WATCHING our words

 

JESUS warns:

Matthew 5:22

King James Version

22 But I say unto you, 

That whosoever is angry with his brother 

without a cause 

shall be in danger of the judgment: 

and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, 

shall be in danger of the council: 

but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, 

shall be in danger of hell fire.

Scripture is GOD's WORD.

And GOD's WORD is JESUS.

When JESUS declares something, I always pay attention.

The verse above has THREE warnings:

1. Being angry, without a cause, shall be in "danger of the judgment".

2. Calling another, "Raca", shall be in "danger of the council".

3. Calling, "Thou fool", shall be in "danger of hell fire".

I needed to be sure what JESUS meant.

So I turn to two other Bible translations, just to be sure.

And here's where SPIRIT led me:

Matthew 5:22

Expanded Bible

22 But I tell you, ·if you are [L everyone who is] angry with a brother or sister,[a] you will be ·judged [subject to judgment]. ·If you say [L Whoever says] ·bad things [“Fool!”; L Raca; C an Aramaic term of derision] to a brother or sister, you will be ·judged [subject/liable to judgment] by the ·council [Sanhedrin]. And if you call someone a ·fool [idiot; moron], you will be in danger of the fire of ·hell [L Gehenna; C a valley outside of Jerusalem where in the OT period children were sacrificed to a pagan god; later used as a burning trash heap; a metaphor for hell].

Mattityahu 5:22

Orthodox Jewish Bible

22 But I say to you, that everyone who harbors kaas (anger) against his Ach [b’Moshiach], his chaver, shall be subject to mishpat (judgment); and whoever shall say to his Ach [b’Moshiach], Reyka! (Good for nothing!) will be subject to the Sanhedrin; and whoever shall say Shoteh! (Fool) shall be subject to Eish Gehinnom (Fire of Hell).

In SUMMARY, "Raca" means:

Aramaic term of derision

Reyka! (Good for nothing!)

In SUMMARY, "Thou fool" means:

idiot; moron

Shoteh! (Fool)

In SUMMARY, "hell fire" means:

Gehenna; C a valley outside of Jerusalem where in the OT period children were sacrificed to a pagan god; later used as a burning trash heap; a metaphor for hell

Eish Gehinnom (Fire of Hell)

Who are our "brothers"?

Another post clarifies that.

Either way, we are not to insult our brothers, and sisters.

We must guard our tongue.

We must guard our voice.

We must guard our words.

We must guard our hearts.

The LORD warned us:

Matthew 15:18-19

King James Version

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth 

come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, 

murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, 

false witness, blasphemies:

Related material:

JESUS the WORD

JESUS on the WORD of GOD

WORD made FLESH

Sin AWARENESS

BORN AGAIN articles

WORD study

Image: Clipart Library

The LOVING prayer

 

1 Timothy 2:1-4

King James Version

2 I exhort therefore, 

that, first of all, 

supplications, prayers, intercessions, 

and giving of thanks, 

be made for all men;

2 For kings, 

and for all that are in authority; 

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life 

in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable 

in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Call it the forgotten prayer.

Call it the necessary prayer.

Which has the potential to heal self, and nations.

The verses above lead to a very wise prayer.

For these FIVE reasons:

1. Asking that "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men"

2. Asking we pray for "kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty"

3. Saying "this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour"

4. Revealing GOD wants "all men to be saved".

5. Aspiring all "come unto the knowledge of the truth".

This is how to love.

That we pray for others.

That we thank GOD for others.

This is how GOD loves.

That all of us be saved.

That all of us know His truth.

Scripture confirms the LORD's love:

John 3:16-17

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.

2 Peter 3:9

King James Version

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, 

as some men count slackness; 

but is longsuffering to us-ward, 

not willing that any should perish, 

but that all should come to repentance.

Those who resent GOD's laws, have no idea their rebellion.

They have no idea GOD's love is for all.

Love is not just for Valentine's day.

It is an everyday prayer.

That we learn to love.

That we believe in JESUS.

For only JESUS can teach us about GOD.

Only JESUS can show us how to love GOD.

Only the HOLY SPIRIT can teach us JESUS' ways.

JESUS gave us His commandments on love.

Mark 12:29-30

King James Version

29 And Jesus answered him, 

The first of all the commandments is, 

Hear, O Israel; 

The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind, 

and with all thy strength: 

this is the first commandment.

Mark 12:31

King James Version

31 And the second is like, 

namely this, 

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

There is none other commandment 

greater than these.

Matthew 22:40

King James Version

40 On these two commandments 

hang all the law and the prophets.

John 13:34-35

King James Version

34 A new commandment I give unto you, 

That ye love one another; as I have loved you, 

that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, 

if ye have love one to another.

Praying for others, giving thanks for others, giving thanks to GOD, praying of our leaders, will give us the peace, love, and joy we all long for.

For it is GOD's will.

Remember what makes GOD answer a prayer?

1 John 5:14-15

King James Version

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, 

that, if we ask any thing according to his will, 

he heareth us:

In times of conflict, our ability to love, our understanding of love, is tested.

Last night, SPIRIT led me to a bittersweet movie about nations' conflicts.

Which was translated into personal conflict among people.

You will want to see this.

And you will know we're all in this together.

Let us all pray for our leaders.

That the SPIRIT of GOD may be in their hearts.

That they will care for their people, and not of self.

That they will worship the one, true GOD.

That's what makes a true leader.

Ninth article in the BROKENNESS series.

Related post:

GOD's LOVE

GOD's TRUTH

GOD's MERCY

The HOLY SPIRIT

LEADERS for GOD

BORN AGAIN articles

Image: Png Wing

BEAR another's burden

 

Simon helps JESUS carry His cross

Galatians 6:2

King James Version

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, 

and so fulfil the law of Christ.

This is a lovely verse.

"Bear ye one another's burdens"

But what does it really mean?

Other Bible versions explain more here:

Galatians 6:2

Amplified Bible

2 Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].

Galatians 6:2

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

2 Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and [a]troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete [b]what is lacking [in your obedience to it].

Galatians 6:2

Contemporary English Version

2 You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand.

Galatians 6:2

Easy-to-Read Version

2 Help each other with your troubles. When you do this, you are obeying the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

GOD’S WORD Translation

2 Help carry each other’s burdens. In this way you will follow Christ’s teachings.

Galatians 6:2

Living Bible

2 Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s command.

Galatians 6:2

The Message

Nothing but the Cross

Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law.

Galatians 6:2

New Century Version

2 By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

New International Reader's Version

2 Carry one another’s heavy loads. If you do, you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

New Life Version

2 Help each other in troubles and problems. This is the kind of law Christ asks us to obey.

Galatians 6:2

The Voice

2 Shoulder each other’s burdens, and then you will live as the law of the Anointed teaches us.

Galatians 6:2

Worldwide English (New Testament)

2 Help each other in your troubles. In that way you obey Christ's law.

Galatians 6:2

Wycliffe Bible

2 Each bear other's charges [Bear ye the charges the tother of the tother, or each of other], and so ye shall fulfill the law of Christ.

In SUMMARY, "Bear ye one another's burdens", mean:

Carry one another’s burdens

Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and [a]troublesome moral faults

offer each other a helping hand

Help each other with your troubles.

Help carry each other’s burdens.

Share each other’s troubles and problems.

Share their burdens

By helping each other with your troubles

Carry one another’s heavy loads.

Help each other in troubles and problems.

Shoulder each other’s burdens

Help each other in your troubles.

Each bear other's charges [Bear ye the charges the tother of the tother, or each of other],

The whole context of the verse is this:

Galatians 6:1-3

King James Version

6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, 

ye which are spiritual, 

restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; 

considering thyself, 

lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, 

and so fulfil the law of Christ.

3 For if a man think himself to be something, 

when he is nothing, 

he deceiveth himself.

If you are curious to know who was asked to help the LORD JESUS carry His cross, it's Simon the Cyrene.

These Bible verses speak of him:

Matthew 27:32

King James Version

32 And as they came out, 

they found a man of Cyrene, 

Simon by name: 

him they compelled to bear his cross.

Mark 15:21

King James Version

21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, 

who passed by, 

coming out of the country, 

the father of Alexander and Rufus, 

to bear his cross.

Luke 23:26

King James Version

26 And as they led him away, 

they laid hold upon one Simon, 

a Cyrenian, 

coming out of the country, 

and on him they laid the cross, 

that he might bear it after Jesus.

A question arises:

Would we have carried the CROSS for CHRIST?

One thing for sure, the LORD asked believers to carry our cross, and not be beholden to the world.

Matthew 16:24-26

King James Version

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 

If any man will come after me, 

let him deny himself, and take up his cross, 

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: 

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake 

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, 

if he shall gain the whole world, 

and lose his own soul? 

or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Related material:

The REASON for the CROSS

Image: Free Bible Images

What is GREAT service?

 

1 Corinthians 13:13

King James Version

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, 

these three; 

but the greatest of these is charity.

I cannot thank GOD enough.

For waking me up.

For saving me.

For teaching me.

Now, I know what to tell you.

Even as I've been a customer service lecturer, and entrepreneur in the past, I didn't know zilch.

Only when GOD made me born again 33 months ago, did my eyes really open to God's TRUTH.

Now, I can tell you what GREAT service means.

That we serve GOD first.

That GOD teaches us how to serve.

That as we serve others, we serve JESUS, too.

Matthew 25:40

King James Version

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye have done it 

unto one of the least of these my brethren, 

ye have done it unto me.

That we don't only serve those who could pay.

But we also serve those who couldn't.

That we don't create products, and services, that keep people addicted.

Of course, the born again approach is contrary to how the world operates.

Born agains follow prompts from GOD.

Every step of the way.

Consider how the world operates:

Rent goes up every year.

Tuition goes up every year.

Price of gas and commodities fluctuate.

Housing costs have become inflated.

People's taxes go to questionable programs .

Artificial shortages are created.

Businesses, and individuals, hoard.

Many people are kept ignorant of the world's devices.

What if people can't afford it anymore?

What if people fall through hard times?

What if a person has ABSOLUTELY nothing?

What if a person's broke?

Must he be broken more?

How will that person live?

How will that person thrive?

What if it was you?

Have we been in their shoes?

I appeal to you to lighten their load.

I appeal to you to lift the load off your brother.

Better yet, let's not put any load on them.

We're all in this life together.

We may not row the same boat.

We may not even have the same boat.

We may not even have a boat.

But can we be kind to each other?

Pretend you're serving the LORD.

How would you serve JESUS?

How would you serve a man, who had no place to go?

A man who has no place to sleep?

Luke 9:58

King James Version

58 And Jesus said unto him, 

Foxes have holes, 

and birds of the air have nests; 

but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Pretend a young family seeks shelter.

They have a baby, and have no place to go.

Such was the LORD JESUS' plight, the day He was born.

Luke 2:7

King James Version

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, 

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, 

and laid him in a manger; 

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Would you care about the homeless?

Would you care about the beggars?

Would you waste food on the table?

Would you take things for granted?

Would you feel entitled to your wealth?

Would you care about the forgotten ones?

Would you care that everyone has a warm bed, food on the table, some decent clothes, and a roof over their heads?

Would you care to look into why there is still poverty, when the world is burping with resources?

Would you look into unscrupulous people who feed upon the poverty, or seeming ignorance, of others?

Let us turn to JESUS, that He may teach us how to love.

If we don't know JESUS yet, let's just pray that we come to know Him.

Not everyone knows the LORD.

Not everyone has heard of Him.

If you know the LORD, then set the best example.

Show what it means to love.

Show what good service is.

LOVE, with no thought of return.

Don't think fiscally, as we serve physically.

Be a citizen of heaven.

EVERYTHING belongs to GOD.

We are merely stewards of the GIFTS He gave us.

Our talents, intelligence, capabilities, creativity, imagination.

Without the SPIRIT of GOD in us, our creations can't please GOD.

Do you have right spirit in you?

2 Timothy 1:7

King James Version

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; 

but of power, 

and of love, 

and of a sound mind.

GOD cares for all.

GOD doesn't play favorites.

So, why should we?

Build businesses with heart.

SERVE with love.

SERVE with kindness.

BUILD it with GOD.

And you will know how to serve best.

Related material:

BEST service to the WORLD

WHAT it means to WORK for the LORD

GOD and BUSINESS

The WICKED shall PERISH

BORN AGAIN articles

It's ALL preparation NOW

Image: ELEVATE

A LONGING that ALL may BELIEVE in JESUS

 

Matthew 9:36-38

King James Version

36 But when he saw the multitudes, 

he was moved with compassion on them, 

because they fainted, 

and were scattered abroad, 

as sheep having no shepherd.

37 Then saith he unto his disciples, 

The harvest truly is plenteous, 

but the labourers are few;

38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, 

that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

How far along are you, in your walk with the Lord?

Do you know Jesus?

Do you believe in Him?

Would you like to know more about the Lord?

Once you've come to know the teachings of Jesus, through the Holy Spirit of God, you will be changed.

Once you know the ways of God, you will marvel at His might, power, and glory.

Once you know how fallen we all are, you will be humbled.

Once your life doesn't seem to make sense, or the world doesn't make sense, the more Jesus makes sense.

It's only by being born again can the Spirit really teach you.

For, by then, your heart has opened.

Your mind has surrendered.

You're now ready to receive the Spirit of TRUTH -- the Holy Spirit of God.

And He will teach you everything about Jesus.

The Lord promised us:

John 14:26

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

Your walk will be filled with the light of the Lord.

John 12:46

King James Version

46 I am come a light into the world, 

that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

But how many really labor for God?

How many tell you the good news of salvation?

How many lead you to Jesus?

How many share a verse with you, and let you digest it?

How many care that you come to know the Lord's teachings, and not their own?

How many tell you that at any moment, the Lord can return, and have His faithful meet Him up in the air?

How many pray that the Lord's will be done, in your life, and in theirs?

How many really care to listen to what you're going through?

How many can lead you to the ONLY source of wisdom, and knowledge?

How many don't have a personal agenda when they're with you?

I pray that all of you open your heart to the Lord, and genuinely seek Him, not only when you're having a tough time.

I pray that you seek Him ALL the time.

And when you do, watch what happens.

The Lord will show up.

In fact, He's always had an open invitation for you.

When you accept that invitation, you will marvel at His teachings.

You will be free of fear, or confusion, for the Lord is the GOD of PEACE.

JESUS has the ANSWERS to ALL of your QUESTIONS.

1 Corinthians 14:33

King James Version

33 For God is not the author of confusion, 

but of peace, 

as in all churches of the saints.

It's peace you really want, isn't it?

And the love, like only the Lord can give.

Jeremiah 31:3

King James Version

3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, 

Yea, 

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: 

therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Well, you know where to click.

The Born Again Concept of Freedom

 

2 Corinthians 3:17 

King James Version

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: 

and where the Spirit of the Lord is, 

there is liberty.

Life is not about slavery, to people, and systems.

Kindness is making sure other people can live freely, work freely, breathe freely, praise God freely, and be left alone to enjoy time by themselves, or with people they care about.

It is not about losing light in your soul, because you are heavily indebted, or burdened from expectations thrust upon you.

Only a born again can understand the concept of freedom from the Spirit of God's heart.

He will do everything in his power, that he abides by the laws of God, and not cause other people undue hardship, nor slavery.

It is so, because the Lord Jesus already freed us from sin, and from death, the day He offered His life on the cross.

He defeated the devil's hold over death, for now, Jesus offered us eternal life with Him.

He took away fear from our hearts.

He took away confusion, for He prayed to the Father to give us His Holy Spirit, to instruct us in the path He had already paved.

When you have the Holy Spirit in your heart, your heart becomes alive for Christ, obedient to His will, listening closely to His instructions, and delighting in such obedience.

To serve the Lord, is the greatest honor for a born again.

You become grateful for the Light of Christ, and your desire, is only to walk in His ways.

Ephesians 5:8 King James Version (KJV)

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, 

but now are ye light in the Lord: 

walk as children of light:

The world has no hold over you anymore, for you have become the Lord's.

The world cannot frighten you, nor coerce you, much less confuse you, for you live under the Light of Christ.

You become sealed by the Holy Spirit's promise:

Ephesians 1:13 

King James Version

13 In whom ye also trusted, 

after that ye heard the word of truth, 

the gospel of your salvation: 

in whom also after that ye believed, 

ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

You love God's truth, His gospel, His Word, and you share it every chance you can get, so others may know about the love of God, too.

If you long for freedom so much, believe that only Jesus can give you that.

Be born of water and of the Spirit, and you will be gifted with God's Comforter -- the Holy Spirit -- who will teach you all things Jesus.

Never again will you be in the dark about anything.

From my own personal experience, having accepted Christ in full, as a born again, my prayers and questions are answered quickly.

And when I pray that I do God's will, the answers come before my prayer's even finished.

Such is the gift of the Spirit of God.

It is clear, immediate, and powerful.

The world loses its hold on you as you serve God alone.

You are free of self, as you gain God.

Updated 24 January 2022

On Being a BLESSING to Others

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me.

John 6:38 

King James Version

Do we have it in our heart to help others?

Would we really know how to help them?

Do we have a front seat in the cinema of life, or perhaps a perfect, multi-dimensional view of another person's life, just as God has?

Would we really know what is good for others?

Perhaps not.

But sincerely wanting to be of help to others, is a wonderful start.

And we will need the help of God, through JESUS, to do that.

Only by the GRACE of God, the HEART of God, and the SPIRIT of God, can we be of true, effective, and precise help for others.

We cannot see with human eyes.

Ah, but with spiritual eyes, under the grace and guidance of the SPIRIT of God, we can!

And that can only occur, if we have become born again in Christ.

Before we can really help others as God would want us to, we have to tend to self first, so we must be JESUS' own first.

Only then can we truly see what others need.

Only then can we truly know how to help.

Only then can we see the bigger picture, as God wants us to see.

Only through the power of the Holy SPIRIT of God, can we see what is needed, and do what is needed to be done for others.

By ourselves, we won't be able to see the true picture of things.

Only God knows what lies in the heart of a person.

Only He sees the dreams, aspirations, desires, and intentions every person has.

The only fool-proof way to help -- for surely, we all have the urge in our hearts -- is to be God's Own, through JESUS.

View the verse I shared with you above.

That means, the SON of God, came down to earth to help, but only THROUGH the Father's Will.

He waited upon God, He prayed to God, before He acted.

That's the only way we can be of true help to others.

By our own, limited thinking, we may not be of perfect use, for we do not see what God sees.

We do not have the heart that God has.

But if we align ourselves with God, become born again in CHRIST, we stand a great chance of being a TRUE blessing to others.

We will be instruments of God, to help others.

A true born-again Christian doesn't think for his own anymore.

He waits upon the SPIRIT of the LORD to guide him, to inform him, to teach him, to activate him.

Gone is the self, and the ego.

Most people in the world help, for reasons of their own.

They act upon their own thoughts, and devices.

They have not given their hearts to the LORD, and wait upon Him, seeking only His DIVINE Guidance and Activation.

If we act upon our own thinking, we may be more of a danger to others.

Only by the SPIRIT of God can we see clearly.

You must really give GOD a chance to work in you.

For over 11 months now, I have surrendered my little will, to the INFALLIBLE Will of the LORD.

The Holy SPIRIT of God guides me each time I write, or do most anything.

He has humbled me in many ways.

My old ways haven't worked, but He waited for my surrender.

And now that I have, the work I do glorifies GOD alone.

Gone is the tiny self, the huge ego, the erring ways -- even as I have a long way to go.

Such is the foundation we need, if we are to SERVE the Lord.

When self is gone, and only GOD remains, we can be of true service to others.

Who better to teach us, than the LORD Jesus, who was obedient to the end?

There can be no greater example to OBEDIENCE.

We must submit our tiny selves to the LORD, and follow JESUS alone.

As a result, all we do for others, glorify God alone.

There is no desire for personal wealth or recognition.

All glory is offered to God.

As God so rightfully deserves.

We cannot do enough for the CREATOR.

It's also beautiful to listen to what Jesus says here:

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye have done it 

unto one of the least of these my brethren, 

ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 25:40 

King James Version

We do things for others, because we love them -- stranger, or not.

We do things for others, because we love God.

We do things for others, because we want to be of real help.

We do things for others, because the SPIRIT of God teaches us what to do, how to think, what to be, guiding us, every step of the way.

Jesus, in His short ministry, gave us so many beautiful TRUTHS from heaven, another of which:

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, 

that will I do, 

that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:13 

King James Version

That's how we become a blessing to others.

That all we do, like all Jesus did, was to GLORIFY the Father -- our CREATOR.

The world has become the way it is now, because people forgot to look back to God.

There is no more love, and gratitude.

It's time to bring JESUS back into our hearts, and the SPIRIT of God, will teach us what to do each moment.

Have faith in that fact.

Only through JESUS, would we know what to do.

Only through JESUS, can the world became a God-filled world again, as it was before Adam and Eve disobeyed the instructions of God.

Surely, we all long for that world.

If we don't have it now, while we're all still alive, we can still have ETERNAL life with JESUS, but only if we are His TRUE followers.

It is never too late to become God's OWN.

But there is no time to waste.

Call upon JESUS now.


More articles to read here:
"It is Time to Live Right By the LORD"
JESUS son of GOD
The HOLY SPIRIT

Bible passages from biblegateway.com

P.S. Soon as I gave credit to Bible Gateway for the verses, God gifts me with the site's "Verse of the Day":

For we are his workmanship, 

created in Christ Jesus unto good works, 

which God hath before ordained 

that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 

King James Version

It's as if God's supporting the article I just wrote.

My life has been this way since I first asked to be CHRIST's own.

And yet, I continue to be in AWE each time.

As such, I await God's NEXT surprise!

It is wonderful to live as an obedient child of GOD!

Updated 24 January 2022