There are two ladies at my church who embody gentleness. I have said it from the start. Their lives are entwined like sisters, and their families are entwined. They are both involved in the praise team and in the hospitality ministries. Their approach to all the people they deal with is constant. I’m sure you know people like them. chrestotes The Koine Greek word for gentleness means moral goodness, integrity, and kindness. It’s translated as “kindness” by some major versions... Read more
This is a brief reminder to vote. We are not commanded in Scripture to vote, but there was no voting in the time of Scripture, so it’s a non-issue. There are plenty of passages about us being prayerful and good citizens. So in principle, I believe we should vote. To be entirely honest, I got behind in the game this year. I have an out-of-state drivers license. I did not change my drivers license. Nor did I vote absentee. By... Read more
longsuffering defined “The Greek word makrothumia means patience with people. It includes longsuffering and forbearance that endures the misconduct of others and never seeks revenge.”[1] It’s defined the same way by many scholars (i.e. Blue Letter Bible, Kenneth Wuest, Unger). It’s also translated as forbearance, patience, or tolerance in Spanish. inward longsuffering 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... Read more
In the New Testament (NT) peace comes from two words, vastly differing in meaning: 1) eirene (Koine Greek), and 2) shalom (Hebrew). We’ll look at eirene although one could make a case that shalom is the real way peace is understood in the NT. The word eirene has various meanings: national peace, harmony between brothers, the Messiah’s peace, etc. inward peace It basically means to be a peace with God. “It is the consciousness that we are in right relationship with... Read more
Joy – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy… Galatians 5.22 not happiness Joy is not hedonism – the pursuit of pleasure. “Joy is something the world knows nothing about. Many are in a mad pursuit of pleasure. Some of found a measure of happiness or satisfaction. But they cannot even imagine what it is like to have the deep, continuing joy that is the fruit of the Spirit.”[1] It is not fulfilled from outward circumstances or things.... Read more
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love . . . Galatians 5.22-23 There is nothing in this passage that points to love above all else. However, some point Scripture passages where love is given the highest honor. Jesus When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘“You shall... Read more
Your New Path This is the way Walk in it Though you cannot see the end Your steps are ordered And there is another path Your feet will tread Has your path been rough? Your new path will be smooth Although it once was arduous You will continue your travels with ease Has your road been long? On your new path There will be many destinations Many stops along the way Places that will serve as an oasis Are you... Read more
This article of Scripture Texts is drawn mainly from my recent readings in the wisdom literature. I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman. Job 31.1 But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. Job 32.8 Three names for God: For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33.4 If God were... Read more
I had the day off today. I took a walk down at the Springfield Nature Center CLICK In this picture, I had just seen a Blue Heron take flight and fly down the river. Little did I know he would hang out with me on this excursion. This post is mainly pictures, not words. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal... Read more
I can still remember vividly the service where Bro. Wesley spoke this over me. I can’t remember his first name. That’s pretty common for that era. Everyone was brother and sister. Bro. Wesley was preaching at my grandparents church in Santa Rosa, California, where I was the youth pastor. Sometimes, it would take him a little while to get warmed up. I don’t know if he used notes, or if he simply got up and opened his mouth and started... Read more
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