2 CORINTHIANS ~ Chapter 8/Thursday Bible Study

First off, I want to remind everyone reading this chapter, that Paul is directing his letters to the Churches – not to the populace at large.

The Church (Body of Believer in Yeshua Ha-Mashiach) were being heavily persecuted: the need was great for them to help each other in any/every way that help (physical and spiritual) could be given.

In today’s society, the politicians (in DC and in church pulpits) of this world, will twist and tweak the message of the Gospel to further their own biased agendas: but, stay focused on the actual message being given! In that way, you will not be easily manipulated; and the truth of the message will be true as carried out by Elohim’s Will for His Own who are struggling under persecutions today (losing jobs based on skin color, Christian faith, beliefs roots in God’s Word – not the obama bible that allows racist ideologies, and every perversion under the sun), as they were then.

Christians are to help their fellow Christians, first; then they are to do what they can for those suffering the chaos of the world’s mess. There may be some who falsely claim Christianity in order to benefit from the saint’s generosity … but that is not for us to judge: Elohim will deal with them in due time. Our obligation is to help those in the Body who need – and ask – for help.

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2 CORINTHIANS ~ Chapter 8

The Macedonian Attitude in Sharing With the Needy

“Brethren, we want to tell you about *Elohim’s grace (benefit, favor, gift) as it was given to the churches (a calling out; a meeting/assembly; a Christian community of members on earth) of Macedonia. They were being tested by afflictions, but they had a great store of joy (cheerfulness, delight, gladness); so, despite their deep poverty (indigence = destitute, lacking, disadvantaged, pauper, and down-and-out), they displayed a wealth (an abundance) of generosity (big-heartedness, open-handedness). For they gave to the limits of their means (assets, material goods, resources), to which I can testify, and they gave beyond their ability (wherewithal = means) and of their own freewill (given readily; voluntarily). They begged us earnestly and of their own accord to be allowed to share in the work of supporting their fellow-Christians. And they gave not only of money, as we had hoped they would, but they even gave themselves, first to the **Lord, then to us, by the ***Will of God. Since Titus had already made a beginning, we urged him also to complete among you this work of charity (aid, help, assistance, contributions, kindness, compassion, consideration). (vv. 1-6)

You are rich (fruitful, productive, powerful, significant) in so many things – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in enthusiasm, and in your love for us; may you also excel in this work of charity. I do not say this as a command (rule, sway, directive, mandate), but to test (prove, try, examine, analyze) the genuineness (realness, indisputability) of your love by comparing it with the eagerness of others. You recall the grace (spiritual = divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; acceptable, favor, joy, worthy) of our Lord ****Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, that though *****rich, yet He became poor for your sakes, that by His poverty you might be made *#rich. In this manner, then, I offer my counsel: it is a good thing for you now not only to complete (accomplish) the task you began a year ago, but also to want to complete it. By all means, complete the work of ingathering (solicitation, appeal, collection). Do it in such a way that your willingness to give is matched by your actually giving out of what you have. If one is willing to give, a gift according to what he has is acceptable; rather than according to what he does not have. This does not mean that others should be relieved (dismissed, released) and that you should be distressed (troubled, anxious, suffering, stressed). No, it is a matter of *##equality. You give out of your abundance to supply their want. Some other time, their abundance may supply your want. (vv. 7-15)

Concerning the Messengers

But thanks be to *###Elohei HaChayim, Who put into the heart of Titus this same sincere (earnest, heartfelt, authentic) concern for you. He not only accepted our appeal (call, request, plea), but was so enthusiastic (eager, afire) about it that, of his own accord, he went to you. We are also sending with him another brother, one who has won praise from all the congregations for his preaching of the Gospel. And not only that, but he has also been appointed by all the congregations to be our companion (friend, chum, accompanying person, fellow traveler) in this gracious work of ours, to help further the glory of the Lord and to show our willingness. Thus, we shall avoid any criticism (reproach, disapproval) concerning the administration of the money we have collected. Our aim is to do the right thing, not only before the Lord, but also before men.

And so we are sending with them this brother of ours, who has in many matters and on many occasions given proof of his faithfulness (authenticity, fidelity, dependability, reliability, constancy); and now he is more eager than ever, because of the faith he has in you. Titus, then, is my partner, and a fellow-worker in your service; as for our other brethren, they are sent by the congregations, and they reflect the glory of Mashiach. Give proof, therefore, before them and all the congregations, of your love and of our pride in you.” (vv. 16-24)

*Elohim (from the Hebrew word, el-o-heem) = the Supreme God. Exceedingly great and mighty.

**Lord (from the Greek word, koo-ree-os) = supreme in authority, equal to God in status, master.

***Will (from the Greek word, thel-ay-mah) = a determination, choice act; specifically meaning purpose, decree, inclination: desire, pleasure.

****Yeshua Ha’Mashiach (from the Hebrew word, ישוע המשיח) = Jesus, the Messiah/the Anointed One.

*****rich (from the Greek word, ploo-see-os = abounding with) & (the Greek word, ploo-tos from the base Greek word, play-tho) = abundance, fill, impact, supply; specifically, to fulfil – accomplish, furnish; valuable bestowment: authority.

*#rich (from the Greek word, ploo-teh-o) = to be/become wealthy, literally or figuratively; to be increased with goods/be made, wax rich.

*##equality (from the Greek word, ee-sot-ace) = likeness in condition or proportion.

*###Elohei HaChayim = Hebrew, meaning The God of the living.

 

**2 CORINTHIANS 7: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/04/2-corinthians-chapter-7thursday-bible.html

ASTHMA & CONTACT EYEWEAR DO NOT GEL

Monday afternoon, had picked my contacts up at the optometrist office in town.

Contacts.

Tuesday morning, I slid them into my eyes for my 4-hour trial adjustment period.

The contacts were fine for distance.

But after an hour, I was still having trouble with blurriness “up close”, like hand-held things (cell phone: contacts, notifications; books, ect.), laptop keyboard tabs … anything that was not distance related; and that’s a big factor because I like to read my Bible, and read patterns for handcrafts. Plus, I’m a designer, I work with my hands on “up close” handcrafted items, and I put my pattern instructions into print format. Most of my friends are texters: reading and typing are important in my daily life.

I called the optometrist’s office, and the technician said the blurriness may correct itself. Then she added, “If, however, things do not improve today or tomorrow – you may have to get another prescription to put over the contacts”. Uh … NO: that would defeat the purpose of the contacts! I already have glasses coming (ordered the same day I ordered the contacts), that should arrive in a week or so; I do not need another pair of glasses to wear with the contacts!

After my 4-hour morning “adjustment” period was over, I removed the contacts and put my glasses back on.

This morning I suffered another severe asthma attack (first severe attack was Christmas Eve, 2021) – compounded by chronic bronchitis: by the time my lungs had cleared and I could actually suck breath into my screaming lungs, tears were running down my face, soaking my pj top; and I had visible red strain marks on my face from brow to chin … my eyes were running nonstop, and swollen: getting contacts in them was not feasible.

(https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324449#takeaway)

So, when my tortured body settled back into an easy rhythm after it’s Red Zone experience; and I could talk without sounding like a gasping fish out of water, I called the optometrist’s office again and told them to cancel the Contacts Order. The contacts will not work for me. Whether my eyes “adjust”, or not, is no longer the issue. The frequency and severeness of the asthma attacks are the issue … and I am not going to pay good $$$ for a product my body will not be able to fully utilize. I have worn contacts before with success – but in this season of my life, they just won’t work. Letting contacts eyewear fall by the wayside does not send my entire life into a tailspin.

When I ended the convo with the peeved receptionist, I noticed that there was a break in the weather from 11 AM to Noon, so I pulled on some jeans and tied on my hiking boots.

Whenever possible, I do not allow asthma to handicap me 😉

I may not be able to wear contacts to help lessen the blinding effects of sunshine and headlight glare … but I can still enjoy my daily walks when the weather allows 😉

An adjustment not foreseen ...

I have glasses coming ... and that will be my future outlook on life's scenery.

(https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/04/2-year-eye-exam-2022.html)

Swallows were thick ... and quick, this afternoon along the Pacific Way Trail.

Mama Duck had a busy outing with her babies – all TWELEVE of them; she must be a veteran at successfully raising hatchlings 😉

Ring-neck Duck; male.

Nature's 'Chat Room'. LOL

A clump of Calla Lilies.

When I got back to the parked Highlander, I saw that there was enough time to make the Keenagers gathering; I hadn’t been there for a while, so I decided to go – even if I was dressed in my hiking grubbies.

I was still reasonably presentable 😊

Turning off Pacific Way, and onto Huntington, I was momentarily hung up by landscaping activities.

Landscaping holdup - Huntington Place jump road off Glenwood Drive, ties in with Laurel Road.

Keenagers (across from Montessori) on Columbia Heights, from Huntington Place Road; 3 mins.

I had been missed, and everyone let me know it, with squeals of “Val!” and enthusiastic hugs all around. I enjoyed myself, and when asked what I’ve been doing … I answered truthfully with a smile: “staying alive”.

And I laughed when that song, ‘Staying Alive’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNFzfwLM72c) sung by the Bee Gee’s ran through my mind 😊

When I got back home – barely in the door – my phone rang: another friend needed some time outdoors and asked me if I wanted to go for a walk: I said, “Sure, I’m always game for a walk; do you want to meet out at Willow Grove, or should I come pick you up?” I went to pick her up. We had a nice leisurely riverside walk, shot the breeze on a variety of topics, and enjoyed being together.

Outside.

Soaking up the skimpy sunrays 😊

Kindness, sown in love, is a comfortable 2-way street that always leads to a happy disposition 😉

And I saw, when I got back home and kicked my shoes off … that a snippet of the Angel Wing Begonia plant I hauled home from an Oregon Grange Garage Sale … Bob and I had stopped at on one of our daytrip ventures nine years ago; had finally burst into blossom.

That memory made me smile.

Angel Wing Begonia Blossom; it’s been a looong time coming 😊

So, my day, that started out so precariously amended; ended happy, and on up notes as the day unfolded.

THREE FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

ALL THREE TOGETHER - WOWZERS!

Black Sabbath-Deep Purple-Iron Butterfly Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbYFCgK3RvM

Iron Butterfly – 1968 Filmore East, NY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sDr1JTTxMs

Deep Purple Live 1972: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlRD103SyFw

Listening to music while putting crochet finishing trims on my knitted fingertip towels, I happened to run across this oldie 😉 And, it tripped memories.

As a new Bride, I'd been listening to Deep Purple and iron Butterfly for years ... but I never heard of Black Sabbath, until one morning my friend Kay picked me up for school and it was blaring from her Mustang car stereo: I was hooked. I was an actual hippie, having been raised as one by my beatnik mother – anti-war songs were my mantra; and Black Sabbath songs were definitely anti-war fodder. Later on, I went home with Kay to visit for a while before Bob got home from work, and when she drove me back home – I was packing 2 Black Sabbath LP's, and they were blaring from the home stereo when Bob parked the work crummy

Bob hated Black Sabbath. He liked Iron Butterfly, and he tolerated Deep Purple – but he really h.a.t.e.d. Black Sabbath.

As a typical 17-yo teenager, the first thing I did every morning while getting ready for school, was slip Black Sabbath or Alice Cooper out of their covers and crank the music up LOUD (wall shaking, floor bouncing loud) while I dressed, put mascara on, and packed our lunches. And, Bob being the 24-yo adult he was, let me do it for about a week: then he quietly walked into the livingroom the next Monday morning and ceremoniously turned the stereo off. I paused in wrapping sandwiches, walked across the kitchen and said, "What are you doing Babe, I was listening to that." He walked past me, poured a cup of coffee, and said, "I love you honey, but I don't want to hear that shit before my eyes are fully awake. Actually, I don't want to hear it at all." Bob growled about Alice Cooper, too.

And that was that. No more eye-opening, ear-splitting music to wake ME fully up. Naturally, I pouted while Bob finished his breakfast.

And I listened to Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath after school ... switching them out for Iron Butterfly and Cream - which we both liked, before Bob parked the work crummy, evenings after work 😊

Some people may take offense at what I listen to, and that’s on them.

What I listen to makes me smile because there is a memory tagged to every song. Memories that include Bob will always be entertained by me – and there is no apology hovering on the horizon.

WELCOME GIFTS ~Shabbat

Today was a funtastic day 😊

There was no rain, so, I went to my Friday Coffee Hour in Lexington 😉

Everyone was in good form today … and I came home with another gift (besides the gift of friendship). There are men (husbands, and the occasional stag male) at this Friday coffee hour, and it was good to hear a man’s voice and laughter – no, I am not man shopping: it is just good to enjoy the company of men once a week. I consider the males attending the coffee hour no different than males at a Fellowship gathering; the only difference is that the coffee hour is not a religious gathering, just friends getting together to have fun (the cribbage board is always brought out), chit chat (sharing the week’s happenings) … and some, like me, also bring a crafty project to work on.

Today, I was gifted – what a nice surprise! One of the couples is engaged in Spring Cleanup (husband did the yard – wife did the house), and the cotton yarn was a casualty that I am happy to receive 😉

A gift! Full cones of cotton yarn, never used.

When I got back home, the sun was shining so brightly, and the day was warm (the river winds were still, thank You, Lord!) – so, I changed my shirt and shoes; and went outside to tidy up the garden area of my small urban Lot. Oh! It felt good to be outside enjoying Spring chores with the sunshine warmth on my head and shoulders.

And I noticed, as I was putting the wheelbarrow back under the carport, that late-season tulips – and the anemones, were also enjoying the warmth of the sunshine and had opened themselves to their full extent 😊

I had no idea the anemone blossoms would get so big! I think I may have to transplant them to a larger container after they finish their blossom cycle: anemones are perennials, and they will multiply also.

The sun came out! So, into my garden area I went ...

Visible hole under house a.g.a.i.n; I hope this planter placed over the "active spot" will suffice until I can figure out how to stop the digging activity, once and for all.

Sign of racoon activity, last Spring:

(https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/signs-everywhere-are-signs.html)

The Double Peony Tulip Angelique, loves the sun.

The Anemones are in full bloom - opened with the sunshine; pink & purple.

Now, I am going to kick back and relax – allowing the peace of Shabbat to have it’s soothing and relaxing way with me. Many Christians do not make allowances for The Sabbath Rest, but I do. However, I do not adhere to the strictness of the orthodoxy of rabbi’s. I keep the Sabbath as Yeshua did.

The Sabbath is a remembrance observation to Elohei’s creation wonders – among those wonders the creation of Earth (and everything above it/under it & on it/in it: including the first human man and woman); these wonderous works were completed in 6 days … and on the Seventh Day, He rested and called for that day to be observed by mankind as a remembrance of Who He is, and of who we are (and where we came from).

Paul Wilbur – ‘No One Like You’ song:(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwlMG1y2i2o)

But the Sabbath was not meant to own us – it is meant as a remembrance observance of Elohei’s might and honor due Him.

I also enjoy a small goblet of wine Friday and Saturday evening: again, most Christians do not.

And again, I do as Yeshua exampled – and as the Early Church did. I am saved and consecrated. I am Spirit-filled, with Elohei’s Ruach Ha’Kodesh ... I know how to self-discipline: Yeshua is my example – I could have no better 😊 Yeshua, Lord of the Sabbath is also my Husband these past 3¼ years since Bob went Home to Glory beyond the clouds.

I have never allowed people’s assumptions of what I do, or who I am, to cast a shadow on who I am in Christ. If Elohim is okay with me and what I do, I’m okay with me and what I do.

Steve McConnell – ‘We Delight in Your Shabbat’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKma94L3yw8)

Happy Shabbat

Elohim has blessed me greatly with acceptance and salvation – these are eternal gifts, and I am eternally grateful.

Friends gifted today, in many ways; and I am thankful.

The peace of the Shabbat Rest is a welcome gift every weekend – and I am appreciative.

2 CORINTHIANS ~ Chapter 7/Thursday Bible Study

It has been quite a while since I have posted my weekly Scripture studies – there have been a lot of changes in my life, and I took time to “go to the mountaintop” for meditation rest, and renewal … as Yeshua did many times.

But, it is time now to pick up the slack, and get back on track 😉

I hope you will enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed reading it, and posting it – time spent with God’s Word is always a joy, and time well spent 😊

Saul (aka Paul): The great Apostle to the Gentiles, Saul was born at Tarsus of Cilicia into a proud and strict Pharisee family, and given the Hebrew Name Saul. He was as equally proud of being born a Roman Citizen. A highly educated Jew, Saul studied in Jerusalem under Rabbi Gamaliel, and religiously observed the requirements of The Law. Saul, however, had misgivings about his ability to keep every part of The Law, and believed that legalism could not bring about the right relationship with Elohim. Although Saul had never met Yeshua during His earthly mission, he had encountered the earliest Believers, and he recognized the threat that belief in Yeshua posed to Judaism: Saul quickly became the most ardent prosecutor of the Early Church – and he was an approving onlooker at Stephen’s martyrdom, and was carrying lists of suspected Christian believers in Damascus, when he experienced a radical life change. His conversion on the Damascus Road changed the course of Christian faith … and civilization … itself. Temporarily blinded, Saul – the prosecutor who had been confronted by Elohim hayyim (the Living Lord) Yeshua (Jesus), was led to Ananias’ house/was baptized “Paul”, then smuggled out of town to escape reprisals.

After a brief sojourn in Arabia, Paul visited Jerusalem and stayed briefly with Peter and James; Yeshua’s brothers (born of his earthly Mother, Mary). After this visit, Paul apparently lived quietly for several years in Cilicia, preaching the Gospel and supporting himself by weaving the black goat hair material for tents that was a famous product for the area near Tarsus. He was called by Barnabas, his acquaintance from Jerusalem, to help the dynamic Christian Church in Antioch. Shortly afterwards, the Antioch Christians sent Paul and Barnabas on a preaching mission through Cyprus and Asia Minor. On this, and subsequent journey’s, Paul stirred up heated opposition by his preaching. His presentation of the Gospel was resented in Jewish circles because it usually split local synagogues – on the other hand, his efforts were quickly opposed by members of the Christian community, who insisted that it was necessary to keep the requirements of the Jewish Law before one could become a Christian Believer. The infant Church was torn with controversy over Paul’s preaching.

Paul insisted that man is saved by what Elohei has done through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach – not by what man does in keeping The Law. The controversy was partially resolved by a Church Council in Jerusalem, when the leaders agreed that Paul’s point was valid, and that he could continue to welcome Gentiles to the Faith without compelling them to be circumcised.

Paul’s subsequent ministry was packed with high adventure, heavy responsibilities, and deep suffering. As the greatest Christian missionary, he organized and encouraged young Churches throughout Asia Minor: and even crossed over to Europe. Much of the New Covenant (New Testament) was written by Paul in the form of letters dashed off to his “problem” churches, or to his friend’s needing advice.

Against the advice of his associates, he insisted on going in person to Jerusalem with a special offering collected for the poor. Extremists among the Jewish authorities arranged for his arrest and imprisonment. After languishing two years under arrest without trial, Paul insisted on a hearing before the emperor. He had a harrowing trip to Rome, was apparently acquitted, then re-arrested. All traditions agree that Paul was beheaded before another lengthy imprisonment, probably during Nero’s bloody persecution period. Acts 13:38; Romans; 1 & 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 & 2 Thessalonians; 1 & 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; and 2 Peter 3:15.

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2 CORINTHIANS ~ Chapter 7; Saul’s (Paul’s) Appeal for a Renewal of Fellowship within the Body of Believers.

“With promises like these, beloved, let us make ourselves clean from everything that defiles body and soul, and strive toward perfect holiness in the fear of *Elohim. Receive us into your hearts. We have not wronged anyone. We have not corrupted anyone. We have not made profit out of any man. I am not saying this to condemn you, for I have already told you that you are dear to us, both to die together and to live together. I trust you; I am proud of you; I am much encouraged by you; I rejoice in spite of our troubles. (vv.1-4)

Comfort Brought by Titus’ Report

Already when we come to Macedonia we had troubles – we could not rest our bodies. We were oppressed on every side; we had fighting’s and fears within. But Elohim, Who lifts up the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. And not only did his coming comfort us, but also the comfort that you had given him was a help. For he told us how you longed to see us, how sorry and zealous you were in my behalf, all of which made me rejoice the more. (vv. 5-7)

Frank Letter and It’s Results

Even though I grieved you with my letter, I do not regret having sent it; although I did regret it at the time, when I heard that it had caused you sorrow. Now I am happy about it, not because you were unhappy, but because your grief brought you to **repentance. Your grief was then as Elohim would have it to be, so that you suffered no harm from us in any way. For the grief that Elohim approves of results in a repentance that leads to salvation, and leaves no regrets. A worldly grief, on the other hand, results in death.

Take note how this Godly sorrow has worked in you; what earnestness it worked in you, what eagerness to defend yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what willingness to discipline! In every way you have cleared yourself in this matter. (vv. 8-11)

Paul’s Confidence in the Corinthians

I wrote to you, but really not so much on account of the man who was doing wrong nor for the sake of the one who was suffering wrong, but rather to let you see yourselves, as before Elohim, how devoted (dedicated, loyal, dutiful, faithful, committed, resolute, unwavering, purposeful, persevering) to us you really are. All this has given us comfort. And, in addition to our own comfort from you, we have been still more overjoyed at Titus’ joy, because he was refreshed in spirit by all of you. You see, if I had boasted of you to him, I have not been put to shame. For just as all I said to you was true, so what I said about you to Titus, in a boasting (possessing, enjoying, lay claim to) way, proved to be true. His heart goes out to you more than ever now, as he recalls the way all of you obeyed (submitted, followed, observed, yielded to) him and how you received (acknowledged, heard, grasped, welcomed) him with respect (consideration, accept) and reverence (hold to the highest regard). It gives me joy to say that you have justified (proved, upheld) my good opinion of you in every way. (vv. 12-16)

 

*Elohim (from the Hebrew word, el-o-heem) = the Supreme God. Exceedingly great and mighty.

**Repentance (from the Greek word, metanoia: met-an’-oy-ah) = compunction (for guilt, includ. Reformation); by implied reversal of previous decision: to think differently or afterwards (i.e., to reconsider).

 

**2 CORINTHIANS 6: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020/02/2-corinthians-chapter-6.html