The Lamp: Thy Word

 

The Lamp: Thy Word

        When believers face battle, when truth is taken away from wherever we are stationed in this temporary life, assailed with doubts and fear, and anxiety,  confronted with lies wherever we turn, where do we find our hope? Where is the comfort despite fears and distresses? Where is our light that we can walk and space where we can breathe? Where is our sure foundation to direct us despite our doubts and difficulties?

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path; Psa. 119: 105.

       Light in the darkness, symbolizes guidance, hope, the presence of God to our inner man. When our inner man is strong, it helps us to face the challenging times, and His light illuminates our path and gives us hope. When we give genuine attention, and value it, it does bring light to our darkness.

       God’s word is our light to guide us safely amid the dangers which beset our path through the darkness of this world. It shows us the way where we should walk and go, both night and day; and all the days of our life.

The word of God directs us in our work and way, and a dark place indeed the world would be without it. The commandment is a lamp kept burning with the oil of the Spirit, as a light to direct us in the choice of our way, and the steps we take in that way; Matthew Henry

Word (dabar, used 24 times): The idea is of the spoken word, God’s revealed word to man. “Proceeding from his mouth and revealed by him to us…” (Matthew Poole)

Strong's Hebrew: 216. אוֹר (or) -- light, lightning, lights

אוֹר (or) -- light, lightning, lights. From 'owr; illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.) -- …[1]

Strong's Greek: 5457. φῶς (phós) -- Light - Bible Hub

From an obsolete phao (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare phaino, phemi); luminousness (in the widest …[2] 

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Prov. 6: 23. 

“This Bible is a wonderful talking book; there is a great mass of blessed talk in this precious volume. It has told me a great many of my faults; it would tell you yours if you would let it. It has told me much to comfort me; and it has much to tell you if you will but incline your ear to it. It is a book that is wonderfully communicative; it knows all about you, all the ins and outs of where you are, and where you ought to be, it can tell you everything.” (Spurgeon)

The word of God is living and active and sharper than any sword; and it is sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel. If one cherishes, keeping it closer to their heart, they benefit power. God’s word has the power to lead us, speak to us, and speak to our heart, and to our soul when we are assailed in trouble. It is important that we should cherish in God’s word, and keep it closer to our heart, mind, will, and intellect.  Loving the One who gave us His words, and worshipping Him, is important because they and indeed wonderful words!

“In the first creation, ‘darkness was upon the face of the deep’ (Genesis 1:2) until God called light into being, so the new creation involves the banishing of spiritual darkness by the light which shines in the Word.” (Bruce)

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house; Matt. 5: 15.

 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all; 1 Jn. 1: 5.

        Any one wants to be wise, then keep God’s word closer to the heart, mind, soul, intellect and keep it in the forefront of our brain. Write it on the tablet of our heart.

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.  For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man; Prov. 3: 1-4.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not; Jn. 1: 5.

Strong's Greek: 2638. καταλαμβάνω (katalambanó) -- To seize, to grasp …

Latin translators chose forms of comprehendere and    apprehendere, from which English inherits “comprehend” and “apprehend.” The …[3] 

“The Greek verb is not easy to translate. It contains the idea of laying hold on something so as to make it one’s own. This can lead to meanings like ‘lay hold with the mind’, and thus ‘comprehend’…[Yet] The verb we are discussing has a rarer, but sufficiently attested meaning, ‘overcome’. It is that that is required here.” (Morris)

         That light which the world has difficulty comprehending is our Lord Jesus Christ.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth; Jn. 1: 14.

       Neuroscience points to God’s word, time and time again. Bible and neuroscience have much in common, and a more satisfying answer comes from understanding how God designed the human brain. Neuroscience reveals that directly behind our forehead sits the Frontal Lobe.

The Frontal Lobe is responsible for “motor control and cognitive activities, such as planning, making decisions, setting goals, speech, and purposeful behavior.” At the very front sits the Prefrontal Cortex, which handles “the integration of information about emotion, memory, and environmental stimuli” and “the regulation of behavior and control of responses to environmental stimuli.” (TheRefinersFire.org/Phylacteries.htm)[4]

         Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) is the place, where all of our decisions are made, and our thoughts become actions. God is our Creator and He made us in His image. He wired all of us fearfully, wonderfully and fashioned differently, (Ref. Psa. 139).

        God who designed each one of our brains, has given precise instructions to Moses. The precise instruction was exactly where God’s commandments must be stored. He designed our brains in a way, that it can hold much information than the master computer in this world, that is before sin entered in! What we lost can be atoned at the Cross, through life in Christ; and much more in glory when we are fully redeemed!  Can we imagine the potential of a human brain?

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes; Deut. 6: 8.

        As I was writing this, I just looked at both of my palms, and realized I could not write this, unless God has bind this on my hand; and placed it on my frontlets between my eyes! A very personal humbling moment! I want to praise Him, all of my life.  

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[1]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Hebrew+word+for+light&cvid=

[2]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+light&cvid=a8

[3]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=comprehend+Greek+word&cvid

[4] Understanding How the Bible and the Brain Are Connected - LEAD BIBLICALLY

Power of God’s Word

 

Power of God’s Word

Strong's Greek: 1411. δύναμις (dunamis) -- Power, strength, ability ...From dunamai; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself) -- ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), …[i]

The word dunamis means, strength, power and ability that is: inherent power. Power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and outs forth; power for performing miracles; moral power and excellence of soul; the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth; power and resources arising from numbers; power consisting in or resting   upon armies, forces and hosts.[ii]

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; Heb. 4: 12. 

        God’s Word has the  power to diagnose the condition of man; heart and his mind, much more precise than of a surgeon when he does a surgery.  It has the power to lay open the heart, where our intentions of our thoughts are mostly. God’s word very precisely discern our spiritual health and the condition of it.

       God meets us through His written Word, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual work goes beyond our intellectual capacity in just knowing the word of God alone. God’s word by His Spirit is our Perfect Counselor; and the rich resources are our source in all situations, and is able to guide, lead, direct, confront, comfort and give us strength that we are in need at different circumstances and especially when we are in a storm.

Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word; Psa. 119: 24-25.

“A spirit of restlessness and resistance can never wait, but one who believes he is loved with an everlasting love, and knows that underneath are the everlasting arms, will find strength and peace.” Elisabeth Elliot.

Sharper than any two-edged sword

           The biggest miracle is the change of hearts. The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jer. 17: 9.  Sometimes we wonder what is the secret? It has to be only the sharpness of God’s word which can change lives, and hearts. God’s word can penetrate and reach hearts with surprising precision. 

        The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. It is equipment for spiritual battle, especially has the idea of an offensive weapon; Eph. 6: 17. God’s word is alive, active, sharper than a two-edged sword, can probe us who believe more than a surgeon’s scalpel. This means it has the sharpness to cut and throw away what needs to be cut off that which causes destruction and death, and keep and give life to what needs to be saved. 

        Time and again Neuroscience  points to God's word, and Neuroscience is concealed in God's word. Neuroscience on power and authority says, that our brains are remarkably plastic, capable of adapting and changing throughout our lives. Are we not fearfully and wonderfully made? (Ref. Psa. 139).

The Dividing asunder of soul and spirit

          Here the word of God makes the distinction between the spirit and the soul: Spirit focuses more on the supernatural contact and power of the inner life. Soul focuses on the intellectual property endowed to man (mind; will; intellect; emotions; thoughts; volitions). This is exactly why the Word of God is so powerful and precise; it can pierce even to the division of soul and spirit, which is not at all easier.

         When we allow our flesh or the world to direct our thoughts, intentions and actions, it ends in spiritual ruin. God wants us to be directed by His spirit and His word, not by the flesh, which is fallen, nor even by the soul which is fallen ever since the Fall in the Garden of Eden.

       God sees us, naked and barren and this means; God sees each one of us the way He sees Adam and Eve in their feeble hiding, robed themselves with fig leaves. Fig leaf aprons does not help us on the day of reckoning!

       Absolutely nothing can be “hidden” from God. The word of God discovers and exposes each of our condition very precisely.

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[i]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=Greek+word+for+power&cvid=f

[ii] Dunamis Meaning - Greek Lexicon | New Testament (NAS) | Bible Study Tools

Metanoia vs. Metamorphosis

                                                            Metanoia vs. Metamorphosis

Strong's Greek: 3341. μετάνοια (metanoia) -- Repentance

Strong’s Greek 3341, most often translated “repentance,” expresses a Spirit‐wrought reorientation of mind and heart that issues in a …[i]

         Meta in Greek means  beyond; and Nous mean mind. We have to understand these two Greek words and their meanings.

Metanoia in Greek, translates to “repentance,” but its meaning goes much deeper than one can think and understand. From the Biblical stand point, metanoia signifies more than just feeling sorry for one’s sins. It is more deeper and it embodies a profound change of heart and mind. Heart can think and so also our brain. So the thought process play a significant role here. Metanoia signifies a profound transformation that goes beyond mere regret, indicating a complete reorientation of one's thinking, values, and behavior.

Strong's Greek: 3339. μεταμορφόω (metamorphoó) -- To transform, to ...

Strong’s Greek 3339 charts a movement from sight of divine glory to sharing in that glory. It anchors sanctification in Christ’s own …[ii] The term "metamorphosis" in Greek is derived from the word "metamorphóō" (μεταμορφόω), which means "to transform" or "to change form."

Strong's Greek: 3339. μεταμορφόω (metamorphoó) - Bible Hub The verb μεταμορφόω describes a profound, visible change that proceeds from an inward reality, never a mere external disguise. Each …[iii]

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 verse warns us of the “world system”: the popular culture and manner of thinking that is in rebellion against God. The system around us will try to conform us to its ungodly pattern. The most important thing for eternal life, this process must be resisted.

       Not wanting to be conformed to this world, and  wanting to be transformed is a huge step in one’s thought process. How do we do it? Life by feeling will never know the transforming power of God, because it ignores the renewing of the mind. Knowing theology is different from living a life of what theology says! For symbol of transformation and new life; a good example would be the butterflies!

      The ancient Greek word metamorphoo – describing a metamorphosis. The same word is used to describe Jesus in His transfiguration;

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.  And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them;  Mk. 9: 2-3.

This is a glorious transformation!

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord; 2 Cori. 3: 18.

 In light of all this mercy – past, present, and future – Paul begs us to present your bodies a living sacrifice. “We must believe that these Divine mercies have persuasive powers over our wills.” (Newell)

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. 8: 29.

Metamorphosis in a believer’s life is the most important transformative journey which involves complete change in the inward nature of the man. This internal renewal in the person affects the person as a whole.  Romans 12: 2, teaches us how to be transformed by renewal of our mind and not to be conforming to the patterns of this world. This is not a superficial thing but a radical reorientation inwardly for the person.

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 related to our nervous system. 

          Fish can swim, and birds can fly without lessons, because it is built within them to do so. Similarly man is created to worship God, with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, because it is built within us. This is the built in system, designed for success in whatever work we do. Wrong environment, and friendships can completely destroy this well- meant wiring by God. There is hope for the fallen man, for glorious transformation. This is achieved through the work of God, on the cross by Jesus Christ, to get His image! This process which has to be continual throughout life is called Biblical metamorphosis.

This is an act of intelligent worship, deciding to yield our entire self to God, in Christ Jesus.

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[i]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+metanoia&cvid=69a889

[ii]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=metamorphosis+in+Greek&cvid=c8

[iii]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=metamorphosis+biblically&cvid=ff3

Believer’s True Story

 

Believer’s True Story

Strong's Greek: 228. ἀληθινός (aléthinos) -- True, genuine, real

228 /alēthinós (" substantially true") refers to what is essentially true – connecting (visible) fact to its underlying reality. 228 (alēthinós) then emphasizes the integrity of what is true, down to its …[i]

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose; Rom. 8: 28.

      Think about all the seasons in our life, loss of a loved one, unanswered prayers; burdens that are too heavy to speak about; and all the unspoken requests of our hearts. The human response is that we need clarity in all situations; how the puzzle pieces fit in, the time line, the reason, a blue print and not blindfolded! Fallen mortal being trying to to understand the Immortal Being!?

     The answer is that God does not give the details, but He gives Himself! His  presence, His promises, His word, and not necessarily to explain every mystery, but will assure us that we are not walking in the mystery alone!

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all; Psa. 34: 19.

        This verse does not say that our life will be easy, but it explains something, that we all wish that is not true at all. The hope is not in trouble free life at all, but in our deliverer. He comes through not always in our time-table, but in His perfect time.

       All the closed doors; the burden we cannot carry and our crying heart; how do we fix this? God’s sovereignty means that He is in full control, even when our world goes out of control. God’s ways are higher, love deeper than all of our turmoiled emotions because of varied difficult situations around us. God is not late, not at a distance, and not wasting any of our pain. He asks us to trust Him, when the storm is raging, and when the waiting lingers, He invites us to have faith in Him.

        Our job is not to make sense of everything; but to trust the one who gave us the promises not to leave us nor forsake us. We begin to see with the eyes of faith, the traces of His goodness, even in the dark. What is God shaping in each one of us through this?

        Most likely this season, draws us closer to Him, enhances the fruit of the Spirit, increase the trust and preparing us for something greater. This process is painful; and silence from God does not mean He is not involved and not concerned about our pain. He is always working, and He is the potter and we are the clay, and we are His workman’s ship created in Christ Jesus.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them; Ephe. 2: 10.

       We are His master piece, and our story is still being written; and He is not finished with us. So hold on, even when we are weak and weary, when the night feels long, in uncertainty, our part is to trust Him. God assures us that the good work He begins in us will reach its fulfillment.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ; Phil. 1: 6.

It’s a thrilling truth that doesn’t upset me at all. The fact that He chose me and began a good work in me proves that He’ll continue to perform it. He wouldn’t bring me this far and then dump me.” (Smith)

 

      Personally, I want all my time in my life to know Him more day by day. This is different from knowing about Him. One day in the future I can look back and see and say, “ Now I understand.”

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[i] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › greek

 

Does Faith Stands Today?

 

                                                 Does Faith Stands Today?

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; Jam. 1: 6-7. 

Strong's Hebrew: 530. אֱמוּנָה, (emunah) - Bible Hub

Exodus 17:12. HEB: וַיְהִ֥י יָדָ֛יו אֱמוּנָ֖ה עַד־ בֹּ֥א. NAS: Thus his hands were steady until. KJV: and his hands …[i]

But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun; Exo. 17: 12. 

       Prayer life, and the other assignments give to us by God can be said as sweet and easy; but often it is very hard work. Moses thought he could do it on his own; sooner he realized he could not do it on his own. He need others to come along side and strengthen him in prayer. This shows we need other beleivers to stand and intercede for us and with us. True prayer is very hard work! Sooner or later, one had to realize that life in Jesus or death away from Jesus depends on prayer. 

Strong's Greek: 4102. πίστις (pistis) -- Faith, belief, trust ...

Faith (4102 /pistis) is always a gift from God, and never something that can be produced by people. In short, 4102 /pistis ("faith") for the believer is "God's divine persuasion " – and therefore distinct from …[ii]

Strong's Greek: 2830. κλύδων (kludón) -- Wave, surge, billow

In James 1:6, κλυδών is used metaphorically to describe a person who doubts, likening them to "a wave of the sea,    blown and tossed by the wind." This vivid imagery underscores the instability …[iii]

      This word means the waves that are constantly on the move; (kludón). This means very wavering in our thought pattern, on the move: rising and tumbling, it falls, not able to pin point; always changing, not congruent; and double minded in speech and actions.

We notice that not only must one come in faith, but one must also ask in faith; and this is where the prayers of many people fail. “You know, dear friends, that there is a way of praying in which you ask for nothing, and get it.” (Spurgeon)

      This totally depends on our relationship with God, through Christ Jesus. This means our total life is centred around Christ; in, with and through; and  HE lives.

Hiebert says, double-minded is literally two-souled. “The man of two souls, who has one for the earth, and another for heaven: who wishes to secure both worlds; he will not give up earth, and he is loath to let heaven go.” (Clarke)[iv]

         Wave of the sea is a kind of metaphor to describe: one who is hindered by unbelief; is without rest, is unstable, is driven by the winds, is capable of great destruction, and so is the doubter.

“The man who is not thoroughly persuaded that if he ask of God he shall receive, resembles a wave of the sea; he is in a state of continual agitation; driven by the wind, and tossed: now rising by hope, then sinking by despair.” (Clarke)

        Book of James say that a person who does not pray in faith is like a wave of sea; and his position is always changing, and praying differently. God will answer our prayers; but we have to learn to stand still. Not to be like a billowing wave of the sea; rather stands firm in prayer like Elijah on the Mount Carmel. Nothing wavering!

     Joseph’s faith is referenced in Hebrews11. Joseph at the time of his death, which he discerned, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel.

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; Gen. 50: 24.

      Joseph’s story in the Book of Genesis, is very inspiring. One sold to slavery became the second-in-command over all of Egypt. His story and his life of faithfulness, charitableness, kindness, sincere emotions towards his loved ones, shows God’s faithfulness, providence and mercy throughout his life. This does not mean his life was easy. Those who read God’s word knew pretty well his life was very hard! But his faith in God stands as a huge testimony for us all today. 

       Towards the end of his life, he made a special request about where his body must be buried. He wanted his bones to be carried to the promised land, and should not remain in Egypt. He knew his God given commission is finished in Egypt and now he should go back to the promised land of His forefather Abraham!

Joseph’s body was embalmed, following the Egyptian practice of mummification. His body was placed in a coffin, a custom very familiar in ancient Egyptian burial rituals. Unlike the quick burials of the Israelites, Egyptians carefully preserved the dead, believing in a journey to the afterlife. His embalming meant his body could survive intact for centuries.[v] 

       When Joseph died he was never buried in Egypt. His coffin laid above ground for the 400 or so years until it was taken back to Canaan. This remains as a silent witness all those years that Israel was going back to the Promised Land, just as God had promised.

 

“The Holy Spirit in this chapter selects out of good men’s lives the most brilliant instances of their faith. I should hardly have expected that he would have mentioned the dying scene of Joseph’s life as the most illustrious proof of his faith in God… Does not this tell us, dear brethren and sisters, that we are very poor judges of what God will most delight in?” (Spurgeon)

       May we walk; faith walk with God like our heroes of faith. May we try to walk like Enoch; believe like Abraham; fight like Jacob; dress like Joseph; stretch like Moses; conquer like Joshua; lead like Deborah; influence like Esther; dance like David; pray like Elijah; follow like Elisha; speak like Isaiah; organize like Nehemiah; preach like Peter; and over come like Paul. Above all, live, lead and love like Jesus.

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[i]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Hebrew+word+for+faith&cvid=c4

[ii]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+faith&cvid=ca10

[iii] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › greek

[iv] Enduring Word https://enduringword.com › bible-commentary Enduring Word Bible Commentary James

[v] What happened to Joseph's mummified body? - Bible Ask