Keep Your Mouth – Keep Your Tongue
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles. – Proverbs 21:23
Your Body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Month: August 2021
The Earth is the Lord’s, and the Fulness Thereof
Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Corinthians 10:14-33; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 21:14-16
Flee From Idolatry
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? – 1 Corinthians 10:14-18
Ye Cannot Drink the Cup of the Lord, and the Cup of Devils
What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? – 1 Corinthians 10:19-22
All Things are Lawful for Me, But All Things Are Not Expedient
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
Expedient – Suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance; characterized by concern with what is opportune
Edify – to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge; build, establish; uplift, enlighten, inform
The Earth is the Lord’s, and the Fulness Thereof
Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. – 1 Corinthians 10:25-26
For the [whole] earth is the Lord’s, and everything that is in it. – 1 Corinthians 10:26 AMP
Paul was quoting here from Psalm 24
The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein. – Psalm 24:1
Asking No Question for Conscience Sake
If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? – 1 Corinthians 10:27-30
Do All to the Glory of God
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. – 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
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Singers Over the Business of the House of God
The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God. For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. – Nehemiah 11:22-23
Praise and Give Thanks According to the Commandment of David
And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward. – Nehemiah 12:24
Ezra the Priest, the Scribe
These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe. – Nehemiah 12:26
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The Lord Redeemeth
The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: And none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. – Psalm 34:22
The Man that Wandereth
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall remain in the congregation of the dead. – Proverbs 21:16
Pondering (8-15-2021)
Led By the Spirit of God
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. – Romans 8:14
Get Wisdom – Get Understanding
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding. – Proverbs 4:7
Swift to Hear – Slow to Speak – Slow to Wrath
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: – James 1:19
Whoso Stoppeth His Ears
Nehemiah 9:22–10:39; 1 Corinthians 9:19–10:13; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13
Whoso Stoppeth His Ears
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. – Proverbs 21:13
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For Thy Great Mercies’ Sake
Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; and testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law:
yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God. – Nehemiah 9:26-31
A Sure Covenant
And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.– Nehemiah 9:38
A Curse and an Oath
And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding; they clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; – Nehemiah 10:28-29
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Run, That You May Obtain
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Neither Murmur
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. – 1 Corinthians 10:10
Murmur – A mumbled or private expression of discontent; to complain in a low tone or in private
Ensamples Written for Our Admonition
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. – 1 Corinthians 10:11-13
Ensample – Example
Example – a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided; serving as a warning to others
Admonition – Counsel, advice, or caution
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The Angel of the LORD
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them. – Psalm 34:7
Pondering (8-14-2021)
Thy Face, LORD, Will I Seek
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. – Psalm 27:8
Seek Me – Find Me – When
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13
When – under what circumstances? upon what occasion?
When the Wise is Instructed, He Receiveth Knowledge
Nehemiah 8:1–9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12
When the Wise is Instructed, He Receiveth Knowledge
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. – Proverbs 21:11
When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise; But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge. – Proverbs 21:11 AMP
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Ezra Brought the Law Before the Congregation
And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose – Nehemiah 8:2-4a
Ezra Opened the Book; Ezra Blessed the LORD, the Great God
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: and Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. – Nehemiah 8:5-6
The Joy of the LORD is Your Strength
So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:8-10
And the Seed of Israel Separated Themselves
And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. – Nehemiah 9:2-3
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Am I Not an Apostle?
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. – 1 Corinthians 9:1-2
Mine Answer to Them that Do Examine Me
Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? – 1 Corinthians 9:3-7
Saith Not the Law the Same Also?
Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. – 1 Corinthians 9:8-10
They Which Minister About Holy Things Live of the Things of the Temple
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? – 1 Corinthians 9:8-13
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Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the LORD
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; And the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; He considereth all their works. – Psalm 33:12-15
Pondering (8-13-2021)
Set Your Affection On Things Above
Mortify Therefore Your Members Which are Upon the Earth
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:– Colossians 3:1-6
Study to Shew Thyself Approved Unto God
Shun Profane and Vain Babblings
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. – 2 Timothy 2:15-16
Flee Youthful Lusts
Follow Righteousness
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22
Hold Fast the Profession of Our Faith Without Wavering
Consider One Another to Provoke Unto Love and Good Works
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works – Hebrews 10:23-24
If We Sin Wilfully After That We Have Received the Knowledge of the Truth
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? – Hebrews 10:26-29
This is the Word of God!
The Counsel of the LORD Standeth Forever
Nehemiah 5:14–7:73; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 21:8-10
The Counsel of the LORD Standeth Forever
The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. – Psalm 33:10-11
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Think Upon Me, My God
Nehemiah as governor, could have taken from the people but instead, because of the burden the people were already under, he did not. He took all the resources needed for himself and the 150 in his household. All he asked was that the Lord remember what he did.
Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. – Nehemiah 5:19
O God, Strengthen My Hands
Over and over, Sanballat and Tobiah asked Nehemiah to meet with them. Over and over, Nehemiah refused. So they made up rumors that the reason he built the wall was that he was setting himself up to be king. They once again asked him to come and meet with them. Nehemiah instead sent his answer to them and prayed to God.
Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. 9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. – Nehemiah 6:8-9
My God, Think Thou Upon These According to Their Works
Then prophets came to tell him that he would be killed that night and go with them to hide in the temple. Nehemiah, though, discerned that these “prophets” were not sent by God but hired by Sanballat and Tobiah to prophesy against him. They wanted him to be afraid and in fear, then sin. If he sinned by entering the temple to save his life, they could report it to the people, and the people would turn away from him. Nehemiah prayed.
My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear. – Nehemiah 6:14
The Wall was Finished and Our Enemies Perceived This Work was Wrought of Our God
So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. – Nehemiah 6:15-16
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Knowledge Puffeth Up, But Charity Edifieth
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. – 1 Corinthians 8:1-3
We Know an Idol Is Nothing in the World
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. – 1 Corinthians 8:4-6
Howbeit There is Not in Every Man that Knowledge
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. – 1 Corinthians 8:7-8
Take Heed Lest Your Liberty Becomes a Stumblingblock
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; – 1 Corinthians 8:9-10
When Ye Sin So Against the Brethren, Ye Sin Against Christ
and through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. – 1 Corinthians 8:11-13
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The Way of Man
The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. – Proverbs 21:8
Froward – willfully contrary; not easily managed
A Mind to Work
Nehemiah 3:15–5:13; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 21:5-7
A Mind to Work
So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. – Nehemiah 4:6
This verse reminded me of another:
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. – 2 Thessalonians 3:10
That Ye May Attend Upon the Lord Without Distraction
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: but he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. – 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
The Thoughts of the Diligent
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. – Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage, But everyone who acts in haste come surely to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5 AMP
Diligent – Constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything; done or pursued with persevering attention; characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort
He Will Instruct Me and Teach Me in the Way I Should Go
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. – Psalm 32:8-10
Oh Lord, please give us (individually, as a church body, and as a nation) minds to work as You have instructed us and taught us, with all diligence and without distraction. Guide us today, Holy Ghost, and give us a great understanding of Your will and your ways. Please have mercy on us and give us hearts that would trust in You no matter what this day holds. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Let Every Man, Wherein He is Called, Therein Abide with God
Nehemiah 1:1–3:14; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 21:4
Let Every Man, Wherein He is Called, Therein Abide with God
But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. – 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
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The Remnant are in Great Affliction and Reproach
And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. – Nehemiah 1:3
Wept, Mourned, Fasted, and Prayed
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, and said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned. We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. – Nehemiah 1:4-7
Remember the Word That Thou Commandedst Moses
Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: but if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. – Nehemiah 1:8-11a
The King’s Cupbearer
For I was the king’s cupbearer. – Nehemiah 1:11b
Let Us Build Up the Wall of Jerusalem
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. – Nehemiah 2:17-18
The God of Heaven Will Prosper Us
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem. – Nehemiah 2:19-20
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Oh How Great is Thy Goodness
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! – Psalm 31:19
The Plowing of the Wicked
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. – Proverbs 21:4
Plowing – to move forcefully into or through something; to tear up, cut into
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