Add to your faith

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed of his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. II Peter 1:8-11.

I have edited my comments because they were very self-indulgent. Let me just state that someone can try to live this for an entire lifetime, and still feel as if he has failed in it. Rather than rolling in accusation, one must only continue to repent and realize one's justification, while trying to live honestly before the Lord. No condemnation does not equal freedom to sin. But it also does not require living with guilt.

Sometimes we may feel like we have matured and are living in victory, even becoming impatient with others whom we deem have not reached our levels. So we should see victory, and rejoice over them, expect them. The risk is to take credit for them rather than acknowledge the Lord's work. Still, as we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, the Lord takes us through processes of revelation and understanding that teach us new depths of seeing our own needs.

His training enables us to add patience or self-control, goodness, or whatever is required. Still, at such a time as we think we have arrived, if we continue to walk with the Lord, He will just slay us with the understanding of our own nature. For the goodness is of Him and He does not allow us to take credit for it. We are plunged again into the admission that what I desire I cannot do, and what I do I do not desire, and to know that He alone is the one who will redeem me from this dilemma. For Romans 8:1 cannot have its glory without the truth of chapter seven. "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" is only true for those who have cried out, "Who will deliver me from this body of death!" The good news of God's salvation must be preceded by the bad news of our desperate need of a Savior.

His very great and precious promises

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. II Peter 1:2-4

When I was in college, and a new believer, I heard of His great and precious promises. People would teach us some of what they are. When my eldest was nine, and I was at a very low point in my life, the Lord reminded me of these verses, and promised me that He would never forsake me. I had 48 hours of problems in Paris and all the way back home, in which He provided for us, step by step, beginning with being separated from our tour at Versailles, continuing with my purse being stolen on the train, getting it back, minus the money but with our passports- a miracle. We had some money and traveller's checks separate. These had to be exchanged and at night it was not possible, so each time we had to wait on God to provide the next step. Even with certain things prearranged, they were not always dependable. God only was. At each step, I would hear, "everything pertaining to life and godliness," until I started repeating it to myself. For 21 years now, I have held onto this passage.

Peace of mind and unmerited favor/forgiveness is mine in abundance only through having a relationship with God the Father and Jesus his son. (verse 1 says this is written to those who have this.) How do I receive this? Again v.1 says "through the righteousness of God and our savior Jesus," not through my own merit. These are promises, along with many others throughout scripture. How do I access them?

His divine power (omnipotence) has provided us-with everything we need to sustain our lives. Not only physical needs, but spiritual are also given. We receive these as we walk with Him/abide with Him. Everyday, every year, just as in a marriage we increase our understanding of who we relate to-through our knowledge of Him. This is not merely an intellectual knowledge of theology, philosophy.

The Dakes says the word knowledge is epignosis: recognition, full discernment, based on epiginosko-to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge, perceive.
The Lexical aid states further-it is greater than gnosis because it expresses a more thorough and exact participation in the object of knowledge by the knowing subject.

Now Peter was one of the top three disciples, so he had literally years (3) of experience walking, eating, sleeping, praying with, fishing with Jesus. None of us could expect to compare what all he knew of Jesus. But he is not writing of the man Jesus. He includes other believers in their ability to know-God has given to "us," not just him, these things.

Later in the chapter Peter says that he will work to make sure the things he has to share will be available even after he dies. He reminds them that he and the other disciples did not "follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." This statement is followed by his testimony about Jesus in his glory-at the mountain of transfiguration.

For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory saying, "This is my Son whom I love, with Him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

"Through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" -i.e. the deity we know. Peter, as did John, progressed in his understanding: testifying of the work of Jesus on earth, but worshipping and serving the Son of God at the right hand of the Father. Jesus intercedes for us now. We will never have the experience of walking with him down a dirt road, but we do have available the very same opportunity to know our sovereign god.

He "called us by his own glory and goodness". It was not out of my own goodness, or his need for me. He is good, and the glory of his awesomeness just explodes in kindness. The longer I am saved, the more times I have experienced his deliverances, his kindnesses, his blessings. We develop a kind of mental file on Him-I know He can do this, because He's done this for me before. When we become familiar with His goodness and His glory, we more confidently trust Him and believe the promises we have read. They become like a bank account. I know I have this available to me, I can count on it, so I use it.

Through reading the Scripture (Bible) I discover more of the promises-these very great and precious promises. Several verses down Peter discusses other parts of Scripure and reassures us that the Holy Spirit is the source of them, so we should have no problem counting on them. What is the point of the promises-to get rich, to ensure physical safety, or whatever we want god to get for us? No. The point is "through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

That is His work, to deliver us, remove all the filth and make us holy. To give us victory instead of defeat. No one on their own can have that victory. Next Peter provides pointers on how to work on this-to cooperate in the work, but that is another post.

Last Part of 103

The Lord has establish His throne in heaven,
And His Kingdom rules over all.
Praise the Lord, you His angels.
You mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey His word.
Praise the Lord, all His Heavenly hosts,
You servants who do His will.
Praise the Lord all His works
Everywhere in His dominion.
Praise the Lord, O my soul. V 19-22. NIV

The Psalmist started on a personal note, reminding himself to praise the Lord, and to have it be completely full of his concentration, not merely following form-but all that is within him. Many of the Psalms instruct to sing, to play music, shout, make a joyful noise, dance. They also instruct you to whom you should address the song-to the Lord, to tell the congregation of the faithful, to instruct one's children, the nation of Israel, the whole world of men, creation, angels, etc. Body motions (stand, sit, fall down before Him), every aspect is covered. One particular part is to tell of the Lord's character, His works, our personal history. David has emphasized his personal testimony here, along with more general descriptions of how He relates to all that serve Him.

He has established the smallness of man and the greatness of God, admitting our need for him. We do not always obey Him, but He forgives us. Now the Psalmist, (David I think-sometimes it is Asaph, or some other priest employed in the worship services) addresses those who do serve Him, who do not sin or fail Him. The angels, the heavenly hosts, and all of His creation is instructed to praise Him. Asking for backup, to expand upon the worship, because our own in inadequate to express his glory. We all owe it to him.

There is much richness here, in the Hebrew. A Dakes Bible, KJV but with significant notes having both Old and New Testament word studies, of the Strong's dictionary, along with lexical explanations of those words, tells us how each underlined word is used in different verses throughout scripture. The word servants, for instance is translated in KJV as ministers. The Dakes explains how the Hebrew word encompasses both meanings, with 96 uses in the OT alone. Some refer to a high ranking servant to a public official, priest, king, etc. Others (more often) refer to those occupied in worship, such as some levitical priests did. These are specifically appointed for their jobs, whether in heaven or earth. Anyway, we are left with a uniformity of worship of our own along with all creation and the heavenly hosts as well- Returning to the personal worship from the individual.

(The complexity of these studies helps one to appreciate that experts have looked at the words, and evaluated how they are used, cautiously placing the correct English word instead of haphazardly throwing one in. So on days one does not have time to look up words, or possess the other materials, one can be assured that proper care was taken to use the proper meaning.) I also note that in both Psalm 103 and Ps. 91, the word I have written as Lord, is written LORD in both (and other translations). The Bible writes Lord, as a different word, many other places. The translation of LORD is for Yahweh, Jehovah, or YHWH.

There are many names used for the Lord, the Most High, the Almighty, Sovereign LORD, and so on. Now is not the time to address these uses. Not that I haven't heard explanations, but I am not qualified to go into it. Anyway, LORD is the most formal name, which was never even pronounced or written-only as YHWH. Too holy to even try to put in the vowels and attempt to express.

Psalm 103 continued

The next group of verses continues how the love of God is shown. Every place wherein the NIV translates the word love, the KJV says mercy. (Except v. 4 where it says he crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. And v. 8, as noted says compassionate in NIV instead of merciful. And v. 13 says pities in KJV instead of has compassion on.) Now I know there is a difference between mercy and love, but anyone reading this can only discern that so much mercy can only be from a loving heart.

Keep in mind, even in current usage that a dictionary holds several definitions for most words, allowing for slight changes in how it works in different sentences. Word studies, such as a Strong's, notes how each greek word was used from Homer to the Bible, and other writers over several centuries. Therefore the replacement between versions is decided by a team of experts who wrestle with accuracy, etc. Just as a translation of any book (even Green Eggs and Ham into Spanish-Juevos Verdes Con Hamon) sometimes misses slight connotations inherent in a word in one language, but not available in another.

I inform you of these changes so that you will not miss the other meanings also available.(This is why there is a Living Bible-using more common usage by paraphrasing, and an Amplified which expands the possible meanings.) I doubt this is something any Muslim would disagree with, for the Koran makes clear that the Lord is most merciful. However, the depth that this Psalm and the Bible goes into in showing faithful protection and affectionate provision, defies the belief that no one can know the Most High.


As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him;
For He knows how we are formed,
He remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field,
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting,
the Lord's love is with those who fear Him,
And His righteousness with their children's children-
with those who keep His covenant,
and remember to obey His precepts. verses 13-18 NIV

The verses prior to that were discussing the height and depth of the love of God-as high as the heavens are above the earth, but verse 12 in KJV still agrees that He removes our transgressions from us-as far as the east is from the west. I hated to cut the sections in two, as they were deeply related.

He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Not because He doesn't care, or that He just tolerates sin. Not at all. He will not always chide (accuse) or keep His anger, because He is merciful. He knows our frame, He remembers that we are but dust.

Man is nothing. His days are like grass which grows in the dust as it is watered, and fed with seed by the farmer who watches over and nurtures it. The plant may even have some beauty in it as does a flower. It can grow strong and spread (flourish) over the field. But it is still weak and finite. The wind blows it down, the seasons change.

The flower may be replaced by others, but it is not remembered. The work of the farmer is what is remembered. In contrast, the life of man to that of a flower or piece of grass is much longer. So God's being (from everlasting to everlasting) continues as does the length of His work. So His mercy, goodness, righteousness-all His beauty for which we marvel, extends forever. We can depend upon it, claim it as a promise. If we love Him, fear Him, dwell in Him, then we can be assured of what His Word declares is available to those that fear Him.

He will throw our sins away (remove our transgressions, etc.) He will deliver us. Now remember, this started as instruction to worship-praise the Lord, why? Not just because you should, He's bigger than you and He might hurt you if you don't. But by literally listing reasons of how wonderful He is to us, reminding ourselves in case we start to take Him for granted, and in order to inform others of what a magnificent Being we worship. Anyone treating us this way naturally creates a bond of gratitude. We do not have to be browbeat to worship, it comes out of our hearts in response. Selah.

East and West-a comparison

Sura 43:38 uses the terms East and west. Having read Psalm 103 previously, I noted the repeat of using it poetically. In the Sura known as golden adornments, the prophet encounters those who when asked to convert, say that they are following the teachings of their fathers and are following their footsteps, guiding their ways by those beliefs. They ask why the Koran was not sent to some of the leading men of the two cities (Mecca or Medina)-as part of the question, is this whom Allah would send?

Some of them are prosperous, so Allah tells the messenger that if they weren't leading others astray, He'd share that prosperity with everyone who blasphemes (by believing the old teachings), giving them silver roofs for their houses and silver stairways in which to go up, silver doors and silver thrones on which they could recline, and also adornments of gold.

If anyone withdraws himself from remembrance of (Allah) Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one, to be an intimate companion with him. Such (evil ones)really hinder those from the Path, but they think they are being guided aright!

I believe this answers the problem of those who say they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and have invited Jesus into their hearts. The Bible promises the Holy Spirit as a down payment on our salvation, and proof of God's commitment. Since it cannot be denied that these seem to have some spiritual guidance, and great assurance of faith, the accusation is that it is a false spirit that has been sent to deceive.
Thus, verse 38 says
At length, when (such a one) comes to Us, he says (to his evil companion): Would that between me and you were the distance of East and West! Ah! evil is that companion indeed! I note the use of the word Us for Allah.

Verse 39 continues this train of thought.
When you have done wrong, it will avail you nothing, that day that you shall be partners in punishment!
Okay, so here we have it, those who adhere to the teachings of their fathers claim partners, an accusation against Christians.

No idea why he includes verse 40, because it kind of disproves his case.
Can you then make the deaf to hear, or give direction to the blind, or to such as wander in manifest error? Someone who has opponents asking for signs and wants others to turn from their former teachings shouldn't mention this, as their answer would be: Jesus did. And that folks, is one of their partners they are being yelled at for embracing!
I do not find the use of east and west as poetic or beautiful as the usage in the Bible, and we are asked to find a sura more beautiful for proof of who is right. Whether you agree, I note the similar wording, and differences.

Psalm 103

Remember you are allowed to read the Psalms, Torah, Injil, etc. This Psalm is one of the most beautiful and famous. Psalm 103, from memory-with occasional corrections as needed. NIV translation, though KJV is most poetic.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
And heals all your diseases.
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion.
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord works righteousness and justice
for all the oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
and his deeds to the children of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse
Nor will he harbor his anger forever.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve,
Or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us. v.1-12



Most of the differences between NIV and KJV are the use of -eth at the end of verbs to show King James English, and the use of thy/thine instead of you/your. A few other changes are also used. Instead of praise, it says "Bless the Lord." All that is within me instead of all my inmost being. The Lord crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies instead of love and compassion. Judgment is used instead of justice. Some of the changes merely reflects the change in usage of the English language so that modern man may more clearly understand the passage. But all translations use the best scholarly advice as well to ensure accurate translation from the originals as far as is available at the time. With the multitude of sources, accuracy is pretty well verified to be consistent with originals. (Either way, we do not destroy the variations which lends doubt to what was erased.) Sometimes, each word offers a new depth of understanding so we do not want to lose them.

Several of the expressions used in this passage are adopted in the Koran, but not used the same. The idea of "as far as the east is from the west" is one of them. The Koran asks for a better sura or verse-I refer to this Psalm as an example. Our God is not one who hates the sinner. He loved us enough to offer deliverance and many personal benefits. This makes us more indebted to Him out of love rather than merely fearing punishment. Fearing the Lord is used many times in the Bible to indicate reverance and obedience, but the admonition is always there to trust Him rather than cower. Specific instructions tell us not to be afraid but to be at peace. One cannot be at peace unless one knows his sins are forgiven and the Almighty is not mad at you. There is much more of this Psalm, but I can only memorize a little at a time.

The Lord as refuge and protector

Instead of fasting, I was led to memorize a Psalm. It completely reveals many differences between the God of the Bible and Allah. I do note that the Koran admits the Creator is most merciful, and has many good things to say of Him. However, it also claims no one can know God. The Bible, though, tells us we can-and instucts us to remember all His benefits (of knowing Him). We are to tell of His greatness and teach our children of His works (including and particularly with us, as well as historically.) Some of the descriptions of the Bible are poetic, allegorical. And some points are also made that God does rescue and do miracles, but sometimes He has allowed His servants to suffer. They will receive a greater reward later. With those disclaimers and admissions, here is one of the great testimonies of the Lord's mercy toward us, the beauty of His care and protection, etc.-Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you make the Most High your dwelling-even the Lord, who is my refuge, no harm shall befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent."
Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him. I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.


This is clearly a difference between a deity none can know and one in whom you dwell, take refuge, and are comforted. While putting this to memory, the verses that alternated between hiding in him and being comforted held others that still revealed shields, ramparts, treading, and trampling. Fighting might be ongoing, threats real, but lack of fear, the acknowledgment of deliverances, and sense of security provided courage to face what clearly would be overwhelming otherwise.
It is a fairly universal point throughout the Bible, not just a few men held the Lord's attention or access to Him. It was available to all who were willing to choose to have Him as refuge. Which I highly recommend doing, as life is too dangerous without it.

Competing

Several posts have discussed boasting and the strutting of the unbelievers (Christians and probably Jews). A brief summary would be that we are not to boast in anything except in Christ Jesus, and that our names are written in the Book of Life. We are to serve others and exhibit humility. Some of the descriptions within the Koran of the Christians' behavior reveals godly actions and character. They do boldly refuse to convert, heckle, resist counsel and pressure though. Because of this the words used to describe them are: proud, arrogant, stubborn, and so on.

However this need for humility may be, in one of my recent devotionals, I was struck again by the seeming contrast with the instructions to run the race as if to win. We are not to be satisfied with second best, or barely squeaking by. We are to fight (as in boxing) to win, keeping our bodies in shape (oops) that we will be equipped for every good work. So we will be prepared for whatever job the Lord would send us on. Paul was very serious about not wanting to take credit for the work someone else had accomplished. He was mindful of those he had ministered to being proof of his apostleship.

I have long been concerned that some in the Body merely switch from being competitive for status and riches from worldly accomplishments to spiritual. Not necessarily for good reason, but because that is the social group they are among. They are still seeking approval from man, not God. But Paul was not speaking of those type of accomplishments. Yes, he was an apostle, yes he deserved respect. But he said he didn't even keep track of things for or against himself,or what others thought of him, but stood only before the Lord. Several places list the times he has suffered for the kingdom. He is nothing in this world while some in the Church have status, homes, etc. He doesn't have to prove himself. He will wait to see the power of those who oppose him instead of their words.

Paul does take seriously the works of a believer, the power of their prayers, the authority they have in the Lord. Authority is from the Lord who sees the hearts, not merely a position in the church whose leaders may miss the true condition. Even in the early church just being formed, the situation of false leaders, of those who failed to see the pure hearts and power of godly ones already existed. Paul told Timothy to not let his youth hold him back.

First Corinthians thirteen so devastates the concepts we in the church admire. What gifts do you have? What signs have been done through you-miracles, prophecies? What knowledge or wisdom do you possess? What status do you hold within the church in terms of positions? (Elders and deacons, sunday school leaders, and their wives are used to being kissed up to. They should be shown respect due their work, but properly.) What sacrifices have you made? Did you go to a foreign land, lose home or family,or life for the sake of the gospel? Jesus said if you had lost these for his sake, you would be given special rewards.

I do believe that to be true. The Bible speaks of rewards, crowns, and so on. So we must do the works the Lord has prepared for us, but we must also keep our hearts pure. Love covers a multitude of sins, and without it, Paul said, all our works: miracles, prophecies, knowledge, sacrifices were nothing. Usually that encompasses forgiving sins others do to us, as well as failing to judge others in arrogance. But being humble, we should not merely say, "I am but man" or woman, but compete. I guess that includes not being satisfied with what have I done in the past, but continuing to look in front of me to see what He would continue to have me do. All of this is accomplished by living the verse that says "What does the Lord require of us but to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God?"

Some of this is brought to mind because it is again Ramadan. I have prayed and asked whether I should also fast as I pray for you. Not necessary, I was told. But sometimes it is easy to take the Lord for granted, though it shouldn't be. We focus on activities instead of a relationship. While I do not have to try to prove myself, i have to guard against laziness. As James pointed out, faith without works is dead-i.e. we must have good deeds as well as believing in the grace and mercy of the Lord and what He accomplished for me. But I want you to know (because it is often an accusation against us, that we do not believe in works) that we do. Just not to achieve our forgiveness, but of proof of it.

Groaning

For a couple of years now I have chronicled my wrestling with my concern for Muslims. Sometimes I argue, then I get sick at my stomach, almost literally in pain about these issues. While vomiting doesn't occur, my stomach does feel discomforted.(I should note, I've never been shy about arguing, nor of expressing my opinion in public or private to stand up against those with whom I disagree.)It happened again the other day. Some smart alec was insulting Christians and the Bible (Jesus and Paul, specifically) when no one was answering his comments. I did, while my replies held barbs of my own. For the such glaring problems inherent in Islam stun me that anyone can get past the history of Islam and its founders to even bother to discuss its theology.

As was pointed out with Bill Clinton, character matters. Messengers-who they are, is as important as the message. If they are questionable, the content also is seriously suspect. I started feeling bad, not wanting to put a mean spirit onto a wall that was made for considerate and compassionate interaction. I had only answered the posts, and it was not my fault that Allah's Apostle did many of the things he did. That these problems arose irritates Muslims to speak about. Doesn't bother them that they happened, but we mustn't mention it. Somehow it never occurs to them to rethink how this could allow those acting it out to be holy, or question whether the Almighty would communicate with such as this. (Even though the Koran actually brings up these questions that were asked by Mohammed's opponents.) Anyway, I was being as obtuse as now, and then the remorse for not being able to merely show love to these folks hit me.

Truly I desire only to express the Lord's great love for and to them. During the night I prayed and interceded for them, for a great move of God to bring the good news of Jesus to those locked into countries wherein they are not allowed to hear or think of the message. Asking for a great harvest among them, I finally understood my groanings.

The Apostle Paul spoke of travailing in labor for the Galatians, until Christ is formed in them. First Corinthians speaks of the whole creation groaning as if in childbirth, and the church as well, waiting for the sons of god to be revealed. And it tells us about the work of the Spirit of God in revealing God's wisdom, in allowing us to discern what He has planned for those who trust in Him. Romans chapter 8 tells us the Spirit discerns our groaning when we do not know what or how to pray, and prays according to the mind of God. The groanings and the stomach aches are travailing in childbirth, for that which the Spirit of God leads us to pray.