Proverbs 6:16-19: Seven Abominations

 

Proverbs 6:16-19: Seven Abominations

I wrote this post for my other Blog/Facebook Page, "The ABCs of a Joyful Marriage," https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/2025/01/week-53-number-7-seven-abominations.html Although this was written for a marriage blog, these issues can be applied to anyone married or single.

(Proverbs 6:16-19 & 27-28) These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

I am not sure why Solomon (who wrote Proverbs) writes, "six," then "seven," but there are 7 items listed.  All of these issues can absolutely apply to marriage (or even to non-married relationships). Let me briefly break them down.  

To be technical, the word "abomination" is listed in Proverbs 20 times.  Some of the same issues listed below are repeated as well as saying God hates things such as a false balance (Proverbs 11:1), the sacrifice and ways of the wicked (Proverbs 15:8-9), he that justifies the wicked (Proverbs 20:10), etc.  There are more items in the Bible than listed in Proverbs that God hates as well (see also Galatians 5:19-21 & Revelation 21:7-8), but for the sake of this writing, I will narrow it down to just Proverbs 6:16-19.

A proud look: How often have you acted superior to your mate in a prideful manner?  You may even have made fun of the other when you think he/she is wrong and laughed and ridiculed the other when you were proved right.  Next time you are tempted to act this way, remember how much God hates pride. Psalm 51:17 says that the Lord will never despise a broken and contrite heart. It is essential to your walk with the Lord to be humble before Him, but also vital to your marriage to be gentle with one another. Do not ever think yourself better than others (see Philippians 2:3), and that includes your spouse. As I always say, yes, the husband is the head of the home, but you are equal partners in every way. Remember to act in love the next time you have a disagreement and know that God hates pride.

A lying tongue & a false witness who speaks lies: I'm including these together because they are both reminding us to always be honest. The second part of that statement probably also has to do with making up stories about another person as well as lying about something. So do not lie to your mate, and do not lie about him or her either. Even exaggerating good qualities is the same as lying. God does not want us to lie even if we are falsely trying to build up someone else's reputation (especially your own).  Honesty is absolutely always the best policy.  

Hands that shed innocent blood: Murder is not the only way to shed blood. Physical abuse can also bring such harm. You do not have to put up with an abusive spouse (even in blood isn't technically shed, but any form of violence still occurs)! It is not wrong to send him/her to jail. If they adamantly refuse to get help, I do not believe divorce is wrong in such a case. Also, do not keep silent when someone else is the victim, related or not. God expects us to speak up for the innocent, and I will even add that this includes violence towards animals as they are also God's creation. 

A heart that devises wicked plans: Notice that one does not even have to carry out wicked plans but just dreaming them up is an abomination to God.  The Lord knows all your thoughts and if you are considering harming someone or breaking the law, you will be held accountable for your thoughts. Matthew 5:28 says we commit adultery just by thinking about having sex with someone not our spouse.  Proverbs 23:7 says that we are what we think.  The Bible also says that whatever we sow in our hearts we will reap in our actions.  Remember that song, "Be careful little mind what you think? For the Father up above is looking down in love."  Well, sing that to yourself every time you are devising wicked thoughts. Repent, and change your thought process! (You can read more about this from my blog "Is the abundance of your heart dark and crooked?" here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/11/is-abundance-of-your-heart-dark-and.html )

Feet that are swift in running to evil: Do not be quick to jump on the band wagon with everyone else doing wrong. That wagon is headed straight to hell!  Be swift to run away from evil. If your first instinct is to run toward the sinful things of this world, you need to repent of your ways and get back to living for Christ! Running to evil includes cheating on your mate and pornography. You do not have to participate if your spouse wants you to do something you know is sinful. It is okay to say no and encourage him/her to repent and walk away from sin.  Pray together that you will be strong enough to flee temptations in your marriage individually and as a couple.

And one who sows discord among brethren: There are so many, many ways we can sow discord. Gossip is the biggest thing that comes to my mind. Remember the above verse speaking against lying? Gossip is rarely truthful or at the most half-truths.  I cannot stand to be around a gossip as many people have harmed me and/or my precious husband with false gossip (I am including from before we knew each other as well). Again, do not talk about your spouse behind his/her back. Also, sowing discord in your home could mean simply being antagonistic and argumentative. Be kind to each other and sow peace and joy. Those are things God loves!

Proverbs 2:10-12: Discretion Shall Preserve Thee & Listen to God's Voice

 

Proverbs 2:10-12: Discretion Shall Preserve Thee

When we walk in the wisdom of the Lord and allow His Holy Spirit to give us discretion and understanding, it can literally save our lives.  More than once in my life (and also in my husband's experiences), we have felt that tug on our hearts saying, "Danger, get out of here!"  We have always been quick to obey such a strong warning in our spirits. 

Be careful to listen and obey, and you very well may save your life!

(Proverbs 2:10-12) When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, 

I originally wrote the post below on Sept. 22, 2014, when my husband and I were searching for a new home. I was thinking of it yesterday and realized how I could apply it to what is going on in today's increasing violent society.  Every day we read in the news of mass shootings, road rage turned deadly, and all ages are being brutally tortured and murdered. Men, women, and even children are becoming more violent as Satan rages.  We are close to the end of this planet's life and Satan knows it, so he and his demons are increasing their oppressive and possessive ways.

(Ephesians 6:12-13) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

In Matthew 10:16 Jesus says, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." While the verse in its entirety is important, I want to focus on being "wise as serpents."  I am not trying to instill fear in anyone, but we need to pray for discernment and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's warnings every time we leave our home.  As you will see in the blog I wrote ten years ago, God does indeed give you a check in your spirit when a situation is not safe.  Therefore, we need to use wisdom and heed the Holy Spirit's warnings and walk away when He tells us to.  God will give His angels to protect those who FAITHFULLY serve Him (Psalm 91:11), but we are not to be foolish. You cannot intentionally delve into a dangerous situation and arrogantly say God will save you. Yes, God has miraculously protected missionaries and pastors in life threatening situations, but they were working for the Lord at the time.  God wants us to use wisdom not just spiritually (which is what Matthew 10:6 is about), but also in everyday situations.  He does not want us or our loved ones to suffer because we stubbornly refuse to listen to the instincts He graciously instills in us.  

In Matthew 24:12, Jesus tells us that in the last days that, "because iniquity [sin] shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."  Because people are growing colder toward the Lord, the ice in their hearts is making them dangerous to all around them.  They are more susceptible to Satan's influences.  Therefore, we must be better armored for God.

Anyway, here is the original post from 2014, originally titled "Listen to God's Voice" (with a few edits):

Listen to God's Voice

Mel and I have been looking at places to live the last few weeks.  One of the things we do before we leave the house is pray that God will give us discernment about the people and the property.  On our trip to Twin Falls, ID, we both had a very strong sense that the people showing us the first place they had for rent were full of deceit.  We still chose to see the second property since we drove approximately three hours down there.  While at the second location, I had an overwhelming sense this was not a safe place. I had the strongest urge I have ever had that we were in danger; we needed to get out of that apartment!  I even stood with my hand on the doorknob while Mel looked at the rest of the place because I felt such a strong need to bolt.  Some of you may call this intuition, but Christians can call it God's Voice.  The Holy Spirit will speak to you, guide you, and give you warnings if you are willing to listen. 

The funny thing is that when I took the picture that I used for this post's meme, I was not even aware that I was taking a picture of the sign.  I was trying to take a picture of a large bird that was flying overhead.  When we got home that evening and I was downloading the pictures, I had to laugh when I saw the "Wrong Way" sign.  If I was not certain that apartment in Twin Falls was the wrong place before then, I sure got the message when I saw that picture! (Updated note: Shortly after we moved to a different city - I don't remember the exact time frame - there was major gun violence in that same neighborhood where we had been looking to rent.  In fact, I just found an article stating that "Twin Falls, Idaho is More Dangerous Than Most U.S. Cities.") 

It may seem as if I do not have any grand advice or point today, but I am simply reminding you to pray before making any kind of decision.  Pray for wisdom, discernment, and even signs. Be willing to believe that God communicates with us in many different forms if we are sensitive to His Holy Spirit.  Heed all warnings and take them seriously.  You never know when turning around when God says, "Wrong Way" will save your life!  Discuss all feelings with your spouse, no matter how insignificant because you very well may be confirming each other’s feelings.  It will be much easier to make a decision knowing what your mate is feeling.  God will often give couples the same discernment so your experiences can be confirmed. 

We are going to be looking at another potential apartment later this week, and believe me, we are already praying before we head out the door.  And we will be closely paying attention to anything God has to say about the landlord, the room, and the location!

(John 10:27) My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  

(Another updated note: As I mentioned, "Listen to God's Voice" was written in 2014.  Well, a few months after looking in Twin Falls, when we were literally 4 days away from being homeless because nothing seemed to be working out for us to get into a rental property, God miraculously led us to a house in Cascade, ID that we did not even know was available to rent as we had gone there looking for a very simple apartment to rent instead.  Praise God that we could afford the nice house, my Dad gave us the money for the large deposit, and we lived there for 4 1/2 years until God called us to buy our own house here in Washington state.  God truly is amazing!)

The Book of Proverbs: Learning the Fear of the Lord & "Standing at the Judgment Seat of Christ" (Short Video From Leonard Ravenhill)

The Book of Proverbs: Learning the Fear of the Lord & "Standing at the Judgment Seat of Christ" (Short Video From Leonard Ravenhill)

You can choose not to read my writing, but please watch the short video posted at the end from Leonard Ravenhill as he says all I am trying to say so much better. It is only 12 minutes long.  However, I must say I did not make the video and therefore, I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT approve of the movie scenes the maker inserted into the video as everything that comes out of a very immoral Hollywood is tainted.  Yet, I feel the late Pastor Ravenhill's words are so profound, everyone needs to watch it.

Beginning with Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." we are taught that the fear of the Lord is wisdom.  This message is repeated so often throughout the book I cannot list them all!  

Learning and acknowledging that the Lord is all-powerful and all-knowing should leave us trembling at His mighty Name.  We know that God is love, but He is also our judge and jury, so let's not forget to show Him respect.

However, fearing the Lord is not simply loving God. It is acknowledging that He holds our eternal fates in His hands.  Hebrews 10:30-31 should be the basis for all decisions we make. 

(Hebrews 10:30-31) The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

Fearing the Lord means respecting His rules and realizing His love for us is why He put those rules in place to keep us safe, not because He is a cruel bully.  We are not to fear Him as an abusive family member, but because He is the only one who will make the decision on whether or not we will go to Heaven or Hell.  He wishes that none would ever go to Hell (2 Peter 3:9 -[God] is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.) which is why He requires us to do as He (not man) commands.

When we think of all our choices as being observed by a Holy God, we should be in awe and fear.  It should make us think twice before we pick up a piece of literature or watch a program full of witchcraft, violence, sexual perversions, and outright mock God and all the Bible stands for. Or dance to worldly (or even so-called "Christian") music, get drunk or high, or participate in any immoral behavior you know God would disapprove of.   

One of my favorite late preachers, Leonard Ravenhill used to put it this way (I am paraphrasing.), "When we stand before God on judgement day, we won't simply say, 'Hey, buddy, thanks for the cross,' we will bow on our faces in fear and trembling."  No matter how defiantly you choose to live your life, or arrogantly claim you don't need God, if you truly picture what Heaven will be like the moment you arrive (I am not speaking of all eternity full of bliss and joy, but your initial encounter with God) you will realize it will be very frightening as you relive all the sins you refused to repent of and all the rules you intentionally broke.  Because God is unfathomably gracious and merciful, He will not remember those sins you asked His forgiveness for (notice how David uses the same theme of fearing the Lord):

(Psalm 103:11-13) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. 

At some point you have probably heard or read from the book of Proverbs that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." Proverbs makes it clear that those who refuse to fear God and hate "wisdom and instruction" are "fools" (Proverbs 1:7).  It goes on to say in Proverbs 8:13, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward [not willing to yield or comply with what is required of God] mouth, do I hate. " That one verse alone sums up all I am trying to say.    

Proverbs also goes on to describe the fear of the Lord as finding "the knowledge of God" (2:5), "the knowledge of... holy understanding" (9:10), "a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death" (14:27), "tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil"(19:23).  It also reminds us that we should not "envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long" (23:17). 

God is very loving, gracious, merciful, and forgiving. "We love Him, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19). We can have a close walk and friendship with God, but we must never treat God as casual as a human friend but respect Him as our Creator and Judge.

Yes, Jesus is absolutely our Father and friend, but we must never fail to remember who He truly is - the Creator of all things past, present, and future.  Let's show Him the respect He deserves on our knees in humble reverence.  Next time you think of God as a casual buddy, please consider these verses:

(Revelation 20:12-13) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 

(2 Timothy 4:4) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom. 

(1 Peter 1:14-17) As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, "Be ye holy; for I am holy." And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.

(Revelation 21:7-8) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

Psalm 139: Search Me, O God

 

 

Psalm 139: Search Me, O God

I had a dream where I was observing a young woman who was dressed immodestly.  She was sitting alone on a small balcony reading a large book that was just the Book of Psalms.  She had only intended on reading a little bit before bedtime, more out of obligation than a hunger for the Word of God.  However, the longer she read, the more the Holy Spirit began to soften her heart and the harder it was for her to put the book down.  The sun set around her and the night disappeared into day as she slowly read and solidly absorbed all 150 chapters.  

After she had finished, her eyes were full of tears and she said aloud, "I just realized I don't know God at all."  She then looked down at her skintight jeans and midriff-bearing top.  "I say I love Him, and I call myself a Christian, but I see now I haven't been living in a Godly manner that would please the Lord." A deep desire had been stirred in her to get to know God and understand His ways of holiness and joy.  

A burden was lifted off her shoulders as she wept in repentance but also in the freedom she felt in choosing to truly live for the Lord as a Biblical Christian, not as one the world defined as "spiritual." Psalm 139 really struck a chord with her: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (verses 23-24), and she became determined from that point forward to truly live for Jesus!  (See the beautifully sung song by George Younce & Glenn Payne of The Cathedrals at the end of this post.)

Do you ever feel yourself realizing you do not know God?  On this side of heaven, we can never fully comprehend the mind of God (Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.). What I am referring to is what this woman in my dream suddenly realized.  Do you know what God desires of you? Do you really understand what is good and what is evil? (Isaiah 5:20 - Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!) Have you been confused by the world's lies instead of reading and obeying what the word of God says?

(Romans 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Time 0n this planet is very short, I encourage you even more strongly than before to seek to know what the Bible says concerning holiness. 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God," so that we can, be "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." In other words, the more you read the Word of God, the more you will understand God's Truths versus Satan's lies.

(1 Peter 1:13-17) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. 

The more you delve into the Word of God, the more you will understand what pleases and displeases the Lord. You will learn how corrupt most "Christian" pastors' sermons are (Jude, v. 4 - For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. &  Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.). You will learn for yourself what God considers good and bad fruit (read Galatians 5:16-26). God will begin to set you on fire for His holy ways, and the Holy Spirit will enable you to live apart from the world.

(Isaiah 55:6-7) Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 

Seek God's face now and ask Him to search you and cleanse you before it's too late, or instead of you saying, "I just realized I don't know God at all," He will say He never knew you.

(Matthew 7:22-23) "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 

Psalm 91:1-16: He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee

 

Psalm 91:1-16: He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee

This is an excerpt from part 6 of my "Exploring the Angels of the Bible" series.  If you want to read the entire blog you can do so at this link: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/10/exploring-angels-of-bible-part-6.html

Psalm 91:11 is also another wonderful reminder that God allows His angels to look out for us. I must begin with verse 1 in that chapter as it is another verse that shows us God is more likely to keep us safe when we walk with Him or actively choose to "dwell" in His presence.

(Psalm 91:1) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

The entire chapter of Psalm 91 is a very beautiful Psalm as it is a comforting story of God's love and protection for His children.  When you read the full chapter, you will see how very relevant it is to us today.  

(Psalm 91:2-6) I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  

Notice in verse 9, the first 16 words, especially the word "because." 

(Psalm 91:9-12) Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

Now in verses 14-16 the perspective of the poem changes from the voice of David to the voice 0f God speaking to us. Again, see the word "because," which means "on account of the fact that."

(Pslam 91:14-16) Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Yes, again, we see God is more likely to help those that "set" their "love upon" Him, not just those that call upon Him when it is convenient. We are not to choose to serve God just for angelic protection but because He is kind, loving, and very gracious to forgive us when we repent of our sins and make Him Lord of our lives.  God is worthy of all our love and praise, all of the time. Even when you feel as if God has not protected you, and life is depressing and scary, try to remember we live in a fallen world, and other people's sins can block you from God's help. Also, all things happen for a reason to those wh0 serve God (see Romans 8:28, and when life is difficult, try to remember it will all make sense when we see Jesus face to face (see 1 Corinthians 13:12).

Psalm 51: Whiter Than Snow

 

Psalm 51: Whiter Than Snow

A quick note: When I went through the Bible last year, I originally posted a writing on Psalm 23, but because I just shared the "Jesus Said He Is" series my husband & I wrote last month, and part 2 is an extended version of the Psalm 23 writing, I will just give a link to that in case you want to read it again: "Jesus Said He Is..., Part 2: The Door of the Sheep & The Good Shepherd": https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/05/jesus-said-he-is-part-2-door-of-sheep.html

(I originally wrote "Whiter Than Snow" in 2018 when we were still living in Idaho. I took the above photo north of McCall in 2015.)

The words of Psalm 51 reflect my own heart. I feel like to add my own words are not necessary if one reads this Psalm (listed at the end), but I doubt God put this theme in my head this morning just to copy and paste David's psalm!

When you read the first few verses, you will note that we must first acknowledge our sin. True repentance does not come if we insist we have done nothing wrong or are just going through the motions of asking God to cleanse us. Admitting you need to be clean is an obvious first step. As I have stated many times, grace may be a free gift, but we must still confess our sins and ask for forgiveness and actively choose to accept it. Nor do we abuse God's grace by refusing to change our sinful habits (Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?).

(1 John 1:8-9) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jesus is “just to forgive,” but we must first "confess our sins" and He expects us to do our very best to stay clean! In John 8:1-11, a woman caught committing adultery is brought before the Lord. I am sure you are familiar with this story. Jesus sends her accusers away (some believe it was the accusers' sins He was writing in the sand). But my focus is not on her confronters, but on the woman. What does Jesus say to her? Does He say, “I forgave you once, so go your merry way and do as you please from this day forward?” Of course not! Jesus tells her what He tells all of us after we have been forgiven, “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) Although I prefer to use the KJV Bible, the NIV translation of this verse is a good one, for it is worded as, "Go now and leave your life of sin."

In the below verses, the people are told to get rid of their evil ways so they can be cleansed as snow. What I have always liked is the Lord saying, "Come now, and let us reason together.” I picture a loving, heavenly Father, no, not allowing us to justify our sins and attempt to explain why we sinned but rather listening as we plea for forgiveness. He then embraces us, wipes our tears of contrite repentance, encourages us to continue striving to enter in at the narrow gate, and reassures us that we are loved (Luke 13:24 - Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.). His love, combined with our actions, makes us feel clean, white, and new.

(Isaiah 1:16-18) "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.”

What happens to snow on a day-to-day basis? It gets dirty. It looked so pristine that morning, but as the cars drive by, people tramp in it, or the dog (excuse me for saying so) uses it, it turns gray, brown, and yellow. Yet, behold, at the next snowfall, the beauty has been restored, all sparkly and white. Pretty obvious symbolism here, isn’t it? When we pray as David did, to be purged and to have a new, clean heart, let us make that a daily prayer.

(Luke 9:23) Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me.

(1 Corinthians 15:31) In Christ Jesus our Lord, I die DAILY.

Again, 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But note the first 5 words. We need to be proactive on our part and ask for forgiveness. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Therefore, you know He is gracious enough to forgive us every single time we ask.

Living a clean life does not have to be overly complicated. Admit to your sin, confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, cast away the old nature, and make a daily decision not to repeat old sins or commit new ones (no one is perfect, but this is a good goal to do our best to live righteously). You cannot conquer sin on your own, but when you ask the Holy Spirit to help you, He will always answer (1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.).

We should evaluate our lives daily and strive to be the best person we can be every day. If you want a new routine to help you be a better Christian, I suggest reading Psalm 51 and making this your theme.

(Psalm 51:1-4; 6-13; 16-17) Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.

Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight-- That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-- These, O God, You will not despise.

Psalm 15:4: Do I keep my oaths even when I am hurting?

 

Psalm 15:4: Do I keep my oaths even when I am hurting? 

(Written in 2017) As I read Psalm 15:4 today, it ministers greatly to my heart.  Particularly the line that says, "He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not."  I don't usually read the NIV of the Bible, but I like this translation of this portion of the verse in the NIV translated as, "Who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind."

Today I feel immense sorrow and heaviness in my soul. In my grief, do I change how I love God?  Do I keep my faith strong even when I hurt?  Do I keep my oaths to follow the ways of the Bible even when I am hurting?    

I remember that God NEVER changes (Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.).  Even when I push Him away, He still clings to me.  I will remember that God is always on my side.  I am determined that even when I am hurting, I will not change my mind and suddenly believe anything other than the fact that I am a beloved child of God! I will serve and love Him even in the midst of great sorrow.  Then I will heal.  

I praise you, Jesus for your patience and love!

Here's a great song by Greater Vision, God Wants to Hear you Sing ("When suffering comes along, we still sing our songs, that is when we bless our Father's Heart"):

How To Search This Blog Site

How To Search This Blog Site 

When I initially went through my Bible journal entries last year, I had included my (not so great) artwork.  This year I opted not to do the same.  However, if you are interested in any of these initial blogs you can search for them.  There are quite a few from the book of Psalms, so if you want to see any of these, just type in Psalm in the search bar (you can include a number such as Psalm 27), then tap or click the search button.  You may have to scroll through a few pages to find the exact one you are looking for.

Of course, you can also use the search bar for a specific topic or scripture reference other than Bible journal artwork. Hope this helps!

 

The Book of Job: Why do the Righteous Suffer? Written by my Husband & Bless God and Live, Written by Me

 

The Book of Job

Why do the Righteous Suffer? Written by my Husband (Mel)

Job is a good example of a righteous man, blameless before God.  However, he was condemned by his friends because of his severe trials. Job lost seven sons and three daughters, as well as all his servants and livestock on the same day. It appeared to his friends that God was punishing Job, because of his sins. But it was because of Job’s righteousness that Satan accused him before God in heaven. Satan claimed that the only reason Job served God was that God blessed and protected him. God allowed Satan to take so much away from Job. 

Job naturally complained about the harsh trials that he was experiencing, but in the end, he remained faithful to the Lord. Because of this, God blessed Job with new sons and daughters, as well as more wealth than he had previously. Job was also blessed to live one hundred forty years after his fiery trial.

Many people ask the question, "Why me?" or "Why do bad things, happen to good people?" We live in a fallen world, where two kingdoms are at war over the souls of men, the righteous are tried through the hard knocks of life. We should never judge someone because they are sick, unemployed, or have experienced loss in their life. I have known some Christians, as well as pastors, who believe that God is punishing those who experience tragedy or loss. They are quick to reprove those whom they are convinced are living in sin.

 We are all tested and tried in many different ways; our hardships are normally not the result of wickedness. However, in some cases, sicknesses and tragedy are the result of sin. Jesus one man that he healed to go and sin no more so that nothing worse would overtake him (see John 5:14). Habitual sins known as bondages, as well as unforgiveness, can block people from being healed or blessed. 

God’s Word teaches that if there are any sick among you, to have the elders anoint them with oil, and pray for their healing (see James 5:14-15). There are gifts of healings that God grants to many of his children. However, not everyone is healed, God grants healings, according to his will, and timing.     

Jesus passed by a man who was blind from birth and his disciples asked him who sinned that this man was born blind. Jesus told them that no one sinned; he was born blind so that the works of God, should be revealed in him (see John 9:1-3). This passage shows that sickness, deformity or other handicap is not normally the result of personal sin but is the result of living in a fallen world.   

(1 Peter 3:6-9) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

In the same way, that gold is purified in the fire, so our faith is also refined in the fiery trials of this life. The goal of these trials is that our lives may bring praise, honor, and glory to our Lord. The trials of life may bring about bitterness or backslidings if we allow them to. We all have the choice to become hard or bitter, or to allow these trials to build character, as well as strengthen our faith.   Therefore, we need to be like Job and praise God no matter what our circumstances are (Job 1:20-21 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.").

I am well acquainted with suffering. I have experienced the deaths of both of my parents, my brother (who was my only sibling), one of my nephews, as well as my first wife of fourteen years. I was bitter toward God for a period of time, and I had to learn to trust God again. When I made peace with God, He granted me visions of the afterlife, as well as explained things to me that brought me great comfort. The Lord has also blessed me with a wonderful new wife, Julie, and she is my perfect match. I have made the choice to reach out to others who are suffering the loss of loved ones and use my pain to help others get through their dark time. When you help others get through life’s hard times, the Lord will strengthen, as well as bring healing to you.

(Romans 5:3-5) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Bless God and Live, Written by Me (Julie)

In spite of all of Job's losses, he recognizes that God is good and just and pledges that he will trust the Lord no matter what!  Can we all say the same?  If you truly think about it, even though it is emotionally difficult to imagine losing those you love, and suffer through extremely poor health, can you honestly say you would not abandon your faith if you lost as much as Job?  Some of us have been there so we can answer we will trust God in all things.  

Yet often we first may go through trusting God in phases. You may know about the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance (based on personal experiences, I would also add fear as a stage of grief). However, we do not always follow these in order.  These stages of grief can be applied not just loss of a loved one, but also to loss of a job, loss of a relationship not caused by death, a frightening health diagnosis, or even moving.   

So, before you can come to peace with God you were most likely angry with Him for a while and maybe even gave up on Him.  But God never gave up on you, and you could feel Him calling you back to Him.  Your heart cried for the loss of God even more than those who died, and you realized your heart beat to the same rhythm as Job's.  Your Creator will always call you back to Him.  Trust He loves you and your heart may not fully heal this side of Heaven, but with God, we can find peace in knowing He carries your tears in a bottle (see Psalm 56:8), which means He feels compassion over every tear we shed.

It is easier to go through the difficult moments if we make the decision before bad things happen rather than in the midst of the storm or after it passes, that we will follow and trust God in all things.  We should be like Job and declare, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him" (Job 13:15).

I can speak from experience. In 2023 when I was waiting to find out if I had cancer, I was determined to trust God that no matter the outcome, I would trust God.  I ended up being diagnosed with synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancers and went through two very painful surgeries (especially the second one).  While I waited to see what stage the cancer was, I praised God, and I promised I would still serve Him no matter the stage.  I thank God both cancers were declared to be stage 1A, and no further treatment was needed.  I still have post-cancer exams every six months, and each time I must reconfirm with God before I get the results of the new tests, that I will praise, love, and serve Him even if the cancer returns.

We can easily look at Job and see Him as a great man of faith, but one of the truly sad things about Job's story is how his friends and even his wife treated him.  They were not supportive or loving friends; they were accusatory and even tried to make him hate God. Therefore, one other small piece of advice I would give on the topic of Job has to do with how we treat others who are suffering. While is so very important we learn to trust as Job did, it is also so very true we should be like Jesus and have compassion when others suffer, not drag them down. 

This is especially true in terms of marriage; no matter what our mate is going through we must be our honey’s support system. 

Because Job was “blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil,” (Job 1:1), God allowed Satan to tempt Job to fall.  Job suffered many trials including the death of his children, livestock, the majority of his staff, and boils on his body (see Job chapters 1-2).  His friends were not much comfort, and his wife was just as bad.  In Job 2:9, she taunts, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!"

Let us never be this kind of spouse.  Our responsibility is to encourage our mate, no matter what they are going through.  Hold each other and let them cry on your shoulder.  Read scripture verses and pray together.  Whenever Mel or I are feeling down, the other will suggest, "Let's pray," and we will pray for peace and comfort. We should hold hands and pray when our spouse is suffering, no matter what time of night and no matter how exhausted you both are, or even if you are annoyed with one another (praying will also help ease tensions between you).   Remind each other of God's amazing love and of all He has done.  Know what your spouse’s favorite scripture verses are and quote them often.  

Whether a spouse, friend, coworker, or family member is discouraged, please do not tell them to "curse God" or to give up.  Help lift them up.  Offer comfort even when it seems darkest.  Remind them you will always be there, no matter what the circumstance. (In my experience most people don't want comfort right away or maybe just specifically not from you, but let them know you are there when they are ready and will at least pray.)

And most of all, I want to encourage all of you, bless God and live!

Nehemiah 8:10: The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Nehemiah 8:10: The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

(Nehemiah 8:10) Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. 

I would also reverse that and say that the strength of the Lord is my Joy!  It is how I can keep a smile on my face no matter what I am going through.  Yes, I can feel sorrow, uncertainty, or pain but I can still feel happiness and peace when I lean on the love of the Lord.

I have often relied on the Truths of Isaiah 61:3, “To console those who mourn… To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."  Notice here, that our joy glorifies the Lord!

When you read some of the below verses you will also see that simply having faith and persevering in the knowledge of God’s goodness will produce joy.

Like most people, I have had my share of heartache and hard times.  There was a time in 2014 when I was so shattered that I could not pray.  Let me rephrase that, I would not pray.  I was so angry and confused with God that there was no way I could consider praising to lift my heaviness.  So, I know some of you are thinking that I am being too simplistic and unrealistic in expecting you to praise or sing when you are feeling wounded.  It got to the point where my soul was dangerously dry and I thirsted for the Lord, therefore I could not stay silent.  I missed my Heavenly Father, I knew He did not cause the harmful situation, and He wanted to comfort His child.  I started small with simply saying, “Thank you,” at the end of each day for all I still had, especially my husband.  My prayers slowly grew longer until I was back to being my usually chatty self with the Lord.  I was eventually even able to sing praises again without feeling like I was going through the motions.  It took at least six months for me to go through the process, but when I chose to pursue joy and release my anger and bitterness, I began to heal.

I have read possibly thousands (or at least hundreds, but a lot) of books in my life, and it is difficult to choose a favorite, yet I can say that next to the Bible, the book that touched me the most has been Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard.  If you have never read it, I highly encourage you to do so.  My husband and I read it together around 2018 and we were both were very moved by the story.  Much Afraid’s journey reminded me so much of myself in allowing bitterness and resentment to bully me to the point where I was hindered by going to the High Places with the Good Shepherd.  Had I been a character in that book I would have been called Walks by Sight (or Much Too Logical).  I have learned to become Acceptance with Joy as I can see that Sorrow and Suffering have been my companions for a specific purpose.  I may never fully understand why.  However, I can accept the hard times by remembering God only wants the best for His children, and He does not cause bad things to happen (See Jeremiah 29:11).  He can use the hurts of our past to make us become better people if we allow Him to.  That is, when we chose joy.

Here are some more scriptures on joy:

(Romans 15:13) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

(Colossians 1:10-17) That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 

(Hebrews 12:1-2) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

(James 4:7-10) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. 

(1 Peter 1:7-9) That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. 

2 Kings 5:1-14: Wash and be Clean (Includes a Similar Story of a Modern-Day Healing)

 

2 Kings 5:1-14: Wash and be Clean (Includes a Similar Story of a Modern-Day Healing)

God heals Naaman, a king's captain, of leprosy.  However, this does not happen instantaneously, and when Naaman is given instructions from Elisha to wash in the Jordan River seven times in order to be healed, Naaman becomes angry because he is told he will not be immediately healed and thinks the Jordan River is not as nice as the other rivers.  Yet his servants convince him to do as Elisha recommends.  

God humbled Naaman and when the captain was willing to submit to God's ways, he was healed.  

Let me now tell you another true story that reminds me of Naaman, this one from approximately forty-five years ago.  

My husband Mel lost his father when he was only 11 years old, but this story is about his mother Marie, who was diabetic.  Throughout the rest of her life, she suffered various ailments from complications with diabetes including problems with her eyesight.  By around 1980 Marie was legally blind and the doctors told her that she would eventually lose all of her eyesight.  Everything and everyone were a blur to her.  Everyone that is except one person.  For some reason whenever she saw her pastor, Bob Mixon, his face was as clear as it had been before her sight began to fail.

One day after church Pastor Mixon was praying for her, and he told her that God was willing to heal her, but she had to obey God's instructions.  She had to anoint both of her eyelids with oil seven days in a row, and then her eyesight would be restored.

Marie and her late husband Paul had been pastors and evangelists, and God had blessed them with a wonderful healing ministry where they saw many mighty miracles.  So, although this seemed like an unusual request from the Lord, she fully believed the pastor heard from God, and she obeyed. 

Seven days in a row she anointed her eyelids with oil, and on the seventh day, when she opened her eyes, her vision had been 100% restored.  Colors were crisp and clear, and nothing was even a tiny bit blurry.  She had obeyed God's command, and she was healed.  

Throughout the rest of her life she suffered other health issues as most of us do, but she always had perfect vision until she went home to be with Jesus at the age of 72. 

There is a great lesson we can all learn from both Naaman and Marie about obedience and humility for our own physical, and even mental and spiritual healing.

Marie was a Godly woman who loved Jesus with all her heart. What she had was not empty religion, but she had a close relationship with God.  She fully understood the power of Jesus Christ and obeyed His ways.  Now that Marie is in perfection in Heaven, she understands what our earthly minds cannot comprehend, and she now knows why God chose an unusual method similar to Naaman's to heal her eyes. 

Now that we live under a New Covenant, the blood of Jesus has washed us clean of sin, but we must keep our lives free of habitual sins to stay clean.  Quite often habitual sins can block God's healing, including healing of the mind such as depression. 

When God gives us instruction on what we need to do to be healed, do we also complain and let our ego get in the way as Naaman did or refuse to do what He asks of us?  Or are we like Marie and say with a contrite heart, "Whatever you ask of me, Jesus, I will do it."    

(James 4:6-10) Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the HUMBLE. SUBMIT YOURSELVES therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. CLEANSE your hands, ye sinners; and PURIFY your hearts, ye double minded... let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.  HUMBLE yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

God may promise to help you but only if you first submit to His will, only then will the devil flee from you.  If you are stubbornly living for the world and refusing to let go of false religions and/or sinful behaviors you know go against what the Bible teaches, you have no right to complain when healings don't seem to come.  

What sins does God want you to give up?  When in doubt, do not rely on what anyone else tells you, but read your Bible (see also Matthew 19:16-21):  

(Galatians 5:18-21) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

(Revelation 21:7-8) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

We live in a fallen world which causes sickness to exist and living a right life does not automatically mean you will never be sick or that you will always be healed.  People who believe this end up hating God when they are sick.  Which is silly because Jesus said in John 16:33 that we would have tribulations. So, getting anything from the flu to cancer can just be the result of living on this corrupt planet.

Sometimes God allows sickness to bring Him glory.  

(John 9:1-3 & 6-7) And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked him, saying, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam." He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10) And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

However, when we obey the Lord, and pray for healing, and then actually have the faith that God will do exactly as He says He will do (see Matthew 9:22, Mark 5:34, Mark 10:52, Luke 8:48, & Luke 17:19), you too can have victory in Jesus for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. 

I think we all know when we are purposefully refusing to do what we know is right in the eyes of Jesus Christ.  He is more likely to answer your prayers (James 5:16 - The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth [help or benefit] much.) when you are obedient to washing yourself free of the sins you know He hates. So go, wash yourself of sin so you can be clean, healed, and whole.  

(2 Kings 5:1-14) Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper...

So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, "Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean."

But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, "Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage.

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?"

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.