Considering the Bible

Conditional Security – SAMSON & SUNDAY SCHOOL

2026-08-25
I attend a fantastic Sunday School when I am in town and last week was no exception. The people there have a heart for the Lord, pray consistently for thier classmates, acquantenances, those in need and those they have never met.

Really enjoy speanding time with them!

It so happened that the passage we were scheduled to study was on the death of Samson. The class readily admitted this is a tragic story, and that the last few weeks in Judges had been difficult, since it reflects our lives so clearly. The failures and the pleading with the Lord when we fall is just too familiar. The cycle of freedom to bondage hits hard!

Our passage was in Judges 16, and of course we meet Delilah, with her tempting ways. Eventually Samson caved to Delilah’s crafty ways, and he revealed the truth of his strength, that he was a Nazirite to God all his life. He was chosen!

Judges 16:17 And he told her all his heart, and said to her, “A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If my head is shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.”

Prior to moving through the remaining passage, I asked the question regarding Samson’s status, or relationship with the Lord. It seemed to be the consencus of the class that Samson had a relationship with the Lord, though quite weak, and was somewhat refective of the nation as a whole.

Then we continued reading the passage.

Judges 16:20 And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him.

The verse contained a statement that left a bit of a pause for many in the class, as this class leans to the eternal security teaching. They are very gracious towards this ol’ fool, as they know I lean the other way. Like I said, they are a great (and patient) class to be in.

Nevertheless, when verse 20 was read, I couldn’t help but to make a point.

If Samson was in relation with the Lord, did he loose whatever that relationship entailed in this sin? Some mentioned that it was a difficult passage, that it was an Old Testament passage, and that it was Samson’s perception of the Lord leaving him, (but not actually leaving him).

I read the passage once more, and reiterated that the Lord leaving Samson was something Samson didn’t percieve, but that the verse provides the information as a fact.

At this point, I shut down and the conversation picked up, turning in a different direction, except for one fellow who asked me for further discussion. At this point I relented, for the point was made, and sometimes to repeat a point is to loose a point.

The class is a great class, and every believer I have ever met, struggles with certain passages within the Word. I certainly have struggled with many many passages, and the story of Samson has plenty of anomolies and conundrums, but for a minute in that class, there may have been an opportunity for some to consider what the Word says compared with what a formal doctrine teaches.

And for that I am thankfull, for the Word is to be the authority!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you would like to receive daily posts from Considering the Bible, click on the “Follow” link below
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Names of God – HEAD OVER ALL – 306

2026-08-24
My hope is that this series will offer my readers a chance to consider the names, characteristics and descriptions of our God in the Word.

The remaining Names of God in this series might be considered descriptors, or characteristics of the Lord. We have reviewed the three primary Names of God, along with nineteen compound Names of God in our previous posts. As we venture through these descriptors of our God, I hope we will recognize all the many characteristics of our God that we tend to take for granted.

The Word is truly rich with descriptions of the Living God, and this effort of searching in the Word was quite illuminating. He truly is the ultimate subject of the Word, and His revelation of self-descriptions, or the accolades offered Him by His priests, prophets, kings apostles and faithful truly is a blessing.

May the Name of the Lord be praised, and by thinking on His name, may you have a blessed day.

HEAD OVER ALL

Ephesians 1:22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

Did you catch it? Who did God give to the church here? Let’s replace the pronouns in this verse with proper names and try to get a picture of what is going on

And God put all things under Jesus feet and gave Jesus as Head over all things to the church

God has given to the church Jesus as the Head over all things.

Now as I glibly read some of these passages in the past, I came away thinking Ephesians spoke the same truth as Colossians. I wonder about that assumption now.

Colossians 1:18 speaks of Jesus as the Head of the Church

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

This is a statement of fact, and defines Who Jesus is in relation to the church. Ephesians 1:22 has a different message, with Paul’s focus in Ephesians being the Body of Christ, the church. In Ephesians, Paul describes Jesus as the Head over all.

Jesus is not restricted to being the Head of the church as in Colossians, but the Head over all, providing to the church the confidence that Jesus has all authority.

Did not Jesus speak the same?

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Recapping, Paul is revealing to the gentile Christians of Ephesus the Headship, or authority of Jesus over all things. He goes on to describe the “all things” in Ephesians 6, 10-18, speaking of the evil forces behind the foolish actions of lost men and women.

Jesus is HEAD OVER ALL.

But the snippet of truth that struck me this morning, is that God gave Jesus as HEAD OVER ALL – to the church.

Now there are a number of ramifications if we consider this for a moment.

To give is an act of sacrifice. Jesus as HEAD OVER ALL, being a gift to the church is a truth I have rarely considered. We don’t deserve this type of Savior – surely we do not deserve Him, yet He is granted to us, not merely as a Savior, but as the HEAD OVER ALL.

The Father gave to the church. Again, we often think of our salvation as being Christ centered, and that is very true, yet the Father is the One who sacrificed His own Son for the church, and in this verse the Father is providing Him as the HEAD OVER ALL to the church.

As the church, we are a people who are very highly favored by having One over us that is the HEAD OVER ALL, over all governments, religions, philosophies and

He is not equal to any, has no competitor, and there are non equal to Him.

Isaiah 46:5 “To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike?

ALL things are subject to His will, and as the church we have access to the King of Kings, the One with all authority.

What more can be said? He is HEAD OVER ALL!

I would love to hear of your favorite name, characteristic or description of the Living God. Please leave me a comment, and I will include it in the list!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.
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Proverbial Thoughts on Flattery – B

2026-08-23
Thoughts on the topic of flattery from the book of wisdom

Flattery. The most dangerous type of flattery is very very common in our lives today. Throughout our culture, we are bombarded with sex, sex sex, and Solomon, with his umpteen women, knows well the danger of their smooth words and smooth tongues!

Proverbs 6:24 to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

Proverbs 7:5 to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.

Proverbs 7:21 With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him.

In our last post, we spoke of the one who flatters, and that flattery is used to gain advantage over the one being flattered. We spoke of the trap the flatterer sets for the hearer, and that our defense is to understand the influence praise has on our own hearts. We need to admit the influence praise has on our hearts. In the midst of such powerful influence, we tend to make some foolish decisions.

For our verses this morning, we find this truth to be multiplied for the hapless man who is seduced by the evil woman. The the Scriptures speak of seduction, persuasion, smooth tongues and smooth words, but all of this description boils down to having an influence over another, not unlike the original concept of flatterry.

This may be considered a special case of flattery, yet the components of it are similar.

Exaggerated praise

In each of these interactions, the “victim” is praised beyond reality. Now of course, as mentioned in the earlier post, the closer the praise is to reality, the deadlier the trap is, if the motive is evil.

Evil motive

An evil motive is impossible to determine, especially in one who is skilled in the art of flattery. Yet if we are careful to consider the past of the one flattering us, we might find some indication that the flatterer is of wicked intent.

A life of broken promises, of failed marriages, of affairs and dalliances with others does not bode well for the one heaping praise on the “victim”.

Loss of potential

I refer to the one who is being praised as the “victim” for in the case of the flattered, the price of falling into the trap can be very costly. Consider the two cases.

Standard Flatterer

For the standard flatterer, as we discussed in the previous post, the cost may be a job, a loss of a friend, financial ruin or legal troubles. It may become so deadly that there may be a time of breaking from the love of God due to bitterness developed as a result of falling into the flatterers trap. The natural consequence of letting a flatterer influence with praise is many times an indication of our own hearts desire to be puffed up.

Then, when the praise reverts to reality, when the good feelings are gone and reality sinks back in, and negative results come from bad decisions, we tend to blame God. Bitterness can get a foothold.

Sexual Flatterer

In relation to the seductress, this downward spiral falls much deeper. It is not merely the loss of things or relationships, but the very destruction of himself.

Proverbs 6:32 He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.

Solomon, the man with umpteen women in his court, describes the downfall and destruction of the seductive woman

Proverbs 7:21 With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him.
Proverbs 7:22 All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast
Proverbs 7:23 till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.

We need to beware the flatterer. He is constantly laying a trap for each of us.

More so, we need to beware the seductress, for the lure is powerful, especially for young men who have not gained the wisdom they need. The danger is only greater as even in the church, it seems to be a danger, with some hunting for the young man, the hapless man that can be ruined.

Beware the seductress. She will destroy you by her smooth words and smooth tongue!
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Conditional Security – Hebrews 10:26-31 – E

2026-08-22
Hebrews 10:26-31

26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Hebrews 10:27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Hebrews 10:29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
Hebrews 10:30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

outraged the Spirit of grace

This last of three actions by the one who has committed the deliberate sin of verse 26 is outraging the Spirit of grace. Some translations speak of insulting, or disdaining the Spirit of grace. With this phrase, the apostle caps off his description of the deliberate sin he is warning us of.

During our discussion of this passage, I have asked myself whether the apostle is speaking of a one time action, a situation in a believers life that might comprise of one sin, one deliberate action that brings about such a terrible outcome. Something that is so heinous, that it would fit into the apostles description above.

My answer seems to be back in verse 26, where the apostle speaks of “deliberate sinning” as an ongoing process in the believers life, something that is a continual attitude/action bringing about the apostacy the apostle is warning us of.

The tense and voice of “sinning” in the Greek is present active, indicating, as the English translation teaches, the continual action of this deliberate sin.

So, my concerns about one sin being enough to take the believer out of the loving care of the Savior’s hands are not valid at all. It is a continual, creeping action/attitude that pulls us from the Lord. It is the same message the apostle has been warning us of since the second chapter.

Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

A drifting. A slow, departure. Death by a thousand cuts, each cut at the time a seeming scratch, but the repeated scratches indicates a downward spiral.

Is this not the very condition we fight against each day, to follow Him in the little things, those things that come to mind but seem insignificant.

Luke 16:10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much…

Therefore, consider those little things we are faced with each day. Speak with grace. Regard others as better than yourself. Honor your parents in thier wisdom. Have patience in trials. Accept reproach to protect others. Show hospitality. Live in harmony with one another.

Need I go on? Each of these actions or attitudes, along with many more, are the witness of the Spirit in our lives, guidance from the Lord that is outside of ourselves. We are naturally bent to avoid the life of self sacrifice, of discipleship, of following the One who gave instead of took.

We are “tookers”, not givers be nature!

So when we come to our last phrase, and the apostle speaks of outraging the Spirit of grace, might he be talking of this general, extended, continual rejection of the Lord in His guidance, of insulting the Spirit of grace by simply ignoring His voice?

Now some may think this to be an extreme position, to be somewhat far fetched. The issue many clamor for is the actual break with the Lord, the point of apostacy.

When does the believer become apostate? Is that important? Is it such that we would be comforted by knowing the specific details and characteristics of the point of departure in order to find some comfort in it?

Story Time

It was decades ago when my brother told me this story. It turns out that during the building of the United States Postal Service, the pony express were hiring men to deliver mail across the mountainous regions of this great land.

In interviews, the USPS would ask applicants of thier driving skills, and as such, one proud driver spoke of his skill to drive within inches of cliffs and precipices with a covered wagon, at speeds that ensured fast and efficient delivery. He spoke of his skills as legendary, and he left the interview sure that he had impressed his future employer.

As he closed the door leaving the interview, little did he know that his resume, and any hope of having a position with the USPS was thrown into the dust bin. For you see, the USPS was looking for surety of delivery, not how close the driver could get to danger and yet avoid it. They would be happy with thier drivers staying away from the edge, staying away from danger!

Is it not very much like us, as we seek to “have our cake and eat it too”? Let us not be of those who outrage the Spirit by ignoring Him, by considering His direction to be of no importance. We have today to hear from Him, even in the “little” things as mentioned above. If we hear and obey the “little” things, – those daily actions and attitudes described in the Word as the believers character, we can enjoy the Lord’s presence in our lives.

There will be no creeping up of any “fearful expectation of judgement” if we stay away from the edge, listening to His Spirit speak!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you would like to receive daily posts from Considering the Bible, click on the “Follow” link below
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Song Squawk – Black Ice

2026-08-21
In the mid nineties, I had a little red Buick and a big ol’ bass box in the trunk, and would listen to “Christian Rock”, cranked to 11.

(What did you say? Huh? Can you say that again, I didn’t hear you….)

I have gotten away from that genre for many reasons, the least of which may be a loss of hearing, but some songs have stuck with me over the decades.

The artist’s I listened to sought to reflect Scriptural teaching for the most part. They ranged from “preaching” pop culture religion to significant theological teaching. As I listened to the lyrics, I found some to be quite challenging.

To be honest, I listened because I could justify the rock beat with “sanctified lyrics”.

Occassionaly I will post a song, supply the lyrics and make a comment or two. If you decide to listen to the tune, turn the speaker down unless you are already deaf. Some of the songs tend to have a certain “volume” about them!

This post will consider Black Ice, by Johnny Q Public. A cute reference to something in life that is “invisible” yet deadly. I connected with this metaphor since I am from the Great White North!

I tripped over these guys and was sad they only put this album out. Production quality was a bit raw, but the talent shines though. A bit of a disturbing question at the end of the song…

Can’t salt of earth melt ice of the world?

Black Ice – by Johnny Q Public

All the time in the world
Freely express yourself
Kids will be kids
Live and let live

Black ice, pretend it’s not there
Black ice, yeah
‘Cause you don’t believe it’s there
Don’t mean it’s not there
It’s there
Saving grace
Living by the golden rule
No church thanks
God, cool by me, yeah
Take a look at yourself
Crashing down
Can’t salt of earth
Melt Ice of the world

Holy men and governments
Even churches can corrupt
Only Jesus saves

Take a listen!

Let me know what you think, eh?

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion

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Life of David – 42.0

2026-08-20
David’s Officials

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

2 Samuel 8:15-18
15 So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people.
16 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder,
17 and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary,
18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David’s sons were priests.

David was a righteous king for his people. It is interesting to me that the author of this portion of Scripture does not provide examples of his rightous acts, but supplies us the structure of his administration.

We are told of the branches of his administation, and those men who he gathered with him that would provide leadership within each department. All would report to David, and David would provide final authority, and specific leadership as required.

What I find challenging is how to translate this information to the church age. As you know I am one who leans to the relational aspect of church, and not so much the administrative requirements that the modern church organization requires to run from week to week.

I suppose if the church organization that we see all around us is that which pleases God, is that which was intended by God, and is the goal of the plan of God, this passage would provide support for the importance of having a hierarchical church structure. I am not convinced the current structure of church life is as such, but that does not make it true. I leave to my reader to understand God’s will for the church in thier world.

For myself, I am of the opinion that God’s church works best when it is simple, relational, small and intimate, where all the saints know all the saints, where relations run deep, and organization of ministry is minimal.

So in my own thinking, how to translate this passage from a monarchical governmental structure to a religious organism of believers is fraught with more questions than answers.

One truth that can be easily culled from this passage is that good men surround themselves with good men. A successfull leader will not depend only on himself, but on the varied talents of those who also seek to be successful. A righteous leader will gather together a righteous team.

One Righteous Man gathered together twelve men together, twelve men so different from each other that it seemed destined to failure. A tax man with a zealot! Think of that. Yet the One who led took bickering, jealous, complaining men and made a group of righteous, caring men out of them. What an incredible feat of unifying men of extreme personalities and attitudes into a focused group whose goal was to obey and love the Messiah.

It is the pattern for each of us, that as we seek to be successful before the Lord, we will seek to be with those of like mind, spurring each other on to good works and a life of faith.

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

It is good to have around us those who stir us up! As we close on this post, think of those in your inner circle that stirs you up to good works, and be thankful for that one.

And if you get a chance, stir someone up to a good work!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

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Names of God – HEAD OF THE CHURCH – 305

2026-08-19
My hope is that this series will offer my readers a chance to consider the names, characteristics and descriptions of our God in the Word.

The remaining Names of God in this series might be considered descriptors, or characteristics of the Lord. We have reviewed the three primary Names of God, along with nineteen compound Names of God in our previous posts. As we venture through these descriptors of our God, I hope we will recognize all the many characteristics of our God that we tend to take for granted.

The Word is truly rich with descriptions of the Living God, and this effort of searching in the Word was quite illuminating. He truly is the ultimate subject of the Word, and His revelation of self-descriptions, or the accolades offered Him by His priests, prophets, kings apostles and faithful truly is a blessing.

May the Name of the Lord be praised, and by thinking on His name, may you have a blessed day.

HEAD OF THE CHURCH

Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

We have considered our Lord as the HEAD OF ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY, HEAD OF EVERY MAN, HEAD OF THE BODY, and for this post, spend a few minutes considering Jesus as the HEAD OF THE CHURCH.

But Carl, are you not merely repeating the same truth we just reviewed, that is Jesus as the HEAD OF THE BODY?

Somewhat, but I am a believer that words have meanings, and for the apostle Paul to use both HEAD OF THE BODY and HEAD OF THE CHURCH as distinct descriptions for the Messiah, I am convinced there must be a nugget of truth to consider. Of course, for our time here, it will only be a nugget, for I will attempt to restrain myself to a short discussion.

For Paul to call the Master the HEAD OF THE CHURCH, is to call Jesus the Master, the Authority of the Ekklēsia.

Let’s remember the core thought of the term church. In Greek, the term is ekklēsia. To be of the ekklēsia is to be of a gathering, an assembly drawn together for a purpose. This gathering, this grouping of people – not a building, but the people – is the ekklēsia. Some ekklēsia (in the general sense of the word) gather for various purposes, but the ekklēsia that Paul describes gathers because Jesus is the HEAD. There is no other reason for a bunch of misfits, strangers, oddballs, lollygaggers and ne’er-do-wells to gather together other than to worship and hear from the Lord Jesus.

Some ekklēsia come together for volunteer work, self help meetings, gossip sessions or complaining contests. If any gathering (ekklēsia) gathers without Jesus firmly set as the HEAD, it is a gathering that has no eternal value, nor of any lasting real benefit for those coming together.

As discussed in HEAD OF EVERY MAN, I lean to the Complementarian view of headship, which states that to be HEAD is to imply authority, leadership, or preeminence. Our passage this morning reinforces this concept as the apostle describes Jesus as the HEAD OF THE CHURCH. Paul is focusing on one truth, a truth that is critical for believers.

Jesus is the HEAD OF THE CHURCH. It might seem super obvious to some, but consider. Jesus is not merely the source of life for all, as He is the Creator of all, but as the Redeemer of the ekklēsia (church), and as the LORD over the church, He has been granted all authority over the church, and by no contest, He is to be considered preeminent in all things, for He in truth is.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

No other person is to be vnereated in the church than Jesus Himself. He is to be the only focus of the true ekklēsia.

My friend as you read this short consideration of the HEAD OF THE CHURCH, and if you attend an ekklēsia that is not focused on the HEAD, consider your ways.

He is the HEAD OF THE CHURCH.

I would love to hear of your favorite name, characteristic or description of the Living God. Please leave me a comment, and I will include it in the list!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.
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Proverbial Thoughts on Flattery – A

2026-08-18
Thoughts on the topic of flattery from the book of wisdom

Flattery

Flattery. I love it. I wager a ton of hundred dollar bills my reader secretly loves it also. Who wouldn’t? To be flattered is to be praised, to be lauded, to appeal to the “greatness” of our self worth. To be flattered reveals that others see me for who I “truly” am, a fellow that is somewhat better than the rest, a fellow that is above average.

Oh ya!

Story time.

It was a few months back I saw a T shirt on a woman at the airport, simply stating “ABOVE AVERAGE” on the front. It occurred to me that I have never seen an advertisement on a human (read T-shirt message) declaring the owner “BELOW AVERAGE”.

We are a culture that loves flattery, even to the point where we self flatter. Yet flattery is a method of the enemy to provide compliments or praise in order to get something, or to find advantage over us. It is the proverbial “wolf in sheeps clothing” in the world of interpersonal relationships. Each instance of praise is to be identified for what it is in the believers life, and if of malicious intent, to be rejected as flattery.

Let’s take a few moments to consider the Word in relation to flattery.

Proverbs 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

In this verse it is a clear, simple and understandable statement that flattery is a trap. There is nothing ambiguous about this statement, yet we all fall victim to this neighbor. How often has a friend or acquaintence used an obviously elevated form of praise prior to asking a favor, or seeking assistance?

Now before we become paranoid over everyone who is nice, kind or positive to us, we need to exercise some discernment in the reception of a general compliment. We generally live in a social order that exhibits kindness to one another. Although that culture may be slipping away, it is a good assumption to accept those we deal with from this standpoint. Some may be overly positive, overly kind, overly “personable”, but even with that personality, flattery may not be the issue. Some folks just love being around people. No malice, no problem.

Flattery includes the element of seeking advantage over someone. At times it takes the form of offering elevated praise or excessive compliments. This form of flattery is obvious, easily detectable and somewhat less of a trap.

The flattery that is nearly undetectable, and therefore of a higher danger is that which just tickles our ego, giving us just a slight boost in our self worth or self estimation. Flattery of this type comes with two considerations.

First off, the praise may be somewhat justifiable, within a range of reality. Therefore if we are walking in truth, this praise may be justifiably accepted. All is good in this situation, with one variable still to be determined.

Is the one offering the flattery hiding a malicious motive?

And there is the rub!

We cannot truly discern motives, but only make judgements on the outcomes, or the actions of those around us. Motives are too deep, too mysterious. Golly, I sometimes struggle understanding my own motives! Good luck figgering out other’s motives.

This is where the wisdom and patience of the Lord is critical. We have One who knows the hearts of men, and can provide warnings, guidance and protection as we ask Him.

Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

As mentioned above, we cannot judge motives, but we can consider the fruits of those who may be flattering us. If those who flatter have a track record of abusing those they flatter, common wisdom should be sufficient as our warning.

We are wise if we consider the past of the one speaking to us. Some questions I ask myself are…
- Is this person one who visits only to get something?
- Is this person one who is known by others as a “user”?
- Is this person of a servant attitude, willing to keep his word, even if it hurts?
- Is this person of a truthful spirit, one who is willing to admit error, and assume responsibility?
Proverbs 28:23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.

You mean to tell me that if I say something nice to Johnny, making him feel good about himself, I will be favored less than if I rebuke Johnny of a sinful act, or reveal a need in his life.

I will tell you point blank, that is not my immediate experience. I usually walk away feeling pretty beat up after providing a rebuke. Even if it goes well!

Yet the wisdom of Solomon considers long term benefits, a believers adherence to truth in our lives, and the consideration of the good of others, and not simply our comfort in life.

Do you have a flatterer in you life? Understand the person, be aware of the lure praise has on your own heart, and ask the Lord for wisdom in any interactions.

But the bad news doesn’t stop there!

There is a certain type of flatterer that is worse, even deadly. Next post. lets consider the “worst of the worst” flatterer.
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Pay for Pew – Numbers 18:26

2026-08-17
As believers, we are called by God to follow after Jesus in all our actions and attitudes. How we relate to money in included in our following after Him.

As mentioned in my introduction to this series, my family and I have been impacted a number of times in our church attendance by what appears to be the pull of money on church leadership. During our Christian pilgrimage, a number of churches, through thier leadership, have made decisions that directly impacted our status within the body of believers.

Some of these instances provided us reason to dig into the Word, to find correction in our own personal relationship to money, to try to understand the wisdom of a church leader’s decision, and in the end to apply God’s will for our own finances.

Little did we know the tremendously corrosive power the love of money has over our own hearts, and by extrapolation, the church as a whole. This should not surprise the believer for Paul provided a harsh truth on this topic.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Alternately, the writer of Hebrews also provided no better command, (and for some believer’s no harder command) than found in Hebrews 13.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Many of our experiences have included the topic of tithing in the church. Personally, our denominational background considers tithing to be Biblically mandated on the New Testament believer. I understand many denominations consider tithing to be an important commmittment of the believers relationship to the church body.

Let’s take a look at this topic, and consider each passage that contains a reference to tithing.

This post will consider Numbers 18:26

Numbers 18:26 – “Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the LORD, a tithe of the tithe.

We have been dwelling in the 18th chapter of Numbers for the last three posts in this series, and there will be one more verse to consider next time. It is important to remember that this chapter in Numbers defines the duties of the Levites and priests. Throughout the chapter, Moses dwells on the tasks or commands given to the Levites

This verse follows the chapter theme.

Consider our first verse in Chapter 18, in that Moses directed the Levites to provide service in response to the inheritance of the tithe. The verse specifically defined the recipients of the tithe.

Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,

Consider the second verse in our chapter, in that Moses provided a restriction on the Levites that is coincidental with the provision of tithes for the Levites. No land!

Numbers 18:24 – For the tithe of the people of Israel, which they present as a contribution to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no inheritance among the people of Israel.”

Now, in our verse this morning, we find Moses speaking of the requirement of the Levites to join in on giving of the tithe. The Levites were not exempt from the general principle of tithing, even though it was the source of thier sustenance.

This verse provides the modern reader some focus on the purpose of the tithe. Though the tithe was the source of the Levites sustenance, it seems that was only a secondary, utilitarian purpose. The greater purpose is for entire people of God to present a contribution to the Lord.

All were to contribute to the Lord. There was not to be an “us/them” attitude in the nation, where some Levites might consider themselves special, better, even the elite of the nation. All were to give contributions, and none were exempt of this obligation.

Moses makes it abundantly clear. A tithe of a tithe. A tenth of a tenth. To the Lord! A portion of goods that has been dedicated to God twice over, and this command unifies the nation in giving back to God.

It would be incredibly comfortable for the Levites, if they had not be commanded this command, to become inflated in thier self appraisal, that they were better than the layman, the average worker bee in the nation that toiled and labored days on end. The Levite might think they were the special people of God amongst the “ordinary” people of God. A class of people that would be separate from their fellow Israelites, since they were the recipients of sustenance from the general population.

The net result of this percieved higher class of Israelites would be the creation of a hierarchical structure within the nation. A social structure that would be sustained by the average worker bee Israelite, further creating a percieved upper class of God’s people. This would naturally impact the Levites ability to be approachable, to maintain a servant spirit, to be one of the nation as opposed to those above the nation.

And yet, even with this equalizing command of the Lord to tithe as all the Israelites, the priesthood often fell into an attitude of superiority, of being unapproachable and of a higher class, looking down on the average Israelite.

It is this “upper class” of Israelite that plotted against the Lord, concieving a plan to destroy the Messiah. Things became horribly twisted within the priesthood by the time the Master walked this earth. Though the Pharisees tithed of his herbs, they had abandoned the justice and the love of God.

Luke 11:42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

To do justice and to love God neccesitates being with the people to be served, not over them. Though the Levites were called to provide specific services for the people of God to the God of Israel, this was not to create a special order of people, even a professional office of Levite or Priest.

Even to this day, this hierarchical tendency within the Body of Christ is a temptation, even by the very people of God that would be “ruled” over. For some reason, the average Christian may consider the professional Christian, (sometimes known as clergy), to be of a separate class, a group can demand payment for services, and that is sometimes incredibly rewarded with great wealth simply by claiming a special status before God.

Our passage this morning may have appeared to simply address tithing to be enjoined by all within the people of God, the passage speaks of the establishment of one people of God, all giving a contribution to the Lord, avoiding the creation of a special people over the ordinary.

What think thee? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thanks for joining and Considering The Bible with me. Your thoughts are always welcome, and I look forward to hearing of the faithfulness of God in your lives.
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Jesus in the Old Testament – Daniel – 15

2026-08-16
Jesus in the Old Testament is a series of posts that will offer my readers a chance to consider pictures or shadows of Jesus in the Old Testament. As mentioned in the introduction to this series, some may be obvious, some may be not so obvious, and some may simply be a facet of the Lord those reading may not have considered previously.

I hope as we venture through this series, we will see the Lord in many wonderful pictures throughout the Old Testament.

SEEING JESUS IN

Daniel

Justice PrevaIls

Daniel 6:24 – And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.

1 Timothy 3:16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

It seems to be a fair observation that both Daniel and Jesus suffered unjustly. Although Daniel was entrapped by an unjust law system, and Jesus entered freely into our existence under a law system that would require His death, both men were righteous men, and both ended up under a law that condemned them to death.

For Daniel, his time of trial, of being thrown to the lions, was an extended period of the mercy of God in the shutting of the lions mouths. After one night, the king had the faith to actually visit the den of lions where Daniel was last seen, and to call out to him. That act alone is a testament to the life of Daniel, in that a pagan king might call out the name of Daniel even though he had been with lions all night.

As the king in awe and wonder, witnessed Daniel pulled from the lions den, an opposite reaction occurred in his mind.

Justice for Daniel would be exacted. A vindication of Daniel’s righteous cause by the judgement of the wicked men who put him there. Let all those who planned this treachery suffer the same they intended for Daniel. The lions were satisfied this time, feeding on the wise men.

Daniel was vindicated, not only in the miracle of God in his time with hungry lions, but also in the decision of the king in his taking vengeance on those who tricked him and condemned his closest servant. Daniel’s vindication seemed complete.

In a manner of speaking, Daniel’s vindication was complete, yet it wasn’t near as incredible as the vindication the Lord Jesus experienced. He was raised from the dead, not merely raised from a potential death. He was raised out of the grave to a new life, not merely raised from a dangerous situation to continue a previous life.

Jesus was vindicated in His resurrection, God the Father declaring Him to be the Son of God in power.

Romans 1:4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

No – Jesus was vindicated in His resurrection, God the Father declaring Him to be the Savior of all mankind.

1 Timothy 4:10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

Jesus was vindicated in His resurrection, God the Father exalting Him to the right hand of God, with the resultant pouring out of the Spirit as a witness.

Acts 2:33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.

Jesus was completely vindicated.

He is the King of Kings, without peer or competitor. No man has ever been vindicated in such a glorious manner as the God man Jesus.

He is the One who is totallt vindicated, and in His vindication has provided forgiveness to those who made Him suffer, eventually killing Him.

Daniels vindication resulted in the death of his enemies. Consider how much greater the Suffering Servants vindication is in that He seeks and saves those who persecuted and killed Him.

He is so much better!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.
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Names of God – HEAD OF THE BODY – 304

2026-08-15
My hope is that this series will offer my readers a chance to consider the names, characteristics and descriptions of our God in the Word.

The remaining Names of God in this series might be considered descriptors, or characteristics of the Lord. We have reviewed the three primary Names of God, along with nineteen compound Names of God in our previous posts. As we venture through these descriptors of our God, I hope we will recognize all the many characteristics of our God that we tend to take for granted.

The Word is truly rich with descriptions of the Living God, and this effort of searching in the Word was quite illuminating. He truly is the ultimate subject of the Word, and His revelation of self-descriptions, or the accolades offered Him by His priests, prophets, kings apostles and faithful truly is a blessing.

May the Name of the Lord be praised, and by thinking on His name, may you have a blessed day.

HEAD OF THE BODY

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

We spoke of the significance of the term “head” in an earlier post, and of alternate ways of understanding the word. For a refresher, or if interested in the findings, see Names of God – HEAD OF EVERY MAN.

As discussed earlier in the previous post, I am of the complimentarian camp – see my post for explanation – and the definition discussed in that post that complies with the complimentarian point of view is that kephalḗ (the greek word for head) implies authority, leadership, or preeminence.

This perfectly fits our context in Colossians and provides support for the view discussed earlier. But that was then, and our post this morning is about the Head of the Body, the Risen Christ.

In using this metaphor, Paul provided truths that are abundant for the believer to consider. As the Head of the Body, Jesus is

The DIRECTOR OF LIFE

Many times I default to the position that the heart of the physical body is that which provides life, but is it not more accurate to think that the head, specifically the brain, (or even more specifically, the mind), is the source of life. The mind is the “machine” that directs actions to and from each component of the body, controls movements of the body separately and in relation to each organ, limb and complex system, manages and minimized damages to the body, directing healing to areas in need and supports the complete functioning of the body in unison with each part.

I think this metaphor is perty dang good when we take a few moments to consider the Lord as the Head of the Body, His church.

The Center of Vision

My physical head contains two eyes, complex organs that accepts light, interprets vision, discerns objects and obstacles, provides primary information for the body and reveals the life that exists in the Body. Though many suffer the loss of sight, for the Church of Christ, our Head has perfect vision and He has no weakness in providing clear direction and goals, through His vision for the Church.

I think this metaphor is perty dang good when we take a few moments to consider the Lord as the Head of the Body, His church.

The Mystery of Sences

Though the Lord is invisible to our earthly sight, He provides us the Spirit Who impresses our senses, speaks to our hearts, directs the mind of the church, (and of it’s individual saints) and protects the Body as we venture through this dangerous world. He deals with the mystery of life without any difficulty, and is in control of His Church, through His directing us via Word and prayer.

I think this metaphor is perty dang good when we take a few moments to consider the Lord as the Head of the Body, His church.

He is truly the HEAD OF THE BODY. It is amazing that Paul called Him who is over all of creation as the Head of the the Body, the Church, after speaking of His preeminence over all created things

Colossians 1:16, 17 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

It is as if to be the Head of the Body was the cap stone of achievement for the Crucified One. May His name be praised, even as we recognize Him as the Head!

I would love to hear of your favorite name, characteristic or description of the Living God. Please leave me a comment, and I will include it in the list!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.
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Let Me Tell You a Story – Mercy

2026-08-14
I got an ol’ friend that I have been having discussions and fellowship with the Lord, and always enjoyed my visits with him.

But when I say I got “an ol’ friend”, I don’t want to give the impression I’ve known him all my life. No no no. When I say he is “an ol’ friend” I mean he is really really old. The ol’ coot is 85 days old, but acts like he is only 55. He has a long flowing white hair, sun tanned face and rides a three wheeled motorcycle.

Well I reached out to him for lunch recently, and I was glad he was able to spend some time with me. He spoke of his plans of moving to Hawaii, to the island of Kona, to living his last days there with his son who would follow him later on.

He is a great ol’ friend, but we usually end up in a spirited discussion on the goodness of God, or some topic that we “sharpen each other” with. It is always a mind bender!

This time, he had it in his craw that mercy was expressed at the cross for all believers, and that it was “dished out” once and for all, to all. According to Jerry’s position, mercy is not a component of God’s interaction with the saints on an ongoing basis, but was provided in a “lump sum” payment for the church at the Saviors death.

Interesting concept, and at first it appeared to have some value, but as my thoughts travelled around my skull, two items came to mind

My experience.

In my walk with Him, I have found that I have tripped, fallen and disobeyed to the point where my appropriate discipline, per my mind, was much greater than the mercy of the Lord in my life.

I spoke of the principle that Paul taught the Galatians, where he reiterated the concept of sowing and reaping in relation to general life decisions, and specifically on our decision to submit to the Spirit!

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

It is as if Paul had to correct the Galatians in their understanding of grace in their lives, that in the midst of a salvation based in grace, there are dangers if we depart from the way of the Lord.

Justice is a factor in our lives. Bad decisions bring about bad results, and yet I cannot emphasize enough that the Lord has treated my kindly, mercifully, even in the disciplinary teaching He has exercised on my soul.

Scripture

My second thought was the continual barrage of verses that seemed to scream in my head teaching of the ever present mercy of the Lord towards His people

Lamentations 3:22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

Does Jeremiah really mean forever? Continually experiencing the mercy of the Lord? I tend to find in my heart that this truth is meant for each believer.

Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.

Even when under the disciplinary hand of the Lord, as He is teaching hard lessons, Habakkuk spoke of the Lord’s mercy. This particular verse is very precious to me as I enter difficult times, for I know the Lord is acting as a Father to me, not as a vindictive judge looking to punish.

Yes, but all of that is Old Testament truth Carl, and we are New Testament Christians. I knew the argument and a couple more verse came to mind before he could bring it up.

1 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ok Carl, good point, but those verses are provided for preachers specifically, and we know they need mercy given the people they have to deal with!

Yet the truth stands that mercy is a very present and active gift of the Lord’s acts towards those who approach Him, to those who look to Him for guidance strength and wisdom. For every believer, my ol’ friend has access to the ever present quality of the mercy of the Lord in times of need.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

No matter what our discussions center around, we always leave each others presence with a heart of thankfulness for each other – well – at least in my heart towards him. You know, even in the middle of this discussion, I found myself wondering how I may exercise mercy towards my ol’ friend, for as I considered the mercy of God, I sensed the Lord was looking for an opportunity to show His mighty mercy to each of us!

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion

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Prayers of an ol’ fool – A Guidance Counsellor

2026-08-13
Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

As many who follow may know, I have had the privilege to know the Lord for over 40 years. During those decades, He has proved Himself to be a faithful, kind and loving Savior. And as I have learned to lean on Jesus, He has shown Himself to be a merciful Savior, never wavering, even in some very dark times.

This topical series will try to provide a snapshot of an ol’ fools prayers, the weakness and selfishness of his prayers, and the ever increasing goodness of God in His responses the those prayers.

I hope my witness to the goodness and faithfulness of God will be an encouragement to those reading, and will spur us all on to a deeper, more consistent time of being in the Lord’s presence.

Please visit with me as I tell the story of a faithful God and His care for an ol’ fool. Though David considered himself a poor man, I freely admit, I am just an “ol’ fool” looking to the Lord.

A Guidance Counsellor

My wife and I, along with our children had promised two years of voluntary service at the church in Rouyn Noranda, working amongst the french, learning the language, teaching on Sundays and trying to evangelise on Tuesday nights. But our time with the church was coming to a close, and my wife and I decided it best to venture off into the secular world, taking some training to land a better employment situation for the breadwinner. After all, our boys were beginning to eat eat eat. (See my post Prayers of an ol’ fool – Convictions for a few additional details if interested)

The nearest school to provide training was Northern College, and my hour long trip to visit with the guidance counsellor was unanounced and somewhat spontaneous. I needed a vehicle to get there and was able to borrow one at the last minute!

Nevertheless, as we prayed for guidance in our next step of life, little did we know some of the orchestration going on behind the curtains.

But first, I need to remind those who have followed for awhile that I have 80% of an Architectural Diploma, having left the program years earlier due to a sudden drop in bad habits like drinking and drugs. I had just become a believer, and the alcohol and drugs had no hold on me, and therefore the Architectural program became less appealing to me.

But we prayed, and off I went to Northern College to visit with the guidance counsellor. Parking the car, I mossied up to the front of the school and entered the guidance office, just as a super friendly guidance counsellor was coming out of his office.

His name was Don Dekker, and a friendlier guidance counsellor I have never met. We chatted as we walked down the hallway, discussing my past schooling, my current affairs and situation, and eventually ended up in the Civil Department of the College. Seemed funny, but he invited me into a little office across the hallway from a General Civil classroom.

We must have chatted for an hour, and I was feeling pretty good about this situation, when all of a sudden he suggested I register for the civil program.

“What about other programs Don?”

“On no, you are suited for Civil Carl.”

It somehow felt right, and my architiectural credits would provide me an advantage in getting through the course. I signed up, got my funding in order, and started in September.

Funny thing though, for the first class I entered on my first day, there was Don, with chalk in hand, talking to the class. It turns out Don was no guidance counsellor. No – he was the Dean of Civil, and that man did everything he could to help me though a three year course in under two years.

He took me on civil investigation work that he did on the side, and knowing our financial plight, (and the fact my boys ate ate ate), shoved the pay to me in an envelope. At graduation, he encouraged me to consider furthering my studies and becoming a professional engineer, which I eventually did 6 years later.

Don Dekker was a man the Lord used to provide direction, provision and encouragement to a fellow that was in the midst of a substantial life change. He is a good man, and if for some reason Don trips over this post, let it be known he was instrumental in providing a tremendous blessing to this family.

Thank you Don, and thank you Lord for guiding me to a great guidance counsellor!

Thanks for joining and Considering The Bible with me. Your thoughts are always welcome, and I look forward to hearing of the faithfulness of God in your lives.
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Song Squawk – Be Thou My Vision

2026-08-12
In the mid nineties, I had a little red Buick and a big ol’ bass box in the trunk, and would listen to “Christian Rock”, cranked to 11.

(What did you say? Huh? Can you say that again, I didn’t hear you….)

I have gotten away from that genre for many reasons, the least of which may be a loss of hearing, but some songs have stuck with me over the decades.

The artist’s I listened to sought to reflect Scriptural teaching for the most part. They ranged from “preaching” pop culture religion to significant theological teaching. As I listened to the lyrics, I found some to be quite challenging.

To be honest, I listened because I could justify the rock beat with “sanctified lyrics”.

Occassionaly I will post a song, supply the lyrics and make a comment or two. If you decide to listen to the tune, turn the speaker down unless you are already deaf. Some of the songs tend to have a certain “volume” about them!

This post will consider Be Thou My Vision, sung by Van Morrison.

This is a bit of a departure from the regular theme of this series, as I didn’t find Van Morrison’s compilation of songs during my days with the big box in the back of the old Buick. But as I reviewed some of my old songs, this one just felt right to provide for my readers.

Be Thou My Vision – by Van Morrison

Be Thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart
Nought be all else to me, save that Thy art
Thou my best thought in the day and the night
Waking or sleeping, Thou presence my light

Be Thou my wisdom, be Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me Lord
Thou my great Father and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one

Be Thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight
Be Thou my armour and be Thou my might
Thou my soul shelter and Thy my high tower
Raise Thou me heavenwards, oh power of my power

Riches I need not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance through all of my days
Thou and Thou only though first in my heart
High king of heaven and my treasure Thou art

Oh, high king of heaven, when battle is done
Grant heaven’s joy to me, bright heaven sun
Christ of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, though ruler of all

Da da da da da, da da da da da
Da da da da da da, da da da da da
Da da da da da, da da da da da
Da da da da da, da da da da da
Da da da da da, da da da da da
Da da da da da da, da da da da da
Da da da da da, da da da da da
Da da da da da, da da da da da

Take a listen!

Let me know what you think of Van Morrison’s treatment of this classic hymn!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion

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Pay for Pew – Numbers 18:24

2026-08-11
As believers, we are called by God to follow after Jesus in all our actions and attitudes. How we relate to money in included in our following after Him.

As mentioned in my introduction to this series, my family and I have been impacted a number of times in our church attendance by what appears to be the pull of money on church leadership. During our Christian pilgrimage, a number of churches, through thier leadership, have made decisions that directly impacted our status within the body of believers.

Some of these instances provided us reason to dig into the Word, to find correction in our own personal relationship to money, to try to understand the wisdom of a church leader’s decision, and in the end to apply God’s will for our own finances.

Little did we know the tremendously corrosive power the love of money has over our own hearts, and by extrapolation, the church as a whole. This should not surprise the believer for Paul provided a harsh truth on this topic.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Alternately, the writer of Hebrews also provided no better command, (and for some believer’s no harder command) than found in Hebrews 13.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Many of our experiences have included the topic of tithing in the church. Personally, our denominational background considers tithing to be Biblically mandated on the New Testament believer. I understand many denominations consider tithing to be an important commmittment of the believers relationship to the church body.

Let’s take a look at this topic, and consider each passage that contains a reference to tithing.

This post will consider Numbers 18:24

Numbers 18:24 – For the tithe of the people of Israel, which they present as a contribution to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no inheritance among the people of Israel.”

Many in the tithing community dwell on this verse for it provides critical information to support their cause. It was just a few days ago, I listened to a preacher, advocating tithing through a clear exegetical dissertation on our verse above.

If this rings true for my reader, I have a bridge in Connecticut that I am selling. Taking all offers!

Our passage this morning is not a strong verse for those who advocate tithing. As a matter of fact, I believe this passage is one that is conveniently avoided, for if the tithe is an ongoing command of God, this verse tacks on another command that might not be so appealing.

In our previous post on Leviticus 18:21, we spoke of the necessity of any man receiving tithes as to his requirement of proving his Levitical bloodline. Moses repeats this requirement in our passage this morning, adding that though the tithe was presented to the LORD, the Levites received the tithe directly from the hand of God. With one caveat, one condition or limitation.

In our passage this morning, the topic of tithing began in verse 20, with the LORD informing Aaron regarding the Levitical inheritance, and a restriction.

Numbers 18:20 And the LORD said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel.

The one receiving the tithe was to have no earthly inheritance in the land. No land! No portion amongst their brothers in the nation. The portion for the Levite was the LORD GOD Himself.

Given this truth, may I ask if those teaching tithing will be obedient to this principle. Will those who receive the tithe, be satisfied with the LORD GOD alone, rejecting any participation in acquiring or holding a “portion” or “land” as they serve?

We need to understand that there are many small church pastors that are suffering in their financials in order to serve the living God. To them I want to provide encouragement and hope. May the Lord continue to provide for you directly by His hand.

But let us not be deceived. Some receiving the tithe are not rejecting this ownership of land or portion, but are completely dedicated to adding to their portions and land acquisition, filling their earthly coffers. These are men and women that have abandoned any fidelity to the Word in relation to their support, and are running headlong into destruction.

Numbers 18:24 gives us the restrictions the Levitical priest were to abide by in the receiving of the tithe.

For those who adhere to the tithing teaching, consider the requirements and the restrictions of those who received tithes in the old economy.

As New Testament believers, we are in a much much better state of affairs with the Living God. Of course, if you consider going back to prison a positive step forward in our walk with the Christ, you may want to read the book of Galations!

Galatians 3:23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.

My brother and sister in the Lord, consider the original purpose and use of the tithe. The intended recipients of the tithe. Can we honestly associate this law based support for a special bloodline of Israel with the grace based life we have in Christ?

Thanks for joining and Considering The Bible with me. Your thoughts are always welcome, and I look forward to hearing of the faithfulness of God in your lives
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Names of God – HEAD OF EVERY MAN – 303

2026-08-10
My hope is that this series will offer my readers a chance to consider the names, characteristics and descriptions of our God in the Word.

The remaining Names of God in this series might be considered descriptors, or characteristics of the Lord. We have reviewed the three primary Names of God, along with nineteen compound Names of God in our previous posts. As we venture through these descriptors of our God, I hope we will recognize all the many characteristics of our God that we tend to take for granted.

The Word is truly rich with descriptions of the Living God, and this effort of searching in the Word was quite illuminating. He truly is the ultimate subject of the Word, and His revelation of self-descriptions, or the accolades offered Him by His priests, prophets, kings apostles and faithful truly is a blessing.

May the Name of the Lord be praised, and by thinking on His name, may you have a blessed day.

HEAD OF EVERY MAN

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

We are entering a topic that has become a hot topic for the last half century in the church. We will be thinking about headship in this verse, and I want to confess I have been influenced by conservative churches as to what headship means.

One church we were associated with was an open brethren, which allowed no women to speak in the service, with the women wearing head coverings, showing submission to the husband as per 1 Corinthians 11.

During our time there we enjoyed great times of fellowship and made wonderful friends, but we never “made it “converted” to the head covering practice. As a matter of fact, one of the elder’s wives, (who publicly wore a head covering to show her submission to her husband) told her husband, the elder of the church to come talk to my wife about this “sin”. I was not in the discussion at all! He visited my wife, and when I got home that night from work, I questioned even more the reason for the doilies on wives “of submission”. Too much to discuss in this post, but do you see any problem here?

Two views are raging in the church regarding the teaching of headship. A brief review may be of help.

Complementarian

In 1 Corinthians 11:3 and Ephesians 5:23, kephalḗ implies authority, leadership, or preeminence. Some may assign an inequality in the husband / wife partnership when this view is considered but I fear they may think different positions in life equal different values before God. This is preposterous in my mind. Each of us have our talents and calling, and each of us are equal before God, with the value of the blood of Christ assigned to each sinner!

Egalitarian

Using Genesis 2, the egalitarian (equal) view leans into the meaning of kephalḗ as source, origin, or progenitor. It is as the husband is the “source” of the wife, and not her ruler.

I have noticed that this view seems to be gaining steam in the last half century, coincidentally with the rise of feminism. Coincidence, or simply the revelation of truth completely apart from the massive cultural shift we have all experienced? I will leave that to my reader.

Nevertheless, I will admit this view has not made sense to me, since the argument might be made that if the man is the source of the woman, he has the right of ownership, or can at least claim management over her. This also is preposterous, so I must be understanding the egalitarian view incorrectly.

One other claim by the egalitarian view is to equate the head of a family to a “boss”. This is bringing the worlds view of business management into the Lord’s institution of a godly family. Of course this is preposterous. To be the head of a family is to mimic the Savior (who is our Head) in leadership servanthood, dying for others within the family, and showing concern and loving care for those in the family instead of himself.

To be the “boss” in the family is a distortion of the headship teaching, for our great example and Savior, the HEAD OF EVERY MAN, is the suffering Savior, the meek and gentle One who has all authority over heaven and earth.

I would love to hear of your favorite name, characteristic or description of the Living God. Please leave me a comment, and I will include it in the list!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.
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1 Thessalonian Bits – 4:15

2026-08-09
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.

As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

Paul continues with his pastoral treatment of the return of the Lord, counselling a church body that has some erroneous thoughts on the topic. It seems that some of the believers may have thought that those who passed away, or better said, had fallen asleep, were in some way at a disadvantage to the living believers. Paul addresses this topic in verse 13.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

Now given that resurrection was the expectation of believers, the grieving referred to in verse 13 to couldn’t speak to the resurrection, for Paul compares them with those who have no hope.

But Paul brings up the topic of grief. Why?

Verse 15 may give us a clue, for Paul introduces the concept of timing. Specifically the timing of events upon the coming of the Lord for both the living and the sleeping saint. Could some of the Thessalonian saints be thinking that those who have fallen asleep without experiencing the coming of the Lord, with the transformation of earthly body to resurrected body occurring, be at some disadvantage? After all, those who had fallen asleep were in the grave, even decomposing. It seems to be a delay that is causing some to be discouraged, for later on Paul instructs them to encourage one another by the truth he is revealing to them.

Paul speaks of those who have fallen asleep as those who will experience the transformation first, for he instructs those still alive as not being transformed/resurrected before those in the grave. Paul will address some specifics in the next verse, but from our verse this morning, he is laying down a truth about timing. The dead in Christ will rise first.

But Paul – When you speak of those asleep rising first, are the living saints now at a disadvantage. Could the dead in Christ have the advantage, and should the Thessalonians transition their emotion from grief to jealousy?

Stay tuned, for Paul proceeds in the next verse to explain in a positive message the connection the living have with those asleep. This verse provides a truth that we shall not precede those who are asleep. Our next verse will tie it all together, helping those who are alive understand the unity of the body, and the purpose of God in the Messiah’s return for His church.
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Conditional Security – Hebrews 10:26-31 – D

2026-08-08
Hebrews 10:26-31

26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Hebrews 10:27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Hebrews 10:29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
Hebrews 10:30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified,

Who is the subject of this phrase in the middle of this verse? This is the common question that seems to be the lynchpin of this passage. It all centers around the identification of who “he” that was sanctified is.

There are three possibilities to consider.

A Professor

The passage is describing the person who has joined the church out of curiosity, one who has not become a true believer but has joined the group externally through actions and rule keeping, not internally, by faith and love.

This identification hinges on other passages outside of the book of Hebrews, where a person is considered “sanctified” but is obviously a non-believer.

A popular example is in 2 Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 7:13-14 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy (sanctified) because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy (sanctified) because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy (sanctified).

This passage in 1 Corinthians raises a number of questions in my mind, but since we are in Hebrews this morning, I will leave this passage for my reader to consider on their own.

A Possessor

The passage is describing the person who has joined the body out of a repentance of sin, of acknowledging the person of Jesus as the expected Messiah, and is living as an organic member of the congregation.

I suppose identifying the one “sanctified” as a true believer finds support in the passage itself, with the author including himself in the audience, when he offers the phrase “If we sin willfully..”

Also, within the book of Hebrews, we find the author repeatedly referring to believers as sanctified.

Hebrews 2:11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,
Hebrews 10:10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Hebrews 13:12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.

The Christ

Both of the previous identifications take the “he” as being a member (in some way) of the church. There is the possibility the One who was sanctified by the blood was the Christ Himself.

Consider the Messiah sanctified Himself for the purpose of our sanctification.

John 17:19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

It is also interesting that of these three phrases regarding willful sinning, this is the only one that has an additional description attached to the action of sin.
- One who has trampled underfoot the Son of God,
- One who has profaned the blood of the covenant
  - by which he was sanctified,
- One who has outraged the Spirit of grace?
However my reader considers this passage, it does leave us with questions that may never be answered. It may be wise to hold to our understanding of this passage with velvet gloves, showing grace to those who understand differently.

Yet I cannot esccape the fact that it is one of five warning passages we find in the book. When we consider the book is focused on the believers estimation of the Christ, their faith in His work, and the continuance of their faith in Him, it is difficult to image the author directs his argument to those who are unbelievers.

For this post, let us focus on the action we are being warned about. To profane the blood of the covenant.

The word profane is the Greek word κοινός koinós, and is often translated as common, as something that belongs to all.

Acts 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
Acts 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

Notice that κοινός koinós (common) is sometimes coupled with the idea of uncleanness, implying that to be common is not necessarily to be unclean.

Acts 10:14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”
Acts 10:28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.
Acts 11:8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’

Ok, so to be profane is to imply ordinary, of no special ownership or use. It is something that is available to all, or in other words, associated with nothing that is outstanding, specific, or particular. Ok – so profane or common is “nothing special” in my vernacular.

What about holy? Usually profane and holy are considered opposites, and rightly so, but why? As a young believer, I automatically assumed holy meant sinless, and it certainly includes that concept, but there is more to the term. A principle definition of holy is to be separate. God is separate from sinners, separate from creation, separate from everything. He is holy, and because He is holy, He is different.

Now to drag He who is completely separate into the common is an afront to Him, is it not? To consider He who is apart from everything, apart from every created thing, as “one of the common, of no special category or class” is surely an insult of the highest degree.

He is not “nothing special”.

The Holy One entered a sinful world, resisting every temptation, was tortured for His identity, and finally shed His blood, blood that no other man shared in.

But let’s remember that the profanity in this verse is associated with the blood, the holy (separate) blood of the covenant.

My friend, how special is that blood, the blood that the Holy One shed. To consider it common is surely, without a doubt, an afront of the highest degree to the One who is Holy..

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you would like to receive daily posts from Considering the Bible, click on the “Follow” link below
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Names of God – HEAD OF ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY – 302

2026-08-07
My hope is that this series will offer my readers a chance to consider the names, characteristics and descriptions of our God in the Word.

The remaining Names of God in this series might be considered descriptors, or characteristics of the Lord. We have reviewed the three primary Names of God, along with nineteen compound Names of God in our previous posts. As we venture through these descriptors of our God, I hope we will recognize all the many characteristics of our God that we tend to take for granted.

The Word is truly rich with descriptions of the Living God, and this effort of searching in the Word was quite illuminating. He truly is the ultimate subject of the Word, and His revelation of self-descriptions, or the accolades offered Him by His priests, prophets, kings apostles and faithful truly is a blessing.

May the Name of the Lord be praised, and by thinking on His name, may you have a blessed day.

HEAD OF ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY

Colossians 2:10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

As I quickly read what Paul claims here, I have not been too discriminating. I have read this verse for decades (not continuously, mind you) but as I go through the book of Colossians, I usually breeze by this verse without asking any questions.

Today, I’m a gonna ask questions!

What is the difference between rule and authority? Is there a difference? What is Paul talking ’bout?

Paul uses these two descriptions earlier on in this epistle, when he pens Colossians 1:16.

Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

So let’s do a quick review of these two terms.

Rule

The Greek word is ἀρχή archḗ, and is commonly used in an absolute sence, speaking of beginnings. This term is used in reference to the Lord Jesus throughout the New Testament, for He is the ultimate First Person.

Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

But in our verse this morning, the application cannot be referring to Him, as Paul declares Jesus is over this “archḗ”.

Paul is referring to a leader, one who is first in his class or category. It goes without saying that since Jesus is over this one described as “archḗ”, He is over all of the “archḗ’s” minions and subjects.

Paul describes both rulers and authorities as created in verse 16, we can suppose these are spiritual beings. Of course this verse alone does not identify them as wicked, and it may be a disservice to the verse to restrict these as wicked. Is not the Lord the Master of All?

Relating to His dominion over wicked spirits, we would refer to Ephesians to get that clarity. Paul provides no doubt that is in his thoughts as he uses these two terms relating to the enemies of our soul in Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

In summary, Jesus is over rulers, those created beings that are first in their class or category, those who rule over others, even the highest rulers, whoever they may be, in this created world we live in.

Authority

The Greek word is ἐξουσία exousía, and speaks of power, the ability or liberty to do as one pleases. This word is used often in the New Testament, many times relating to the power or authority of the Lord Jesus.

Take a gander at a great example.

Matthew 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–he then said to the paralytic–“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

Every time I read this verse, it gives me a chill to think the Lord told those around him, including those hunting Him down, that he had the power, the freedom to forgive sins! Unbelievable! No wonder the darkened mind of those around Him were shocked. He is simply a shocking Savior!

Back in our verse in Colossians, this term speaks of the power resident in those whom Jesus is over. Those that are created, the “archḗ” (rulers) down through the ranks, have a delegated power, a freedom to inflict their will on those they are allowed to harm.

Our Savior is HEAD OF ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY. He is over each and every created being, no matter where that created being sits in the hierarchy. He exercises limitations to the delegated power each of those created beings are allowed to exercise. Paul speaks of Jesus being over the created beings and over their delegated power.

He is the HEAD, or MASTER of all. Given that, it should be no surprise that He could say He had the authority to forgive sins on earth.

That one incident is still so shocking though. But it shouldn’t be since our Savior is HEAD OF ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY.

I would love to hear of your favorite name, characteristic or description of the Living God. Please leave me a comment, and I will include it in the list!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.
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Song Squawk – Attack Of The Pulpit Masters

2026-08-06
In the mid nineties, I had a little red Buick and a big ol’ bass box in the trunk, and would listen to “Christian Rock”, cranked to 11.

(What did you say? Huh? Can you say that again, I didn’t hear you….)

I have gotten away from that genre for many reasons, the least of which may be a loss of hearing, but some songs have stuck with me over the decades.

The artist’s I listened to sought to reflect Scriptural teaching for the most part. They ranged from “preaching” pop culture religion to significant theological teaching. As I listened to the lyrics, I found some to be quite challenging.

To be honest, I listened because I could justify the rock beat with “sanctified lyrics”.

Occassionaly I will post a song, supply the lyrics and make a comment or two. If you decide to listen to the tune, turn the speaker down unless you are already deaf. Some of the songs tend to have a certain “volume” about them!

This post will consider Attack Of The Pulpit Masters. I haven’t listened to these guys for years and when I saw the title of the song, I took another listen. An interesting topic to consider!

Attack Of The Pulpit Masters – by The Swirling Eddies

Attack of the pulpit masters
They’re coming again
Look out! Look out! Look out! Look out!
They are coming again
Oh no!
We’re swooning
Swooning!
Whoa nelly!
We’re swooning again!

Moneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoney

Attack of the pulpit masters
They’re marching over the land
Well, we all need Jesus
Not these clowns again
But oh no, here we go!
We’re swooning!
Swooning!
Whoa nelly!
We’re swooning again!

Moneyministrymoneyministrysatellitesmoneyministrymoneyforsatellitesmoneyministrymanymoneymanymoremoneyweneedmoneymoneyministry

We’re swooning
We’re spinning
A swirling eddy
A spinning, sucking whirlpool of movie-going, rock and rolling, beer-drinking, smoking, drug-addicted porno, porno people
You’re the porno people
Swirling and swooning and spinning
And deeper and under the spell of the pulpit masters
Spinning, swirling, jibbering, jabbering, jumping, happy, sweating!
Here we go again!
Look out! Look out! Look out! Look out!
They’re coming again!
Oh no, I didn’t think we’d ever swoon again!
Oh no, we’re swooning
Swooning
Whoa nelly!

Moneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoney

Take a listen!

Let me know what you think of the lyrics, and of the tunes!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion

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Life of David – 41.05

2026-08-05
David’s Victories

As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.

Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.

1 Samuel 8

13 And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
14 Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.

David made a name for himself.

Yet a passage just prior to this small set of verses, David dedicated all the spoils to the Lord, all the silver and gold from all the nations he subdued.

11 These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued,

This difference brings to light a verse that shocked me when I first sat down and considered the ramifications of what Paul was saying.

2 Corinthians 6:1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

Paul had the audacity to claim that he and his team were working together with God.

Together!

At the time I “tripped” over this verse, I was in a church that emphasized the immutable will of God, the undeniable full predestination of every action of all souls on earth. How then could Paul say he was working together with God? If my understanding was correct at the time, I would have to correct Paul, and tell him he was to say he worked FOR God.

To say “together” smacks of teamwork, cooperation, fellowship, discussion and a pliability within the team. That cannot be applied to the eternal God, the One who planned all things out prior to the foundation of the world, even every persons choices and decisions. It was ultimately uber confusing for me.

In our passage this morning, the Scriptures teach that the Lord provided all the victories, and that David ascribed the victories to God, providing the spoils to Him as witness of this truth. Yet David made a name for himself.

All of these victories brought influence to the throne of David, and as David confessed of God’s power in the victories, David’s influence also grew.

It is as if God and David were “working together” to bring about the theocracy the nation of Israel entered into at Sinai. A willing king and our powerful God working together to overcome obstacles, consolidate the kingdom, extend God’s influence and make His name known among the nations

Notice that though David made a “name for himself”, the last phrase of our passage indicates God’s favor continuing on David.

…And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.

It is an amazing fact that the Ruler of the universe, the Creator of all, the Redeemer of lost sinners, and the Lord (Master) of not only the Body of Christ, but of all creation, would willingly enter into a cooperative team environment with broken, crippled up and blind sinners.

When I think of it, as the One over all, as the Lord over all enters into this cooperative environment with His servants, this willingness reinforces the image of One who is leading by loving, serving by sacrificing and exhibiting a humble meek character.

It is beyond all imagination that our God is of a meek and gentle heart, and to think that after all the victories He provided to David, He allowed, (or better said) was pleased that His servant made a name for himself.

What type of God do we know? He is much more than we can think or even imagine

Yes, Jesus is better! Better than we can imagine!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.

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Pay for Pew – Numbers 18:21

2026-08-04
As believers, we are called by God to follow after Jesus in all our actions and attitudes. How we relate to money in included in our following after Him.

As mentioned in my introduction to this series, my family and I have been impacted a number of times in our church attendance by what appears to be the pull of money on church leadership. During our Christian pilgrimage, a number of churches, through thier leadership, have made decisions that directly impacted our status within the body of believers.

Some of these instances provided us reason to dig into the Word, to find correction in our own personal relationship to money, to try to understand the wisdom of a church leader’s decision, and in the end to apply God’s will for our own finances.

Little did we know the tremendously corrosive power the love of money has over our own hearts, and by extrapolation, the church as a whole. This should not surprise the believer for Paul provided a harsh truth on this topic.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Alternately, the writer of Hebrews also provided no better command, (and for some believer’s no harder command) than found in Hebrews 13.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Many of our experiences have included the topic of tithing in the church. Personally, our denominational background considers tithing to be Biblically mandated on the New Testament believer. I understand many denominations consider tithing to be an important commmittment of the believers relationship to the church body.

Let’s take a look at this topic, and consider each passage that contains a reference to tithing.

This post will consider Numbers 18:21

Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,

Our last post was concerned with what was to be tithed, and hinted at the recipients of the tithe.

Our passage this morning is explicit as to the proper recipients of the tithe. The tithe was for the Levites. Full stop. No other recipient is included per the Law of God. All tithes were to be directed to the Levite, as an inheritance. Only the tribe of Levi was to receive the tithe instead of a land allotment.

Deuteronomy 18:1 “The Levitical priests, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the LORD’s food offerings as their inheritance.
Deuteronomy 18:2 They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance, as he promised them.

Now I could close this post, having provided the obvious recipients of the tithe, but let me consider the ramifications of this specific identification of the recipients of the tithe.

Throughout the age of the Law, through Moses, Joshua, David, Elijah and Malachi this command for directing tithes to the tribe of Levi was valid and was to be obeyed to comply with the covenant Israel had entered into. Heck, even as the Lord Himself, born under the Law, walked this earth, the command to tithe to the Levites was to be obeyed. We shall eventually get to passages addressing His teaching on tithing, but let’s focus on our verse this morning. To comply with this command, the Levite was to belong to the tribe of Levi. Again, I am stating the obvious, but bear with me.

Consider the situation of a disgruntled Israelite, who questioned everything. You know the type! If one of those Israelites from another tribe were to question a specific Levite’s qualifications for receiving a tithe, the Levite could easily answer the challenge by taking that troubling Israelite to the temple, entering the library of records and showing the lineage from Levi that he claimed to be of.

To be a Levite was a recordable fact in the nation of Israel. The priest did not resort to a dream or vision to justify his recieving tithes, or of claiming a calling to serve as a Levite, though he may be of another tribe. Nothing was subjective in this command to provide tithing to a recipient.

And no other tribe was to receive the tithe. No matter how spiritual, or important, or “called” a man of Judah or Issachar felt, tithes were not to be received by him.

Now my poor reader must be saying to himself by now, what is your point Carl? Why are you laboring over what is an obvious point of the verse?

Thanks for the question, for I was just about to get to it.

To those who claim the Old Testament justifies the collection of tithing for the support of a ministry, I would ask if this verse is of the same authority as those passages that speak of tithing generally.

If so, and I can’t imagine any that would deny this claim, I request the qualifications of any who receive a tithe. Are they Levites? Can any provide proof of lineage, that they are in the blood line of a son of Jacob named Levi?

Of course not, for all the records they would require were set to fire as the Temple was plundered in AD 70. No man (or woman) can claim a lineage that would justify the receiving of tithes.

Now of course, if we want to generally understand this teaching as a guideline or principle to provide for the ministry of the church, that is still problematic, for taking from the Old Testament and applying to the New Covenant (Testament) is the purview of the apostles, and they spoke nothing of applying this command of tithing to the Body of Christ. Nothing!

But some may say, tithing is generally a method sort of, kinda like, a way God provided for His priests in days of old, and we can generally apply it today for the local church.

I say that would be fine as long as we agree to forget about the establishment of a New Covenant, the abolishment of the Old Covenant, the destruction of the old temple, the raising of a New Temple (Jesus Christ Himself) and the utter silence on tithing per the apostolic teaching. Yes – that should be all we need to do to justify the reception of tithing by any man (or woman) for the sake of ministry.

May I humbly submit that if that is the way the Body of Christ finds God’s will for the church, we are in a heap of trouble! (By the way, we are in a heap of trouble!)

Thanks for joining and Considering The Bible with me. Your thoughts are always welcome, and I look forward to hearing of the faithfulness of God in your lives.
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Names of God – HE WHO WORKS ALL THINGS AFTER THE COUNSEL OF HIS OWN WILL – 301

2026-08-03
My hope is that this series will offer my readers a chance to consider the names, characteristics and descriptions of our God in the Word.

The remaining Names of God in this series might be considered descriptors, or characteristics of the Lord. We have reviewed the three primary Names of God, along with nineteen compound Names of God in our previous posts. As we venture through these descriptors of our God, I hope we will recognize all the many characteristics of our God that we tend to take for granted.

The Word is truly rich with descriptions of the Living God, and this effort of searching in the Word was quite illuminating. He truly is the ultimate subject of the Word, and His revelation of self-descriptions, or the accolades offered Him by His priests, prophets, kings apostles and faithful truly is a blessing.

May the Name of the Lord be praised, and by thinking on His name, may you have a blessed day.

HE WHO WORKS ALL THINGS AFTER THE COUNSEL OF HIS OWN WILL

Ephesians 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

I love this verse, and the fact Paul clarified the manner of God’s working in the church. He does not react to outside forces, current events, or problem situations due to an outside influence.

The work of God is not reactionary. He is first in the causing of all work related to our salvation, sanctification and glorification. He has predestined the Body of Christ, the church, (not individuals within the Body) to be predestined according to the counsel of His will. It is his plan, His counsel and His will that is preeminent in relation to the Body of Christ.

Now I used to be fatalistic in relation to the passage above, thinking that the predestination is related to individuals in the church, having been influenced by teachers within the church, and the individualistic leanings of our culture. Me me me, it is all about me!

For some reason, God had chosen me as opposed to Fred or Wilma, or Frank. Why, and how could I relate humbly to those God did not chose? And if God did not choose Fred or Wilma or Frank, was I wasting my time on them? Was I frustrating the will of God in loving them? How could I “love my enemy” when it seemed that God was purposely passing them by, allowing them to enter destruction?

I found the concept of “individual election and predestination” caused me untold conflict upon realizing the implications of the teaching. But the teaching was widespread, and seemingly very popular.

Thankfully, as I attended a church that subscribed to this teaching, an elder was bold enough to lay it on the line. He openly preached from the pulpit, that which was mostly left unsaid, that God was pleased to see the unelected destroyed, that it glorified God in the destruction of souls, and predestination applied to the individual for salvation AND damnation.

I walked out of that service stunned, and realized I had a problem. A huge problem that I needed to come to grips with. Thankfully, as I found myself unseated from my previous understanding of fatalism – some call it Calvinism or the “doctrines of grace” – I began to understand an alternate “heretical” position. It really didn’t take too long, for I found a clue in the very next two verse’s verses from Paul’s pen. Yes, Paul speaks of how individual saints in Ephesus entered into the counsel of God’s will in verse 13.

Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

Notice when Paul speaks of individuals, he does not say that God chose each individual in eternity past, forced the Spirit on each individual and locked each individual into His will. (I am being extreme here!) He speaks of individuals hearing truth, and believing IN HIM.

Which is the topic of Paul’s discussion. Being in HIM.

The counsel of God’s will determined that being in Him was the manner of salvation, the work of God predetermined by the counsel of His will was the group, the Body of Christ. Not individuals, though individuals join by hearing the truth and believing in HIM, but the Church itself as the Body of Christ.

What a freeing realization that God’s will is not restrictive, exclusionary and limited. His care and love for the most heinous sinner is active, open and unlimited, offered by the hand of Jesus, though it is a bloodied, pierced hand.

No, our God is active in all of creation through the Body, with the Body and for the Body in bringing about His will, for it is He only WHO WORKS ALL THINGS AFTER THE COUNSEL OF HIS OWN WILL, in bringing about the honor and glorification of Him who is the head of the Body, Jesus Christ the Lord.

I would love to hear of your favorite name, characteristic or description of the Living God. Please leave me a comment, and I will include it in the list!

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.
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1 Thessalonian Bits – 4:14

2026-08-02
A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.

As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

1 Thessalonians 4:14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

The smallest of words sometimes have the greatest of impacts. Consider the Greek word for “since” in the beginning of our verse, sometimes translated as “if”. It is primary particle of conditionality, introducing a premise assumed to be true. Paul was speaking to those who had accepted this premise as factual, and could argue logically based on that condition.

Also, what Paul begins in this verse is not primarily a schedule of events, though there were many years where I thought this passage was only a schedule of events. I call it the timing trap. Hopefully, I will stay focused!

Paul writes of the condition, or state of those being involved in the resurrection as being those who believe in the resurrection of the Messiah. It is not a church teaching or denomination that is of importance or a morally sanctified lifestyle that provides the assurance of God’s promise for the believer. It is Jesus alone who is the resurrection and life.

John 11:25 …I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

If we are in Him, we too shall be resurrected to life, even as the Messiah was physically raised from death. Timing of this resurrection is of little concern to Paul, since he is acting in a pastoral manner, dealing with a church that is saddened over fellow saints who died before the return of the Lord. Did they miss out on the expected resurrection transformation? Will their early death somehow impact future opportunities to be with those still alive? The fact of the resurrection, and God’s method of including the believer in this promise of life out of death is the concern in Paul’s mind.

The promise is found in Jesus. Jesus alone.

Yet there are timing issues that may be considered. For the saint in Jesus, at physical death, can we expect to eventually, or immediately come into the presence of God?

Eventually?

There are some who would look ahead to verse 17, and declare that when Paul speaks of the “dead in Christ”, he is indicating that those who die before the return of the Lord, are sleeping in the grave, resting until that fateful day. One passage that may be referred to is found in the gospel of John.

John 5:25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

Those hearing the voice of the Son of God are described as “dead” in this verse. Might Jesus be referring to those who are spiritually dead, yet still physically amongst the living? This thought may be justified when the next few verses are considered.

John 5:28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
John 5:29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Jesus changes the description of those responding to the voice of the Son of God, speaking not of the dead, as in verse 25, but of those in the tomb.

One assumption that has to be made is that the voice of the Son of God occurs only once, at that hour, and the resurrection of both those who have done good and those who have done evil are simultaneous.

Immediately?

Others consider the apostle’s writings.

2 Corinthians 5:8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Paul seems to be indicating that once we are away from the body, understanding this as the point of death, we enter the presence of the Lord immediately.

Both positions (that of eventually seeing Jesus after death, and of an immediate entrance before Him at the point of death) have support in the Word. Both positions have dedicated adherents to their teaching.

I would respectfully submit that I have fallen into the timing trap, and have not focused on the intent of Paul’s message to the Thessalonians in this passage.

As an aside to this timing discussion, considering the sleep metaphor, I would suggest that any time passed in the grave prior to the resurrection will be null and void, at least in our experience. When I pass out on my favorite couch, I do not experience time. I am asleep. Might it be a similar condition in the grave?

Back to our focus though. Paul is speaking of the greatest event in history, and of the greatest person who ever walked on this earth, having entered death, and is now alive. I would strongly suggest we consider the truth of the resurrection, and try to relegate the timing question to it’s proper importance. After all, whether it be immediately or eventually, (in four hundred and thirty two years?), we will be with the Lord.

Paul begins the verse in laying down the truth of the Messiah’s resurrection out of death. Note that it is through Jesus, that God will bring with Him, that is if we are with Jesus, God will also use His Messiah to be the One whom we are enabled to be raised.

Even as Paul speaks of those who have passed, he brings to light the continued blessing of the Lord in our lives. Consider how he mentions death when speaking of Jesus, but for believers, he speaks of sleep.

In this short verse, Paul focuses on Jesus. He focuses on His impact on those who believe in Him. My friends, as I am learning through this avenue of posting in this blog, considering the Word, I am coming to a simple conclusion.

Jesus is better.

A simple thought, easily and abundantly found in the Word, yet not as embraced in my life as it should be.

Jesus is the One who has provided us hope, resurrection, life, peace, grace, comfort, challenge, blessing, truth – need I go on?

He is better than anything you might imagine and fully worthy of chasing after. He is better!
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Thoughts on the topic of flattery from the book of wisdom

Exaggerated praise

Evil motive

Loss of potential

Standard Flatterer

Sexual Flatterer

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outraged the Spirit of grace

Story Time

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Thoughts on the topic of flattery from the book of wisdom

Flattery

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SEEING JESUS IN

Daniel

Justice PrevaIls

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The DIRECTOR OF LIFE

The Center of Vision

The Mystery of Sences

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My experience.

Scripture

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A Guidance Counsellor

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Complementarian

Egalitarian

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profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified,

A Professor

A Possessor

The Christ

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Rule

Authority

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Eventually?

Immediately?

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