10/13/12

Deception



Preconceived ideas will almost always cause problems.  In the case of the "Redneck home security system", the outcome is a good thing, as who in their right mind would really want to confront four viscous pit bulls in a locked house.  Deception has always been a part of warfare and when I think about trickery, the book of Joshua comes to mind...

Joshua, Chapter 8
 1 Yahweh said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. Behold, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, with his people, his city, and his land. 2 You shall do to Ai and her king as you did to Jericho and her king, except its spoil and its livestock, you shall take for a plunder for yourselves. Set an ambush for the city behind it.”

  3 So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai. Joshua chose thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valor, and sent them out by night.  4 He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.  5 I, and all the people who are with me, will approach to the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.  6 They will come out after us, until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, ‘They flee before us, like the first time.’ So we will flee before them,  7 and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; for Yahweh your God will deliver it into your hand.  8 It shall be, when you have seized on the city, that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do this according to the word of Yahweh. Behold, I have commanded you.”

  9 Joshua sent them out; and they went to set up the ambush, and stayed between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua stayed among the people that night.  10 Joshua rose up early in the morning, mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.  11 All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up, and drew near, and came before the city, and encamped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between him and Ai.  12 He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.  13 So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.  14 It happened, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn’t know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.  15 Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.  16 All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.  17 There was not a man left in Ai or Beth El who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.

  18 Yahweh said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.”

Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city.  19 The ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it. They hurried and set the city on fire.  20 When the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way. The people who fled to the wilderness turned back on the pursuers. 21 When Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and killed the men of Ai. 22 The others came out of the city against them, so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side. They struck them, so that they let none of them remain or escape.  23 They captured the king of Ai alive, and brought him to Joshua.

  24 It happened, when Israel had made an end of killing all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness in which they pursued them, and they had all fallen by the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all Israel returned to Ai, and struck it with the edge of the sword.  25 All that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai. 26 For Joshua didn’t draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the javelin, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.  27 Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took for prey to themselves, according to the word of Yahweh which he commanded Joshua.  28 So Joshua burnt Ai, and made it a heap forever, even a desolation, to this day.  29 He hanged the king of Ai on a tree until the evening, and at the sundown Joshua commanded, and they took his body down from the tree, and threw it at the entrance of the gate of the city, and raised a great heap of stones on it that remains to this day.

 Israel had attached Ai before and had fled before them.  In chapter seven the reason for their defeat was shown to be the Sin of Achan in taking spoil contrary to the command of God.  So, when Israel attached Ai again, the inhabitants of the city thought to just summarily defeat them as before.  Their overconfidence led to brashness in putting too many people on the offensive and not enough to defend the city.  They paid a dear price for their mistake... their lives!!!  The lesson here is to be wary of your enemy and avoid overconfidence.  The spiritual application is to remember that Christians are the target of Satan and he isn't any Redneck.  Smooth and sophisticated, he will try to trick you when you least expect it.  Be warned, be aware and most of all... be CAREFUL!!!!

Oct. 13 Proverbs 12-14


Oct. 13
Proverbs 12-14

Pro 12:1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Pro 12:2 A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
Pro 12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Pro 12:4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
Pro 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
Pro 12:6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
Pro 12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.
Pro 12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
Pro 12:9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
Pro 12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Pro 12:11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
Pro 12:12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
Pro 12:13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
Pro 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.
Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
Pro 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
Pro 12:17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
Pro 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
Pro 12:19 Truth's lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
Pro 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
Pro 12:21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
Pro 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight.
Pro 12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
Pro 12:24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
Pro 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
Pro 12:26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Pro 12:27 The slothful man doesn't roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
Pro 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.
 

Pro 13:1 A wise son listens to his father's instruction, but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
Pro 13:2 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence.
Pro 13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Pro 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
Pro 13:5 A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.
Pro 13:6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Pro 13:7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
Pro 13:8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats.
Pro 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
Pro 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom.
Pro 13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
Pro 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
Pro 13:13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
Pro 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.
Pro 13:15 Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
Pro 13:16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
Pro 13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
Pro 13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
Pro 13:19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
Pro 13:20 One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Pro 13:21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
Pro 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
Pro 13:23 An abundance of food is in poor people's fields, but injustice sweeps it away.
Pro 13:24 One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
Pro 13:25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
 

Pro 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
Pro 14:2 He who walks in his uprightness fears Yahweh, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.
Pro 14:3 The fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Pro 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Pro 14:5 A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.
Pro 14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
Pro 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you won't find knowledge on his lips.
Pro 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
Pro 14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will.
Pro 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; he will not share these with a stranger.
Pro 14:11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
Pro 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Pro 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness.
Pro 14:14 The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.
Pro 14:15 A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
Pro 14:16 A wise man fears, and shuns evil, but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
Pro 14:17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated.
Pro 14:18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Pro 14:19 The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
Pro 14:20 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends.
Pro 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who has pity on the poor.
Pro 14:22 Don't they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
Pro 14:23 In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
Pro 14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
Pro 14:25 A truthful witness saves souls, but a false witness is deceitful.
Pro 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children.
Pro 14:27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.
Pro 14:28 In the multitude of people is the king's glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.
Pro 14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Pro 14:30 The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.
Pro 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
Pro 14:32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.
Pro 14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
Pro 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Pro 14:35 The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.

Oct. 13 Ephesians 4


Oct. 13
Ephesians 4

Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called,
Eph 4:2 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love;
Eph 4:3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all.
Eph 4:7 But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Eph 4:8 Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."
Eph 4:9 Now this, "He ascended," what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
Eph 4:11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;
Eph 4:12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;
Eph 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Eph 4:14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
Eph 4:15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;
Eph 4:16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.
Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
Eph 4:18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts;
Eph 4:19 who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Eph 4:20 But you did not learn Christ that way;
Eph 4:21 if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:
Eph 4:22 that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
Eph 4:23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
Eph 4:24 and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
Eph 4:25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another.
Eph 4:26 "Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath,
Eph 4:27 neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28 Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Eph 4:30 Don't grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.
Eph 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

James, Chapter 3, Mark Copeland

                         "THE EPISTLE OF JAMES"

                             Chapter Three

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THE CHAPTER

1) To appreciate the power and danger of the tongue

2) To understand the difference between heavenly wisdom, and that which
   is earthly, sensual, and demonic

SUMMARY

James begins this chapter with a caution against many becoming
teachers.  In view of the stricter judgment that awaits teachers, one
should be sure they possess the maturity and self-control necessary to
control the tongue.  James then provides a series of illustrations to
demonstrate the power and danger of the tongue, and how we can easily
be inconsistent in our use of it (1-12).

Perhaps some sought to be teachers so as to appear wise.  Yet James
writes that wisdom and understanding are to be shown by one's conduct,
done in meekness.  He then defines and contrasts the difference between
two kinds of wisdom.  There is wisdom which is earthly that causes
confusion and every evil thing.  On the other hand, there is wisdom
which is heavenly that produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness
(13-18).

OUTLINE

I. TRUE RELIGION CONTROLS THE TONGUE (1-12)

   A. A CAUTION AGAINST BECOMING TEACHERS (1-2)
      1. Teachers shall receive a stricter judgment
      2. Maturity and self-control are required not to stumble in word

   B. THE POWER OF THE TONGUE (3-4)
      1. Like a bit which controls the horse
      2. Like a small rudder which directs the ship

   C. THE DANGER OF THE TONGUE (5-6)
      1. A little member which boasts great things
      2. Like a little fire which kindles a great forest fire
      3. Indeed, the tongue can be a fire, a world of iniquity
         a. Capable of defiling the whole body
         b. Capable of setting on fire the course of nature, being set
            on fire by hell

   D. THE DIFFICULTY OF TAMING THE TONGUE (7-12)
      1. Man can control creatures of land and sea, but not the tongue
      2. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison
      3. With it we bless God, and then curse man made in His image
         a. Thus blessing and cursing proceed from the same mouth
         b. Something which should not be so
            1) For no spring sends forth both fresh and salt water
            2) Neither does a fig tree bear olives, nor a grapevine
               bear figs

II. TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS HEAVENLY WISDOM (13-18)

   A. THE TRUE DISPLAY OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING (13)
      1. To be seen in one's conduct
      2. With works done in meekness

   B. THE DISPLAY OF EARTHLY WISDOM (14-16)
      1. Full of bitter envy, self-seeking, boasting and lying
      2. A wisdom not from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic
      3. Producing confusion and every evil thing

   C. THE DISPLAY OF HEAVENLY WISDOM (17-18)
      1. Wisdom from above is first pure, then it is...
         a. Peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good
            fruits
         b. Without partiality and without hypocrisy
      2. The fruit of righteousness is produced by peacemakers who sow
         in peace

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - True religion controls the tongue (1-12)
   - True religion displays heavenly wisdom (13-18)

2) Why does James caution against many becoming teachers? (1)
    - Teachers shall receive a stricter judgment

3) What is one indication of maturity and self-control? (2)
   - The ability to bridle the tongue

4) What two illustrations does James use to show the power of the
   tongue? (3-4)
   - Like a bit which controls the horse
   - Like a rudder which controls the ship

5) What illustration is used to show the danger of the tongue? (5)
   - Like a small fire which kindles a large forest fire

6) How does James describe the tongue? (6-8)
   - A fire, a world of iniquity
   - Set among our members that it defiles the whole body
   - Sets on fire the course of nature, being set on fire by hell
   - That which no man can tame
   - An unruly evil, full of deadly poison

7) What example does James use to show how the tongue is often misused?
   (9-10)
   - Blessing God and cursing man who is made in His image

8) What illustrations does James provide to show the incongruity of
   such speech? (11-12)
   - A spring does not send forth both fresh and salt (bitter) water
   - A fig tree does not bear olives, nor a grapevine bear figs

9) How is the wise and understanding person to manifest himself? (13)
   - By good conduct done in meekness

10) What characterizes wisdom that does not descend from above? (14)
   - Bitter envy and self-seeking, boasting and lying against the truth

11) What is the source of such wisdom? (15)
   - It is earthly, sensual, and demonic

12) What exists when there is envy and self-seeking? (16)
   - Confusion and every evil thing

13) What are the qualities of wisdom that is from above? (17)
   - It is first pure
   - Then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good
     fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy

14) Who produces the fruit of righteousness? (18)
   - Peacemakers who sow in peace