CONTEMPLATIONS
Religious writings, life experiences, & humor
LAYING DOWN THE LAW
LAYING DOWN THE LAW
I Timothy 1:9-10a
Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind…
Galatians 3:24So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.
Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.
He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
Luke 2:39
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LOVED WHEN:
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LOVED WHEN:
The person can’t wait to see you.
The person’s eyes light up when they do see you.
The person on occasion beams with pride while looking at you.
The person thinks of you when they are shopping and see something you would like.
The person overlooks your faults in favor of looking for the good.
The person values your opinion.
The person treats you with loving respect.
The person defends you when the situation warrants.
The person is happy when you are happy and sad when you are sad.
The person thinks ahead as to what you might need.
The person tries their best to nurse you back to good health when you are sick or hurt.
The person considers you a best friend.
The person puts your needs before their own.
The person wants to spend much of their spare time with you.
The person speaks highly of you, never negatively.
If married, the spouse is second only to God, not second to sports, work, money, or immoral things or people.
The person supports you and encourages you.
The person is proud of you.
The person trusts you without hesitation.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
Romans 15:4
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Matthew 5:17-20
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
WOMAN: HELPMATE OR NAG?
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:24
A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. I Corinthians 7:39
A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 1 Corinthians 11:7
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Colossians 3:18
Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:4-5
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives... 1 Peter 3:1
For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands... I Peter 3:5
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14
Proverbs 31 - (exceptional woman)10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
(Story of Samson) With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it. Judges 16:16
Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. Proverbs 21:19
A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof. Proverbs 19:13
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Proverbs 21:9
Proverbs 27:15
A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;
As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. Proverbs 26:21
OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE STORIES PUT TO RHYME
My whole book of Old Testament Bible stories put to rhyme. Copy the link then paste it in the URL bar at the top.
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I DID IT MY WAY
I'm not judging. I'm fearing for the eternal life of the singers. We are to do things God's way, not our way. We weren't put on earth to see how happy we can make ourselves. What use are we to anyone, then? Certainly we are of no use to God if we take that attitude.
Proverbs 12:15
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
Proverbs 14:12, 16:25
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. KJV
Proverbs 16:2
All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. KJV
Proverbs 21:4
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. KJV
Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
Isaiah 56:11
They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, they seek their own gain.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Becky Wall
beckyowall.blogspot.com
FORGIVENESS
They must make restitution for what they have failed to do in regard to the holy things, pay an additional penalty of a fifth of its value and give it all to the priest. The priest will make atonement for them with the ram as a guilt offering, and they will be forgiven. (The Hebrew people not only failed to do deeds in regard to "the holy things," they often failed to obey God. Therefore, a ram had to be offered as a guilt offering so that they would be forgiven. Jesus would one day become that guilt offering on the cross and would assume the role of priest.)
They are to bring to the priest as a guilt offering a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value. In this way the priest will make atonement for them for the wrong they have committed unintentionally, and they will be forgiven. (Jesus was without sin and His value was unfathomable. Yet He would be the one to make atonement for the people's sins, intentional or unintentional.)
9 Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do. 10 All of you are standing today in the presence of the Lord your God—your leaders and chief men, your elders and officials, and all the other men of Israel, 11 together with your children and your wives, and the foreigners living in your camps who chop your wood and carry your water. 12 You are standing here in order to enter into a covenant with the Lord your God, a covenant the Lord is making with you this day and sealing with an oath, 13 to confirm you this day as his people, that he may be your God as he promised you and as he swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 14 I am making this covenant, with its oath, not only with you 15 who are standing here with us today in the presence of the Lord our God but also with those who are not here today.
16 You yourselves know how we lived in Egypt and how we passed through the countries on the way here. 17 You saw among them their detestable images and idols of wood and stone, of silver and gold. 18 Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.
19 When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves, thinking, “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,” they will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. 20 The Lord will never be willing to forgive them; his wrath and zeal will burn against them. All the curses written in this book will fall on them, and the Lord will blot out their names from under heaven. 21 The Lord will single them out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law. (There was a song out a couple of decades ago called "I Did It My Way." I greatly disliked that song. Living life your way with self-centeredness, self-gratification, your wants, your "needs," and no thought for what the Lord wants will blot your name out from under heaven.)
...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Job lost everything he had and was covered with sores. He cries to God, "Why do you not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins? For I will soon lie down in the dust; you will search for me, but I will be no more.” (It isn't that Job wasn't forgiven; he was being tested by God.)
Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.
...who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases...
"Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, they will each turn from their wicked ways; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.” (Forgiveness cannot happen until people turn from their wicked ways and ask for forgiveness.)
In those days, at that time,” declares the Lord, “search will be made for Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare. (Note the last two words. God forgave those He spared. There are consequences for ongoing sin and no repentance: no forgiveness.)
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (God delightfully forgave those who did not rebel against Him and who asked for forgiveness.)
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Christ will not forgive us if we do not forgive others when asked.)
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
"But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” (No one on earth can forgive sins. Jesus is the only one who has that right.)
“Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
19 When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves, thinking, “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,” they will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. 20 The Lord will never be willing to forgive them; his wrath and zeal will burn against them. All the curses written in this book will fall on them, and the Lord will blot out their names from under heaven. (There was a song out a couple of decades ago called "I Did It My Way." I greatly disliked that song. Living life your way with self-centeredness, self-gratification, your wants, your "needs," and no thought for what the Lord wants will blot your name out from under heaven.)
Joshua 24:19
Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins."
...then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart),
You, Lord, have abandoned your people,
the descendants of Jacob.
They are full of superstitions from the East;
they practice divination like the Philistines
and embrace pagan customs.
7 Their land is full of silver and gold;
there is no end to their treasures.
Their land is full of horses;
there is no end to their chariots.
8 Their land is full of idols;
they bow down to the work of their hands,
to what their fingers have made.
9 So people will be brought low
and everyone humbled—
do not forgive them.
“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,
look around and consider,
search through her squares.
If you can find but one person
who deals honestly and seeks the truth,
I will forgive this city.
2 Although they say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’
still they are swearing falsely.”
Jeremiah 5:7 (Jeremiah continuing his message)
“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.
But you, Lord, know all their plots to kill me. Do not forgive their crimes or blot out their sins from your sight. Let them be overthrown before you; deal with them in the time of your anger.
“We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven.
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
Table of Contents
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