Worthiness

May those who [af]fear You turn to me, and those who know Your testimonies. Psalm 119:79  NASB Turn to me – šûb.  1050 times this verb is used in the Tanakh.  We most often think of it in terms of repentance, that is, returning to God’s ways.  “The Bible is rich in idioms describing man’s responsibility…

History Matters

I considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies.  Psalm 119:59  NASB Considered/ turned – I know, I know.  You’re getting tired of all these grammar lessons.  I’d say the same thing if it weren’t for the interesting variety of translations.  You have to wonder how both Jewish and Christian scholars can justify such…

Uncreated

then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.  Ecclesiastes 12:7  NASB Spirit will return – Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher-mathematician, invented the doctrine of the eternal existence of the soul (in Greek psyche).  The ancient world did believe in life after death (e.g., Egyptian burial…

Jeremiah’s Desperado

I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.  Jeremiah 24:7  NASB Return – Hauser makes me cry for the passion of music.  The Eagles make me cry for the pathos of living. …

Too Good to be True

 I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7  NASB Joy– Why does Yeshua make such an outrageous claim?  Think about it. Aren’t ninety-nine righteous people a great delight to God?  Aren’t they a blessing to others? …

But Things Have Changed

“And rend your heart and not your garments.” Now return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil.  Joel 2:13  NASB Return– How do you feel when it all comes back? What do you think of God’s grace and compassion when all the trials, struggles and discouragements return?   Why should you…