And He spake this parable unto them, saying,
“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, ‘Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.’
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:3-7
Neighbors
Friends, Neighbors and Brothers
“Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.” Proverbs 27:10 (KJB)
Turn Us Again, O God
“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up Thy strength, and come and save us.
Turn us again, O God, and cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. O LORD God of Hosts, how long wilt Thou be angry against the prayer of Thy people?
Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure. Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
Turn us again, O God of Hosts, and cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” Psalm 80:1-7 (KJB)
Remember Not Our Former Iniquities
“O God, the heathen are come into Thine inheritance; Thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
The dead bodies of Thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of Thy saints unto the beasts of the earth. Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us. How long, LORD? Wilt Thou be angry for ever? Shall Thy jealousy burn like fire?
Pour out Thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known Thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon Thy name. For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
O remember not against us former iniquities: let Thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.” Psalm 79:1-8 (KJB)
Kings, Neighbors,Enemies, and Honey
“These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: for better it is that it be said unto thee, ‘Come up hither;’ than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.” Proverbs 25:1-7 (KJB)
Kings, Neighbors, Enemies, and Honey – Proverbs 25:1-28
VERSES 1-7 – On verses two and three the MacArthur Study Bible notes, “God…kings. The roles of God and the king are compared. God, whose knowledge is above all human knowledge (cf. Ps. 92:5; Eccl. 3:11; Is. 46:10; Acts 15:18; Heb. 4:13), and whose ways are unsearchable (cf. Job 5:9; Ps. 145:3; Is. 40:28), keeps things to Himself because He needs no counsel (see Rom. 11:34). On the contrary, kings should rightly seek to know what they must know in order to rule righteously.”
Looking at verses four and five we can conclude that kingdoms of men are established by God when wickedness is removed and righteousness is in place. There is silver present, but it must be refined by fire.
In verses six and seven we see that humility is an honorable trait even in places of authority.
VERSES 8-20 – Getting along with neighbors will be aided by not being hasty in judging them when they seem to be unwise, and in the end you are shamed by your own actions (vv. 8-10).
Using words wisely when dealing with our neighbors (vv. 11-12). Refreshing and encouraging words from a messenger (v. 13). Forbearance or patience is a necessity for good neighbors (vv. 14-15). Too much of a good and sweet thing will end in hatred of that very thing (vv. 16-17).
Being a good neighbor involves confidence in the right place and people, respecting truth and, others comfort, shelter, and nourishment (vv. 18-20).
VERSES 21-28 – We ought to treat our enemies as we would treat our neighbors. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matt. 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Rom 13:9; Gal. 5:14; James 2:8).
VERSES 16 and 27 – Honey is a natural sweetener. Too much of this sweetener will make one sick. Verse 16 prepares us for verse 17 where spending too much time a neighbor’s can be a thing that turns to hatred if not done in moderation.
To search for one’s own glory is as bad as eating too much honey. It will make others sick, and possibly you sick as well.
Rise and Pray
“And when He rose up from prayer, and was come to His disciples, He found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, ‘Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.’” Luke 22:45-46 (KJB)
“And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly…” says verse 44. He was in agony because of what lay before Him. His flesh was growing weak because of the agony. He longed with all His heart to fulfill the task which lay before Him, and He prayed.
The disciples were sleeping, due to sorrow, yet needed to pray. Peter needed to pray for strength in what lay ahead for him in a few short hours; for then he would deny he even knew Jesus. He needed to pray, rather than sleep.
It is with all sincerity I say this, I do not believe that any human being has experienced the agony equal to that Jesus was suffering on the Mount of Olives that night. We could not have born that sorrow, that agony. I too would probably just go to sleep.
O how I need to pray. We need to be in agony for our lost, condemned, and dying neighbors. Are we willing to pray for them? Are we willing to do what it takes to see that they hear the message of Jesus Christ; that He died for our sins, was buried, and He rose again? Are we willing to share with others what He has done and is doing for us?
Let us rise from our stupor of sleep, and pray.
As You Are Praying
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12 (KJB)
As you are asking, seeking, and knocking in prayer remember to also pray for your neighbors, your friends, your family, and yes, your enemies too; just as you are asking, seeking, and knocking good things for yourself. Do the same for others.
Now I share the commentary of the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary on verse 12…
“Therefore — to say all in one word.
all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them — the same thing and in the same way.
for this is the law and the prophets — “This is the substance of all relative duty; all Scripture in a nutshell.” Incomparable summary! How well called “the royal law!” (Jas_2:8; compare Rom_13:9). It is true that similar maxims are found floating in the writings of the cultivated Greeks and Romans, and naturally enough in the Rabbinical writings. But so expressed as it is here – in immediate connection with, and as the sum of such duties as has been just enjoined, and such principles as had been before taught – it is to be found nowhere else. And the best commentary upon this fact is, that never till our Lord came down thus to teach did men effectually and widely exemplify it in their practice. The precise sense of the maxim is best referred to common sense. It is not, of course, what – in our wayward, capricious, gasping moods – we should wish that men would do to us, that we are to hold ourselves bound to do to them; but only what – in the exercise of an impartial judgment, and putting ourselves in their place – we consider it reasonable that they should do to us, that we are to do to them.” From JAMIESON, FAUSSET, AND BROWN COMMENTARY
Only doable by giving oneself to the crucified, buried, and risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Honey – Dealing with Kings, Neighbors, and Enemies
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:21-28 (KJV)
Some notes and thoughts on Proverbs 25…
VERSES 1-7 – On verses two and three the MacArthur Study Bible notes,
“God…kings.The roles of God and the king are compared. God, whose knowledge is above all human knowledge (cf. Ps. 92:5; Eccl. 3:11; Is. 46:10; Acts 15:18; Heb. 4:13), and whose ways are unsearchable (cf. Job 5:9; Ps. 145:3; Is. 40:28), keeps things to Himself because He needs no counsel (see Rom. 11:34). On the contrary, kings should rightly seek to know what they must know in order to rule righteously.”
Looking at verses four and five we can conclude that kingdoms of men are established by God when wickedness is removed and righteousness is in place. There is silver present, but it must be refined by fire.
In verses six and seven we see that humility is an honorable trait even in places of authority.
VERSES 8-20 – Getting along with neighbors will be aided by not being hasty in judging them when they seem to be unwise, and in the end you are shamed by your own actions (vv. 8-10).
Using words wisely when dealing with our neighbors (vv. 11-12). Refreshing and encouraging words from a messenger (v. 13). Forbearance or patience is a necessity for good neighbors (vv. 14-15). Too much of a good and sweet thing will end in hatred of that very thing (vv. 16-17).
Being a good neighbor involves confidence in the right place and people, respecting truth and, others comfort, shelter, and nourishment (vv. 18-20).
VERSES 21-28 – We ought to treat our enemies as we would treat our neighbors. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matt. 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Rom 13:9; Gal. 5:14; James 2:8).
Those who have self control can be at peace with others, and lead others to peace. Without there will be broken and corrupt cities, churches, and leadership.
VERSES 16 and 27 – Honey is a natural sweetener. Too much of this sweetner will make one sick. Verse 16 prepares us for verse 17 where spending too much time a neighbor’s can be a thing that turns to hatred if not done in moderation.
A good example of staying too long at a neighbor’s home and hospitality is seen with Job’s friends (Job 2:11-13), and if they would have stayed silent by returnint to their homes, they would not have needed Job’s forgiveness; nor God’s (Job 42:7-10).
To search for one’s own glory is as bad as eating too much honey. It will make others sick, and possibly you sick as well.
Christmas Day 20
Wow! Just 20 days until Christmas – with Day 1 being Christmas Day.
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to see Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God, and God the Living Son; today; and want all my family, friends, neighbors, to desire to see Him as well.
For those of you who might just think that I need help with my mind. I have a clear mind, and it has been best when I desire to see Jesus the most. This is not a death wish; but a life hope, and promise of God.
“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:7 (KJV)
Christmas Day Forty Six
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to always desire the best of God, and His Son for my family, my friends, my neighbors, any who might be my enemy; and for my Nation (the U. S. of A.) and her leaders, and those yet to come.
Christmas Day Sixty Five
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want the family of my friend who passed away last Sunday to be comforted, encouraged and strengthened today as we go to his graveside service, and as God’s word is spoken, the gospel of Christ is proclaimed, and hearts and lives to be changed.
Last night at the visitation, hundreds of friends, and neighbors came in to honor Doyle, and to comfort and encourage the family.
Christmas Day Seventy and Five
What do I want for Christmas today?
To be faithful, passionate, and compassionate to tell others of what Jesus Christ has done for me, what He has done for you, and what He has done for the whole world.
“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, ‘Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.’ And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.” Mark 5:19-20 (KJV)
Christmas Day Eighty and Seven
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to not be in want for anything but the good, well being, and salvation of my family, friends, neighbors and those I may not like too well, and those who might consider me their enemy.
Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Ninety and Seven
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (KJV)
In recent days in the community in which I live two life long residents have passed away, and their families are mourning their losses. The first was discovered by a neighbor in his home; the other died in a tragic tractor and haybaler accident on a hillside. The people in Jenkins and Barry County are strong and resilient people, and were strong at the funerals.
A friend of mine, and fellow School Bus driver passed away on Thursday after suffering a very short bout with what had been diagnosed as bone cancer in the beginning, then I do not know, after they changed that diagnosis. His funeral is tomorrow [June 13].
There is much mourning in our world over the deaths of family members and friends.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want those families to be comforted, encouraged, and blessed; and if those family members and friends do not know the Lord; I want you to know that Jesus loves you so much that He died for you.
I want us to mourn for our sins; to be grieved when we have offended God in our iniquities, and transgressions; and to seek His forgiveness.
Christmas Day Two Hundred and Ten
What do I want for Christmas?
I want my family, friends, neighbors, and U. S. of A. citizens to remember those who died for the freedoms that we have today; and to drive carefully as you travel back to your homes.
Have a blessed and safe Memorial Day, and remember everyday the One who died to free you from sin, and death; Jesus Christ.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV)
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galations 5:1
Christmas Day Two Hundred Twenty and Seven
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to always trust in the LORD God through His Son Jesus Christ no matter what may come, and I want all my family, neighbors near and far to trust Him as well.
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Psalm 62:5-8 (KJV)
Christmas Day Two Hundred Forty and Seven
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to give myself anew to the Lord Jesus Christ that He might use me to honor and glorify His name; that my neighbors might know that He is the Lord.
And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.” Ezekiel 34:27 (KJV)
That phrase “Know that I am the LORD” is used at least 63 times in Ezekiel and many other times throughout the Old Testament. It appears that GOD wants the world and all who are in it to know Him.
Day Two Hundred Seventy and Two
What do I want for Christmas?
I want my family, friends, neighbors, readers of this blog, people around the world to be free of crippling, hindering fear, and I want you to know that is only possible through the faith of Jesus Christ Son of the Living God, God the Living Son.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (KJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Day Two Hundred Ninety and Seven
What do I want for Christmas?
I want my friends, family, neighbors all around the world to know that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave; that He is the Son of the Living God, and God the Living Son.
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 (NKJV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Also see Colossians 1:16-19; Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; Revelation 1:17
Day Three Three Three
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to want what God wants and desires for my family, friends, neighbors, myself, and the rest of the world.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with You.” Psalm 139:17-18 (NKJV)
Day Three Hundred Thirty and Six
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to desire what God desires for my family, friends, neighbors, the world and myself; to desire what God desires.
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:1-3 (NKJV)
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4
Day Three Hundred Thirty and Nine
What do I want for Christmas?
I want GOD to show Himself strong in and through me that others may see what is going on in me is GOD. In this I also desire that it be so of my family, friends, neighbors, my community, State, Nation, and the world.
Help me, O LORD my God! Oh, save me according to Your mercy, That they may know that this is Your hand—That You, LORD, have done it!” Psalm 109:26-27 (NKJV)
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…” 2 Chronicles 16:9a
Day Three hundred Forty Six
What do I want for Christmas?
I want family, friends, and neighbors to prosper and be in good health; even as they prosper in their spiritual lives.
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 2 John 1:2 (NKJV)
Day Three Hundred Forty and Eight
What do I want for Christmas?
I want my family, friends and neighbors to be blessed, in peace, comfort and wealth; most of all to be blessed with the peace and presence of the Lord in their lives.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 361
What do I want for Christmas?
I want all my family, friends, neighbors, and enemies to be at peace with God, one another, and themselves in the New Year of 2016.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
The Fire and Hammer 