May I have a WORD with you?

John
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Helping ordinary people read the Bible for the sake of life application and a godly transformation. In other words, for the sake of becoming more like Jesus.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep 114 (S6E21) Here's Your Sign: Why in a manger?

    References:  Comedian Bill Engval had as a part of his routine a joke about stupid questions. “Here’s your sign,” was an “I’m stupid” sign.The word for sign in Greek is σημεῖον (say-mi'-on)A common word used 77 times in 69 vss in NTIt can be positivesigns and wonders accompanying those sent by God (Acts 5:12).Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and was accepted by God (Rom 4:11)It can be negativeJudas gave a sign for his betrayal of Jesus (Mt 26:48)The religious leaders demanded a sign (Luke 11:29-30)The sign for the shepherds was a baby, swaddled and lying in a manger.While there is no Biblical evidence for it, there is rabbinic tradition that describes a practice of swaddling lambs marked for sacrifice …Protection: Wrapping lambs in cloths (swaddling) prevented them from getting blemishes, ensuring their suitability for sacrifice, and a manger offered a safe space.Symbolic Significance: Bethlehem was known for its temple lambs, and shepherds would recognize swaddled lambs in mangers, making the sign in Luke 2:12 meaningful for them as representing the "Lamb of God".No room in the κατάλυμα (kat-al'-oo-mah)Mark 14:14; Luke 22:11Guest room not innAn inn is πανδοχεῖον (pan-dokk-i'-on)Luke 10:30-37 (esp. vs 34)Jesus was found in a common, peasant home where the shepherds would have been welcome and at home, not concerned for his safety or well being. (Compare Matthew 2:11)The sign was one to honor and lift up the lowly. So, they rejoiced and praised God (vs 20).

    35 min

  2. DEC 12

    Ep 113 (S6E20) A Look Back In Time

    References:  When the flu gets me down, I punt. My brain will not allow me to do a full episode. Enjoy.Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” NLTseason -  זְמָן - (zem-awn') - a set time, appointed time  Nehemiah 2:6 “So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time.” ESVIn Esther 9:27 & 31 - Purim - “They declared they would never fail to celebrate these two prescribed days at the appointed time each year.” NLT time -  עֵת - (ayth) - most common word for timeMatthew 2:1-18; Luke 1:8-20Chronos vs Kairosχρόνος - (chronos) - Mt 2:7καιρός - (kairos) - Lk 1:20

    32 min

  3. DEC 5

    Ep 112 (S6E19) Excellence and (Praise)worthiness: Fixing Our Thoughts Pt 4

    References:  Fixing our thoughts - λογίζομαι - talk to yourself, meditate, ponder.This is a plan for disciplining our minds to be like the mind of Christ - see Phil 2:2 ESVPhilippans 4:8SO, think [ λογίζομαι (log-id'-zom-ahee) - middle voice verb from λόγος ] speak to yourself about, fix your thoughts upon…Last episode - lovely, admirableThe seventh focal point (two nouns)Excellence - ἀρετή (ar-et-ay) moral excellence, courageous goodness, or virtue.A quality of God and God’s work that leads to praise.Examples from the SeptuagintIsa 43:21 - we were made for this purposeIsa 42:12 - the whole world shows God’s excellence.1 Peter 2:9 - we are commissioned to show God’s excellence by living in such a way that reveals our having been brought from darkness to Light.A high quality of character.2 Peter 1:3, 5 - moral excellence, virtueThink about Christ-like character, selfless actions, and anything that displays outstanding moral courage and goodness.Fixing one’s thoughts on excellence calls believers to look for examples of God’s goodness displayed in the virtue of others and strive for it in themselves.Praiseworthiness - ἔπαινος (epainos) commendation, approval, or a thing deserving of acclaim.Compare and contrast praise and praiseworthinessGod's works, His redemptive acts, and anything that ultimately brings glory to Him. The verb “to praise.”The heavenly host - Luke 2:13The healed parlytic - Acts 3:8Our works or God’s works in and through us.God makes us praiseworthy - Rom 2:29 MSGThe fruit of our salvation - Phil 1:11 - see MSGTo the praise of His glory - Eph 1:5-6, 12, 14 Refining of faith - 1 Peter 1:6-7 MSGIt's the ultimate litmus test: does this thought, action, or idea deserve to be publicly commended and does it point to God's greatness?SO, the 6 adjectives and 7th (two nouns) all point us back to God and God’s intention and plan to make us to be like Him and represent Him well in the world around us.Give us a discipline plan for being conformed to Christ, so that when anxiety arises, we can trade the worries for intimate communicative relationship (prayer) whereby God gives peace that protects our hearts and minds in Christ.This is a plan for disciplining our minds to be like the mind of Christ - see Phil 2:2 ESV

    34 min

  4. NOV 28

    Ep 111 (S6E18) Lovely & Admirable: Fixing Our Thoughts Pt. 3

    References:  Fixing our thoughts - λογίζομαι - talk to yourself, meditate, ponder.Mark 11:29-33 - you can invite others into the conversationPhilippians 4:6-7Trade anxiety for intimate communication with God (prayer)God will give peace you can’t wrap your head aroundThat peace will guard (protect, defend, keep) your heart and mind in Christ JesusPhilippans 4:8SO, think [ λογίζομαι (log-id'-zom-ahee) - middle voice verb from λόγος ] speak to yourself about, fix your thoughts upon…Last episode - true, honorableThe third two of six adjectives - both hapax legomenaThis can make interpretation trickier or more fun, depending on your perspective.Looking at other sources of usageTaking the word apart and interpretting from Biblical usage of the partsLovely - προσφιλής (pros-fee-lace')Things that are pleasing and promote peace rather than turmoil, are acceptable in God's eyes (ie. loving family relationships, acts of kindness, generosity, humble service, etc.)Derivation: from the compounding ofπρός - preposition meaningat, near, byto, towards, with, with regard toφιλέω - verb meaningto loveto approve of, to liketo treat affectionately or kindly, to welcome or befriendto show signs of loveThus, to show signs of love towards…JesusHealing (myriad examples) Mk 5:25-34Loving enemies (Mt 5:39 - The Chosen season 6 preview clip)Peter with Cornelieus Acts 10:28-29Paul’s memory of the Galatians (Gal 4:13-16)You’ve seen remarkably loving acts towards another. By whom? What did it mean to you to see this? Fix your thoughts of those kinds of examples.Admirable - εὔφημος (yoo'-fay-mos), commendable (ESV), of good report (KJV)Things that are well-spoken of, reputable, and constructive, actively looking for the good in others and focusing on positive, uplifting news and actions.Derivation from the compounding ofεὖ - adverb meaningto be well off, fare wellprosper, acting wellφήμη - noun meaning “a good report”from φημί - verb meaning “to declare”from φῶς - “light” and φαίνω - “shine”Thus, stories of the light shining wellas Jesus’ fame spread (see Mt 4:24; Mk 1:28-29; Lk 5:15, etc.)The Corinthian’s generosity 2 Cor 9:6-15You’ve experienced the light of Christ shining from another believer. Who? How does the good report of their admirable actions affect you? Fix your thoughts on those kinds of stories.Check out Social Media people like @mdmotivator or @joshlilj

    35 min

  5. NOV 21

    Ep 110 (S6E17) Right and Pure: Fixing Our Thoughts Pt 2

    References:  Fixing our thoughts - λογίζομαι - talk to yourself, meditate, ponder.Mark 11:29-33 - you can invite others into the conversationPhilippians 4:6-7Trade anxiety for intimate communication with God (prayer)God will give peace you can’t wrap your head aroundThat peace will guard (protect, defend, keep) your heart and mind in Christ JesusPhilippans 4:8SO, think [ λογίζομαι (log-id'-zom-ahee) - middle voice verb from λόγος ] speak to yourself about, fix your thoughts upon…Last episode - true, honorableThe second two of six adjectivesRight - δίκαιος (dikaios) 81x in 76 vssThings that are righteous, just, living in conformity to God's standards and treating others with fairness and integrity.Mt 1:19 Joseph was a “just” man…Mt 20:1-15 - the workers in the vineyard. The landowner tells them they will be paid what is “diaios.” The irony is, of course, the first workers feeling like it is un-just.To some degree, we are capable of being δίκαιος.Lk 12:54-57 - Peterson in MSG says “use your common sense.But, Gal 3:10-12 (therefore, Thayer 1.c)So, hunger and thirst for δικαιοσύνη (dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay) righteousness. See Mt 5:6Pure - ἁγνός (hagnos) 8x in 8 vssThings that are wholesome, clean, and free from moral impurity. Focuses on thoughts and actions that are set apart from the corruption of the world. Sharing the same etymology with the adjective ἅγιος (hag'-ee-os) meaning “holy.”1 Tim 5:21-23 - keep one’s self “pure.” Drink a little wine… hahaTitus 2:3-5 - NOT the current time’s revulsion at what’s called “purity culture.” See also 1 Pt 3:1-7To live dependant upon and conformed to the standard of God’s holy will and ways.1 John 3:2-3 - becoming like Jesus2 Cor 7:8-13 - “make things right” (NLT), “proved yourselves innocent” (ESV), “with purity of heart” (MSG).1 Peter 1:16 (hageeos) Be holy [pure] for I am holy [pure].Both things that are δίκαιος “right” and things that are ἁγνός “pure” are only fully so by the grace, influence and power of God who alone is perfectly right and pure. Fixing our thoughts on these things is, like things that are true and honorable, fixing our thoughts on Jesus.

    37 min

  6. NOV 14

    Ep 109 (S6E16) True & Honorable: Fixing Our Thoughts Pt 1

    References:  Let’s fix our thoughtsPhilippians 4:6-7Trade anxiety for intimate communication with God (prayer)God will give peace you can’t wrap your head aroundThat peace will guard (protect, defend, keep) your heart and mind in Christ JesusPhilippans 4:8SO, think [ λογίζομαι (log-id'-zom-ahee) - middle voice verb from λόγος ] speak to yourself about…The first two of six adjectivesTrueἀληθής (alēthēs) things that conform to reality, that is what’s REALLY real. It is not just about factual correctness, but the ultimate truth found in God's Word and characterJesus is the personification of truth.What lies does Satan try to sell you?I’m alone (1 Kings 19)My situation is hopeless (Heb 6)Imposter’s Syndrom (Rom 12)AI mimicking reality: it is difficult to tell real from fakeFeeds mimic reality, deepfakes disturb and unnerve, biased narratives provoke.The lie hook gets set when your thoughts race, you share without verifying, etc.Fixing our thoughtsWhat is REALLY real?God’s Word, His Kingdom, His promises, etc.Honorableσεμνός (semnos) people/behaviors that are "respectable," or "dignified" In the NT this word is never disconnected from someone. It’s not about whatever is honorable, but WHOever is honorable.See 1 Tim 3:8-11Who comes to your mind?Why? Seriously?How much time do you typically give to…“Conversation” that is REALLY gossipDishonorable humor or drama (think TV shows, movies, comedians)Attention seeking, trolling for “likes” (think social media)Those who want to humiliate others for their viewsFixing our thoughtsWho do you “want to be when you grow up?”What makes these real people examples attractive?Ask yourself, WWRoJD “What Would Ray or Joanie Do?”  IYKYKFinally, λογίζομαι - talk to yourself, meditate, ponder, fix your thoughts.Mark 11:29-33 - you can invite others into the conversationThe qualification of “among themselves” is added to the middle voice of the verb

    35 min

  7. NOV 7

    Ep 108 (S6E15) Six Seven: Not the Random Incoherence Kind

    References:  What’s all this about six seven?CBS News online reported that dictionary.com chose 6-7 as the 2025 word of the year“a ‘nonsensical and playfully absurd’ slang term”The evolution and cultural impactNot “knowing” makes some people anxious6-7 has been irritating teachersI’ve seen reports of 6-7 being banned from schools, etc. Can you imagine how trying to ban kids from saying “groovy” in the 60s would have gone over?Do I want to stop worrying?Philippians 4:6-7 (haha) is about stopping with the worrying (μεριμνάω - merimnaō verb from…)μέριμνα - (mer'-im-nah): care, anxiety (all 3 synoptic gospels parable of the sower, the seed that fell among thorns was choked out by the μέριμνα of this worldFrom μερίζω - (merizō): to divide, be split into factions (Mark 3:24-25 a house divided, a kingdom divided; 1 Cor 1:13 is Christ divided; Rom 12:3 the portion God has given)From μέρος - (mer'-os): a part due or assigned to one, lot, destiny (John 13:8 - if you don’t let me wash you, you will have no part with me [no share, won’t belong to me]6-7 is a way Gen Alpha feel a part of something others don’t understandBut ALL who are in Christ have a part in the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12)Pray (προσευχή) with supplications (δέησις) and thanksgivings (εὐχαριστία)Where will I find peace? Through vs 6 comes vs 7The peace beyond understanding will keepφρουρέω (froo-reh'-o)to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flightto protect by guarding, to keep by watching and guarding to preserve one for the attainment of somethingSO, a final thing, fix your thoughts on…λογίζομαι (logizomai) middle voice verb from λόγος the noun to consider, take into account, weigh, meditate onλέγω (legō)to say, to speak, affirm over, maintain, to teach, to exhort, advise, to command, direct, to point out with words, intend, meanLiving out what my thoughts are fixed uponA 4 part series on the 6 adjectives and the 7th (2 nouns) upon which we should meditate

    33 min

  8. OCT 31

    Ep 107 (S6E14) Conformed to Christ Part 5 - Missional Prayer: I Want to See

    References:  Learning to want what God wants can happen through the primary and urgent matter of communicating with God.1 Timothy 2:1-4 through Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, Thanksgivings… so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.This is good and pleases God our SaviorEph 5:8-10 “Once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.”The undeniable connection is that our commitment to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings for all people pleases the Lord.Doing this demonstrates to ourselves and others the “light from the Lord” in us.John 9:4-9φῶς (phōs) - lightGod is light because light has the extremely delicate, subtle, pure, brilliant qualityof truth and its knowledge, together with the spiritual purity associated with itthat which is exposed to the view of all, openly, publiclyreason, mindthe power of understanding esp. moral and spiritual truthThis definition of “light” connects to the opening of the blind man’s eyes.Jesus spit in the dirt and made mud to spread on the man’s eyesWhen he washed, his eyes were opened. This was not just a physical opening, but opened the man to a new moral and spiritual understanding.πτύω (ptoo'-o) - spitThe irony - when his eyes were opened, suddenly other’s eyes were clouded“Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!”The Pharisees and religious leaders are pronounced “blind” by Jesus (see John 9:39-41).Jesus’ may open and bring light to our eyes by where and how we are looking in s.p.i.t. prayer (is the acronym a coincidence? I think so. haha).Consider the four types with an exampleSupplications - look around and ask for what you see as needs and wants.Prayers - look up into the face of God, still your heart and soul and listen.Intercessions - look in and see the heart transformation God works that we may intercede according to His heart.Thanksgivings - look ahead to what He has already done in the future.

    36 min
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Helping ordinary people read the Bible for the sake of life application and a godly transformation. In other words, for the sake of becoming more like Jesus.

Information

  • Creator
    John
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 May I have a WORD with you?
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    May I have a WORD with you?