The Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 1:7-9
7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:8
9. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Let us take the first part of this verse
7. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge”
To take the Lord seriously we first need to have a fear of God. The right things that God has for us to do; we need to know it. How do we have the fear of the Lord? does this mean we need to shake in our boots. For some this may be a healthy thing so we will not do the wrong that satan has proposed for us.

To know the things that would direct our lives so we will not enter the trap of Satans luring  we must enter the fear of the Lord. One might ask. How do we get that fear? First; we need to have the fear of hell. Let us not be fooled. We know there is a hell don’t we. Even in the most layman of terms. Have we not heard “OH HeLL” or even from a most mean person “Go To Hell”. But unfortunately there is a generalization rather than a fear of being there.

Then there is the fear of gross sin. The ten commandments come to mind. Exodus 20:1-17 Many know that these sins exist. People know it. To some the fear keeps the sin away.  To Others they are fools.

Fools despise wisdom and instruction
If we despise wisdom and instruction we are foolish. To be foolish is deliberate. An example is given in Prov 1:8
8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
There must have been a recognition at the time of writing of sons needing instructions from their father. I know with two sons that I need to instruct them on how to best deal with life’s situations. It does not finish there. “..and forsake not the law of thy mother:”
It was even known all the way back to the writings of proverbs that mum put down the law. hey; fathers be ready to instruct the sons.

9. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck
oh what grace that is in my head because of wisdom and instructions given from Dad and mum. As an adult we try to shake the chains off us. The chains of wisdom and instructions that has been given to us. We get weary or tired in well doing
Galatians 6:9. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
or even we become fools and despise wisdom and instruction that was given by Dad or Mum.
Given that we may have been taught wrong by Dad or Mum we need to look to God for His wisdom and surround us with wisdom and instruction from fellow believers in Christ. It is wise to read the bible and pray and get great wisdom and instruction in christ from other believers.

For those that do not know the Lord Jesus.; I encourage you to get hold of a fear of your destiny of a lifeless eternity; and to seek advise on how to know Him.

Because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge; and be not a fool; seek wisdom and instruction from my Lord who can be yours.

Life Change through Proverbs

Proverbs 1:1

1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4. To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

What is a proverb? One may ask. I looked up a personal dictionary A Proverb is: “A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people.”
As I diligently pondered on this I thought about what the Bible is. I believe we can take some comparison here and apply it. The Bible and Proverbs is “condensed but memorable” Many things that are in the bible we have memory of as we meditate on God’s Word. Proverbs and the Bible has important “facts of experience”; Experience of human nature and the fall of man. A real experience of what we as man, woman or child we really are.

We might say hey God does not understand. The doctrine of the trinity is truth. So let us review Matt 4:1-11 Jesus was tempted of he devil. He went through the same things we did or will do. He does understand.
So the Bible does teach us about life also Proverbs has important facts that we can live and understand ourselves; to better ourselves and to be conformed to the image of Christ.

Rom 8:29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God

Encouragement is: To be conformed to the image of Christ Through Proverbs.
Philip Barrington
KJV Bible.

Let us Reap life Everlasting

Galations 6:6-10                                          Written 10:11:09
6. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

I am writing this to encourage internet uses in forums and discussions and emails and other programs where we may interact with those over the “World Wide Web.

Let us follow the text at hand:
Vs 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
I guess; we as writers have this idea that we are all teaching good things; we want to communicate our ideas to everyone else. I think somewhat we have been taught in the Word or the Bible.

Vs 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
I  think there is a warning here in that what we teach and what we communicate that we do not mock Him. So if we sow in our communication false ideas and not only in our writings but also in our attitude; the bible says we are going to reap what we sow.

Vs 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
I think I know what I would like to emulate here. Myself with the internet; I am always thinking about what I say or promote if it is God honouring or not. It should be our goal to sow to the Spirit. This I believe is a two way communication. If I sow to the flesh I certainly do not want corruption in my life.

Vs 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Do not we get tired and just fly off somewhere in our thinking and before we know it we have hurt someone; may be not physically but emotionally. I think we sometimes need to take a breather and count to ten and pray. Maybe not in that order. You see we will reap a positive harvest if we do not faint. Fainting includes making on the spot decisions that brings negative results that would impact on a person negatively.

Vs 10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

“Men”  here in verse ten means mankind. I believe every man, woman and child.
“As we have therefore opportunity” We have opportunity in this life of 2009 or whatever year you look at this writing to do good to everyone. Let us take the first part of that verse again: 

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,…” 

 Oh what opportunity we have over the World Wide Web to do good to all. The verse does not finish there it says:
“….especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”  To especially Christians we need to do good to.

What is our reaction when we write back to someone on the “World Wide Web”?  Do we want to do good so we will reap life everlasting. In James it says if we endure temptation we will get a crown of life. I certainly do not want to reap corruption.

Encouragement. On the Web let us do good; especially to those that love Him.
Philip Barrington
KJV Bible

David’s Victory; Saul’s Envy during Challenges

In 1 Samuel 17:57 There was evidence of victory. Abner took David to Saul with the head of the philistine.Victory was evident. In chapter 18:2 Saul took David in and would not let him go to his fathers house.
I
n vs 5 David went wherever Saul had sent him. David produced to be wise. Saul apointed David to be over men of war. David was well accepted.

Let us recap. David killed golieth. David had the victory. Brought into Sauls house. He was made to be over men of war. David was wise. This seems like David had met the challenges that were before him. But there is more.

Saul started to get the green monster streek jelousy!! OH NO!!!!. Yep The people claimed David to win over tens of thousands in the battles. But Saul they said He had claimed only thousands in the battles. Now the fierce looking Saul (If you can imagin) In verse 9 "And Saul eyed David from that day forward". Verses 10 and 11 In the midst of everybody, he claimed he was going to smite David. Saul threw the Javelin into the wall. David avoided it twice. In verse 12 Saul was afraid because the Lord was with him.

In verse 14 David was wise in all that he did. The Lord was with David. Saul was afraid of David's wisdom. In Verse 29 "And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.
What has all this have to do with Challenges you might ask. When there a blessing to be had after a victory through our challenges, it is often that someone will get jelous of the blessings that someone else has received. Let me ask you. Would you have liked to kill golieth. Or fought the Philistines. Or even in verses 25 have a dowry over Davids head to kill 100 Philistines to win Sauls daughter. Hoping that David would be killed in the process.

Christian let us not be jelous over someone elses blessings or victory. We may not know what that Christian went through to receive a blessing from the Lord. What about Job? There were victorys after his trials.
Let us then live our own Christian life as God would want us. Our victorys are personal. If the victorys are public like David's. Then we need to check on our relationship to God and give Him the praise for what he is doing in our own lives and the lives of others.

Boldness in Challenges

Saul knew and recognised that the Lord is with David. What a recognition when Others see our confidence when we are challenged. Saul even armed David with his armour. But David put them off him. David chose five stones out of the brook. He had his sling in his hand. They came near each other. The philistine dispised him. He did not like the look of him. He was a youth, and ruddy.

David was cursed by this Philistine. David said you have come with a sword and a spear. I come to thee in the name of the Lord. Can we be as bold as David when we are challenged? Or do we get upset or timid when challenges arrive. David had the know how. He looked after sheep. He killed a lion and a bear. He knew the Lord so well.

Verse 46 and following in 1Samual 17 David knew what the Lord was going to accomplish. If we are in tune with God.Then we will know that we are going to accomplish the challenges that the Lord gives us. God has given us the experiences in life to accomplish a greater thing for God. Let us take the challenges of life on board with confidence. Not with lack of assurity. Lack of assurity and confidence in him will not win the battle, therefore no victory In Christ.

Confidence in Challenges

When David was accused of just wanting to see the battle. And that David was accused of being proud. Saul sent for David. The men told all things to Saul. Now the opposition arrives from the top. The opposition first came from David's older brother. Then from the men who were at the scene of the battle. Now it goes to Saul. What opposition came from Saul? 1 Sam17:33.
Oh Christian, let us take that opposition for a moment. You cannot give a message to a Church or ladies group. You have not been to bible college. You have not had any experience. You cannot do this.
David came back with an aswer. I kept my fathers sheep. There came a lion, and a bear. and took a lamb out of the flock. I went out after him. I smote him, and delivered it out of the mouth. When he came against me. I cought him by the beard, and smote him, and slew him.
Can you imagin a young person saying this? I can. Can you imagin what we might say? But (pastor, teacher, leader in the church) I have fought satan, and the things of life that have come my way. I have fought it with the sword of the Spirit. I have something else happening to me right now and with God helping me, I am going to overcome it. Just like I did before. You see Christian, We do have the same God as we did in the last battle . Even opposition is going to come through the top ranks of Christian service.
Verse 37 David said moreover, the Lord that deiivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of he paw of the bear, he wil deliver me out of he hand of the philistine.
You see Christian, We have the same God that led us out of the last battle, He will deliver us from the battle we are in and the next battle until we go to be with Him and our battles will be over to live at peace with the Lord Jeus. Amen!

Challenges in Our Lives

Through countless times in sunday school, the event of David and golieth has been tought. In 1 Samual 17:20 and following, the bible says that saul and all the men of Isreal were in the valley of elah, fighting the Philistines. When David rose up early in the morning. He left his sheep with the keeper. He came to the trench with everybody that was fighting. There was fighting, army against army that the philistines had caused. again David left his carriage in the hand of a keeper. He saluted his bretheren.
Let us pause for a moment. David arose to see to the fight. sometimes there are battles in our lives. We need someone to help. Those that want to help will Vuluntarily leave what they are doing to help there brother or sister in Christ out. But then opposition arrives from the people that is in need of help.
In verse 28 Eliab, Davids older brother was angry. Why did you come here?. To whom did you leave the sheep with? I know you are proud. You just came to see the battle. This argument was then turned to other men. David tried to tell them that there was a cause. But they kept telling david that he was proud and he wanted to see the battle.
Christian, It is not that others want to see the battle that is going on in our lives, we all know that it happens. It happens to me and it happens to you. We need each other as christian brothers and sisters. we need to help each other to win the battle. What is the battle? The battle is satan going to and fro trying to destroy us. The battle is letting Christ be the centre of our lives. The battle is living close to God and let the Holy Spirit lead us.
We need to be "giving in type of people for christ" and not in opposition when Help arrives.

Talents and Challenges

My Children go to a Christian School. the school motto is "My best for God's glory". Things we do in life sometimes can look like a challenge to others.  It is realised that we all have special talents in our own areas. I like challenges in the area of creating graphics and writing. Sometimes we can take challenges personally and be upset by them. i.e who does he or she think they are! I'll show them!

Is this the same way we act towards the Almighty God? i.e, I can't do that! who does He think I am, I do not have that talent!

Remember Moses in the wilderness when God came to him. Moses said I can't do that! I cannot go to Pharoh! I cannot talk like that! Remember Aaron was to be his spokes person. But do you remember who spoke to Pharoe? It was Moses with God working through Him.
Are we easily upset by either challenges from others or God Himself? Lets check ourselves when we receive a challenge next time. Do we want "My best for Gods glory" Or My best for me?
This is a challenge Amen.

My Challenge today is: Let us consider challenges from others. The Challenge may be God directed.

Philip Barrington

Falling Away. More Reasonable. What do you Think?

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
a. For it is impossible: The word impossible is put in a position of emphasis. The writer to the Hebrews is not saying it is just difficult, but truly without possibility.
i. Note the other uses of impossible in Hebrews: It is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). It is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats can take away sin (Hebrews 10:4). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
ii. “This word *impossible stands immovable.” (Alford)
b. Who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come: Their experience is impressive. The big debate is whether this is the experience of salvation, or the experience of something short of salvation.
i. Enlightened: This ancient Greek word has the same meaning as the English word. These people have experienced the light of God shining upon them.
ii. Tasted: This word speaks of a full, real experience (as in how Jesus tasted death in Hebrews 2:9). The heavenly gift is probably salvation (Romans 6:23 and Ephesians 2:8).
iii. Partakers of the Holy Spirit is an unique term, having to do with receiving the Holy Spirit and having fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
iv. Tasted the good word of God means they have experienced the goodness of God’s word, and have seen its work in their lives.
v. The powers of the age of come is a way to describe God’s supernatural power. The ones written of here have indeed tasted of these powers.
c. One of the most heated debates over any New Testament passage is focused on this text. The question is simple: Are these people who have had these impressive spiritual experiences in fact Christians? Are they God’s elect, chosen before the foundation of the world?
i. Commentators divide on this issue, each deciding the issue with great certainty but with no agreement.
ii. Remember that one can have great spiritual experiences and still not be saved (Matthew 7:21-23). One can even do many religious things and still not be saved. The perfect example of this are the Pharisees, who evangelized (Matthew 23:15), prayed impressively (Matthew 23:14), made religious commitments (Matthew 23:16), tithed rigorously (Matthew 23:23), honored religious traditions (Matthew 23:29-31) and who fasted (Luke 18:12).
iii. Yet, from a human perspective, who would call anyone who seemed to have the credentials mentioned in Hebrews 6:4-5 a non-Christian? We might make that person an elder! From all human observation, we must say these are Christians spoken of in Hebrews 6:4-5.
iv. It is possible to display some fruit or spiritual growth, then to die spiritually, showing that the “soil of the heart” was never right (Mark 4:16-19).
v. So are they Christians? From a human perspective we would say they are. Yet, from God’s perspective, it is impossible to say on this side of eternity.
d. For it is impossible . . . if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance: If these people are Christians or not, once they have come to this place, it is impossible for them to repent.
i. If these are just Christians who “lost their salvation,” the terrible fact is that they can never regain it. This passage was used by some in the early church (like Montanists and Novatianists) to say that there was no possibility of restoration if one sinned significantly after their baptism.
ii. Others have explained it by saying that this is all merely a hypothetical warning, in light of Hebrews 6:9. So, they say, no one can really lose their salvation. But what good is it to warn someone against something that can’t happen?
iii. Still others think that this penalty deals only with reward, not with salvation itself. They stress the idea that repentance is called impossible, not salvation.
iv. This difficult passage is best understood in the context of Hebrews 6:1-2. The writer to the Hebrews means that if they do retreat back to Judaism, all the religious “repentance” in the world will do them no good. Their forsaking of Jesus is tantamount to crucifying Him all over again, especially if they were to express their repentance in traditional Jewish forms: especially animal sacrifice, which denies the total work of Jesus for them on the cross.
e. If they fall away: Remember there is a great difference between falling and falling away. Falling away isn’t just falling into some sin, it is actually departing from Jesus Himself. For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity. (Proverbs 24:16) The difference is between a Peter and a Judas. If you depart from Jesus, there is no hope!
i. The message to these Christians who felt like giving up was clear: if you don’t continue on with Jesus, don’t suppose you will find salvation by just going on with the old basics that are common to Judaism; if you aren’t saved in Jesus, you aren’t saved!
ii. If one falls like this, does it mean they can’t repent? That God prohibits their repentance? Remember first that repentance itself is a gift from God; no one genuinely repents without God’s enabling. Second, if one does repent, that in itself is evidence that they have not truly fallen away.
iii. The idea is not that “if you fall away, you can’t come back to Jesus ever,” but that “if you turn your back on Jesus, don’t expect to find salvation anywhere else, especially in the foundations of Judaism apart from the fullness of Jesus.”
iv. “This passage has nothing to do with those who fear lest it condemns them. The presence of that anxiety, like the cry which betrayed the real mother in the days of Solomon, establishes beyond a doubt that you are not one that has fallen away beyond the possibility of renewal to repentance.” (Meyer)

Falling away. Comment 2 by Phil B

Hey. we need to discuss. This is not saying we will lose our Salvation. But as I read it right through it is written to Christians. I believe it is saying that Paul (If we believe he wrote hebrews) is saying that there is no second chance of Salvation therefore one cannot fall away and return to Salvation. Thereby revealing to us that falling away is so imposible. So, being so imposible and if it were posible there would be no return because there is no second calvary, no second spiritual birth therefore no way to have a second chance to go to heaven. So I beolieve that Spergion was preaching to stay away from sin. Not that he believed that we would lose our salvation

Falling Away. Comment by Phil B

Ok, I may not agree with everything that Spergeon says. But there is so much of it today that I rather be on the side of caution and not fall away into sin, just to find out if I could enjoy myself and still be save. There is only one Salvation and one only. John 10 says that noone can pluck us out of His hand. But this does not give us the right to sin and enjoy it and fall away so to speak and think we have the privilege and assurity that we are going to go to heaven despite what I do. I feel that this would give us a license to do anything we would like to do as a Christian.
And then the apostle says, that the greatness of their sin which they would incur, if they did fall away, would put them beyond the bounds of mercy. Christ died, and by his death he made an atonement for his own murderers; he made an atonement for those sins which crucified him once; but do we read that Christ will ever die for those who crucify him twice? But the Apostle tells us that if believers do fall away, they will "crucify the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." Where, then, would be an atonement for that? He has died for me; What! though the sins of all the world were on my shoulders, still they only crucified him once, and that one crucifixion has taken all those sins away; but if I crucified him again, where would I find pardon? Could heavens, could earth, could Christ himself, with bowels full of love, point me to another Christ, show to me a second Calvary, give me a second Gethsemane? Ah! no! the very guilt itself would put us beyond the pale of hope, if we were to fall away?
And one thought more. There is nothing in Scripture which teaches us that there is any salvation, save the one salvation of Jesus Christ—nothing that tells us of any other power, super-excellent and surpassing the power of the Holy Spirit. These things have already been tried on the man, and yet, according to the supposition, they have failed, for he has fallen away. Now, God has never revealed a supplementary salvation for men on whom one salvation has had no effect; and until we are pointed to one scripture which declares this, we will still maintain that the doctrine of the text is this: that if grace be ineffectual, if grace does not keep a man, then there is nothing left but that he must be damned.

Falling Away. Do we Listen or throw out the Baby with the Bath Water?

Ok, I may not agree with everything that Spergeon says. But there is so much of it today that I rather be on the side of caution and not fall away into sin, just to find out if I could enjoy myself and still be save. There is only one Salvation and one only. John 10 says that noone can pluck us out of His hand. But this does not give us the right to sin and enjoy it and fall away so to speak and think we have the privilege and assurity that we are going to go to heaven despite what I do. I feel that this would give us a license to do anything we would like to do as a Christian.
And then the apostle says, that the greatness of their sin which they would incur, if they did fall away, would put them beyond the bounds of mercy. Christ died, and by his death he made an atonement for his own murderers; he made an atonement for those sins which crucified him once; but do we read that Christ will ever die for those who crucify him twice? But the Apostle tells us that if believers do fall away, they will "crucify the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." Where, then, would be an atonement for that? He has died for me; What! though the sins of all the world were on my shoulders, still they only crucified him once, and that one crucifixion has taken all those sins away; but if I crucified him again, where would I find pardon? Could heavens, could earth, could Christ himself, with bowels full of love, point me to another Christ, show to me a second Calvary, give me a second Gethsemane? Ah! no! the very guilt itself would put us beyond the pale of hope, if we were to fall away?
And one thought more. There is nothing in Scripture which teaches us that there is any salvation, save the one salvation of Jesus Christ—nothing that tells us of any other power, super-excellent and surpassing the power of the Holy Spirit. These things have already been tried on the man, and yet, according to the supposition, they have failed, for he has fallen away. Now, God has never revealed a supplementary salvation for men on whom one salvation has had no effect; and until we are pointed to one scripture which declares this, we will still maintain that the doctrine of the text is this: that if grace be ineffectual, if grace does not keep a man, then there is nothing left but that he must be damned.

Faith Without Works is Dead. What does it Really mean. James 2:14-20

14. What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15. If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?
17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
It is often quoted by many christians; that faith without works is dead; but what does it really mean?

V14. What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James here asks the same question. "Can faith save him?"
Let us see how James deals with this question.
V15. If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Here James gives an example of a "brother or sister" being without food or clothing or both. This can be your natural brother or sister or one that knows Christ as their own personal Saviour. Though a person has faith and nothing is done then faith alone is not going to save that person.
The attitude from us; sometimes that God is teaching him or her or them something; is clearly not here in James. I know from personal experience; when I was helped; that my faith and encouragement in Christ was much more firm.
So if we say to ourselves what is said in the next verse; verse 16. The result is NO PROFIT; I would say not to any one.
V16. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?
V17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
So is it not of any suprise that James says what he says in verse 17. He basicly says if we do not put anything to our faith; IT IS DEAD and IT IS ALONE.
V18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
Chuck Smith say's it like this:
"So it isn't just the declaration. It's the declaration that has something behind it. The proof behind it is the works that I do. Now the works don't save me. They only prove that I have saving faith. And if I don't have works that are corresponding to what I am declaring, then I do not have saving faith, just the declaration, the verbal affirmation isn't enough and it won't do it.
Now a lot of people made mistakes; going forward and saying the sinner's prayer and then going away and living the same kind of life doing the same kind of thing. They say, "Oh yeah, I was saved. I went forward and I said the sinner's prayer." No, no, the sinner's prayer isn't going to save you. It is a living faith in Jesus Christ that brings about actual changes in your life and the proof is in the works; the proof of your faith. Your works have to be in accordance, in harmony with what you are declaring to be true."
V19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Chuck Smith says this about verse 19
"Oh, I believe in God." Big deal. Who doesn't, except some fool? The Bible says the fool is the one that says there is no God. So you say you believe in God, it only proves one thing, you're not a fool. But it doesn't save you. The devils believe in God, they probably believe more firmly in Him than you do. They said to Jesus, "We know who you are, you're the Holy One of God" (Mark 1:24). So you say, "Oh I believe Jesus is the holy One of God." So what? Have you submitted your life to His lordship? Are you doing His works? Are you obeying His commands?
You see, not all who say, Lord, Lord, are going to enter the kingdom of heaven. So you say, "Oh Lord, Oh the Lord, Oh the Lord," yea, yea, but saying is not going to do it. Jesus said, "not all who say, Lord, Lord, are going to enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of the Father" (Matthew 7:21). James is telling you the very same thing. It isn't saying I have faith, it is demonstrating the faith because of the works of my life are in harmony with what I am declaring that I believe.
V20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
This means that the faith is only "see I have it" "I have faith" ie this is vain talking and maybe a spirital heart condition; then your faith; your works; is not alive. It is not living. And it is sure not saving faith.
I encouraage all let us have a living faith. One that demonstates a Faith in our hearts and a work to carry it out; in faith. They are inseperable.

The Royal Law.

James 2:5-13
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
5. "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?"
James says here; that God has chosen the poor of this world and then describes them of being rich in Faith. Then God recognises those that love Him are heirs of the kingdom. And furthermore; this heir is for those that love him. So; even though poor; we can be rich in faith of our Lord Saviour. And we have a heavenly home that awaits us; because he promised it to those that truely love Him. What an Encouragement!!!
6 "But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?"
7 "Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?"
Here in verse 6 and 7; we have a comparison of the rich in this period of time to that of the poor. The rich in hate of the poor. They oppressed them or had a cause to make them suffer or crush them. And they brought them to the judgement seat or a ruling of judement or if you like a tribunal.
Is not there today towards those that love Him; a crushing of our faith in Him. May be it is our provision; our daily bread; or a house; a car. The bible says that the world hates us.
1 Cor 4:10. "We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised."
1 Cor 1:27. "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"
So faith can have an adverse affect on those that do not understand our faith in Him. But let us take courage. Although we are crushed by the faithless or those that do not believe; what we receive and our outward appearance of faith is going to confound the wise and the mighty. And we do have an inheritance.
8 "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well":
James reminds us here, in contrast; of the judgement seat or a tribunal; there is a royal law. A law that has royalty. The royal law is to love your neighbour as your self. and then James says you do well. I would like to say here; let us not do what the unsaved do; that is; crush another believer. If one has a faith in something regarding what the Lord is doing for them; that we do not understand; let us not be like those who have not the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and go about to crush or to pull them down; or as the bible puts it, to oppress them.
9 "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."
10 "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."
Here it is very clear; if we hold one person in high regard, as opposed to another; James says that sin is committed. and are convinced of the law; that is; that they want to hold to the law. "as transgressors"; that is; it is evident that by holding one in high regard they have broken there own law.
Then James continues in verse ten; if they "keep the whole law and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."
James is saying by holding one in high regard is an offense; yet by keeping the law; and commiting this very sin of holding one up higher than the other, then that person is guilty of transgression of all the law.
We need to be careful christian. we need that royal law; of loving our neigbor as our selves.
11 "For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law."
Here in verse 11 is an example of two sins; but if one sin is committed; then that person has become a transgressor of the law.
12 "So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty."
13 "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgement"
We need to show mercy; so that mercy can be given to us. Mercy rejoices against judgement.
Encouragement for today is: Let us have Royal Law. Let us love our neighbours as ourselves
Philip Barrington.
KJV Bible.

FW:7% Forgiveness

This may be a story. But the biblical principle is obvious
Phil B
One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.
His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had, that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment, and frustration.
Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with tears in his eyes, he prayed:
'Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot, I don't know how. It is not fair Lord, I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray you teach me to do the one thing I cannot do: Teach me to forgive .
'As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them.
He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.
'Have you ever told a lie?' He asked?
The man answered - 'Yes, Lord.'
'Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?'
The man answered - 'Yes. Lord.' And the man sobbed more and more.
'Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours?' Jesus asked?
And the man answered, 'Yes, Lord.'
'Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?'
The man, crying now, answered - 'Yes, Lord.'
As Jesus asked many more times, 'Have you ever'? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer - 'Yes, Lord'.
Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.
Jesus said, 'I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you.'
It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.
Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.
If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you! If you are one of the 7% who will stand up for Him, forward this with the title 7%

The A B C of Not having Partiality in the Church.

James 2:1-4
1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3. And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4. Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
A. Have no Favouritism
1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons:
Gills Exposition puts it like this:
That is, such as have, and hold, and profess the faith of Christ, ought not along with it to use respect of persons, or to make such a distinction among the saints, as to prefer the rich, to the contempt of the poor; and in this exhortation many things are contained, which are so many arguments why such a practice should not be encouraged;
This is happening today. Is it not sad? I remember not so long ago. The church building was going to be reasonably packed. Because I could not see i.e. eye problems; I was shuffeled to the back of the church because there were visitors there. I believe some consideration could have been executed because of my problem. But no attempt was made to help out. I am not saying this because of hurt. But I thought at the time, that their attitude was so wrong.
James is saying here that a distinction of the saints should not even be considered. I asked my self with the seating problem. Was I asking for favouritism? No! was the answer that came back to me. I was asking for consideration and if it were not possible then sitting at the back may have been the only answer. But I saw in their shuffling and attitude, that they had favouritism amongst the church.
Our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is nothing short of the same,without partiality. We have the same Lord, the same faith, the same law of liberty which I discussed in my last blog. i.e the Law of grazing and having the freedom of Christ.
B. Have no partiality between the poor and the rich.
2. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3. And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
This is a comparison of the poor man and a rich man coming into a Church i.e. (A Church is an assembly not a building.) It is a comparison of which is easily noticed by others. A man coming in with a gold ring, coming in lovely clothes to that of a man with vile clothes i.e. Clothes that we just cannot stand. clothes that could be unclean, clothes that are not ironed, clothes that are not a persons best to look at.
And then as verse three points out, that a person says to the person wearing the gay clothing. Woops, hold it, gay clothing? In this context, it does not mean the same thing as todays language.
James points out that the man that comes to the church assembly in (gay or magnificent clothing) ie gay means here magnificent clothing. Let us continue. We say to this person who wears the magnificent clothing to sit here in this nice place. Then we say to the person with the vile (vile clothing: meaning dirty, cheap or shabby) clothing to sit here or to stand here or sit here under my footstool.
This is favouritsm to the person with the magnificent clothing. This is down grading to the person with the dirty, cheap, and shabby clothing.
C. Do not be Judges
4.Then James asks the question. Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and become judges of evil thoughts?
Gill says it like this:
a) Are ye not then partial in yourselves…
"That is, guilty of such partiality as must appear to yourselves, and your own consciences must accuse you of; or do not ye distinguish, or make a difference among yourselves, by such a conduct, towards the rich and the poor:"
b) and are become judges of evil thoughts;or
"are distinguishers by evil thoughts"; that is, make a distinction between the rich and the poor, by an evil way of thinking, that one is better than the other, and to be preferred before him.
Encouragement for today: Question: How will we respond to someone coming to church in clothes, style or grooming different to us?
Philip Barringon.
KJV Bible

Phils Thoughts on James 1:18-27

James 1:18-27
18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
19. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
26. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain.
27. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Thoughts at this point from James 1:18 - 27
1. vs 18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James exhorts us to be the first fruits of his creatures. we are to be a sacrifice from our old life to our new life.
2. Vs 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
We need to be ready to listen. Slow to speak of others even in our thoughts. Slow to anger. It is often we are not ready to hear but we speak fast of others and then this brings us to anger. Let us not be used of Satan to be trapped in our own thoughts but rather ready to listen. Let us not be used of satan in our speaking of others. Nor let us, because of these things be lead to anger.
All this can cause splits in families, marriages, friendships, and churches.
3. vs 20 it says that "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God"
So, the wrath of man does not work in what God knows that is not right.
4. vs21. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
So because that anger does not come from God in His righteousness. And that we need to listen intently and slow to speak, because anger does not come from His righteousness. Because of these things we need to lay apart or cast off filthiness and superfluity or an abundance of naughtiness. This naughtiness can come from a quick mouth, and from those who do not want to listen, which causes anger which is not from God's righteousness.
5. vs 22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Then James exhorts us to be doers of the word. We need to be not only poetic of what is said. But also in our thoughts we need to have a poetic thought life that reflects God's glory. So here we go. So what we speak and what we say and what we think should reflect righteousness. we should not have that ecessive naughtiness coming from our mouths.
Going back to verse 21. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls
In the last part of this verse it says that we need to receive the engrafted word or the implanted word in speach and in thought. This is so different then to have the superfluity of naughtiness.
6. vs23, 24.
23. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Here is a good illustration of what we will be like if we hear but do not do in our thought life and what comes from the mouth. He will forget what he was. If we do not hear intently. If we are not doers. We are going to leave what we hear and forget what we supposed to do. So James is exhorting us to be a poetic doer in thought in speach and I believe in a total being in His righteousness.
7. vs 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
The person who stoops to the grazing of freedom and does not become a forgetful hearer but he is a doer in righteousness he will be blessed in his performance. Or he will be blessed by not becoming a forgetful hearer. And he will be blessed by being a doer of righteousness.
26. 8. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Hey we do not want a religion that is vain, But we need a righteousness that is in Christ.
9. Vs 27. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
We need a pure religion that is not defiled by our lack of hearing or our lack of doing. We need one that is not of anger.
How are we to do this? James encourages us to visit those that need comforting, and the widows ie, those that have no husband ( figuratively or literally). We have a Father who is our God. There are those that need the comfort of our own lives and the comfort that comes from God.
Encouragement for today is: Let us be doers. let us hear intently. let us speak slowly of others. Let us keep our lives ready for His service ie Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philip Barrington
KJV Bible.

Temptation of Accusations.

James 1:13-17
vs 13 “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”
vs 14. “But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”
Vs 15 Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
vs 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
vs 17 every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James has a rebuke for people who excuse themselves by saying this has come from God. You cannot be tempted by God. For instance, if someone has something against another, then we need to be discerning if that is a righteous suggestion that comes from God or is it an accusation that can cause someone to fall away. An accusation is from Satan himself, as he is the accuser of the brethren.
vs 13 “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”
Because an accusation is from satan Himself. Where does this fit in with us as God’s people? We all at sometime have said “I want to be used of the Lord” What a great desire and I am sure that we are used of Him. What we fail to realise is that we have a jealous satan who says: I want to use people too.Christian, we do let him.
vs 14. “But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”
Because we have our own lusts, woops do we? yes, It comes from the fall of man. Eve was deceived and man i.e. Adam new exactly what the transgression was. The lust that was in Adam was to know the knowlege of “Good and evil” So man lusteth.
Because of the fall we are two fold in our folly of being drawn away. 1. By our own lusts 2. We can be deceived by being enticed. Notice it is by our OWN lusts.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt comunication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying , that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Matt 12:34. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
So accusations can come from what is in our hearts to begin with. Yes, it is from the fall of man. No, it does not come from God. Yes it is our responsibility.
To be blunt, our hearts need to be clean so our mouths are. So, with the recognition that our own lusts come from satan. Recognition is just the start of putting things right in our heart. The responsibility lies in us to put our hearts right before God.
Vs 15 Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
If we let lust conceive, it will bring sin into our lives. Oh, how we need to be so careful of accusations on others. Or for that matter, any lust in our lives that will lead to sin. The lust is always there. It is letting that lust take over and letting it take seed in our lives that leads to very unpleasant consequences in our lives.
vs 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Who isn’t to err or go astray? The brethren! James realised that people were blaming God for their temptation. An individual will not learn anything edifying from a temptation. Temptation is always there. We cannot learn anything from the lust of man. Lust will always be there. We cannot learn from falling into sin i.e letting sin conceive.
Note: I am not saying that we cannot put things right with God after falling into sin. Falling into sin has it’s consequences.
what can we learn?
1. we can learn that we come from a sinful nature.
2. we can learn that we cannot blame God for our temptation.
3. We can learn not to go our own sinful ways by yielding to our OWN lusts.
Is temmptation the same as testing? What another subject. Temptation comes from the accuser of the brethren. satan himself. Testing comes from God.
What comes from above?
vs 17 every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
God is the Father of heavenly lights. He is the creator of the universe. He is the one that gives salvation and life. He is unchanging.
For you greek scholars: Literally -“Every good act of giving, and every perfect gift is from above.
The former paragraph is the opposite to what satan is. He does not give a good act of giving nor does he give perfect gifts. He will shift to entice us of our own lusts.
The encouragemetn for today is:DO NOT ERR, MY BELOVED BRETHREN
Philip Barrington.
KJV Bible.

Enduring Temptation; Crown of Life Promised.

James 1:12.
First I want to say, that after my discussion last week on "Which rocking chair are we in" I did go through a temptation. The temptation was to do with money. James must have wrote about temptations with the biggest temptation of all in mind, MONEY!
In philipians 4:11 (2nd half) "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content"
Prayer: OH LORD, keep us from temptation and help us to be content with what we have.
James 1:12.
12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him
Vs 12. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation...."
First I believe the word "man" refers to everyone ie, Man, Woman, and children from the age of understanding. Blessed, is to be "endowed, favoured,fortunate, glorious, golden, happy, holy, saved". although as a young child, I was tought that blessed was "Happy" I like the words "favoured and saved"
So, I am favoured of God and I am Save by God, because, He sent his son to die on the cross for me and save me from sin and hell. Jesus went willingly. He had the choice of calling thousands of angels to destroy the world and set himself free.
Because I am favoured and saved ie, blessed. We are favoured when we endure temptation. Here is the favour:
Vs 12.(cont) "....For when he is tried..." Or when it is over. When we have endured ie, seen our temptations to the end of it, what we have are or have been through. After it is finished:
Vs 12. "...He (or we) shall receive the crown of life...." Wow"!
Jamieson, Fausett and Brown (Commentary Puts it like this
The crown--
Not in allusion to the crown or garland given to winners in the games; for this, though a natural allusion for Paul in writing to the heathen, among whom such games existed, would be less appropriate for James in addressing the Jewish Christians, who regarded Gentile usages with aversion.
of life--"life" constitutes the crown, literally, the life, the only true life, the highest and eternal life. The crown implies a kingdom.
Vs 12.(cont)".....Which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Folks If we love Him. Then we must endure Many temptations. There is not only a place for us, but also a crown ready for those that endure temptations.
Have you read this bit below before. Read it again as I put verse three with verse 12
James 1:3 The bible says: "that the trying of your faith worketh patience." Wait a minute James. Are you telling me that this horific thing that has happened to me is trying my patience" I ask. Isn't this what we think from the natural being we are? Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Let us continue to verse three: "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing." Let me try to put it together: we should be joyful through our many trials, so that patience can have a perfect work in us, and as we are patient and the work in us is perfected, then we are not going to lack anything entirely.
Many Christians seem to get bitter or upset by what is happening today. Noone says that we need to be not human. But as Christians we need to have that assurity of expectation that the waiting on the Lord is going to reveal His purpose. Some things we are not going to know this side of heaven, But is that not a great expectation that we can look for?
What am I adding in verse twelve?
it is the very fact that by enduring temptation, (of which I believe that every Christian will.)
Because we love Him, we are going to receive the crown of life.
Prayer: Oh Lord help us to endure temptation, because I know we will receive a "crown of life" AMEN!
Philip Barrington
KJV

Which Rocking Chair are We Resting In?

James 1:9-11.
9 “Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:”
10 “But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of he grass he shall pass away.”
11 “For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.”
What we classify as rich, can be individualized and from country to country. Those that are starving can view us of having plenty of food as being rich. Or those that are living in a one room house in other countries can view us of having a cottage with two or three rooms as being rich, and so on. To the point of us comparing others who have paid off their house to those of having a mansion with a million dollars in the bank.
So what is rich, as stated in verse ten of James one.? I know that in the end we will not take anything with us out of this world!
During our life here on earth, what are we to place our faith in? Do we place our Faith in money or the God who is our provider?

Another question is: If we had a million dollars, would our faith turn to that money or the Lord Jesus Christ? I Pondered over this a lot in my life, so I had a family discussion last night. It worked well.
My son Wade who is twelve, likened it to two rocking chairs.

1. Resting and relaxing upon money and possessions.

2.The other resting and relaxing in Jesus Christ.

Depending on what we are resting in is where our faith is. Is not my son wise at twelve?
So in reality no matter how much money or possessions we have, It comes down to a heart attitude toward it.
After asking my son. What if I got a million dollars. is this wrong? Should I give it away so I can trust Jesus more. Or should I understand that this is God's provision to use? We come up with the conclusion.

1. We would need God's direction on how to use it.

2. If it became a stumbling block, then we would need to give it away and rely on God for other provisions.

3. we would need to ask: Is God providing this money, because He knows the future and is preparing us for it.

I think the question we need to ask: Is God preparing us now in our poor state, so to speak, to prepare our heart attitude that we need to rely on Him? And will money take us away from Him? I think we need to realise that our Lord is more precious than Gold or silver. So that no matter how rich we are in money or possessions, Or what we think as rich or poor. That He is worth more. After all He created and owns all things.
Let us remember verse nine:
9 "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:" There is a lot to say for a person who is poor and relying on God's riches. Amen
Encouragemet for today is that: We have God's riches, we can rejoice.
Philip Barrington
KJV Bible.

Which BUT are We?

James 1:6-8
6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Is BUT! the problem in our asking of God? In verse five we talked about asking God for wisdom. Are we robbing ourselves with BUT!?
But let him ask in faith. What? Faith? nothing wavering. Are we asking in faith? or are we asking in wavering? Lets turn it around a bit. Are we not prone to do it this way? IE,(but let him ask in wavering nothing by faith) Is this not what Satan would ask of us? This is how we as Christians are not receiving things of the Lord.
Vs 6. "For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
Oh how Satan loves to toss us about and to go every way instead of the way we should! go. Satan wants us to be foolish instead of wise. This is how he can try to destroy us.
Vs 7. "For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." Oh Christian, we are not going to receive anything from the Lord without faith. we are not going to receive anything from the Lord if we are being tossed every way like the sea with the wind tossing us about.
What is the result of this?
Vs 8. "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways" By not having faith and being tossed about; or sometimes having faith and sometimes not, we are going to be unstable in our walk with Him.
Where is our asking today? Is it in FAITH! or WAVERING!?

Encouragement for today is? Which BUT are we? Let us have the BUT of Faith.

Philip Barrington
KJV Bible.

Wisdom

James 1:5
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

First there is a recognition that we are people that lack wisdom. Our part is to ask God for it. We tend to neglect this. we go ahead with our own plans and ideas. But we should ask God for it. Gods part is that he will give it liberally. There is no shortage of Gods wisdom for us in our walk with Him.
Next. We should not be ashamed. here James 1:5 it says abraideth not. God is not going to hold us responsible when we ask wisdom from Him.
Matthew Henrys Commentary puts it like this:
"If you should say you want a great deal of wisdom, a small portion will not serve your turn, the apostle affirms, he gives liberally; and lest you should be afraid of going to him unseasonably, or being put to shame for your folly, it is added, he upbraideth not. Ask when you will, and as often as you will, you will meet with no upbraidings."
We are a folly people. But God is not going to shame us.
How does God give us wisdom. There have been many times that I did not know how to do something or how to deal with a problem. I have turned to God and asked Him for wisdom on how to do this or how to solve a life problem. God has given the answer to my thoughts as I talk to Him, through a friend or the Bible. But there have also been times I have made wrong dicissions. Or frustration set in before I asked for wisdom. If we fall and make a wrong dicission God will not shame us but find a solution for us. After all, He is God.

Christian, encouragement for this day: it is to ask Him Our Lord for wisdom as we make our daily dicissions. God Bless.
Thought: Want to be wise? Have His wisdom.

Philip Barrington
KJV Bible

The Prize Awaits Us

James 1:2
I have been pondering over the weeks of what I should encourage others and myself in. It has come accross so vividly with a highlight in our lives of troubles, That the book of James is to be where I should be headed.
James is a book that seems to jump from one subject to another.
In James 1:2 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;"
Is this possible you may ask? Can we be so happy when things are pulled out from under us? But James gives us a promise here, that I believe is instructed by the Lord. The bible says in verse three "that the trying of your faith worketh patience." Wait a minute James. Are you telling me that this horific thing that has happened to me is trying my patience" I ask. Isn't this what we think from the natural being we are? Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Let us continue to verse three:
"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing."
Let me try to put it together: we should be joyful through our many trials, so that patience can have a perfect work in us, and as we are patient and the work in us is perfected, then we are not going to lack anything entirely.
Many Christians seem to get bitter or upset by what is happening today. Noone says that we need to be not human. But as Christians we need to have that assurity of expectation that the waiting on the Lord is going to reveal His purpose. Some things we are not going to know this side of heaven, But is that not a great expectation that we can look for?
Letting the patience have her perfect work is seeing the Joy of wanting nothing entirely.
Let me give a simple illustration. My boys received a computer each. One was given before christmas by surprise. The other one, my son had to wait for it. To him it was a trial in a kids sense; in that he wanted it so bad. He received it the other day. Now he is wanting nothing. You see, we do not understand our trials sometimes; just like my son did not understand the trial of waiting. But as we have patience and wait. God will reveal it to us.
I must say this. Every circumstance is different, but God is working in us to conform us to His image. So we may need to ask Him what he is wanting to teach us through the trial. In the meantime count it all joy.
There is A prize at the end ie, WANTING NOTHING ENTIRELY.
Todays Encouragement. There is a Prize. God is asking us to wait.
Philip Barrington

Are You There or are you Not?

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things 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.”

I have spoken to Pastors and friends in the ministry. Often times they do not think they are getting the message across to their congregation or group. With me personally; I seem to take something in and dwell on it for quite some time before I respond. I also see people respond when their leader and pastors have not seen the response. Then when I try to explain to them my response; or with all diligence that I  have noticed that others responded;  I seem to be invisible IE, not heard. I believe that we need to let the Holy Spirit work in somebody’s life and reveal to them; we are not invisible. Sometimes my children think I am invisible because my mind is busy with other things. even with my wife, I need to say hang on I need to clear my mind. Or change the subject in my mind before I can respond. It is like changing gears. But we need to be careful that our minds are not filled up with unimportant things, even things from the devil that would take us away from family issues. I also think that we need to be tolerant to others and give the husband or wife or children the time to change gears. Let us be lead of the Spirit of God.

My Encouragement for today is: Let us be spiritually aware that no one is invisible IE, people do take notice.

Philip Barrington

KJV Bible

How do We Compare Ourselves

First I would like to say that if God was not made public than how would we know about Him. Yes it is a personal choice to believe in Him or not. As a powerful influence in peoples lives around the world; I would have to say I would rather accept Him than to reject Him. Yes; sure sometimes we do give God the credit of doing something we do ourselves. But is that not relying on ourselves rather than God? Say if you did want to believe in God and you did accept Him whole heartedly; Would you not want to rely on God and watch His blessings come to you and not rely on yourself just as others might? When an individual is contemplating accepting Christ he or she starts on a journey of changing our lives for God and a testimony for others. We as an individual can show love and understanding to show to others. It is you who can make some difference. I would like to say; that very disturbingly; There are those who say they believe in God and they do not. Rather than a crutch; they hid behind a mask. I rather have God to completely to rely on than to have Him as a crutch. A crutch gives the idea that I can do it I just need a little help from God. This is symbolic of a person with a disability who needs something to lean on just to help me a little. Doing things in our own strength and saying to God "I will just use you when I have problems" is not what it is supposed to be. We all fall into that category because of human nature. When we come to accept Christ; It is a complete trust that we give to Him. This means; Whatever happens in our lives has happened for a reason; because we first trusted HIm. It is not good to compare ourselves with others. Rather it is how we compare ourselves to what God wants us to be.

Our Tongue in relation to Nature; Natural Man; & The Holy Spirit.

James 3:7-12

7.For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison..

Here is a comparison between animals and our tongue. It is often said that animals have more love than people sometimes. Hey: here it is in the bible.

An animal can be tamed but the tongue cannot. No one can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

We use the tongue to bless God; even our Father the almighty. Then with the same tongue we curse or say things against men that is made in the image of God. Hey; He made you and me and every living man; woman; and  child. And yet; done frequently we say hurtful things that diminishes God’s creation.

We have had hurtful things said against us that would even destroy us. and has somewhat destroyed our character in the community. But I have had to realize that their tongue is full of deadly poison.

There is also the other problem of saying or not saying something that the other person expects from us. This is so hard to determine and something I am working on every day of my life. Other people have deep hurts; that we do not know of. And when we say something; we do not realize the impact we are having on that persons life. We do not know their hurts and we offend in what we say or do.

I want to urge us; that when we speak to whoever that we say a quick prayer. “Please guide me by your Holy Spirit In Jesus name Amen”

Sometimes the Holy Spirit wants to use us to shock us into reality. But let us be careful; It could be coming from the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Yes it is realized by James that blessing and cursing does come into our speech and conversation with other people.

James says this should not happen. Why? we belong to Christ and we ought to be relying on Him for his words and thought.

Then James say’s that you cannot have both sweet and bitter coming from the same water outlet. Nor can a fig tree bear olive berries. Neither can a fountain give salt water and fresh water.

James is talking to brethren people that is, those that belong to Him.

Encouragement: These thing ought not to be so. Let us rely on the Holy Spirit to direct us.

The Tongue-A Fire; A World of Iniquity

James 3:6

6. And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

The Tongue is a fire. What does this mean? A fire can destroy property; this means a tongue can ruin one financially so they cannot afford to live where they are. A fire from the tongue gives a devastation of reputation; that is; One that had high standing in their community now destroyed by fire. The tongue can destroy like fire the reputation of others. It can leave people with ashes or things in their lives that cannot be repaired.Photos and personal belongings can be destroyed in a fire. The Tongue like fire can destroy or stop people from doing God's service in the community. What a tragedy that this is happening from the most supposed mature Christians of today. Satan wants to destroy peoples testimonies not only in churches but in the community so that churches even believe the supposed wrongness that was started by the fire of the tongue.

The Tongue is a World of iniquity. How big is the tongue of iniquity. It is world size. It is a world size of darkness; evil; immortality; injustice; unfairness and wickedness.

It defiles the whole body or it pollutes the whole body. We have heard much about pollution in this expanding world. We learn over the TV and News media, how we need to clean up pollution. Yet there is not much said about cleaning up the defilement or the pollution in our lives from the fire of the tongue. If we have a real fire and there were chemicals near by; the air would stink. So do our lives when we defile the whole body and others with our tongue.

It sets on fire the course of nature.> If we were to leave things alone then in time things would take care of themselves. But we think that we have the personal authority in our lives just to take care of it. We have had serious situations in our family that have come up in our lives, as a result I have had to take the leadership and say 'give it time, the truth will come out' It usually does. After taking no action and time had fixed the issue, because I left it to God. I have then went back in thought and said to myself. "If I had tried to fix the problem, it would have made it worse or it would have taken longer to resolve. The tongue sets on fire the course of nature or it is a block for the Holy Spirit to have His intervention.
1John 2:11. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
So if we sin we have an advocate or a counselor to whom we can talk to, He is, our Lord Jesus Christ the righteous. We can also safely say that when others sin against us we have our righteous Lord Jesus Christ, the one in whom we can cherish His counsel, because He is righteous.
Do we need to get counsel from our Lord Jesus Christ the righteous, regarding our problems and His wisdom to guide our tongue. I think we all do. So let us pray.
Father in Heaven, forgive us this day if we have used our tongue in an unwise way that could have destroyed someone's life. I pray for that person and that he or she will ask God for His wisdom and to guide them in the way that would be pleasing to you. I also ask that you would forgive me for saying things that I should not have said and ask that you will teach me to ask of you what I should say before I speak. I pray this in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ amen.

The Tongue

1. My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

My Notes.

Verse 1,2 It is a sobering thought that we need to be careful about what we say. As I read this; I sought diligently what it was saying. From the text, I have a great responsibility to make sure what is correct for my readers.

First it is talking to Christians I.e “My brethren” then the instruction comes “be not many masters” I know myself just being a parent and teaching them is a great responsibility. We are going to be responsible at the judgement seat of Christ when it comes to our children. Even on earth I find that parenting and the way we parent our children can be condemnable amongst the world and fellow believers. How much more does God expect of us when it comes to the authority in the home.   Luke 17:1,2 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

James 3:2 For in many things we offend all

Do we offend? yes I believe we do “If any offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”  There is only one man that was recorded as perfect in the Bible; his name is The Lord Jesus Christ.

So what about those who are in a ministry. James says; do not be the masters of many. I encourage others; keep your ministry to a place that God wants it to be. Too many pastors are doing too much in there own church. There are too many members not doing anything. Some; I believe need to step down; and some need to step up. above all be and do what God wants you to be. Be aware of  the tongue and do not be stubborn.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

As teaches and as parents, we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Not by the horse who has no bit in the mouth or a ship without a helm; tossed too an frow in this life.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Just like the horse without a bit or the ship without a helm; the tongue wants to go it’s own way, because we want to subject our tongue to ways it should not go. Rather it should be directed by the Holy Spirit. Teachers need to back up things about what they say regarding the word of God. Parents also need to back up what they say with God’s leading of the Holy Spirit.  We should follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be always praying to guide our Children and those we have contact with in our everyday lives.

Remember; a large fire cannot be started if a small fire is not lit. A small fire will not be lit if our tongue is guided by the Holy Spirit.

Remember; a fire in relation to the tongue is something that is wrongly said or something that is said that can be destroying to another person. Fire does destroy.

Something said directed by the Holy Spirit cannot be a destructive force or accusative, of another persons life or ours.

We cannot be perfect, but let us be directed and steered, Just like the horse and the ship, by the Holy Spirits words as he speaks to us when we commune with Him.

Keep your Life Ringing

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?
Keep this bell ringing...
'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace...
Numbers 6:24-26

James 2:25,26 A Faith that you can have.

Joshua 2 - Rahab Hides the Spies
Lesson 2 - Faith for salvation
Exposition by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson


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I got this from http://www.jesuswalk.com/joshua/lesson2-ex.htm

I believe that all Christians should read this. Also if you do not know the Lord It would be good too. Phil B



New discipleship / spiritual formation curriculum for new believers

I ask myself, Why is the story of Rahab included in the Bible? I don't think the spies' mission was crucial to the success of the Battle of Jericho in chapter 6, so it isn't really necessary to the narrative of Conquest. But I think the story of Rahab was included for at least three reasons:

To relate the effect that the Israelites had on the inhabitants of the land: "our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you" (2:11),
To highlight the saving faith of a gentile whose descendents include the Davidic line of kings and Christ Jesus himself, and
To demonstrate God's wonderful grace to a prostitute despite her profession.
I've tried in a short story "You're Israelites, Aren't You?" (http://www.joyfulheart.com/evang/rahab.htm) to communicate what happened as clearly as I can. In this exposition I'd just like to comment on a few of the customs of the time and some of the larger issues the text points to.

Rahab's faith (2:11)
It's pretty obvious that Rahab had decided quickly to hide the spies. It put her life at risk, but she had become convinced by the stories that had circulated in Canaan about Israel's God. She had concluded "the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below" (2:11). That was quite a statement of faith.

Jericho probably worshipped the fertility gods worshipped in the rest of Canaan (though I don't know that archaeologists have uncovered household gods in the ruins of Jericho). Baal was worshipped as the supreme male fertility god, the storm God, sometimes represented by the horns of a bull. He was considered to have power over rain, wind, clouds, and therefore over the fertility of the land itself. Ashtoreth was a female goddess commonly worshipped in Canaan. Worship sometimes involved intercourse with female prostitutes and male homosexual prostitutes at shrines as a ritual to insure fertility in the land. While Rahab probably wasn't a shrine prostitute -- she was an entrepreneur and had her own house -- she was affected by the beliefs around her.

But when she heard the stories of the exploits of Israel's God, she believed in him and wanted to associate herself with him and be involved in his cause. James asserts, "But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder." (James 2:18-19)

James indicates that it is possible to have intellectual assent concerning the truth of something without having real faith. Demons believing that God is the only true God is the example he gives. The demons weren't saved by their belief because they didn't act in accordance with it. They trembled in fear and continued to resist God. The residents of Jericho heard the same stories as Rahab and were filled with fear. But instead of taking action to join themselves to this God, they prepared for battle. Rahab, on the other hand, sided with the true God at risk to her own life. Her confession of faith, "the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below" showed that she had replaced her previous belief in Baal (to whom were attributed those characteristics), with a belief in the LORD.

My friend, do you have Rahab's kind of saving faith in God, a faith that aligns you with him rather than with the secular culture? Or is your belief mere intellectual assent, the kind that believes and trembles? Maybe Rahab can be an encouragement to you to take some steps of faith and enter into true faith.

Incidentally, Rahab calls God by his given name Yahweh. As you are probably aware, whenever in your English Bible you see LORD in small caps rather than in upper and lower case it refers to the name Yahweh. God is generic (like Hebrew "El"), while Yahweh is specific.

A trophy of grace
Rahab's faith is lauded three times in the New Testament. First, in the genealogy of Christ in Matthew 1:5-6, a Rahab is given as the mother of Boaz:

"Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse, the father of King David."
While she isn't specified as Rahab "the harlot," it's pretty likely that she was. In this genealogy only five women are mentioned, each for a particularly noteworthy place in history: Tamar (vs. 3), Rahab (vs. 5a), Ruth (vs. 5b), Bathsheba (vs. 6), and Mary (vs. 16). If this Rahab weren't the famous prostitute, she probably wouldn't have been mentioned at all, especially in company with Tamar (who posed as a prostitute so her father-in-law would impregnate her), Ruth (a Moabite whose tender story is told in the book by her name), and Bathsheba (with whom King David committed adultery).

It's pretty clear that our God is in the redeeming business. Instead of hiding "irregularities" in Jesus' family tree, they are pointed out as trophies of God's grace and forgiveness. No matter what you may have done in your past life, God is ready to forgive you and give you a new start. In fact, your repentance from sin and turning to him brings joy to him -- so much so that he orders a party in your honor, which the already-faithful people don't even receive (Luke 15:7). Our God is the God of the Second Chance. Praise Him!

Faith praised
The second time we find Rahab mentioned in the New Testament she appears in the Hebrews 11 "Hall of Faith": "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient" (Hebrews 11:31). It indicates that the citizens of Jericho were being punished because of their "disobedience." God was punishing their sin as he had promised Abraham centuries before: "In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure" (Genesis 15:16).

Now their sins of idolatry and licentiousness had reached this full measure. Yet the chiefest sinner, if you will, in Jericho, who put her faith in God, was saved, both from temporal destruction and eternal destruction.

The third time we see Rahab in the New Testament, James says of her, "Was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?" (James 2:25). She is mentioned in the same breath as Abraham, the father of faith, whose faith was "credited to him as righteousness" (James 2:23 quoting Genesis 15:6). This is sometimes called "imputed righteousness." In the same say, God counts your faith as righteousness and forgives you through Jesus Christ.

Rahab's Deceitfulness (2:4-5)
But how are we to deal with Rahab's deceitfulness? This is not an easy issue, nor can we treat it fully in the space here. However, I think these are the important points, which I could liberally document from Scripture.

The Scripture is clear that lying is sinful. Falsehood is universally condemned.
God is known as a God of truth. He never lies. We are called to emulate him, and to be a people of truth.
Even though some men and women of God did tell untruths (Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, David, and Peter), there are never commended for it. Rahab is commended for "welcoming the spies" (Hebrews 11:31) and helping them "when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction" (James 2:25). She is not commended for her lie per se.
However, consider that in everyday life we commonly place limits on truthfulness.

Some people have a right to know things, others don't. "It's none of your business" is often an appropriate response to a probing questioner.
Being truthful does not necessarily mean telling everything you know.
In time of war, we consider it permissible to deceive enemies with feints and disinformation. We even seek to deceive burglars with lights on timers to make them think we're home when we're not.
Rahab's case doesn't seem to be that far from our own century, where people such as Corrie ten Boom (http://www.joyfulheart.com/books/tenboom.htm) hid Jews in their homes from the Nazis who sought to destroy them. The very act of hiding someone is an act of deception. Does the end justify the means? When an enemy soldier comes to the door and asks, "Are you hiding any Jews in your home?" what do you answer?

"No." A bald-faced falsehood, or
"Yes." A truthful statement, but an invitation for the soldiers to carry out their evil that makes you complicit in their evil intent.
I suppose there are other things that could be said that would not be a lie. "You're welcome to come in and look around," is neutral. It is not a lie, though it intends to deceive the soldier into thinking that you have nothing to hide, which is not true. How many times have you thought of what you should have said after the conversation is over? Too often!

As a nation in the fall of 1998, we are trying to assess President Bill Clinton. He claims to have been legally accurate in a statement that was meant to deceive the American people. But it seems like a self-serving lie designed to keep him in office. This does not help people view him as a person of integrity, or trust him. Being factual but deceptive to protect oneself doesn't seem to point people to the God of truth.

The President is accused of an even more serious deception than lying to the American people: lying under oath. The Third Commandment says: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who takes his name in vain" (Exodus 20:7). When people are sworn in court "so help me God," they are taking the name of the Lord. They have taken a solemn oath to "tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God." If they don't tell the truth after having sworn by God to do so, then they have taken the name of the Lord in vain. We see this in Rahab's story below.

It's one thing to give into the temptation to lie to keep ourselves out of trouble. Our motive is clearly selfish, and God instructs us to tell the truth.

But it's another thing to tell a falsehood because we know that if we tell the truth, innocent people will die. Lying is an evil, but it seems like "the lesser of two evils" because we don't know how to do what we know to be right without lying. Life is sometimes messy like that, though we gradually gain wisdom from our sins and mistakes.

When Jesus was pressed by questions meant to trick him, his Father gave him supernatural wisdom to confound his enemies. We need that kind of wisdom in the face of evil.

So what do we do when we feel forced to tell a lie? Justify ourselves? No, that becomes a slippery slope that leads to justifying lying more and more often. Rather we should confess to God our sin of lying and ask for forgiveness, and also ask for wisdom in the future to know how to tell the truth without compromise.

Odds and ends
The scarlet cord (2:18). S.D. Walters has suggested that the scarlet rope may have been the mark of a prostitute, a "red rope" district, if you will. I adopted this idea in my short story, though this is just conjecture. However, scarlet in the New Testament is associated with sensuality. The Great Prostitute in Revelation 17 sits on a scarlet beast, and was dressed in purple and scarlet (Rev. 17:4).

Stalks of flax (2:6). I find it interesting that Rahab wasn't just a prostitute. The flax drying on her roof indicates that she also prepared linen thread and perhaps clothing in a cottage industry like the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:24. Flax is produced from the herbaceous plant Linum usitatissimum L. which grows up to 4 feet in height, so it probably wasn't too difficult to hide the spies among its drying stalks. "The cut flax was tied and set up to dry, then soaked in water from five to fifteen days to loosen the fibers, after which the fibers were drawn over the edge of a stone or board and beaten with a wooden mallet, and finally refined by combing." (Madeleine S. and J. Lane Miller [revised by Boyce M. Bennett, Jr. and David H. Scott], Harper's Encyclopedia of Bible Life [Harper & Row, 1978], pp. 377-378)

Swearing by the LORD (2:12)
Rahab tells the spies what they must do to escape the King's men searching for them, but before she sends them off, she asks for a special assurance:

"Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign...." (vs. 12)
She is asking them to "testify under oath" that they will keep their promise. Who knows better than Rahab how easy it is to lie to keep yourself out of trouble. Her livelihood had depended upon it. Since she believes in the great power of Yahweh, she wants the spies to take Yahweh's name as an assurance that they will keep their word. If they break their word it would be breaking the Second Commandment, "taking the name of the LORD their God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). Rather than it being a sign of Rahab's unbelief, this is probably another indication of her belief in the true God.

Remarkable!
When you take the time to examine Rahab, you find a remarkable woman who demonstrated a remarkable faith. But God's forgiveness is even more remarkable. This week I received an unsigned note from a man who objected to one of my unnamed articles on forgiveness:

"With all due respect, the article about forgiveness seems to be nothing more than exactly that which murderurs [sic] and criminals want to hear so that they can keep committing their crimes, because God and His good people are suckers and will keep on forgiving them no matter what they do!"
Forgiveness is hard for even us Christians to accept. We are not nearly so inclined to forgive as God. Nor are we inclined to forgive sins again and again. But, contrary to my anonymous friend, I believe our God is full of forgiveness, full of grace, full of mercy. No, we can't trifle with God. When we do, we experience his uncomfortable discipline in our lives. But he does forgive. Again and again. He forgave Rahab her prostitution. He forgave David his adultery and murder. He forgave Peter his denials. He forgave Paul his persecution. And he will forgive you. Trust him like Rahab did, and he will forgive you.

Father, give us faith like Rahab to see who you are and what you are doing in our times, and to align ourselves with you. Give us courage to do what is right, even when in doing so we risk all we hold dear. And give us courage to proclaim your great grace far and wide. In Jesus' name. Amen.