Location of our Great Assurance

 

Location of our Great Assurance

Hidden Theology

(Job’s Integrity: the drama and the incident; Hidden Theology)

           Satan knows our weaknesses, and he knows that we make wrong choices when left to ourselves, and he comes to the court with an overwhelming body of evidence.

Act 1, Scene 2 (Job 1:6-12)

          God is omniscient, so Satan is not going to change God’s position regarding any situation in the universe and the people He has created. 

The stage in heaven

a.       The first benefit of the narrative is for the body of believers, His children who will begin to understand and apply the things God has for them.

b.      The second benefit is for the whole heavenly host, who are not in need of redemption, but will witness God’s character, and those yet to be born, who will together glorify God.

 

The fact that Satan… came among them shows that Satan is himself an angelic being, and in no way equal to God.  The accusation against Job was also an accusation against God, for it implied that God had bribed Job into obedience.^[1]

 We know (and God knew) that Job was not sinlessly perfect; yet God called him blameless. “It means that no matter how horrible his offenses may have been, all the charges against him have been dropped. Absolutely no blame attaches to him, because the very one he offended has exonerated him.” (Mason)

God made us and everything else for His glory.

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created;

Rev. 4:11. 

God begins His encounter with Satan face-to-face

“Where have you come from?”

^{(Ref. Job. 1:7-8.)}

And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.  And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

 Job 1:7-8.

      What is remarkable about Job is that he was blameless and upright, and God had chosen him, because there was none upright like him.

And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

 Job 1:8.

        So, it was with Jesus: blameless, lamb without a blemish, and God gave His testimony about His Son (Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 3:17). Satan jumps at the bait, and his accusation is more about God than Job.

But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face;

Job:1:11.

       He was saying that no one will love God more than they love themselves, and they want to get something out of Him, accusing God of lying.

Central issue is Job’s is integrity of saving faith 

       The gospel takes root, and believers respond in times of suffering and tribulation. We must remember that God alone is on the throne, and Satan acts only with God’s permission and according to God’s purposes only.

          The charge against Job fails, and now Satan is in trouble. So, he brings everything else to break Job, to the point of exasperation, and Satan is quick to be about his business. Satan exists from God’s court. He is not returning to God’s court because he made a fool of himself.

Where is our defense attorney?

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;

1 Jn .2:1.

       Satan’s case is not defeated until Jesus has answered him in person and in action, and He has done it through the cross.

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain;

Acts. 2:23. 

Now our Advocate need not argue, and the case is settled

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God;

Acts. 7:55-56.

             And now all of heaven knows that God will not deny anyone who comes to Him!

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out ;

Jn 6:37.

The judgment and justice are done! The matter is settled at the throne room of God, and that is the location of our great assurance.  

 

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[1] Enduring Word Bible Commentary Job Chapter 1

Inner man and our Speech

 

Inner man and our Speech

Part B

 

            There is a saying, “God whispers, but in pain He shouts.” Often in pain, when we have no one to turn to, our hearts are stilled, brain searches for relief and willing to listen to God.

           In our electronic age of endless information, and communication, our language, words and even grammar is not given much attention to. It is very easy to forget the impact of words on human brain.  

         We often treat language as a simple tool for sharing information. But fail to realize that the choice of words has the potential to shift someone’s emotional and mental quotient. This can influence their physical well-being, and even rewire their brain. We also fail to realize that our own words have effect on our system as well.

         Here we are discussing about our speech; how we speak to ourselves and our neighbors. One of the gateways to our brain is our mouth! Neuroscience has shown that our words are not just abstract sounds or symbols; and they are more than that. They are actually biological events; which can affect us, our inner man, and our being itself!

       We have to remember that, positive language is not just how we speak, it is more than that. In fact it is  how we teach the brain to hope, heal, and believe for good days to come.

This is more than a poetic idea. It’s a measurable, scientific reality. And when we begin to understand the neuroscience behind language, we can start using our words intentionally — as tools for healing, growth, and emotional resilience.[1]

 

When we are conflicted, confronted, confused and confounded, God is our only refuge and shelter. He is the only One who is able to bring us out of our confusion and instill within us the strength necessary for those situations. This means God is the only one who can calm our mental storm. 

 

 “Many conflicts arise not because the issues separating the parties are so great but because of the temperaments people bring to a confrontation.” (Garrett)

         Today we are in the neuro-divergent world. Often, when humans believe a lie, their basic assumptions are built on this. Their belief first of all is incorrect; and hence the assumptive truth and the actions will be incorrect as well.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver; Prov. 25: 11.

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;

Rom. 12:2.

      The right word at the right time has power to heal and strengthen, to guide and rescue. This is also an excellent skill to be able to time a word. Through a process called neuroplasticity, new neural connections are formed throughout life, even to old age and grey hair. This means that our habitual patterns of thought and speech are not set in stone, but in the tablet of our heart and mind and they can be reshaped.

 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh; Ez. 36: 26. 

And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you; Isa. 45: 26. 

Mathew Henry writes: The psychosomatic effects of sin are more readily seen in, “I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. LORD, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee” Psa. 38:8-9. David said that he felt as though he was benumbed and thoroughly bruised.

Researchers using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) have seen striking differences in how the brain responds to positive versus negative language.

Positive words tend to activate the frontal lobes, which are involved in problem-solving, emotional regulation, and forward planning. This means that hearing or speaking uplifting words can literally open your mind to new ideas and solutions.[2]

Negative words, on the other hand, tend to trigger the amygdala and dampen activity in the frontal lobes. In simple terms, this puts the brain into “survival mode” rather than “creative mode.” Your body prepares for threat, releasing stress hormones that can stay in your system for hours. If this happens repeatedly, your baseline stress levels rise, making anxiety and burnout more likely.[3]

God does indeed give liberally. “He gives according to his excellent greatness; as Alexander the Great gave a poor man a city; and when he modestly refused it as too great for him, Alexander answered, Non quaero quid te accipere deceat, sed quid me dare, The business is not what thou are fit to receive, but what it becometh me to give.” (Trapp).

          Research shows that living peaceably reduces the stress hormones, the cortisol and increases emotional regulation.    

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men; Rom. 12: 18.

        When people come to us in wrath, we are often tempted to response in harshness with anger as well. Wisdom literature shows us the value of a soft answer, the response without sharp edges and harshness. That kind of answer can actually turn away wrath; and the issues can be settled wisely.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness;

Prov. 15: 1-2.

       Here, the writer explains that a soft answer is the wiser choice to respond to a problem. Wise often will show their right use of knowledge by the words they say; and with the temperament in which they express without hurting the other. The words of the wise and their tongue demonstrate their wisdom, heavenly and bring healing and restoration to people around.

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[1] The neuroscience of positive language and mental health: How Your words shape Your brain and well-being - care and self love

[2] The neuroscience of positive language and mental health: How Your words shape Your brain and well-being - care and self love

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[3] The neuroscience of positive language and mental health: How …

14 Aug 2025 · Neuroscience research shows that repeated patterns of speech — especially self-talk — can physically alter brain structure through neuroplasticity. If you regularly use …

https://careandselflove.com/positive-language-neuroscience/

Inner man and our Speech

 

Inner man and our Speech

Part A

 

Strong's Greek: 2980. λαλέω (laleó) -- To speak, to talk, to utter

Strong’s 2980 threads through 297 New Testament occurrences, weaving a unified doctrine of …[1] 

“Pride and passion on both sides strike together like two flints. We indulge in sarcasm as if we would rather lose a friend than miss scoring a point in the argument. All this the world excuses. But the Gospel sets before us our Savior’s example and imbues us with his spirit; so we should be careful not to provoke a chafed or wounded spirit.” (Bridges)

          Our Speech Reflects who we are! Our contradictory speech often puzzles our inner core and destabilizes our state of mind. 

          At times our words are right, and it pleases God, but often they are not pleasant but destructive. We have to think which of our speech pattern reflect our true identity. The tongue very often gives a true picture of our basic human nature and our relationship with God.  God loves to work in us inside out; and the Holy Spirit is able to purify our heart and give us the necessary control, so we speak the right words that pleases God.

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. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways;

Jam. 1: 6-8.

“We are all so ready to go to books, to go to men, to go to ceremonies, to anything except to God… Consequently, the text does not say, ‘Let him ask books,’ nor ‘ask priests,’ but, ‘let him ask of God.’” (Spurgeon)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Jer. 17:9. 

“The pravity and perversity of the man’s heart, full of harlotry and creature confidence, deceiving and being deceived, is here plainly and plentifully described; and oh that it were duly and deeply considered.” (Trapp).

“In the OT usage the heart signifies the total inner being and includes reason. From the heart come action and will;” (Feinberg). 

     This confirms that one's speech reflects one's heart. Our hearts being deceptive is prone to do evil in our fallenness. For this reason with regards to control over one's tongue the Bible primarily advocates silence.

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise; 

Pro. 10:19.

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit;

Pro. 17:27. 

         A magnificent marriage begins not with knowing one another but knowing with God. This means our love for each other should overflow from loving God first. One of the hardest commandment was to love the Lord your God, with all your being! I am still learning that day by day. Jesus defined the law in its core principles: love the LORD with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind;

Matt. 22: 37.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof ;

Prov. 18: 21. 

Positive speech is for God’s glory. Neuroscience Research shows that positive speech activates the Ventral Striatum, which is the brain’s reward system.  This also reduces cortisol, the stress hormones. 

Researchers have identified two distinct groups of neurons that help the brain evaluate risk and reward in decision-making. These neurons, located in the ventral striatum, separately process better-than-expected and worse-than-expected outcomes. In experiments with mice, silencing these neurons altered their anticipation of rewards, affecting their decision-making behavior.[2]

        The truth is the way we speak: both to ourselves and to others. Neuroscience has shown that words are not just abstract sounds or symbols; and they are more than that. They are actually biological events; and this affects the whole of us, our being.

 

       Think about this: they spark activity in the brain, releases neurochemicals; which goes into the bloodstream, and affects us. This can circulate in our arteries and veins carrying oxygen and much harm can happen in our biological system. This could affect how we feel in the moment as well as how we think over time…..

       No wonder, Ephesians 6: 10-19; asked us to put on the armor of God; and the helmet of salvation to protect our thinking!

 

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[1] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › greek https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=Greek+word+for+spe

[2] https://neurosciencenews.com/risk-reward-decisions-neuroscience-28437/

Why Thoughts are Important?

 

Why Thoughts are Important? 

Strong's Greek: 3540. νόημα (noéma) -- Thought, mind, purpose, …

In classical usage νοήματα denoted both thoughts and plots. Corinth’s mix of oratory, philosophy, and occult practice heightened the relevance of Paul’s term.[1]

STRONGS NT 3540: νόημα a mental perception, Thayer's Greek Lexicon

that which thinks, the mind: plural (where the minds of many are referred to), 2 Corinthians 3:14; 2 Corinthians 4:4, and perhaps (2 Corinthians 11:3); Philippians 4:7, for here the word may mean thoughts and purposes; (others would so take it also in all the examples cited under this head (cf. καύχημα, 2)).

Neuroscience studies have shown repeatedly, when we focus on good, our brains literally rewires itself  to look for more good. This is called neuroplasticity.  This is not motivation but indeed science connected to our nervous system. 

Our brains are consistently rewiring  itself, through a process called neuroplasticity. Each time when we focus on something stress, fear, gratitude, hope, and goodness,  we strengthen the neural pathways, connected to that thought. 

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;

Rom. 12: 2.

       The above word of God is very powerful for our mind. Heart and brain thinks, billions of neurotransmitters are connected and knitted in a way between our heart and the brain. When we focus on negative, our brains get better in  finding what is wrong! When we focus on positive, our brain literally rewires itself, to seek out for more good. Practicing to be mindful of good things, intentionally, with gratitude, with faith and hope are very powerful. We have to remember that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator;

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well; 

Psa. 139: 13-14.

“All my postures, gestures, practices…whether I sit, stand, walk, lie; thou searchest and knowest all. Some search, but know not; thou dost both.” (Trapp) 

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off;

Psa. 139: 2.

“Divine knowledge is perfect, since not a single word is unknown, nay, not even an unspoken word, and each one is ‘altogether’ or wholly known.” (Spurgeon) 

 “Any small thoughts that we may have of God are magnificently transcended by this psalm; yet for all its height and depth it remains intensely personal from first to last.” (Kidner)

When we determine to do it, this activates the neuro circuit links  towards calmness, clarity, and emotional balance. They do wonders like shrinking the pathways associated with anxiety and overthinking. They can make our brains resilient to stress.

Well trained mind always look for opportunities to flourish, and move forward  instead of  threats, and thinking about all the painful pasts. We have to remember that our thoughts are not harmless, but they are instructions to our brain. A thought when we repeat they become stronger. We have to make a choice….. Which neural pathway do we want to choose? Remember this; the one we choose becomes stronger. 

King David, the psalmist wrote this psalter 139 and he reflects on his personal experiences and appeals to God  for his innocence in times of reproach and false accusations.   

“He is not alarmed at the fact that God knows all about him; on the contrary, he is comforted, and even feels himself to be enriched, as with a casket of precious jewels. That God should think upon him is the believer’s treasure and pleasure.” (Spurgeon)

       The word hedge Biblically means it is a barrier for protection. When we remember the word of God, that He knows all my words, should bring a godly reverence about what we speak. This Divine knowledge is very personal, active, comprehensive and humans can revel in His Omniscience for ever. His constant presence and care should  break us to pangs of admiration and adoration for creating us. The greatest awe should be that in this vile body God has placed the soul, excellently framed, both for beauty and  for good use. He is the lover of our souls, and He cares for our souls. Aren’t we responsible for our soul? 

“Thoughts such as are natural to the Creator, the Preserver, the Redeemer, the Father, the Friend, are evermore flowing from the heart of the Lord. Thoughts of our pardon, renewal, upholding, supplying, educating, perfecting, and a thousand more kinds perpetually well up in the mind of the Most High.” (Spurgeon)

If one is in Christ, many good things can affect people around us. People do not generally mirror your words, but they mirror your energy and emotions. Our tone, eyes, and silence speaks volume. Energy and emotions are the language of our nervous system, and this speaks very fluently. People wanted to have what you have in Christ, and we believers are walking testament.

 

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[1]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=Greek+word+for+thought&cvid=8a86a8f7e

Hope that Burns within us

 

Hope that Burns within us

In Nut-shell 

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Lk. 24: 32. 

Strong's Greek: 1680. ἐλπίς (elpis) -- Hope - Bible Hub

faith, hope. From a primary elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence -- faith, hope.[1]

Strong's Hebrew: 8615. תִּקְוָה (tiqvah) -- Hope, expectationzzz

תִּקְוָה combines two complementary images: (1) a physical cord that binds or secures, and (2) an inner attitude of confident expectation. The word moves effortlessly between these senses …[2]

This love is not just a gentle whisper; we can explain as something like a roaring fire, which can even burn up to ignite hearts around us. This is not a pilot light in our furnace  we see, but that which blazes up but like a roaring inferno out of control.  

We are called to embrace, this fire that burns steadily within our hearts, which is fully enveloped in Christ’s love. We know in our hearts we cannot contain this fire and wanted to pass on to others, the perishing hearts. This love is contagious and transform other hearts.

         God’s love isn’t given to us in a trickle, but it is poured out in our hearts. God’s unwavering love fuels our passions and guides our paths; and rekindles this fire and it gets passed on.  

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us; Rom. 5: 5.

 “The love of God is like light to a blind eye until the Holy Ghost opens that eye… may the Holy Spirit now be here in each one of us, to shed abroad the love of God in our hearts.” (Spurgeon) 

[Greek words for love, expresses love in 3 different levels:

Agape (unconditional love); Phileo (brotherly love, friendship), and eros (erotic love).

Hebrew language has many different words which are “rendered as love.”: אהב (ahav) “love”,  Ohev means “to love”, “אוהב” (ohev), for a male speaker, or “אוהבת” (ohevet), for a female speaker. racham ( רחם) means compassion, or tender mercies, Dode means “beloved” as in spousal love “ דודה, and  Chen means grace and beauty.][3]

“Your love to Christ especially lacks the genuine stamp if it is never roused to jealousy by the malice of foes and the faithlessness of professed friends of our Lord. (Spurgeon)

 “The love on which a beautiful love is built is a persevering flame burning as brightly at the beginning as it does later on.” (Glickman)

When we become a Christian we receive the Holy Spirit; Rom. 8: 9. Unfortunately not every Christian live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit; Ephe. 5: 18; and do not walk in the Spirit, Rom. 8: 4-5.

                                                  The law Paul was referring to;

For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law;

Rom. 13: 8.

The reason for this debt is, “for the one who loves another has fulfilled (pleroo) the law.”  

      Consider this, if God’s love may be more effective, for cognitive development, we are standing in need of God’s mercy in our lives. Faith does not contradict reason, though it may go beyond reason and it is a willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to His promises. This leads to the Hope that burns within us because of Christ’s love.

“Physical eyesight produces a conviction or evidence of visible things; faith is the organ which enables people to see the invisible order.” (Bruce)

          Cognitive development requires intention, curiosity, and grace of God tremendously. When wisdom takes root, love automatically flourishes from within and help us to move in grace towards people around us.

             Wisdom also enable us to protect our heart and mind, free us from fear, worry, anxiety and other issues of the heart which can draw us away from God. Efforts to capture our thoughts in a disciplined way with God’s word as authoritative rather than uncontrolled letting them chaotically run will bring about impressive changes in how we feel and think.

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied; 1Pet. 1: 2.

Cognitive development is more than intelligence; it’s a transformation. It’s the steady renewal of the mind through Scripture, study, and spiritual awareness. As our understanding grows, we draw closer to the wisdom that sustains faith, guides relationships, and anchors purpose in every season of life. When we commit to developing our thinking, we also protect our hearts from confusion and fear. Every time we choose to grow, God meets us in the process.[4]

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night; Psa. 1:1-2.

       The fire that burns within us, our hearts cannot contain. Keep the fire burning; the hope that burns within us; the darkness cannot destroy!

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[1]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=Greek+word+for+hope&cvid=5b55b987d1

[2]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=Hebrew+word+for+hope&cvid=a1a232d601

[3] Noah's chen, translated as "favour", exempted him from the diluvian fate of his contemporaries, but what does chen mean? It also means grace and beauty, as in "Chen is deceptive; beauty is illusory" (Proverbs 31:30). One senses that chen is a type of attractiveness that might be superficial or unearned.

[4] Cognitive Growth And Development: God’s Gift For Mind Shift - LoveFlocks