jordanmckenziefox

[jordanmckenziefox]

Was Job’s Ordeal Allowed or Appointed? <A broad look into the Book of Job>

In address to the question posed, it is my understanding that God did not appoint any suffering to come upon Job, but rather He allowed it to come to be by the hand of the devil. Within the first collection of verses, we see Job's character beginning to be laid out to us. A devout man of faith, given to worship and obedience, diligent and intentional to sacrifice accordingly and, on behalf of his children, almost abundantly. He had a strong consideration for the Lord, for his family, and one could surmise for those in his employ as well. There is virtually nothing to suggest that any action of his own brought such tragedy upon him.

We know with absolute certainty that God tempts no man, nor is tempted Himself by evil.

James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.

If God does not tempt us with evil, why would he appoint evil to befall anyone? Least of all Job, who was highly praised by men and, more importantly, by God.

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

In retort, Satan swiftly points out God's well treatment of the man.

Job 1:10 Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

While Satan uses this for his argument of Job's concealed hypocrisy, one may glean something quite key about God's approach to an individual such as Job. If God has blessed Job up to this point with prosperity, and nothing about Job has changed, what purpose would God have for introducing such sudden loss to His faithful servant?

Further clues of this as an allowance may be found in Satan’s attack. Upon God's positive mention of Job, Satan quickly attempts to poke holes in Job's character by claiming God has essentially spoiled the man, bringing forth not reverence but complacency.  It is further suggested that Job is only clinging to obedience in response to God's blessings and protection. He claims that if God were to raise His hand against Job, he would no longer praise God, but contrariwise curse Him to His face. This ultimately prompts God to allow Job to suffer. Satan desires for God to lift His hand, to be the one to blame, but God makes no such action. This was an allowance, not an appointed event. He gives " permission " for Satan to test Job. If God had sought to destroy Job, or reprimand him, not only would some explanation be offered, but He likely would not have employed Satan to do so. God is not one to trifle joyfully in the infliction of senseless pain. Just as well, if it were a reprimand, surely some lesson would be learned by the end of the book. But God intentionally remains enigmatic and vague when asked the reason for this allowance, reminding Job and us that not all things revolve around the individual, and even if the knowledge of the universe was not so vast, we have very little right to demand to know everything. And so, this particular occurrence was ultimately an allowance, in which the reasons for may be hypothesized and nothing more.

#seekJesus #kjvbible #kjv #Jesus Christ #jesus is life #jesus #job #book of job #Holy Bible #Bible #deep questions #provision #providence #Word of God #God

[jordanmckenziefox]

Pillars of a Wise Woman

God has, as of late, been bringing me time and time again to consider this: what is a house? There is of course the technical side which calls it a mere building and nothing more. There’s the emotional side that would never dare call it a house, but a home, and would toil tirelessly to make it feel so. As a rather eclectic lady myself, I do enjoy a cozy home and decorated walls, but as God has been teaching me about houses from many different mediums, I have begun to consider the pillars that hold up a house. 

Proverbs 9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

What are they, these pillars? Surely they cannot be the same for each person. If every house was the same, and subsequently the pillars, what fun would that be? God absolutely loves us to be diverse. So begins my personal study, into what my unique house’s pillars are. God has been revealing these to me little by little, so patience is due. These are inspired more by my life and struggles, so yours might be different. Pray and see what God reveals your personal pillars to be!

Pillar #1: A wise woman douses her anger with humility, peace, and fortitude.

Application: Anger Dousing Affirmations

Digging into Proverbs 14, we see the issue of feeding into anger only makes our choices more foolish in direction.

Proverbs 14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Anger is unpredictable, and to act upon it with no consideration is foolish. I personally am incredibly given to anger <I blame my genes>. So, praise God, He revealed three "anger dousing affirmations" to help defuse things.

Affirmation #1- Humility! Where I can't, God can.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Affirmation #2- Peace! When I'm still, God moves.

Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Affirmation #3- Fortitude! Who protects me, but God my refuge.

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

#Bible #Word of God #God #Holy Bible #kjvbible #seekJesus #affirmations #proverbs #wisdom #wisewoman #proverbs 14 #building #house #home #pillars #truthoflife

[jordanmckenziefox]

Praying Through Proverbs <Proverbs 3, part 2 of 3>

11- My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: ---Disallow me to despise or reject Your chastening, not to become weary of Your correction. May I not disregard Your guidance, and repent when I do.

12- For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. ---I know You love me, Lord. May I delight in You even just a fraction of how You delight in me.

13- Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. ---May I discover wisdom for the goodness that it is, and be pleased in it as well as understanding.

14- For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. ---May I recognize wisdom as far more precious than silver, gold, any precious jewel or any amount of money. Nothing shall withhold me from foolishness or withstand the passage of time quite like wisdom from God.

15- She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. ---May I desire Your wisdom above all earthly good, whether item to be obtained or action to be performed, nothing can compare.

16- Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. ---I pray that I trust the time You plan to give me is enough, and that I use it wisely. Help me, God, to be a wise steward of the things I am given.

17- Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ---Show me how to harness pleasantness and peace in my walk with You, Lord, to display unto others and love completely.

18- She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. ---May I not take You blessings for granted. Guide me in my affairs, in making choices wisely and in a timely manner.

19- The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. ---As You founded the earth, may my life be founded and developed in wisdom. Show me how to establish the new beginnings, to make choices carefully, and to lean into You with every season to come.

20- By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. ---By Your knowledge, the finer details are maintained. Maintain me, LORD, as with every day I renew the vow to give myself over to You entirely. I belong to no one else; You and You alone.

[jordanmckenziefox]

I love this post, it is beautiful and so laden with truth. Praying through the Proverbs has reminded me of what a treasure wisdom is, and that we should seek it out like treasure, silver, precious gems, and regard it much more highly. What wisdoms had God given you lately to store up?

[jordanmckenziefox]

Proverbs 3! <Part 1 of 3>

1- My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: ---I pray to not forget nor forsake Your law. May my heart truly keep Your commandments.

2- For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. ---I pray to find contentment in the days allotted for me, and dwell on the commandments You’ve given me with peace and joy.

3- Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: ---Lord, do not retract Your mercy and truth from me. Help me to hold tight to them, to write them upon my heart to remember and reflect on always.

4- So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. ---May I find favour in Your eyes first, God, and then in the eyes of men. May I speak clearly and be understood.

5-Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ---Implore me and assist me in trusting in You with not merely half a heart, but with all my being. May I not lean on my own understanding, but place all my faith in You.

6- In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ---Enter my thoughts a thousand times a day, linger in my heart, and I pray to acknowledge You in every little thing I do. Direct my paths, and may I be quick to obey.

7- Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. ---May I depart in carnal wisdom, not believing foolishly that I am more wise than You, God. I pray to fear You, recalling Your majesty with absolute reverence. May I depart from evil around me, and discard evil within me. Root out the evil, my God, and preserve me.

8-It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. ---Your wisdom, a great blessing upon me, is something I pray to know. As I follow You, I humbly request heath, strength, and fortification in You.

9- Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: ---I pray to consistently honor You with the blessings from Your hand, the firstfruits of my earnings and gifts for Your plan and glory, Lord.

10- So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. ---May the blessings from You be enough to sustain my house, and remind me to refrain from frivolity and foolishness.

#Word of God #God #Jesus Christ #seekJesus #firstfruits #proverbs #Proverbs 3 #praywithoutceasing #pray everyday #prayer #sustainability #accountability #Lord

[jordanmckenziefox]

Praying Through the Proverbs: Proverbs 2

V. 1 I pray to receive God’s words of wisdom, to seal His commandments in my heart.

V. 2 I pray to incline my ear unto wisdom and my heart to understanding.

V. 3 I pray to cry after knowledge and to lift up my voice for understanding.

V. 4 I pray to seek wisdom as silver, to search for wisdom as hidden treasure.

V. 5 I pray to understand the fear of the Lord, to revere and respect Him, and find the knowledge of God.

V. 6 I pray that the Lord bless me with wisdom. I pray that I would hear  the priceless words of the Lord, that which radiates with knowledge and understanding. I pray that the only thing that comes out of my mouth is knowledge and understanding.

V. 7 I pray that, as the Lord so does, I would lay up sound wisdom for those that I invest in. I pray that I would take hold of the sound wisdom that God gives to me. I pray that I would be righteous by His name and His name alone. I pray that I would allow Him to be that buckler for me, and then I would not depend solely on myself. I pray to walk uprightly, and proudly wave the banner of my Lord for all to see.

V. 8 I pray that I follow the paths of judgment that God maintains, and as He preserves my way, I would continually be filled with gratitude.

V. 9 I pray to understand righteousness and judgment and equity, and proudly proclaim the Lord as I travel every good path.

V. 10 I pray that wisdom enters into my heart, and that knowledge is pleasant to my soul.

V. 11 I pray that discretion will preserve me, and understanding will keep me.

V. 12 I pray that this discretion would deliver me from the evil way of man, as well as the evil man, and that I would be wise to know the difference. I pray that I would be delivered from the man that speaks froward things and hear not the the slander against me.

V. 13 I pray for those who leave the paths of uprightness, for those who choose to walk in the ways of darkness. I pray, God, that You would pursue them, that they might just turn back and repent. I pray they would not lead others astray. I pray that as long as they choose sin over You, that You would guard the world against them.

V. 14 I pray those choosing to do evil would find their ways blocked, and those who delight in wickedness would find their hands tied.

V. 15 I pray those with crooked ways may find their path straightened, and those that are twisted find their paths changing course.

V. 16 I pray that those easily tempted would not being snared by strangers that seek to charm and do harm. I pray for those men and women who flirt and flatter with their words may find their tongues tied in knots, that You may cease their lustful journeying.

V. 17 I pray that those which forsake the guide of their youth, who did forget the covenant of their God, may be reminded that You and You alone are the way, the truth, and the life.

V. 18 I pray for those wayward individuals; may You guard them against the stranger whose house will only lead to send in death, that You would turn them away before it's too late. Guard their hearts to not yearn for the hands that cannot sustain them.

V. 19 I pray for those that go into the house of the stranger would not tarry, instead taking hold of the path of life, leaving that house behind and entering Yours.

V. 20 I pray all may walk in the way of good men and keep the path of the righteous.

V. 21 I pray for the upright that dwell in the land, and the complete people that remain in it, that they may spread Your word and rejoice in You, oh Lord my God.

V. 22 I pray that the wicked who refuse to turn from their evil be removed and cause no further harm, and I pray that the transgressors seeking to drag others down with them would be rooted out, before the disease of sin be spread.

#Holy Bible #bible study #Bible #praywithoutceasing #pray everyday #prayer #seekJesus #kjvbible #proverbs #King James Bible #proverbs 2 #righteous #God #Word of God #Jesus Christ #Lord

[jordanmckenziefox]

Praying through the Proverbs: Proverbs 1 <Part 2 of 2>

v. 17: I pray that I do nothing in vain, but all for You, my God.

v. 18: I pray to be fortified against those that would seek to harm.

v. 19: I pray to not be given to greed, but to readily support and bless others. I pray to deprive no one of any good thing.

v. 20: I pray to hear wisdom, and cry out with wisdom.

v. 21: I pray to hear the voice of wisdom resounding from every place, and to speak the language of wisdom.

v. 22: I pray not to be simple or scorning, to neither delight in scorning nor hate knowledge.

v. 23: I pray to turn at reproof, I pray to pour out my spirit and to have the Holy Spirit pour into me, to have wisdom’s words known unto me.

v. 24: I pray to hear wisdom’s call, to not refuse to answer. I pray to take the hand of wisdom stretching out.

v. 25: I pray to accept the counsel and reproof of wisdom.

v. 26: I pray to be free from calamity and persevere through it when I must experience it. I pray not to be given to fear.

v. 27: I pray not to be desolate or destroyed. I pray to be still in the whirlwind, to be removed from distress and anguish.

v. 28: I pray to call upon wisdom consistently and obey the LORD. I pray to find His will and adhere to it.

v. 29: I pray to love the knowledge of God’s word and to diligently seek it. I pray to revere and respect God accordingly.

v. 30: I pray to be sustained well of counsel and reproof.

v. 31: I pray to abstain of carnal fruit, to only partake of the fruit of God’s word, and not be filled with my devices but God’s.

v. 32: I pray the simple be not turned away but rather edified, and I pray the prosperity of fools be turned away to teach them rather than to spoil and ruin them.

v. 33: I pray that I, and all my siblings in Christ, shall dwell safely in Him, and in His wisdom. I pray that we all be secure in Him, and fret not for fear of evil.

#proverbs #prayer #praying #praywithoutceasing #pray everyday #bible reading #Holy Bible #bible study #Bible #christian bible #kjvbible #King James Bible #wisdom #Word of God #God #Lord

[jordanmckenziefox]

Praying through the Proverbs: Proverbs 1 <Part 1 of 2>

V 2 I pray to know wisdom and instruction. I pray to perceive the words of understanding.

V 3 I pray to receive the instruction of wisdom, of Justice, of judgment, and of equity.

V 4 I pray to leave behind my simplistic mind, I pray to gain knowledge and discretion.

V 5 I pray to hear well, I pray to increase in learning, I pray to be a person of understanding that shall submit to wise counsel.

V 6 I pray to understand the proverbs, to be given correct interpretation. I pray to understand well the words of the wise and the depths that they possess.

V 7 I pray to adhere to the fear of the Lord, with due respect and reverence. I pray to see the beginning of knowledge. I pray not to be a fool who despises wisdom and instruction.

V 8 I pray to hear the instructions of those placed in authority over me and not forsake the guidance they give me.

V 9 I pray to bear good counsel proudly in display of the wisdom that God has placed in those over me.

V 10 I pray not to give in to the enticing of sin nor sinner.

V 11 I pray those that seek to harm the innocent may be withheld.

V 12 I pray that those that seek to swallow up the unassuming may be unsuccessful and halted in their evildoing.

V 13 I pray that those that seek glorious riches may not exploit those with less, nor may they bring suffering to those that struggle already. I pray, Lord, that you would not allow them to tread upon others, and that those with less may be lifted up.

V 14 I pray, Lord, that you would help cease indiscretion and disallow deceit to be perpetuated freely.

V 15 I pray, Lord, that I would not walk with them, and that I would refrain my feet from travelling the broad path of sin.

V 16 I pray that those who run to evil may be intercepted, and those who make haste to shed blood may find their hands bound. I pray that those in pursuit of evil may be interrupted by Your presence, and they might just turn to face You.

<to be continued>

#proverbs #prayer #praywithoutceasing #pray everyday #stay prayed up #Holy Bible #biblestudy #bible reading #Bible #bibleverse #King James Bible

[jordanmckenziefox]

A Wise Approach to the Foolish Man <Part 2 of 3: Attributes of a Fool>

We have discussed how to recognize a fool, and in the same fell swoop how to not be a fool. But how do you approach foolish people? It is a broad spectrum, and none are completely clean of foolish behavior. It is a leech that finds ease in attaching itself to anyone in the water, anyone in the world. But as Peter shows us in Matthew 14:25-31, we must be secure in our faith in God to walk upon the water, or we will begin to sink into the waves and risk drowning in the world. You see, God will protect us from leeches of foolishness as we saturate ourselves in the Word, but if we aren't regularly repenting of our failures and allowing corrections and change, we will fall into the same patterns. Stagnancy in a Christian is very dangerous. We must be vigilant to guard against a fool's influences, choosing foolishness, and how to approach the situations that are hard to combat- for everyone. Especially for me!

Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

Approach #1: A fool must be corrected.

Now, I'm sure you all know you cannot and should not go around smacking people with sticks when they do something not so wise. Human brutality is not something I can get behind. But foolish choices need to have consequences, or nothing is learned. This will look different in every situation, with varying people and actions, but the goal must always be to correct and redirect. Seek correction or witness corruption.

Now, the fool might not heed you. This is, unfortunately, quite common. But I would be foolish to implore perseverance without considering the situation. No, you should never give up on anyone. However, situations always require spiritual deliberation. What is God telling you is the best course of action? Verses 4 and 5 speak on this matter.

Proverbs 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Approach #2: A fool's folly must not be inflated.

You may have experienced what is referred to as "talking yourself in circles". This goes both ways. Whether you are talking yourself blue attempting to edify someone who isn't having it, or you are being beaten down by someone who is bent on bringing you to the dark side, sometimes a breather is best. At the end of the day, God is going to do far more work in a person than you can. There's no shame in tagging out, especially if someone refuses to hear you out. Far better to let God handle the impossible situations than arguing further and looking like a fool yourself.

Proverbs 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Approach #3: A fool's folly must be deflated.

This is the opposite of the earlier point, as you can see. Sometimes, fools aren't fraught with pride, believe it or not. This is less foolishness and more ignorance than anything; similar, but not quite identical. Take heart, and trust God to give you the discernment to see the difference. A fool with open ears is far more likely to let go of the foolishness they hold onto if you present something better.

Proverbs 26:10 The great God thsy formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

Approach #4: A fool is in God's hands

It may seem defeatist, but even when you are blessed with a platform to share the Gospel, it is still in God's hands. However, there are times that nothing you try seems to be working, and you need to walk away for a season. GOD formed the fool, not you, so He is going to know the best plan of action. And guess what? That might not include you. Not to mention God is in charge of everything, let Him do what He is good at: taking care of things. He will deal with whomever accordingly, and when He wants you back in the game, He will let you know.

As for me, let me know if this helped you at all! God continues to put things in perspective for me, and I feel compelled to share. Thanks for reading!

#king james bible #word of god #bible #god #holy bible #bible study #christ #jesus christ #biblescripture #love #proverbs 26 #fool #foolish #approach

[jordanmckenziefox]

Playing the fool, and acting like one. <Part 1 of 3: Attributes of a fool>

<I have been experimenting with a few Bible study formats, such as how to break down passages into good chunks, rolling out themes God reveals to me, so on and so forth. This one is not so eloquent, but perhaps lends itself to natural note takers. I pray even this is fruitful to you.>

Reading: Proverbs 26

What are some attributes of a fool?

1. A fool is dishonorable. 

Verse 1: As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

A simple start, but honor is a strong start as well. Honor is attractive, and it is but the beginning of due diligence for other people. All the qualities here affect other people. How can you honor others? Someone who is truly honorable does not honor themselves first and foremost. To understand honor begins with possessing humility.

BE HONORABLE.

2. A fool’s words are unreliable.

Verse 7: The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Words are important, but so is following those words, bringing promises to reality, being dependable. Mean what you say, and do what is necessary.

You may be reading this as a very young Christian, and have never been in a teaching sort of role over anyone. That’s ok; when it is time, God will align everything accordingly. But you must act accordingly. Prove yourself. Get your hands dirty, do something outside of yourself, and when push comes to shove, follow through.

BE RELIABLE.

3. A fool is rewarded according to his service.

Verse 10: The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

God made the fool just as He made anyone else: human. We as Christians strive to do good, but how often do we miss the mark? No person can claim they have never been a fool, even if for only a brief moment. Being aware of the foolish carnal nature in all of us reveals that we simply cannot choose God’s will unless we seek what it is. We cannot afford to act on the kneejerk reaction, for we shall be presented as fools when we act incorrectly. How are we acting, how are we serving, and is any of it for God, or is it all for us?

SERVE ACCORDING TO GOD.

4. A fool sticks to poor choices/behaviors.

Verse 11: As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

Insanity is following through with the same process, and expecting a different result. Actively selecting the choice that has, time and time again, only done you wrong, is another loop of a vicious cycle. You must choose anew, and the best outcome will ultimately be the one God leads you to.

MAKE GODLY CHOICES.

#Bible #Holy Bible #bible study #biblescripture #King James Bible #proverbs 26 #fool #God #Word of God #humility #service #honor #reward

[jordanmckenziefox]

3 Hearts of Man

Proverbs 18

The foolish heart, verse 2. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

The fool is bent on self discovery. He lives to serve only himself. He is blinded to the reality of his situation; he is about to walk off a cliff, all because his nose is in a self-help philosophy book. 

“Who am I?” He asks. It is an empty question.

“What can I do with my life?” Ultimately fruitless. He does not consider how God defines him. He does not ponder how God might use his life, if permitted to use him. But for those that desire to be distanced from God, to see what the world holds, they soon evolve into creatures of pride.

The haughty heart, verse 12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. You who is so elevated above the rest, there is no solace in your man made tower. Only the tower of God may shelter you, and it is required that you leave pride at the door; verse 10, the name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. To be sheltered by God is to be fortified by Him.

The prudent heart, verse 15. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

To be prudent is to receive not what you want, but certainly what you need. A man may go from wasting time with self discovery, to being humbled and serving, to eventually understanding who he is in God’s plan. Now the disregard of understanding has changed to a seeking of knowledge. How may I get closer to God, how may I know more about Him? Your heart is no longer centered on you, but on Christ.

#King James Bible #Holy Bible #Bible #bible study #scripture #bibleScripture #proverbs #proverbs 18 #prudence #foolish #haughty #hearts #man #Christ #Jesus Christ #seekjesus #jesus is life

[jordanmckenziefox]

A few reminders from Proverbs 17

17:3- God trieth the hearts

17:9- He that covereth a transgression seeketh love

17:17- A friend loveth at all times

17:22- A merry heart doeth good like a medicine

#Holy Bible #Bible #King James Bible #bible reading #proverbs #proverbs 17 #just a reminder #love #real love #heart #Word of God #God

[jordanmckenziefox]

Snippets from Proverbs 13

V.2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

V.3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

V.10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

V.16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

v.20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

V.24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

#proverbs #proverbs 13 #Holy Bible #Bible #King James Bible #bibleverse

[jordanmckenziefox]

Praying Through 1 Corinthians <Part 2>

8. Lord, I know You never faileth me, and I pray I can be more sure, more steadfast, more reliable to those around me, and follow through to those in need. May my love, like Yours, never be empty, never run dry, but runneth over.

9. What I know as truth, I pray to hold tight to it, and what I am learning, may I prove it and see it either melt away or be tempered for use.

10. May I continually be tried and refined, allowing the fire to burn away what does nothing, improve what does little and greatly strengthen what does much.

11. May I be a child only in evil, disallowing divisions of the world to dissuade me from running forth with arms open to even the most hardened, desiring to share Your astounding love and my lesser affection with them. May my maturity in You define me far more than my childishness, which is quite copious in measure. May I place at Your feet the unnecessary things to be discarded, and the cherished things to be received. 

12. I pray to be aware of my image and testimony in You, Lord my God, and to mind it meticulously, to shelter in Your haven to rest and be restored, so I may shine as You shine through me. May I reflect You far more frequently than display myself. May I be known first and foremost as YOURS.

13. May these things abide fully in me as You do: faith, hope, charity. Loving first, but not blindly or foolishly. May I love in the same manner as You; in an all encompassing one. May I trust in You now, later, and always, awaiting to see You face to face.

Amen.

#Jesus Christ #Christ #God #Word of God #Holy Bible #King James Bible #bible study #Bible #1 corinthians 13 #1 corinthians #prayer #praying #pray #love #hope #charity #faith

[jordanmckenziefox]

Prayer-etry <Prayer Poetry>

I do not yearn for a man

who for me would cross the oceans

at the risk of drowning.

I desire no single soul 

to shower me with gifts

until his pockets are empty.

I’ll seek never

a solitary beggar

of my affection alone.

What foolishness, frivolity!

Do not lie to me, wayward man,

I am human, as are you.

Mature in Christ, or I will never suffice,

no matter what I do.

God, if there is anyone

as lowly as I...

send them my way,

implore them to stay,

and may You be the apple of their eye.

#poetry #short poem #real love #God #Christ

[jordanmckenziefox]

Praying through 1 Corinthians 13

1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. <May my words radiate with love, and forbid them to be empty.>

2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. <May my knowledge and understanding not poison me, but through love edify me and those around me. May my faith display Your greatness and not my own, for I truly have none.>

3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. <May the work I do and the giving I do be of love for others and not seek any return of praise, but be filled with the desire of provisional love. May I profit nothing but peace, that I obeyed You, Lord.>

4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, <May I endure, be kind, and not envy, elevate myself or be filled with pride.>

5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; <May I behave myself appropriately as situations require, may I seek the best for others, be not provoked but make peace and generate love around me. May my mind be on You, Christ, and dispel every unseemly thought.>

6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; <May I rejoice fully in the truth of Your word.>

7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. <May I bear things well, believe Your truths, hope in You and endure the seasons I walk through. All for You, my Lord, my God.>

#prayer #Holy Bible #1 corinthians #1 corinthians 13 #King James Bible #Bible #praying #hope #God #Word of God #love without limits #love #charity

[jordanmckenziefox]

Heavenly Humility

There are those in the world who would claim God is the epitome of pride. “Why would I follow a God who wants to rule over me?” I have heard this many times; different words and emotions forming unique conglomerates, but the meaning uniform over all. How foolish, how frivolous a statement. Not just because He made you, but, whether you accept it or not, He walked among us in the ultimate display of humility, and then died in the ultimate display of love. 

When Christian beliefs are chalked up to a blind march, it is inferred that stupidity tags along. Only fools believe in a God, and bigoted fools follow Him!

You know who says something like that? Someone absolutely riddled with pride. And that is most clearly revealed in their blatant dismissal of God. They won’t even consider Him, and He was mutilated and murdered for them.  And He allows the blaspheming, the hate to ensue, despite the fact they are irrevocably wrong.

That’s heavenly humility. Hebrews 2:9-18 says it far more eloquently than I ever could:

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.

#Holy Bible #Bible #King James Bible #bible study #hebrews #humility #pride #Jesus Christ #God #Word of God #truth #seekjesus #truthoflife