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Consider Peter’s instruction in 1 Peter 3:8-9a, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling…” Peter’s words are typical of instructions given to God’s people in the New Testament. We are to be loving toward one another. We are to seek peace as we can. We are to treat each other like precious family.

One of the words used here by Peter is “tenderhearted.” It is the Greek word eúsplanchnos. It is translated in the King James version as pitiful. Other translations use tenderhearted or compassionate (though this word is different from the one earlier in the verse “having compassion” which comes from a familiar Greek word sympath?s, from which we get our word sympathetic).

eúsplanchnos has an interesting etymology. It’s primary and original meaning was: having strong bowels. Like our present practice of using the word heart (a muscle) to reference deep emotions and compassion, the Greeks attributed the same to the intestinal tract. It would be similar to us having a “gut feeling”, but primarily referencing strong emotions and sympathies.

So, being pitiful or tenderhearted has reference to the deeply held emotions that Christians should have toward one another. How do you feel toward your brethren?

This short article is not what you think. It is an examination of 1 Corinthians 4:6-15, and especially verse 10 where Paul writes, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” Looking at the context of Paul’s letter, he here is obviously using sarcasm. He is referring to the Corinthian’s self-satisfaction and arrogance. He writes in verse 8, “You have reigned as kings without us – and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!”

The actual state of the Corinthians was not what they thought. Their view of themselves was similar to how the Laodiceans thought of themselves in Revelation 3:17, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…”

When Paul called himself a fool for Christ, he was not in any way resentful of such a designation. He actually was willing to give up anything for his Lord, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20).

Likewise the Corinthians wisdom was not as it appeared. They thought themselves, wise, but “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Become a fool for Christ!

In Psalm 82, the Psalmist begins his plea by noting that “God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods” (vs. 1). The word “gods” here is a word that is often used to refer to God himself (elohim), but literally means “mighty ones” and in this passage refers to the mighty in the land. With the threat of God’s judgment upon them, he then writes, “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and the needy; free them from the hand of the wicked” (3).

The mightiest of men still have a Judge before which they will stand in the final day. While mistreatment and oppression might gain for them power and control while here on earth, it will cost them in judgment! The Psalmist said that these mighty ones will “die like men, and fall like one of the princes” (7).

The sentiment here is very like the New Testament call of James, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (1:27). It is refreshing how much emphasis the Lord places on the protection of those who are weak, vulnerable or oppressed. While it is a special cause of judgment on those in power who refuse to protect them, it applies to each of us as well. The imperative to love requires the child of God to act in the best interest of the oppressed and vulnerable.

The 33rd Psalm talks of God’s preeminence from the point of view of the Israelite. The Psalmist calls for praise for God, and gives numerous reasons why the LORD is worthy of that praise. His word is right. He is righteous and just, and blesses the earth. He is the Creator. His will is inexorable, “For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast” (9). From heaven he looks down upon all men and considers their works. No strength of man compares to His might. He is both willing and able to care for His own.

As such, we should consider verses 20-22 of the text, “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”

Just as the Psalmist, it is important that we recognize and meditate upon the greatness of the Lord. This will lead us to praise Him. It will also lead us both to understand His ability to help and protect us, and to be patient as we wait upon His intervention in our lives.

We must trust God! It is not our place to question either His timing or His ability to care for us. Instead may we pray, “Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in you” (22). Does your soul wait for the LORD?

It is time to take inventory – a new year has begun. There is nothing about the beginning of the new year that is anything special. New Year’s resolutions are entirely arbitrary. However, God does expect us to self-examine and adjust as needed to ensure that our standing with God is as it should be!

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:50).

This is key. We need to consider what is most important. Resolutions about our physical lives have merit and can lead to important lifestyle improvements. However, they do not compare to resolutions that are spiritual in nature. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Do you pray enough? Are your prayers the “effective, fervent prayer [-s] of a righteous man”? (cf. James 5:16). How about your fervency of faith? How about your Bible Study and reading? How about your worship and attendance habits? How about your love? Faithfulness? Faith? Virtue? Righteousness? Your relationship with your brethren? Your relationship with your family? Your relationship with the world? Are any changes needed?

In Jeremiah 25, God is revealed to have sent His prophets to Judah. He sent them to warn Judah to repent to avoid harm. Consider His warning and their response:

“‘Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you. Yet you have not listened to Me,’ says the LORD, ‘that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt’” (Jeremiah 25:6-7).

Because of their rebellion, God sent Nebuchadnezzar to judge the nation, leading to destruction, oppression, and captivity for a period of 70 years.

An interesting phrase is used here, “to your own hurt” (7). Consider that God’s sincere desire is that every man receive His eternal blessings. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). The proof of His love and motivation toward man is seen in the sending of His son to the earth (cf. John 3:16).

When condemnation comes, it is not God’s doing.  Men often do not act in their own interest. Peculiar, but very prevalent.  This is why addiction, crime, etc. is rampant.  When condemnation is present, it is because we act to  our “own hurt.” Think about it!

The child of God has great assurance given him by his heavenly Father. It is a wonderful thing to be able to go through life with the certainty that the preeminent Being in the universe is on your side! It is good to be mindful that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Psalms 62:5-7).

Sometimes we have difficulty accepting this truth. We can become preoccupied with things that are seen. This is something Paul understood, and so wrote the Corinthians something we need to hear. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

If you are having difficulty with your life in this difficult world, trying focusing on your hope of heaven as God’s child!

Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The sentiment (as it relates to our understanding of God) is stated in two other Psalms. The first follows an admonition against anger in Psalm 4:4. Instead, we are told to “…Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” The second follows an acknowledgment of divine judgement on the earth in Psalm 76:8, “…The earth feared and was still.”

God is great. He is preeminent in the universe. This is not merely a reference to His position. It relates as well to our responsibility before Him. He is God. The Son is our Lord and Savior. A way to ensure our acquiescence to Him is to take time to “be still.”

What happens in stillness? As stated in Psalm 4:4 we have opportunity to meditate. 1) Meditate on our actions, and whether we are truly following His will in our lives. 2) Stillness is associated with respect.  The stillness of the earth was the acknowledgment that the Creator had acted. We are to fear God. This fear indicates awe and respect. If we are too busy for God, we are too busy! Take time everyday to consider Him!  3) Stillness is an opportunity for prayer. Go to your “closet”, and in such privacy make yourself known to God!

I love the title of this short article. It is not mine. It came from a paragraph heading in my NKJ Bible. The one above Philippians 2:5-13. Jesus came to earth from heaven, living among us as a man, humbling Himself. This humility reached the point to where He died on the cross for our sins. “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (9-11).

What Jesus did, and the Father’s response serves as a wonderful example for us to emulate. It shows God’s aversion to selfish pride, and His embrace of selfless humility. As James wrote, “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:  ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6).

Take the time to read the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee exalted himself in prayer, and the Publican humbled himself before God.  Consider the conclusion as God accepted the tax collector, but not the Publican. “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (14).

The book of Zechariah was written after the return of the remnant from captivity. The temple was only half built, and the prophet encouraged the people to complete the task.

The name Zechariah is significant.  The Hebrew name means “Yahweh remembers” or “Yahweh has remembered.” What we know is that even through such a strong chastisement of the people (the captivity), God was always aware of the covenant He had with the people of Israel.  He had promised the Messiah would come to them, and the captivity and destruction of the temple had not changed His intent. As Zechariah said, “The Lord has been very angry with your fathers” (1:2). However, it was the Lord’s intent to reconcile with his people.

Note these words, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Return to Me,’ says the Lord of Hosts, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Turn now from evil ways and your evil deeds.’” But they did not hear nor heed me,’ says the Lord” (1:3-4).

A lesson for us today. Our acceptance by God is conditioned upon our hearing and heeding His appeals. If we will return to God, be assured He is waiting and willing to receive us! (cf. 1 John 1:9).

Among Paul’s final exhortations to the Colossians in 4:2 he wrote, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” This reminds us of both the importance of our petitions, and the proper characteristic that should accompany them.

Vigilance is a virtue in prayer. He hears and answers our prayers in His own time. Our continued petitions and willingness to trust in Him as time passes indicates the degree of our faith. “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?” (Luke 18:7 ).

Earnest prayer pleases God. The word is tied in to the Greek word translated continue. Constant prayer should not be ritualistic or empty, it should happen due to our true conviction in its effective nature. As James said about the one who doubts, “For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:7-8).

Thanksgiving is the final consideration by Paul. This is something fathers want from their children.  It is a sign of character, not to take for granted what has been graciously supplied. In scripture, God commands it! “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

In 1 Peter 1, the apostle pronounced a benediction [devout or formal utterance of blessedness] upon God for his “abundant mercy” (3).  According to Peter, this mercy is shown by His giving spiritual life to us, and a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (3-5). Continue reading “Abundant Mercy” →

Next Saturday our meeting begins with brother Bruce Reeves of Conway, AR ~ (October 18-23). Considering this effort we examine the purpose of these scheduled events that happen in the spring and fall of each year.

You get a different voice sharing important scriptural truths from God’s word. We invite capable men whose preeminent desire and purpose is to preach the will of God, His Son, and His Spirit. Bruce Reeves will do a wonderful job and probably will reveal those truths in ways, arguments, and illustrations that you have not heard before. (Each man is unique in his presentation as he shares our common faith).

You will receive an extended opportunity to worship God through prayer and song. Each week is a spiritual feast. If you approach the week in this way you may get tired physically, but your spirit will soar with encouragement and revitalization.

You will receive an opportunity to express hospitality and fellowship to one who is preaching the message of the cross. While Bruce will benefit from this show of love and fellowship, you will be blessed even more.  As Paul said, “but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account” (Philippians 4:17).

You will receive the opportunity to share God’s words with the lost. Invite friends and family! They need the Lord’s gospel!

The book of Ruth shows an obvious respect given to the elderly in that day. This is seen in Ruth leaving her homeland to stay with Naomi as she returned to Israel.

It is seen in Boaz’ treatment of Ruth. While it is certain that Boaz was a noble individual, his treatment of Ruth came in part because of his respect for his Naomi, his kinswoman. When Ruth was identified as the “young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi” (6) he encouraged her to stay and glean in his fields. He was protective of her, and supplied her and Naomi enough to eat. The reason Boaz gave for helping her related to her sacrifice in leaving the land of her birth to “come to a people (Naomi’s) whom you did not know before” (2:11).

Ruth showed respect to Boaz despite his being significantly older, and she sought his favor. He said, “You have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich” (3:10).

After Boaz wed Ruth, they had a son. The women of the village of Bethlehem had an interesting reaction. “Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, ‘There is one born to Naomi.’ And they called his name Obed” (17).

Rather than being dismissed by society, Naomi was revered in her old age. What an example for us to embrace!

Paul warned against divisive errorists among the brethren in 1 Timothy 6. He described them as proud, unwilling to submit to God’s will, obsessed with matters bringing envy, strife and wranglings among brethren. He said their minds were corrupt, and they were destitute of truth, “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (6:3-5).

What is the meaning of that phrase? The Greek word (porismos) indicates a source of gain or procuring. Of course, the typical use would be a  procuring of money. This certainly can be the case. Elders, preachers, every member can be seduced by filthy lucre and the ease it brings. Using your relationship with other Christians to gain any economic advantage is a real indication of greed.

But, any benefit procured fits into the context.  Fame, position, power. Even if it is being “a big fish in a small pond” the allurement of the flesh is a danger to us all.

Such is the product of a selfish mind. One that is willing to wrangle, gossip, divide and promote error — as the intent is personal gain. Many of the divisions in God’s kingdom come from such efforts.

 We are to “withdraw” ourselves from such evil men, and know “godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). True gain is spiritual, not material!  It comes from a heart that seeks Christ, and unity with brethren. Such men don’t use Christ for personal physical advantage, but to be saved!