Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Respect
* Scripture: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.." Proverbs 9:10, NKJV

Knowledge is the fact or condition of knowing something. For example, we might know that a stove is hot. We have been told hot, hot, HOT! Don't touch a hot stove. Up to this point we have knowledge. Touch it anyway, and, hopefully, we acquire respect for hot stoves. Now we not only know that a stove is hot, we have learned that touching it is painful, and will likely choose to not do that again.
Now that we have a reason to respect the hot stove, we also gain wisdom, the ability to make good (wise) choices. As our wisdom increases, so does our ability to make proper decisions when faced with a similar situation in the future.
Just as knowing 'about' a stove is meaningless until we learn to respect it, the simple knowledge that God exists is also meaningless until we acquire a reason to respect Him.
Certainly, the full presence of God is beyond our understanding. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, present everywhere and in everything. We can not hide, we can not escape from God. Accepting that awesome truth is indeed the beginning of knowledge about choices we must make.
Yes, we can read the above scriptures as, "Respect for the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Fortunately, the sense of the word "fear" in these scripture verses means to have a reverential awe of God.
. Isaiah affirms that we are all sinners, falling short of the glory of God; "All we like sheep have gone astray." (Isaiah 53:6)
Unfortunately, there is a danger that some might interpret "fear of the LORD" as meaning "to be afraid of" or "expect with alarm," not unlike the unrational fear of a life-threatening condition, or a child with an inordinate fear of stoves.
Consider, for example someone who finds a lump in a breast, or a sore that does not heal. Cancer? Perhaps. I have known people who did not want to learn the truth, fearing both the diagnosis and possible medical treatment, until it was too late to save their life.
Or the possibility that someone, especially a young child, might develop a strong fear of all stoves, to be afraid or apprehensive when in the presence of a stove, hot or not. That is not a desirable reaction to suffering a burn, of course. Rather, we should come to understand both the function and purpose of a stove and the proper behavior when near a stove. Do not be afraid of a stove, but respect it.
Knowledge of sin can indeed lead to fear, every bit as much as knowing the possible effects of a hot stove or of cancer. Consider that Adam was afraid and tried to hide himself from God because he knew he had sinned. (Genesis 3:10) Trying to hide, ignoring God, or avoiding the truth are unacceptable choices.
Just as we come to know and respect a stove or cancer, we need to know and respect the life-threatening consequences of sin, but also to understand that there are other choices that can lift us out of the depths of fear and lead us to peace and life-saving treatment. It is called 'salvation,' and it is free for the taking.
Paul wrote, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23, NKJV)
Yes, we have choices we can make:

We can deny God and sin, to our peril;
Or;
We can respect the total power and authority of God, acknowledge and repent of our sins, and accept God's gift of salvation - eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
October 15, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Decisions
* Scripture: Philip said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"And he (the eunuch) said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" Acts 8:30-31a, NKJV

"Ignorance can be cured; stupid is forever!"
I can't help but chuckle at this bit of philosophical wisdom by a teacher friend of mine. It is one thing to be lacking in knowledge or comprehension about something, but some people seem prone to making bad (stupid) choices in spite of adequate knowledge of the probable outcome.
True wisdom is not found in merely accumulating knowledge, but in the ability to make correct decisions from the possible choices.
I imagine most of us learned pretty quickly that it is quite painful to touch a hot object, like a stove. That experience should impart knowledge about hot things. "Hot! Hot! Don't touch hot things." It shouldn't take too long before someone associates "hot" with probable pain. Knowledge accomplishes little if a person persists in choosing to touch hot things anyway.
"Thou shalt not steal." Seems pretty plain; if it belongs to somebody else, it is not yours. Taking it anyway is stealing! Except for maybe two-year olds, who work by a different standard. Hopefully, two-year olds grow up, and learn that many things belong to someone else. That standard bit of knowledge should be readily understood by all adults, but theft of the highest and lowest degree is rampant in society, judging by the news reports. Breaking the law is just plain stupid, in my book, yet many make bad decisions in spite of knowledge of the consequences.
Knowledge of the differences between good and evil does not by itself lead people to choose good over evil.
Philip was prompted by God to share the gift of instruction and enlightenment. The eunuch was open to guidance and willing to learn. As a result, he heard, and accepted, the good news of Jesus Christ, believed, was baptized, and went on his way rejoicing.
Contrast that with the rich young man who met with the Savior Himself, and went away sorrowful. (Luke 18:23) Or the many other people in the Bible who heard The Word, and chose not to believe.
Be ever open to instruction, always willing to share.
And pray that The Lord will spare us from making unwise decisions.
May 7, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* The Great Guru
* Scripture: Paul wrote, "You see, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6, NIV

To whom do you go for information? Where do you turn?
Judging from one popular concept, presented in the 'comic' strips, one goes to the Great Guru. The Seeker struggles up a mountain, and there, perched on a rather small peak, sits The Great Guru. The advice usually has more of a comic tone, rather than useful information, but what should one expect from a comic strip?
We need more practical, useful advice in real life. There are two things that I see lacking about the mountain top guru idea: Am I assured that his guruness has walked the valley below, and, what have I gained from struggling up the mountain to some guy who seems to have distanced himself from real life?
To whom do we go? To someone who is acknowledged to have a solid reputation gained from experience. A leader who has risen through the ranks. A teacher, perhaps, who has thoroughly researched the topic in question. Hopefully, one who has lived it, breathed it, met the obstacles and overcame them. One does not go to a doctor because they have those magic initials on their door - "Dr." You go to a doctor because they have the knowledge and ability to treat your illness.
We need to know that the Great Guru has "walked that lonesome valley." We want advice from someone who has encountered the bumps in the road, navigated the curves, has correctly chosen the right fork in the interchange of life, and achieved the result that we are seeking.
Some of the notable people in history did indeed struggle up the mountain to receive information and inspiration - Moses and Elijah, for example. And Peter, James and John. They had an excellent guide and teacher, by the way. Jesus, the Christ, the Very Son Of God! Jesus was preparing teachers. People who could be first hand witnesses of the fulfillment of scripture. There, they met Moses the lawgiver, and Elijah, representing God's faithful forth-tellers, the prophets.
They came from the valley of the real world, and to the real world they returned, filled with the knowledge that God had validated His Son in what became known as the Transfiguration. Fulfillment of the Laws, in the tradition of the Prophets, and the Blessing of The God over all. (See Mark 9:2-9)
Jesus has walked the valley, he has ascended the mountain, indeed to the very heavens; to Him we can go! No need to struggle up our own mountain.
Believe that He died for ALL!
February 26, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Questions
* Scripture: Job said, “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him ”, Job 23:3-4a NKJV

In the beginning, there were a series of very positive statements, which is not surprising, since they were made by The Lord God. “Let there be light,” He said, and there was light. Likewise, at His Word, the waters and firmament were created, earth and seas, the sun and moon, and all living things. Genesis 1:27 states that God created man and woman, male and female, again by His Word.
A blessing is a very special statement, which God gave to the man and woman; He further blessed them by placing them in a Garden of Delight, a possible meaning of the Hebrew word for ‘Eden.’ He also blessed the seventh day, making it holy.
I’ve checked several versions of the Bible, including the KJV, NKJV, NIV and NRS, and I find nothing but positive statements until Genesis the 3rd chapter. Enter the Fallen One in the form of a serpent. There is recorded the first question, “Hath God said?” or “Did God really say. . . ?” (Genesis 3:1)
The next thing we read from God is the question of the ages: “Where are you?” The questions flow freely from that point, as if the first one had broken a leak in a vast reservoir.
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive.”
Enter jealousy and anger. God questions Cain concerning that anger, and suggests that Cain will gain the acceptance he seeks, if he does what is right. Instead, Cain grows that anger into murder.
God is again forced to ask that probing question concerning a fall into sin, in this case, “Where is your brother, Abel?” (Genesis 4:9) Cain answers with a question, of course, “How should I know?” “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Questions. Questioning God. The book of Job is structured around questions, including the probing questions of Job’s friends, and Job’s stated desire to question God. (Job Chapter 23:3-5) This question is rebutted later by God, but not in the form that Job expects. It is often formed from our own lips; “Why, God, Why?”
Turn with me to Job Chapter 38: God answers us with both a question and a statement, thus: ”Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge? . . . I will question you, and you shall answer me.”
Job’s questions are at an end. He responds with a statement of humility and confession; “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. (vss. 42:3-4) Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (vs. 6)
We can not presume to come to God contentiously, in anger and defiance, for He is the Great Judge, who will ask the final questions.
August 21, 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19, NKJV)

Let’s begin by forming an image of a stool in your mind’s eye. What do you see? How many legs does your stool have? If you envision the dictionary definition of a stool, it will be a seat without a back or arms, typically resting on three or four legs or on a single pedestal.
Most single pedestal stools are fastened to the floor, such as you see at a lunch counter. It is otherwise hard to sit upon and balance a stool with only one support, not counting the other two legs supplied by the person sitting upon it. But it can be done.
Likewise, a two-legged stool also is rather unwieldy; who would want one? Easy to take a pratfall.
Three legs solve the problem of balance, and make for a freely movable seat. More legs, however, do not necessarily equal perfection. Consider what happens if one of four legs is a teeny tiny bit of a different length from the others, or the supporting surface is uneven. Wibble-wobble! A three legged stool is a member of the tripod family, much used by photographers and surveyors, among others, for stability.
So let’s take the idea of a three legged stool as a basis for a good, workable and adaptable support for, well, life. What else comes with three good supports?
Well, our ability to cope with the world around us depends upon knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Knowledge is like that stool. You see it, you know what it looks like, its shape, color, size. But what good is it if it just sits there, unused.
We can put that stool to use if we understand that we can sit on it, to rest our weary legs. That is what it is for.
Wisdom is sitting on it with the legs pointing down.
Jesus went into a desert place at the beginning of His ministry, where He was tempted by the devil. Satan offered the fasting and hungry Jesus a sandwich, which he refused, because it didn’t have pickles. You know this because I said so. You would be wise, however, to get the true story by checking it out at Matthew, chapter 4. Be sure that you understand the importance of verse 10. See how and why you need all three - knowledge, understanding, and wisdom?
Our temporal earthly body is somewhat like an engine. Engines require fuel to function. Mechanical engines may be gasoline, diesel, electric, or even steam powered. Knowledge that you must replenish the energy supply isn’t enough; a gasoline engine doesn’t do well on diesel, and that diesel engine will get a real bang out of gasoline. Do you understand this?
Wisdom says that you will use the right fuel, in the right amounts, for whatever engine.
Our bodies require fuel to function. Not only is it important what we eat, but also when we eat, and how much we run the ‘engine.’
Eating too little or too much is like sitting on a one legged stool. It is hard to keep a balance. Fad diets ignore this bit of wisdom. There are basically three things that happens to every bit of food we consume. It can be converted to energy to keep us going; it can be eliminated from the body; or it can be stored. Looking around, I can see that there is a whole lot of storage going on.
Some people just don’t want to think about making any changes in their lifestyle, whether it is a health issue in this world, or spiritual truths about God’s kingdom in the eternity to come. Another important tripod is a sound mind in a sound body, with the third leg being a well-nourished soul or spirit.
Paul suggests that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. However, that is only one Leg of what we call the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Hopefully, our temple is supported by all three.
Sad. So many left ‘outside’ because they see, but do not perceive, and hear but do not understand - and lack the wisdom to change.
January 10, 2010

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Transfer Knowledge
* Scripture: Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, so that ‘seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.’” Mark 4:11-12, NKJV

I have acquired a variety of different stringed musical instruments since I first learned to play a ukulele, years and years ago. My collection includes instruments like the mountain (lap) dulcimer, which is easy to play, even for a beginner, to the guitar and violin, which require a lot of work and practice to achieve proficiency. .
. Each instrument is slightly different when it comes down to playing well, yet all have many principles in common. They all have strings, of course, tuned so as to produce a certain pitch note on the musical scale. The number of strings and tunings vary, as well as the size and layout of the fingerboard. Many instruments have metal frets to mark the note locations; the violin family does not. But a tuned string is a tuned string, and simple tunes can be played on any instrument, once you are familiar with the musical scale.
It seems to amaze people that I can pick up any of my instruments and play an easy tune like “Mary Had A Little Lamb.”
The reason that I can do that is not because I am super talented, but because I use what I know about one instrument and apply that knowledge to another.
That is the principle of the parable, the teaching story that Jesus used well to illustrate the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus often began with an earthly topic or subject with which the listeners were familiar, such as a lamp, a shepherd, or a fruit tree, and applied that knowledge to heavenly things. Those who were willing to make the comparison between earthly things and heavenly truths gained a greater understanding of God’s kingdom. Some, however, were either not willing nor able to make that ‘leap’ of understanding, that transfer of knowledge, that would bring them inside to God’s truths.
I sometimes show a person how easy it is to play “Mary Had A Little Lamb” on one of my instruments, and offer them the instrument, only to have them react as if I had handed them a live snake! They have no desire to even try. Strange - the shunning of knowledge!
Perhaps Jesus was experiencing this same phenomena. Some people just don’t want to think about making any changes in their lifestyle, whether it is a health issue in this world, or spiritual truths about God’s kingdom in the eternity to come.
Sad. So many left ‘outside’ because they see, but do not perceive, and hear but do not understand - and have no desire to change.
March 27, 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com

Scripture: The Psalmist wrote, “As the deer pants for streams of water,so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”, Psalm 42:1-2a, NIV

Teaching has its joys. It is always a pleasure to see someone succeed, especially when they have taken a thought or premise, and moved to a higher level. Whether in the classroom, the home, or the workplace, we all have seen that moment when someone grasps the knowledge and masters the skill of a new (for them) achievement.
There is an expression, “Give him a fish, and he will eat for a day; Teach him to fish, and he will feed himself every day.” That is the ultimate test: when the student can use the information as a means to greater achievement.
For any teacher, there is no ‘high’ greater than working with someone who is ‘thirsty’ for knowledge. Those who seek answers. Someone who is passionate about learning.
Working with such persons, I am reminded of the sheep when we turn them into a new paddock (small patch of new grass.) They are eager to move on. All I have to do is open the gate, and they move in and go to work. I don’t have to cut the grass, or stuff it into their mouths. I don’t even have to lead them to each mouthful! I just have to open the gate.
So it is with good students. There is no need to chop up each bit and cram it into them. No pounding, no pushing, no pain. Just lay out the next bit of information; just open the gate.
Not all students are like that, however. Again, whether at school, in the home, or at the workplace, some resist any attempt to ‘feed’ them something new. They balk, they resist, nothing moves them. I will never forget a student in the first formal class I taught, who had resisted all efforts to get him to do the required work, didn’t turn in homework, and wouldn’t take notes. He came up to me in the middle of the semester exam, almost in tears, and said, “Mr. Hubbell, I flunk!”
The Psalmist spoke from the viewpoint of the successful student, in Psalm 42: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”
Take time to look at things from God’s perspective. He has given us all things; He has laid out all the universe in front of us. He will open the gates for us. All we have to do is ‘eat’ of His bounty, to ‘drink’ of His knowledge.
He has prepared teachers for us; prophets, preachers, and leaders. It is up to each of us to move forward, to learn, to “feed on His word.”
The Bible is full of stories as sad as that of my reluctant student.
No wonder Jesus looked out over Jerusalem, and wept.....
December 29, 2002