Blogging the Apocrypha - Wisdom of Solomon 8

Well, whereas yesterday there was nothing worth repeating, today I feel as though I could comment on each verse.

Wisdom of Solomon

Let me start out by saying this author has quite the obsession with Wisdom. (Yes, capital "w.") It is definitely an idol before God. He seems to have sold his soul for it.

There is so much in here that is "counter-Truth" (ironically the ultimate in "wisdom," if you will,) it's just...well...not even funny. It's a bit of a disturbing chapter as the author personifies and romances wisdom before our eyes. Either the intimacy is awkward in this, "public arena," or the over-sexualization is just plain inappropriate, or both. Anyway, this is icky. (To use a technical term.)

"She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other,and she orders all things well."
This sounds a bit like the creation story. Wisdom is not the creator of the Earth. The Lord is. And, it took a heck of a lot more than just wisdom to create what we enjoy (or don't) today.

"I loved her and sought her from my youth,and I desired to take her for my bride,and I became enamored of her beauty."
Okay, stalker. This is just idol talk. (Idle talk?)

"She glorifies her noble birth by living with God, and the Lord of all loves her. For she is an initiate in the knowledge of God, and an associate in his works."
Pretty language but just awkward in idea. The only way the first sentence would make sense to me would be to say, "God is the Father of Wisdom." This makes it sound SO Greek/Roman though. Which is how I feel too about the second line - reminds me of Zeus and Athena. So continues, "In Praise of Wisdom."

"And if any one loves righteousness, her labors are virtues; for she teaches self-control and prudence, justice and courage;nothing in life is more profitable for men than these."
I like these lines as they do not further define "wisdom's labors." We may learn in so many ways - often from doing the wrong thing.

"Therefore I determined to take her to live with me, knowing that she would give me good counsel and encouragement in cares and grief. Because of her I shall have glory among the multitudes and honor in the presence of the elders, though I am young."
This is such a weird Proverbs thing for me. Proverbs talks about Wisdom for the first 30 chapters then ends on Proverbs 31, the "Wife of Noble Character." Sounds like this author is wedded to his ideal wife. I suppose any man (and woman) would want this. When I initially read the second line I just thought, what a vain and insecure man. I suppose we are all that way. I don't think this author is seeking Christ-like godliness though. He goes on to talk about being desirous of power, and to create fear in foreign kings. Now, this may be a king's duty, but for your average Joe, this kind of attitude isn't going to cut it on a daily basis. This guy wants to exploit her, while Christ/God uses Wisdom to serve. Again, the lack of humility here is somewhat disturbing to me. This text continues to be so not God-spoken.

"Because of her I shall have immortality, and leave an everlasting remembrance to those who come after me."
Yeah, no. First, this isn't what a Christlike person desires, and, being smart doesn't get you eternal life. An everlasting remembrance? In the light of Christ, nothing like this matters.

An inserted side-note here, it is important for me to say that I don't expect all old-Testament authors to have the complete revelation, but if you are going to put yourself out there as the smartest man ever, than you need to prove it. This author expresses bright ideas, none of which haven't been expressed before, but seems to be lacking in so much Godly wisdom! He's not a "Paul" for sure. There is no direct revelation here. It bothers me that some folks continue to think this is God-breathed. It's so misleading and does not add anything to the Canon.

"When I enter my house, I shall find rest with her, for companionship with her has no bitterness, and life with her has no pain, but gladness and joy."
First, this is the sexualized comment I think goes too far. Second, to me, wisdom is often very painful. Awareness and knowledge are more painful. Wisdom into alleviating the problems and sin brought up by awareness and knowledge, into alleviating ignorance, is great, but at least in today's culture, "ignorance is bliss." Unless you take sadistic, Pharisaical pleasure in knowing pain and use it to separate yourself from others - if you are of course - also not interested in being Christlike.

"When I considered these things inwardly, and thought upon them in my mind, that in kinship with wisdom there is immortality, and in friendship with her, pure delight, and in the labors of her hands, unfailing wealth, and in the experience of her company, understanding, and renown in sharing her words, I went about seeking how to get her for myself."
Yeah, the grass seemed greener, didn't it? Solomon died when he fell away from the Lord. If indeed this is somehow his writing, we must note where in his biography this took place. If you read Ecclesiastes, his ultimate conclusion was that even this was just "chasing the wind." Ever elusive - God always knows more than us. That is what makes him God.

"As a child I was by nature well endowed, and a good soul fell to my lot; or rather, being good, I entered an undefiled body."
WOW. I don't even want to touch this. It's so not even scriptural. UGH...wow...yeah...

"But I perceived that I would not possess wisdom unless God gave her to me--and it was a mark of insight to know whose gift she was--so I appealed to the Lord and besought him,and with my whole heart I said:"
Yes, indeed, a mark of insight, at last, you've said something true! So weird how this chapter ends mid-sentence.

This chapter makes me want to vomit.

Blogging the Apocrypha - Wisdom of Solomon 7

Wisdom of Solomon

Lucky number 7! (Yeah, I don't believe in luck.)

Well...nothing quote-worthy in this Chapter, believe it or not! If it were to be named, I would suggest, "Ode to Wisdom."

Methinks this chap (where did this accent come from?) is suffering from self-admiration. The pomposity in this section is thick despite it's feigned humility

Here is what the rest of the Bible says about being wise in your own eyes.

Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:16
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
Proverbs 28:11
A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him. Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

Wisdom is not the same as discernment. Wisdom is its own end. Discernment is aid from the Lord - the light to your feet to make choices in keeping with His will.

Do not be fooled!

There is a wonderful a cappella piece by Randall Thompson called "The Peaceable Kingdom." In it is a movement called, "Woe Unto Them." I sang this in HS in the District Music Festival in...oh...1992?

I'll let you listen. (No, not to us - the American Repertory Singers - an Amazon.com link.) There are other Randall Thompson pieces on this CD as well.

This is the whole movement - the one mentioned above is the second piece. I'm not terribly impressed with this recording, however. If you want to listen to my tape recording I'm happy to lend it to you. Great stuff!

I can't find the whole set of lyrics online - here is what I can glean from the recording (which gives me giant goose bumps.)

Lyrics: "Woe Unto Them"* - Randall Thompson (1899-1984)
Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity
And sin as it were with a cartrope
Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil
That put darkness for light and light for darkness
And put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter
Woe!
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes
And prudent in their own sight
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine
Turn men of strength to men of strong drink
Woe!
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning
That they may follow strong drink
And continue to night 'til win enflame them
And the harp
And the pipe
The tabyreth
And fife
And wine
Are in their peak
Woe!

*I know I have some of these lyrics wrong, but you get the point!

Notes to Self ~ 7/13/07

I was reading at www.karma2grace.org a website maintained by my church an article comparing Chopra to the Bible. It's funny that I understand what Chopra is saying and nearly fell into its practice. It's such an empty, emotionless life. There are such Hindus and Buddhists who reached "Nirvana" or "inner peace" and felt themselves slipping away into anonymous non-existance. That is so not what the Lord wants. It's like extreme escapism and selfishness/self-centeredness as well.

I love what Oswald Chambers said in one of his daily devotionals in "My Utmost for His Highest" about how the Lord does not create Christians for museums, that we must have a living and active faith - we were created for the great adventure as that great Steven Curtis Chapman song goes.

Well, I have been very busy at work, as I mentioned in my previous post. I have three barbecues to go to this weekend, and hopefully we're signing a lease on our new place tomorrow (well...today really...being that it's after midnight and all!) So, we're excited. Tired...but excited. Looking forward to getting things wrapped up and a move date set.

So, I'm catching up on lolfrenz posts and icanhazcheezburger comments, then I'm off to bed!

Good night!

Blogging the Apocrypha - Wisdom of Solomon 6

Praise God for answered prayer - I have been so busy at work - it's been great! I've also had ESL and church every night, so it's been tough to keep up with this daily. I sincerely doubt I'm leaving anyone hanging anyway!

Stay tuned for tonight's episode...

Wisdom of Solomon

I just discovered my links were dead, so I had to find a new origin for the text for ya. I've just gone and updated all the previous posts, so you should be all set now. (Phew!)

"...he will search out your works and inquire into your plans."
I have been reminded lately that "to whom much is given, much is expected." I know that a large responsibility has been given me - care of myself, and all the assets the Lord has loaded onto my plate. I have to admit to being a somewhat careless custodian. The idea of being held accountable at the end of my life has the possibility of driving me insane. Sometimes it's like you feel like you've screwed it up beyond repair - FUBAR'd your life. The Lord is the Lord of second, third...however many chances His grace has in store for you. Praise His name. What kind of status report will we give the Lord today?

"For the Lord of all will not stand in deference to greatness; because he himself made both small and great, and he takes thought for all alike."
God does not bow down to us. He stoops... :)

There are some clear "Proverbs" wisdom references in verses 6:12-14.

"...and one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free fom care,"
Wisdom is the solution to our issues - of course, taking action on the knowledge is the end of it. It's not enough to think of the answer, but to work it out, daily. Sometimes it is worked out with much suffering, but since we can see the end, we press on toward the goal.

"...and giving heed to her laws is assurance of immortality and immortality brings one near to God;"
Ugh, so unbiblical. What does this nonsense even mean? It's poetic and all, but it's nonsensical. Especially in the light of Christ. We have eternal life in Him, through Him, and drawing near to God is only through Him. "I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." One might argue He is perfect wisdom, and He is, but He is a lot more than that. These verses suggest exclusivity of means.

Verses 6:21-23 are cryptic to me.

"...delight in thrones and scepters...so that you may reign forever." "I will tell you what wisdom is and how she came to be, and I will hide no secrets from you, but I will trace her course from the beginning of creation,"
This is just Satan talk! The author of this book clearly does not benefit from the full revelation. This is reminiscent of Gnostic secret knowledge. Granted, there is secret knowledge, for only God knows everything, but that is not our realm. Ah, for the days we shall know in full! It would only overwhelm us now.

"The mulititude of the wise is the salvation of the world,"
Wow, Satan couldn't have put it better himself. I wonder if he used these words in the Garden of Eden? (Get behind me, Satan!)

Blogging the Apocrypha - Wisdom of Solomon 5

Hi there!

Still with me, eh? Good for you.

Shall we?

Wisdom of Solomon

"...they will be amazed at the unexpected salvation of the righteous."
It is true that the Pharisees and Saducees were exceptionally amazed that Christ would die for the unrighteous and the early Fathers were amazed that Christ would die for the Gentiles - for everyone. I do pray for those who do not know His kindness, His gentleness, and His love.

"We thought that their lives were madness..."
Those who do not know Him do not understand. What is spiritually discerned to believers is as foolishness to those who do not have the Spirit. We often condemn what we don't know. We fear the unknown.

"So we also, as soon as we were born, ceased to be,"
What a sad description of those who are not in Christ. It is true - we are "born to die" - we must kill off the self and live for Christ - then we have fruit of our eternal life in Him. The search for meaning becomes a life of null and void. What is there without the Lord?

"...the hope of the ungodly is like thistledown carried by the wind,"
It is often heard, "I don't know what non-believers do." When the ungodly suffer, where is their hope? There are limits on everything. There is only so much money, so much hope, so much life, so much health. Everything runs out. The only permanent currency is found in a life lived with the Lord. Eternal life, unending grace, no separation from the author and perfector of our faith. We are fed from the riches of the Lord.

"...he will put on righteousness as a breastplate,"
This was an interesting find. The armor of God is a popular section of Scripture from Ephesians 6. In this case, the divine warrior is God, where in Ephesians we are exhorted to do the same - to be as Christ. You wonder how popular this idea was. Aha - reference is in Isaiah 59:17. Always good to do a cross-reference! The image is of God fighting the spiritual battle against evil. Evil is an opponent to be reckoned with. Good thing the victory is already won in Jesus!

Okay, beautiful imagery here. Definitely a sermon against ungodliness, but again, the overly judgmental condemnation does nothing to inspire me toward righteousness. It seems more self-gratifying toward those who would consider themselves righteous. Although, it would be nice to "yell at" all the evildoers, we'd have to yell at ourselves too. And of course, once again, I am grateful to Christ for His righteousness and the gift I am afforded in His death. If anything, these words inspire me to greater gratitude for His grace.

Blogging the Apocrypha - Wisdom of Solomon 4

Well, howdy neighbor...welcome back.

It's funny - I feel restricted in this blog. Even though it's "MINE," it's for any eyes to see. I cringe at the thought of putting up temporary feelings and thoughts - even ones more long lasting - for fear they will be used against me. Well, anyway, this post isn't the place for them. Just wanted to get out there though that I've got a lot going on in my head and heart these days. God be praised for His faithfulness and for providing me with Himself and with good friends to talk to - especially my precious roommate. Love you, Ally!

Wisdom of Solomon

Well, this certainly explains some Catholic orphanages and boarding schools. Ever see "The Saint"? This goes back to what we were talking about yesterday, about virtue and childlessness being better than a multitude of useless children. I can't imagine this is a good exhortation to holiness. It doesn't inspire me.

"...understanding is gray hair for anyone, and a blameless life is ripe old age."
I have to compliment the author here for the very poetic and image-rich language here. It is certainly very creative and beautiful as literature. Maturity definitely has its perks. Love to be "smart" and "mature" and still look good. :) (Ah vanity! Of that, I am guilty.)

"...the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind."
Ah yes, too true. We have a saying for that: "Curiosity killed the cat." This is what advertising agencies and spammers count on!

(THIS ONE QUOTATION IS OUT OF ORDER - these are immediate prior verses.)

"There were some who pleased God and were led by him, and while living among sinners were taken up. They were caught up so that evil might not change their understanding or guile deceive their souls."
Why doesn't God still do this today? Is it because none please God enough? Well, it is true that all fall short...so why take any to begin with? He didn't even take up His Son of whom we know by Scripture, He was well pleased. I think this is a poor argument toward holiness. There's a false promise underwritten in it too, (e.g., if you're holy enough, God will rescue you from this life.)

"...God's grace and mercy are with his elect,"
And Jesus turned this upside down. His elect were the rejected sinners. "The first became last and the last became first." This is why I am staunchly Arminian. I can't stand the idea that God's grace is not available to everyone, nor can I stomach the thought of Jesus not dying for everyone. Isn't that the image from the wedding party that the guests did not show up to? That whomever wanted to come could? Yes, it is true that not everyone will come to the table, but it is a leap (departure, IMHO) to cry "limited atonement."

"The righteous who have died will condemn the ungodly who are living."
Alrighty, definite departure from Scripture here. Only used to promote the "righteous" - only God has the righteousness to judge - Jesus will come to judge the quick and the dead. This seems to be saying the exact opposite in every way!

"...the Lord will laugh them to scorn."
That's not my God. My God came to save the unrighteous, not ridicule them.

So, here we see two examples of Jew vs. Gentile values. To me, this book is pure cultural diatribe. Gentiles think old age and many children are signs of blessedness from God. This author claims virtue and martyrdom are signs of blessedness from God. Well, every good gift is from God. I think this is situational. You can't reduce this or life to,"only the good die young," nor can you take away the righteousness of Abraham who had more "children than grains of sand or stars in the sky" nor the righteousness of the old, old, old age of Methuselah.

However, we must take stock of what we venerate. We do value experience, but of what kind? We do value understanding, but of what kind? We do value martyrdom - don't we? Do we truly count it a blessing to suffer for His sake? Let us be careful of what "we - the unrighteous" condemn. It is not our place. Only God knows the heart of a man.

Blogging the Apocrypha - Wisdom of Solomon 3

Next...

Wisdom of Solomon

"...the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them."
This begs the question, in this case, what torment is. Persecution and martyrdom happen daily around the world. There is so much suffering all around us, all the time. When we are in Christ, we have a refuge from the storm. He has been a shelter for every generation. Our hope is in Him and we can ask Him to hide us in the shadow of the cross whenever we want to. He is so faithful in responding when we ask for help. The souls of the righteous are ever in His presence and we have peace in the storm. Often we do cause our own trauma, but there are definite times when trauma comes to us because of others or because sin is in the world. Will it touch our souls if they are in the hands of God? It may touch our flesh, our emotions, or our thoughts, but not our souls if they are truly in His care.

"...though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality."
Martyrs and those persecuted for Christ's sake are said to have been "disciplined" and counted worthy. What do these sufferings for a short time matter with an eternal perspective like this?

"In the time of their visitation..."
OK, this section weirds me out. Does this mean the righteous will walk the earth once more to rule with Christ when He comes? This does not flush out with the rest of scripture. Although it would be a blessing to be so ruled, I think it is more advanced metaphor and description, the idea being that those who are the righteous are blessed beyond measure. It would have to be divine revelation to be anything other than fiction. (This borders on Mormonism - what little I know if it.)

"...those who despise wisdom and instruction are miserable."
This is true - and I speak from experience. If we do not learn we do not grow and we do not become as God would have us be and we are stuck in our cycles of sin and death.

"...blessed is the barren woman who is undefiled, who has not entered into a sinful union; she will have fruit when God examines souls."
It does not seem to be a blessing to not have children. Especially in this culture, not having children (or being a Eunuch) was considered to be a sign of displeasure and certainly not of blessing. My notes point this out - that virtue not success, is a sign of blessing and honor from the Lord. I can take comfort in this - as can the prostitute who has repented and been cleansed in the blood - that we are blessed not by having children, but by being His and having been called to know Him and take part in His death, through communion.

"...children of adulterers will not come to maturity, and the offspring of an unlawful union will perish. Even if they live long they will be held of no account, and finally their old age will be without honor. If they die young, they will have no hope and no consolation on the day of judgement. For the end of an unrighteous generation is grievous."
I just finished watching a movie on a teenage mother who decides to give her child to a childless couple who desperately wants a baby. Movies like that always make me cry. I am the product of an adulterous union - my birth mother having been 18 years old when I was born. She made the same decision. She chose life. This is the beauty of Christ - He makes all things new. He has given me life and honor in Him despite being the offspring of an unlawful union. Amazing how he (technically) did the same with His own Son. It is true that an unrighteous generation is grievous though. What generation has been righteous? None, according to Romans. This piece of writing clearly does not fit in with the whole of scripture as I understand it. Thankfully, even if it were, God has given us a Savior and we are no longer under this social rule any longer. Grace abounds!

Blogging the Apocrypha - Wisdom of Solomon 2

And...we're back.

Welcome to Part II of our interesting read into "holy philosophy" as it were.

Wisdom of Solomon

"...they reasoned unsoundly,"
What do we base our arguments on? Words we have heard from others? Our own thoughts? Where is God's truth? But, one might say, how do I know the Bible is true? I can't read Greek, Hebrew, nor Aramaic - so how can I determine whether or not my stance is based in God's truth? Shouldn't we then just give up, for it will prove too difficult to determine? No, once you come to know God's voice, you can discern His truth. Read His word and His Spirit will speak to you through it. Every time we read scripture we learn something new, which is why we can never be in the Word often enough.

"...hereafter we shall be as though we had never been,"
It is easy to think that after we die, that is it. What proof do we have outside of the Bible that our lives have meaning? Does consulting a medium and spending time with the dead enhance our living? No, only reading His word does. God created us to want to mean something - He wants us to realize how much we mean to Him. We mean so much He gave us His only Son Jesus to die on the cross for us. We have no other greater gift, and through Him we shall be with Him always after we are "no more" here on the earth.

"...everywhere let us leave signs of enjoyment, because this is our portion, and this our lot."
The empty philosophy of a life with no afterlife. The classic, "Why bother?" and "Just do it." Not considering all the possibilities can lead us straight down the path to Hell. Are we leaving signs of our enjoyment? These are idols before God. I don't think I am leaving any lasting monuments in my honor today, but I am creating evidence of my enjoying life. I must keep an eternal perspective. This is so hard to do when I am so tempted. Keeping the perspective is helpful in leading me to repentance and freedom. The truth sets us free.

"the righteous man...is inconvenient to us..."
Is it perverse for me to say that I enjoy being a stumbling block to sinners? It is a joy to see people reverse direction. Being an evangelical Christian and putting myself out there as one tends to be power enough. Knowing who people are talking to often makes them change even their conversation with me. Acknowledging holiness in ourselves too can create the same effect. Aw, spoiling their fun? Which to them, is everything, since there is nothing else. It's such a shame and so empty.

"...the very sight of [the righteous man] is a burden to us,"
Just walking in the room, being who we are, bearing His name is enough to make a difference. Let people know you're a Christian and watch the power of His name come to life and change the dynamic. If Christ were not powerful, there would be no effect.

"[the righteous man's] manner of life is unlike that of others,"
The classic, "How do we look different from the world?" issue. How do I look different? I sound different, I act different, but I fall horribly short every day. I fear I am more talk than action. The Lord knows my heart and my limitations and He still loves me. I pray the Holy Spirit will convict me further of my shortcomings that I might allow Him to work in those areas - especially the areas of high resistance - for me, those are continuing to pursue relationships with family members, maintaining purity of mind and thought when it comes to men, guarding my heart when it comes to engagement, marriage, pregnancy, and children. I so easily become a ball of negativity when I begin those tapes - bitter, resentful, depressed, and desperate. This is not the "manner of life" of a righteous person. I want more. Lord, help me.

"Let us test [the righteous man] with insult and torture,"
Amazing that people would even bother, but this is the behavior of someone whose dearly held beliefs are in question. The "party-poopers" must be stopped! We are not to fear these people.

"...they did not...[hope] for the wages of holiness."
They hoped for the wages of sin - death. Or even if they did not hope for them, they accepted them without question. In Christ we have the hope of the wages of holiness - somehow to attain eternal life with the Lord. Let me say this, we are either on one payroll or the other. We are born into the system. Let us ask the Lord to put us on His employee list again today.

"...God created us for incorruption..."
Things are not the way they ought to have been, due to the entrance of sin in the world. Will we allow it further entry through personal promotion? Ah, these are hard words for me to hear, but so freeing. I want to move toward incorruption, (for I am already totally depraved, rather than toward corruption. Prevent me from leading others astray as well, Lord.

"...through the devil's envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it."
My envy will be the death of me too, I can see it now. Envy will not get me the things I want in this life. I am wary of negating the envy in an effort to force His hand. I am just not that powerful. Yet, God gave me the desires, and I must imagine that He who did so will grant them to me as well. Following the devil and being a member of his company is at least a short-term contract. Praise God for giving us the ability to bypass death. Once we have died to ourselves, we have already undergone all the death that is in store for us. Our mortal bodies may cease to function, but our soul lives on with Him in Heaven. Praise His Holy name.

Blogging the Apocrypha - Wisdom of Solomon

And so, we begin!

After a (very) brief discernment process I have determined to blog my newest journey through "The Wisdom of Solomon." This book is considered one of the Apocryphya by Protestant churches. These were rejected as lacking divine authority and called Deuterocanonical. Looks like the Roman Catholics declared them divine in 1546. This is fascinating stuff, but I fear digressing.

Only the Holy Spirit knows what He has breathed. God is the source of all Wisdom and Truth, and we shall let Him speak to us through our study.

I am unaware of my audience, so I will assume nothing. Please understand I have been a saved Christian 10 years, and have read most of the Bible, (at least the whole New Testament, most of the Old Testament,) and have gone through numerous Bible studies and classes. I have not formally studied Apocrypha before, or any ancient languages, so please note, this is not "expert," but my personal reading of the most brilliant "advice" ever given.

Solomon was reported to be the richest, most intelligent, most handsome, most sexual, most industrious, and most bored man in history. He is the author of Ecclesiastes, the book about how everything is "chasing the wind" and "meaningless." We trust his experience and his logic because his reputation precedes him.

Quick note - I will be reading the New Oxford Annotated Study Bible.
And so we jump right in...

Wisdom of Solomon

From my introductory notes:

"...written...during the Greco-Roman era...many Jews felt hard-pressed to be loyal to the basic principles and practices of their faith."
How eerily similar to today's Christian!

"Although the author claims to be King Solomon...this ascription has been recognized as a literary fiction since ancient times. Instead, the author is an anonymous Hellenistic Jew..."
*GASP* And we trusted him! Amazing what people will do to promote credibility. Ironic that one of the major tenets in Judaism is to not lie.

"Love righteousness,"
Over the years I have tasted the sweetness of the righteousness of God, through Christ, through His justification and sanctification, and although it often hurts to be so refined, the result is holiness. As Pastor Paul once said, "Holiness is happiness." I exhort you to seek it in Him. It is the only thing worth chasing after.

"...he is found by those who do not put him to the test,"
How many times I seek Him in prayer by trying to pray the right words - as if my strength could draw Him. He loves me anyway though. I find Him when I let go most of myself, when there is more of Him and less of me. Oh, may I decrease so He may increase!

"...manifests himself to those who do not distrust him."
When we draw near to Him, (e.g., by trusting Him,) He draws near to us. How amazing is that, though? He manifests Himself...He makes Himself known to those who trust Him. How much more to release our doubts and ask Him for forgiveness. Poor atheists - they will never see Him. Even poorer agnostics who may wish to see Him and yet for all their distrust, never will.

"...perverse thoughts separate people from God,"
I am guilty of many a perverse thought, yet I choose to distinguish between them. There are some that pop up that are "old man" - meaning they are old tapes that naturally occur and I dismiss them. Then there are those that are purposeful, willful, evil, when I am tired, angry, hurt, and deliberately sinning. I have to let go and pray then, find a quiet place and take care of myself. I am most helped by quiet scripture meditation, rest, and the quiet companionship of my kitties or a gentle friend. Last are those thoughts put there by the Enemy - those that I know are of some deep sinful nature. In those I was frequently fearful - that somehow I were more evil than I thought. But I rejoice in those now for they were dark spots that were able to be touched by the sunshine of His truth and released to the Cross. In this act of confession and repentance, I re-enact my salvation through Christ and I am drawn into relationship with God instead of being separated.

"...wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul,"
If I am lying to myself or to others, I block all entry to Truth and we are at a standstill. What torture until I give it up.

"...or dwell in a body enslaved to sin."
Praise Jesus that I am no longer a slave to sin. I may be taunted by it, but I am beyond its grasp through the freedom in His blood! Because of that, I am teachable. When one's obsession is removed, more space is available for rent in the old noggin. Old tapes and wall-head-bangings, (i.e., insanity,) cease, and progress may be made.

"will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness."
I guess I am still more often ashamed by the approach of righteousness. Boyd once gave a brilliant sermon at UMCN about loving living in the darkness. We prefer to live in the sin - it's comfortable. I recently heard that you know you're on the right track because it's uphill. It stretches us. It is a slow process to forget all the sin you knew and continue on as the new creation. When confronted by unrighteousness, however, often we learn to recoil, naturally, because we hate it. Like we heard at Large Group last night - we learn to love the things of God and loathe what is not of Him. It is a process - one He is seeing through to the day of completion.

"...that which holds all things together."
This reminds me of my testimony last Sunday - about how the world is spinning, but in His control, in His hands. Everything is in His control - even us, even when we feel like we are "out of control" that is only a feeling the Enemy perpetuates. And, to re-state, it is only a feeling and perspective. It is not the ultimate truth that the Lord who ordered the stars and calls them by name is unchanging. We may still have evil to contend with for a time, but He will always be with us holding all things together.

"...the sound of grumbling does not go unheard."
I am a frequent grumbler. I pray against it getting me in trouble. I complain about being bored at work, being 32 and unmarried with no children, about my father not showing me attention, about people not responding to me, about having to "put up with" difficult people, and it will get me in trouble should I continue on in it. There is no need for me to complain. My perspective doesn't matter, really, but He will listen to me, nonetheless. Best to turn those complaints to earnest prayer requests and take action where able.

"...a lying mouth destroys the soul."
Lying is suicide.

"...invite death by the error of your life,"
The wages of sin are death. How stupid and foolish we are...denial is a powerful tool in the hands of the Enemy. We refuse to acknowledge that we have problems. We eat, drink, smoke, have sex, and do foolish dangerous things that cause our own untimely demises. No one has done it perfectly yet. Yet, did Christ's death prove an error? Did Christ invite death? Perhaps willingly, purposely, to slay it forever.

"...God did not make death,"
Although, God vanquished it at the Cross. We had this discussion in our Creation class at church this past spring. "Was there death before The Fall?" If I remember correctly, the answer was yes, that death is natural, things wear out, that is how we have new life, but there perhaps is a difference unstated here, about natural death and the untimely demise of something that, unmolested by evil, would have lasted longer. I wonder how many people die of sin versus "naturally" in our world? Don't we call kill ourselves and one another? It seems an endless, hopeless mess, doesn't it? We hide ourselves in the cleft of the rock in those times it seems overwhelming and renew our faith and hope in Christ so we may emerge again to carry on running the race toward the goal He has called us to.

"...righteousness is immortal."
Which is why Christ lives forever, and we only do on His merits by believing in Him.

"the ungodly by their words and deeds summoned death; considering him a friend, they pined away and made a covenant with him, because they are fit to belong to his company."
Interesting how when we are in sin, death seems to be a friend to us - a promise of release from the agony. And this is just what the Enemy wants - to destroy us. Eerie, "they are fit to belong." Conjurs images of zombies to my mind's eye.

Well, so far sounds like some interesting philosophy. It does have a ring of "spirituality" to it, but it doesn't jive with me as being, "divine," or even "divinely inspired."

Until next time...

Notes to Self ~ 7/5/07

Last night I watched the most breathtaking fireworks display I have ever seen.

My friends and I staked out some prime real estate along the Esplanade right in front of the barge. It was very windy, cold, and rainy. (Yes, on July 4th. It's New England, what do you expect?) We walked around on some short excursions, talked, laughed, ate potato chips, did some serious people watching. I swear I saw the guy who gave me my pedicure the other day across the footpath from us. Ally came with "The Six" and I got to meet them all. Cute girls. It was so weird, I saw Josh's Sarah then I saw Alex and was like, "Weird, I just saw Sarah." He then tells me they haven't dated in two years. So weird. Not as weird as the multiple string bikinis and the girls who refused to put on coverups as they walked around in them. Not as weird as the guy in cotton flag shorts who seemed to be saluting himself. Definitely not as weird as the Storm Trooper who came by taking pictures with people. Certainly not as weird as the guy in the British Bulldog speedo who traipsed all up and down the footpath looking for attention.

Welcome to my hometown of Boston.

See the finale of the fireworks: Finale! Talk about your sensory overload! I wish there was a good version of the Sesame Street segment. They had color smiley faces, 3-D boxes, and numbers! Get that!? Crazy stuff. I felt like a little going, "WOAH!" and "NO WAY!!" It was awesome.

Moving on...

Another weirdo thing happened on the 3rd. I was on my way to meet Kelly and Colby for lunch and on the way there this homeless man with short dreds walked right next to me, leaned into my face and went, "DAYUMN." I was like whaaaa?! My friends and I have been laughing about it ever since. Thanks for the funny, homeless boyfriend of mine. Ah, I am so grateful for boundaries.

I'm thinking of blogging a book of the Bible. Pastor Seth essentially has been doing that with his daily devotionals as of late. (Although I haven't seen a new post in three weeks - I hear he's been traveling but also suffering from a kidney stone - OW!) Slate.com features a person who is "Blogging the Bible" but he's just finished in June.

Maybe I'll take up where he left off.

I couldn't get myself to purchase the $3 devotional at my church group tonight. So many devos, so little time. Nice to know what everyone else is reading and talking about though. I guess I'm just picky.

Off to continue reading my "jemima j" by Jane Green - loving it.

It's ALL GOOD.

It's July 2nd, and today I celebrate my 32nd birthday.

In looking back over the last year I have grown in so many ways. I am so grateful for the people the Lord has put into my life and the stability and peace He has created in it.

I am in good health, good spirits, a good job with a good boss and a good salary, a good church, a good fellowship group, in a good family with good health, with good pets in good health; my cup runneth over.

I thank my birthparents for choosing life.

Thank you God for the opportunities you have provided and the strength you've given to take advantage of them. I pray I demonstrate my gratitude always.

You know my heart and passions and desires and I know you have a plan for my life - a plan to prosper me and not to harm me. I entrust you again, in this 33rd year of life to continue the work you have begun and me and see it further to completion. I thank you in advance for answered prayer.

You know what I daily pray for: salvation and prosperity of friends, family, and community, revival in your church, and in New England, my future husband and children and the ministries we will support with what you give us in strength, tithes and presence.

I trust in the name of the Lord my God, my Salvation, my Hope, my Promise, my Discipline, my Future, my Encouragement, my Music, my Word, my Voice, my Lord, my Master, my Father, my Mother, my Friend, my Husband, my Everything. I love you, Father. I love you, Jesus. I love you, Holy Spirit. Thank you for lighting my way, and being my eternal Companion.

May He bless you as He has so richly and obviously as He has blessed me!