially designed for those that serve in AWANA, and or teach other classes during the year) will have an incredible opportunity to participate in worship followed by men’s and women’s Bible studies.  See, we’re planning to take advantage of “summer,” and sincerely hoping you will allow this season to become a fruitful harvest of spiritual development and growth for you and your children, along with each and every adult in our entire church body.  Please plan on joining in as we become like the ant, prudently preparing for another year of faithful ministry by taking the opportunity that’s at hand to gather fruit and a reap a great harvest in our spirits and souls this “summer”! 

I’m looking for to it! 

How about you?            

His & Yours, PF

AMERICA

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

When one thinks about America, what pops into your mind?  Currently, the greatest nation on earth?  What a blessing it is to be an American?  The “land of the free” and “the home of the brave?”  A nation once again thrown into the divisiveness of minority/equal rights struggles?  A country at war with terrorism?  A people embattled with economic, health-care, social security, immigration, and defense issues?  Perhaps we are seeing what once upon a time may have been referred to as a “Christian” or “Judeo-Christian” America/nation, quickly sinking into the vast cavity and hollowness of pagan secularism. 

In addition, while I’m not proposing that these United States of America were ever 100% Christian, nor were its founding fathers all believers in the Jesus Christ of the Bible, or our faith and practice, unquestionably these brave individuals were influenced by a both a belief in deity and fear/respect of Almighty God! Nonetheless, in these latter times of the “Information Age,” is it possible that our nation’s obsession and quest for data, digital communication, and information has actually exalted itself above a need/desire for God?  In II Timothy 3, the scriptures declare that difficult times will come, and thus issue a clear and distinct warning concerning this scenario. All those who choose to listen and truly/faithfully believe, are provided with the Lord’s counsel concerning those who are “lovers of money” and “lovers of self,”  that they are, or always will be, “learning and/but (are) never able to come to the knowledge (or understanding) of the truth!” They would rather have gratification and information than become subject to the transformation of our Lord and the presence/indwelling of His Holy Spirit!

Doesn’t all information require proper sorting and thorough sifting before it can be effectively applied to any situation?  As faithful believers, we must, “take every thought captive” (II Corinthians 10:5-6) by applying the discerning and discriminating filter of God’s Holy Word/Truth to each and every slice of information that comes our way.  One might ask, “Exactly how does one select information and use it in the process of personal transformation?”  When it comes to a nation, or people group, how does one determine the authenticity and proper value/importance of information, and then select and process pertinent information in order to affect or impact national transformation?

Listed below you’ll find some biblically-based concepts, that if incorporated into your Christian life and that as an American, will help provide some spiritual understanding as we move into the difficulties of serving Christ within the framework of a pagan secular society.  

  • Confront current issues with an eternal perspective (divine viewpoint).  (See Colossians 3:1-2)
  • Move your personal life “from information to transformation (in Christ Jesus) … from rhetoric to righteousness (living righteously)… from finger-pointing and blame-shifting to personal responsibility.  (See Titus 2:11-14)
  • Stop being a labeler . . .  we must avoid labeling. Labels have become “libels” (vilifications).  (See Ephesians 4:31) They increasingly paralyze relationships, legitimate conversation, communication and the exchange of creative and/or beneficial ideas.
  • Be committed to the restoration of Biblical/Scriptural authority in every aspect of one’s life. (See II Timothy 3:16-17)  It is not talk, but living the truth, which has the potential to restore the foundations of faith and freedom in Christ’s church and our society/nation.
  • Always remember, we are first Christians! God did not call us to be conservative, liberal or libertarian, but men and women of faith in Jesus Christ and His Word. We must call things as they are (by “The Book”) (See Ephesians 5:25) — not by our political persuasions, political correctness, or in light of our rhetoric defined by any/various label(s).
  • Never forget, we speak the truth in love when confronting issues, as well as people who disagree with us.  (See Philippians 2:3-4)  People are sinful and driven by fleshly passion(s)  … we all know that!  (See Ephesians 2:1-5)  Therefore, let us rise above with a proper attitude towards every individual, because every human is created in the image and likeness of God — whether we agree with their lifestyle or not! Our attitude towards the confused, lost, and dying world speaks volumes.  (See James 3:8- 18) 
  • We must overturn the rotting logs and mossy rocks that hide our personal sins (See Psalm 32:1-5) as well as those of our nation (See Proverbs 14:34) . . . openly, yet honestly confronting the deepest issues of our society and Americans’ hearts and homes.
  • Let’s be solution-oriented . . . not just provide tough talk. (See James 2:14-26) Transformation can always occur — even in the toughest and most troubled times! Let’s demonstrate Christian hope and Christ’s healing in our own hearts and homes, as well as for America’s broken families and our nation/society. (See II Timothy 2:23-26)

By employing these concepts and principles, we might just see a genuine transformation.

Don’t just think about it, let’s do it! — PF

ANGER/ANGRY

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Do we live in an “angry” world?  Seems everywhere one turns someone is “angry” about something!  What does one really need to understand in order to control the emotional, stressful, hateful, sometimes extremely violent, enraged, or even vengeful, outbursts or other displays of anger, which include deep-rooted bitterness and even clamming up (silent treatment)?  How does an individual find genuine healing from the conflicts within one’s own heart/spirit, as well as others’ hurt feelings, the experiences of social isolation, and a trail of damaged relationships spoiled by uncontrolled and improperly managed “anger” which is horrifically destructive?   

Proverbs 29:11 declares:

A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

 In Colossians 3:8 faithful believers are reminded of  their strength through new life in Christ Jesus:

 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.

James 1:19-21 also speaks plainly and distinctly:

But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Yes, we all know, and are possibly too familiar with, the words of human justification, reasoning/reckoning, and rationalization — “I just can’t/couldn’t help it!” or the blame-shifting response of _______________ (the devil, whomever, whatever) made me do it!” 

I’m often amazed how Christians stumble right into this lie and fail to understand that “anger” and what we do with our “anger” is a choice (that’s even true in a case of being “angry without sin” as referenced in Ephesians 4:26). People routinely get angry at others, situations, things, circumstances, themselves, and even God, but in each event, one ultimately decides if “anger” is the reasonable choice/option.

We even choose how much anger to display, and selectively pick the style exhibited to various people, generally based upon feelings and the condition of existing, or non-existing relationships with that individual, thing, circumstance, or situation. In addition, many will choose “anger” to manipulate, control or dominate a certain individual/situation. Being or becoming “angry” may also be used as a form of communication or emotional expression to those we hold dear (loved ones, close friends, spouses, children, etc.). If that is the case, one must ask, “what is actually being communicated?” because “anger” is a devastating, destructive and divisive force that must be checked in the lives of every true follower of Jesus Christ.   

Consider Proverbs 14:29:

He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

Do parents refuse to hug, love, or even properly discipline their children because they are angry?  Do husbands and wives deny one another care, concern, and intimacy because of their anger? Do employees waste time, or employers refuse proper compensation due to anger?  Are friendships damaged, ruined, and even severed on a routine basis because of anger?  It just goes on and on, invading lives and our society! Did KKK members formerly hang American black men because they were angry?  Are police officers of all nationalities being assassinated today because of anger?  Billy Graham once said, “Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything.”

TRUTH: Either we control our “anger” or “anger” will control us, because one’s “anger” is always that of one’s own choosing!  In reality, that’s the first step to healing … recognizing that any time you’re angry, you determine that this is the path you prefer, and any emotional displays of that “anger” is also your own choice. 

Second, when dealing with “anger” one must run headlong to the Lord!  He has promised to be our strength and help in any/every time of trouble (See Psalm 46:1) … any unbridled, sinful anger, is trouble for you and everyone around you!

Psalm 37:8

Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.

Third, in the life of a true Christian, unchecked “anger” generally represents a lack of godly character, and a loss of control over one’s  own thoughts and behavior/actions. This fails to represent righteousness, but instead, the sinful nature of a carnal/fleshly mind that should be surrendered to God’s alteration! (See Romans 8:5-8). 

By learning to properly handle anger, we will empower healing of damaged relationships and make our daily lives more peaceful, rewarding, and meaningful … all to HIS glory!

                  Together, let’s rid Christ’s Church of this menace … anger!  — PF

WHY ADVENT? PART 1

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word Advent means ‘Coming’ in Latin. In reference to our This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas. … Some people fast (don’t eat anything) during advent to help them concentrate on preparing to celebrate Jesus’s coming.

  • Embrace Change – just as the leaves change colors, reflecting the beauty of our Lord’s creation and design, so does life.  Almost every aspect of a genuine believer’s life is in a state of transformation as one’s grows spiritually, becoming more and more like Christ. (See II Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29, 12:1-2) We, as Christ’s followers, fully understand and comprehend that not all change is good.  Today, there is an awful lot of unwelcome and unwholesome change in our world. Moral and societal changes really bother us …  we see it everywhere, with almost no exceptions. On top of that, we are painfully aware that the children and youth of this era are growing up in a world far different from the one we experienced as children, youth and young adults.

Then there are those changes that impact us as individuals — children leaving home, the passing of dear friends/family members/loved ones, and even perhaps the slow, steady decline in our vitality and health. Sometimes we may even feel “outdated” at work.  But amidst all the changes, one thing, one Person, stays constant in His existence, purpose, and character … our eternal Lord! To fully embrace God’s purpose(s) in our lives genuinely requires significant, on-going modifications in one’s thinking, understanding, and actions/behavior. Therefore, as one looks upon the ever-present physical changes revealed in our world through Autumn/Fall, consider the marvelous, omnipresent work/molding Christ desires to accomplish in you.  Yield to His touch in the same way the leaves of the tree submit to His ultimate design and persistent resolve.

  • Let Go – just as the trees and grass are unable to hang on to their radiance from Spring and Summer (if rained upon and/or watered), maturing Christians must release the bonds of the past in order to fully participate in the adventures that Christ has prepared for His people to pursue and walk/live in.  (See Luke 9:62; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:8-12; Philippians 3:13-14; I Corinthians 9:24; II Timothy 1:8-11) As one observes the variations in nature brought about by Autumn/Fall, perhaps one should ask the Lord what needs to break loose, be raked up, and intentionally/purposefully and permanently discarded from one’s life!  The past only comes back to haunt us if we make provision for it, and allow it impact our spiritual lives and progress!  As a new creature in Christ, are you allowing old things, particularly those things of one’s fleshly/worldly nature, to continually fall off, pass away, die? (See II Corinthians 5:16-17) Sadly, and yes, destructively, many genuine believers are having difficulty distinguishing the difference.
  • Be Grateful – you’ll never have everything you want and/or absolutely perfect unless the desires of your heart are completely modified by the Lord, and that your definition of good and/or perfect somehow comes into alignment with God’s definition of those things in your own life. Simply put, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” — I Timothy 6:6-9.  I’ve continually found that individuals who are content, which doesn’t mean they are lazy or lack drive to be successful, are generally grateful for whatever they have. That’s proven to be true in my experience, with those who have an abundance, as well as those that may have little, or are lacking, as defined in the eyes of our western culture. In addition, I’ve also found many who have more than they could ever use or want to be ungrateful, as well as those that have little to sulk in their want and greed. Too often the formula of greed or covetousness resulting in poverty is forgotten.  Psalm 10:3 declares, “For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire (rather than the desires being birthed and shaped by the Lord), and the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord.”  Proverbs 28:22 makes it pretty clear, “A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that want (poverty) will come upon him.”  While our God is certainly able to give us the desires of our heart (See Psalm 37:4-5). I suspect He is willing to do exactly that when and if our desires glorify Him and are conferring His purposes!

My prayer is that God’s Autumn/Fall 2018 will speak loudly to each of us!  –PF  

RESOLUTIONS

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

As 2019 approaches, many individuals will make “New Year’s Resolutions.”  This practice originated with the Babylonians and was connected to the planting of crops in mid-March.  Promises were made to their pagan deities and in return, as the Babylonians stayed true to  their promises, the gods would bestow favor on them throughout the coming year. 

Similar practices occurred in ancient Rome, where Julius Caesar modified the calendar, establishing January 1 as the beginning of a new year. They believed their two-faced god, Janus, whose spirit inhabited doorways and arches, was able to look backwards into the previous year and forward into the future.  In hopes of a good future, the Romans offered sacrifices coupled with promises of good behavior in hopes of having a blessing in the coming year.

Early on, the first day of a new year became an occasion for Christians to think about one’s past mistakes and resolve to do and be better in the future. In 1740, John Wesley, founder of Methodism, created the Covenant Renewal Service which was commonly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, affording worshippers the opportunity to seek the Lord’s help and favor in the coming new year. This type of service became known as watch night services throughout Protestantism in western culture.

Resolutions are a funny thing because they are usually a set of somewhat lofty goals, perhaps far-fetched ideas, things on a bucket list, or possibly a “better version of the you” that one’s hoping and praying to be in coming New Year.

Did you know that, on average, approximately 92 percent of Americans are doomed to fail at keeping their New Year’s Resolutions? One might ask, why? It’s mostly because the goals aren’t specific, measurable and/or realistic (too far-fetched to be obtainable).

As a result, some people simply don’t attempt to make New Year’s Resolutions, which is a personal choice, while others struggle to make the next year different.  While I’m in a different camp, that from a perspective of continuous modification and transformation, even on a daily basis, I’d like to share some steps I use to affect substantive modifications in my life.  

Now before you jump in, realize two things:

  1.  Effective change requires a serious, steadfast commitment!
  2. Generally, affirmative or positive change requires a step by step approach, both spiritual and practical!   

STEP 1: Where does your help come from?  Perhaps, “I can’t, but with God, nothing is impossible!” (see Zachariah 4:6, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 4:13, II Corinthians 3:4-5, Luke 1:37)

STEP 2:  Be humble and surrender your desire/will to the Lord’s purpose for your life! (see James 4:3, I Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 37:11, I Peter 5:6, I Chronicles 4:9-10)

STEP 3: Own your past, openly acknowledge sin — without excuses or attempts at human justifications! (See Psalm 32, Proverbs 28:13, I Corinthians 11:3, James 5:16)   

STEP 4: Walk in forgiveness (seeking forgiveness and forgiving others)!  (See Ephesians 4:32)   

STEP 5: Lay all your plans out before the Lord!  (See Proverbs 16:1-9, 19:20-24, 20:18, 21:5, 29:18, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Isaiah 55:8-9)  

STEP 6:  Stay connected and listen closely!  (See James 1:19, Jeremiah 33:3, I John 5:14, Proverbs 16:20, Matthew 7:24-27, Psalm 5:3)

STEP 7:  Don’t shrink back, remain steadfast! (See II Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27:14, 31:24, Joshua 1:1-9, Deuteronomy 31:6)

Faithful followers of Jesus Christ live daily in anticipation of hearing and responding to the Lord’s direction.  If He has placed in your heart a need and desire to change, and you’re committed to that end, then launch the resolution.  At that point, share your objective(s) with others, become accountable, and seek wise counsel (See Proverbs 11:4) from the godly, not the worldly (See Psalm 1:1, Romans 8:8)! Satan will use the seemingly good ideas of the world to trap you in the grips of his destructive system.  He may help you change, but it won’t be anything that honors or glorifies the Lord (See Hebrews 11:6)!   

I pray you enjoy a blessed new year of godly transformation!          — PF  

INFANTICIDE

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

While this word does not appear in God’s Word as it currently is appearing throughout our nation, there are definitely some undeniable parallels within the biblical text.

Leviticus 18:21 warns the Hebrew people to, “not give any of your offspring to offer them to Molech.” In Leviticus 20:2-5 the warning is expanded to not only the Israelites, but anyone living among them with the punishment of such an event being death by stoning.  The very practice of offering a child to Molech, a satanic cult, is considered a defilement of the Lord’s sanctuary and profaning the Lord’s holy name!

King Manasseh of Judah forsook the Lord’s instructions and warnings by encouraging the sacrificial offering of babies/children to Molech (which was worse than the evils practiced in the nations God commanded Israel to destroy) according to II Kings 21:1-9. When Josiah, Manasseh’s son, became king, he made a covenant “to walk after the Lord” and live righteously in II Kings 23:3.

Ultimately, according II Kings 23:10:

He defiled Topheth (an altar location outside the walls of Jerusalem), which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter pass through the fire for Molech.

Nonetheless, the memory of this detestable, satanic ritual was still alive in the 6th century B.C. (Ezekiel 16:20-22; 20:25-31; 23:36-39).

The statue/idol of Molech was a human figure with a bull’s head and outstretched arms, ready to receive the children destined for sacrifice. The image, made of metal, was heated red hot by a fire kindled within, and children were sacrificially laid on its arms. Often, the young child, while crying in anguish, would roll off the idol’s arms and land in the fiery pit below. In order to drown out the cries of the infants and young children, the Molech cult worshippers played flutes and beat drums while the mothers stood by without tears or sobs, to give the impression of the voluntary nature/character of their infanticide offering.

No matter what one may choose to call it, killing babies is defined as infanticide! Legally speaking, according to Merrian Webster Dictionary, “the killing of a newly or recently born child.”  Medically speaking, “the killing of an infant.”

In English we define abortion as the expulsion of a fetus from the womb, while infanticide is described as the killing of an infant after birth. Since the 1973 Supreme Court decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, the Latin term “fetus” has generally replaced words such as child, baby, and infant to describe humanity in the womb. However, many do not realize that both “fetus” and “infant” simply refer legally, to a young life. Irrefutably, biology affirms biblical truth – at conception, life begins no matter what the new child is called! 

Undoubtedly, the enemy’s tactic of deception and bold-faced lies continues … attacks come through various methods and procedures, but the primary ingredient is desensitizing humans to sin. Perhaps the recent bizarre proposal of certain states and political proponents to keep the new-born baby (human being) comfortable until a decision is made on whether it will be allowed to live or be slaughtered may just wake up some previously deceived individuals! Some are even claiming that this criminal act that totally violates a doctor’s Hippocratic oath is somehow for the mother’s health – really?

How does killing the breathing infant while he/she is wiggling on a table help the mother? Does the newborn infant have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in America or not?  How about under the superior authority of God?  

By this practice, if allowed, mothers will sacrifice newborn sons and daughters, who are the gift and blessing of our Lord, upon the egoistic, narcissistic altar of the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy! This is not dissimilar to the worshippers of Molech who scorched their infant babies to death and destroyed God- granted/given life in a satanic, evil-inspired, pagan cult ritual. God forbid that our nation would dare to proceed down this path!

If we were to discover that “unwanted” newborns were actually being systematically slaughtered (infanticide), wouldn’t we do something … everything possible to stop such an atrocity? Are we too desensitized to what God declares in Proverbs 31:8‐9?

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

Proverbs 31:9-9

Who is least able to speak for themselves? Who among humanity is most needy?  Perhaps it’s time for genuine believers to willfully and sacrificially offer rescue for unwanted, speechless, life!  

Please, simply consider Truth – His & Yours, PF        

MONEY

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MONEY, MONEY, MONEY – some say you can’t live without it, and yet so many can’t live with it! Often, it’s so vital to an individual that it directly competes with one’s ability to even know and/or faithfully serve the Lord. Even though “money” itself is not inherently evil, wicked, or sinful, the undeniable truth is that any amount of money can be accompanied by many temptations and much danger.

King Solomon, who in today’s economy would have had a net worth of around two trillion (2,000,000,000,000 – two thousand billion) in US dollars (source – lovemoney.com), stated in Ecclesiastes 5:10,

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income.”

Here’s an individual who may have earned as much as 2,000,000,000 (yes, billion) a year through trade/commerce, tributes, and taxation (enough to spend a million dollars a day for 2000 years, or $5,479,452,054.70 a day for one full year) and what’s he really saying?

  1. The love of money is never satisfied, kind of like what’s found in Proverbs 30:15-16!

“There are three things that will not be satisfied, four that will not say, “Enough”: Sheol, and the barren womb, earth that is never satisfied with water, and fire that never says, “Enough.”

2.    Abundance (Hebrew root, hamon; in this text, meaning a great number of things, wealth, and / or funds) will never satisfy! Isn’t there always something else, something more, something better? 

Augustine of Hippo (early church father, aka St. Augustine) declared, “Until we find our rest in Him, no amount of wealth can ever satisfy.”

While undoubtedly greed is an instigator, a motivational chauffeur that drives individuals to dissatisfaction … who will actually come before the Lord with the heavy load of their unquenchable desire for more and place it on the altar?  Is there genuine peace … a full release of the restlessness in one’s heart with the sacrifice of “wants” and all its embellishments? Remember, those trappings are “never satisfied!”

Scripturally speaking, money / wealth / the accumulation of things is one of the greatest areas for a believer to demonstrate one’s trust in the Lord.  Isn’t that why our scriptures are overflowing with references to money and possessions?  

While certainly many have been blessed materially all their lives, Brenda and I included, that doesn’t mean there weren’t tough or difficult times. In fact, everyone who has, perhaps what some would call an abundance, directly dealt with, or is currently dealing with, the spiritual issue of money, wealth and possessions. Specifically, the devastating sin of greed, which according to Proverbs 28:22, a person with a evil eye (stingy, covetous, greedy) hastens and searches for wealth not knowing or understanding that “want,” in essence, poverty, is the ultimate result.  That’s why believers are reminded:    

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”

Hebrews 13:5-6

For this to happen (become realty in one’s life), one must adopt a clear biblical view of money and wealth, recognizing that we are actually called to wealth creation and sound economics by God’s mandate to humanity in Genesis 1:28 concerning the earth (the word subdue in the Hebrew text means to conquer, subjugate and bring into subjection). Our Lord provides all the resources of this world for us to properly manage as good and faithful stewards. When this actually occurs, within the redeemed framework of human responsibility, it inevitably prompts and directs us towards sound, principle / value-based ethical and moral financial action along with decisions that are sensible, knowledgeable, not hasty, and God-honoring. 

Money, wealth, possessions, etc. are all intertwined with one’s spiritual maturity, daily walk, and development. Way too many Christians stagnate right here … ultimately hindering or even draining their spiritual vitality.  Sadly, this huge issue is either unrecognized or ignored, often crippling the effectiveness of one’s peace, service and testimony.  Now is the time for change and decisive action – may God’s people fully, unrelentingly, uncompromisingly, and willfully align themselves properly with our Lord and His Word /  Truth on MONEY, MONEY, MONEY.  The world wants to gobble you up … kill, steal, and destroy you on this issue.  However, Christ came that you may have life, and have it more abundantly!  While the primary focus of this statement from John 10:10 is spiritual, MONEY, for a believer, is spiritual!

His & Yours, PF      

EYE

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In our Old Testament scriptures, the word “eye” is translated from the Hebrew word ‘ayin, generally speaking, literally, of the physical organ of sight, which is one of the chief channels of information for human beings. David is described as having beautiful eyes (1 Samuel 16:12), and in Canticles (Song of Songs or Song of Solomons), the lovers describe each other as having eyes like doves (1:15; 4:1; 5:12) and comparable to the pools in Heshbon (7:4). You may also recall from Genesis 29:17, that Leah (Jacob’s first wife) had “weak” eyes, although the meaning of the Hebrew word in this passage could mean faint as well as soft, delicate, or tender hearted.

A very cruel, fully-sanctioned custom among heathen nations was gouging out the eyes of one’s enemies or rivals because this significantly and effectively shattered their power (Judges 16:21; 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7). The judgmental blinding or putting out of the “right eye” was also considered a deep form of societal humiliation, robbing the victim of beauty, and making one unfit or ineligible for military service (1 Samuel 11:2; Zechariah 11:17).

In Deuteronomy 7:16, the Israelites were instructed by Moses, in the execution of Yahweh’s judgment upon nations and wrongdoers (Deuteronomy 19:13,21; 25:12), that their “eye shall not pity,” … therefore not deflected from the dictates of God’s laws by feelings of sympathy. In a similar way, God, in Ezekiel 5:11 warned, “My eye will have no pity and I will not spare” the execution of judgment upon those who, “defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and with all your abominations!” Even the Hebrew laws, “lex talionis” (law of retribution or retaliation), at times demanded … “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21). By the way, genuine believers are enlisted by a different calling and standard in Matthew 5:38-48 … check it out!

The New Testament generally uses the Greek root word, ophthalmos for “eye” which is akin to opis, commonly translated as “sight” in English Bibles. When Christ restores the sight of two blind men alongside the road while leaving Jericho, this Greek root word is referring to the eye as the physical organ, which clearly demonstrated His power over eyesight, proving His Messiahship according to the Luke 4:18-19!

Our Bibles also use the word “eye” figuratively to beautifully illustrate the intimate relationship (in Hebrew thought) between spiritual and physical realities. The brightness of eyes is a sign of well-being (Psalm 19:8 compared to Psalm 38:10). In addition, eyes provide a path of expression for a variety of emotions and/or mental attitudes – grief (Psalm 6:7); tears (Psalm 119:136); expressions of mockery and or hatred (Psalm 35:19; Proverbs 10:10, 30:17), haughtiness (Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 6:18), evil sexual desires/lusts (2 Peter 2:14; Matthew 5:29).

Next, to “lift up the eyes” is an important phrase found in the scriptures. Largely, it means looking around for information, direction, and sometimes for help. To “close the eyes” or “hide the eyes” indicates carelessness or lacking sympathy as in Matthew 13:15. Proverbs 28:27 declares, “He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.” Setting or fixing one’s “eyes upon,” means focusing attention to something or toward a particular individual(s). In Psalm 119:6 the focus is turned to all the Lord’s commandments, and in Luke 4:20 all the eyes of those in the synagogue are fixed upon Christ as He reads about Himself from Isaiah 61 and declares, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Biblically speaking, often the eye(s) represents the total process of perception and understanding … the organs of spiritual cognizance that may be enlightened, awakened, or opened as is the request found in Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.” This action is accomplished by the Word (Psalm 19:8) and/or by the works of God’s Holy Spirit within believers (Ephesians 1:18-19). Sadly, a person’s eyes may also be “darkened” and/or “blinded” as found in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.

Undoubtedly, in this very moment/hour, it’s essential that we, as believers carefully consider the admonition of our Lord, Jesus Christ from Matthew 6:22-23, “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Also see/study Luke 11:34-36)

Please take time to study these many verses, and as Hebrew 12:2 states, fix your eyes upon Jesus, “the author and perfector of faith!”

His & Yours,

PF