Therefore... give thanks.

Our family has adopted a memo for this year: “This has been THE year.” It seems like life has thrown so very much our way—a lot of hard things, difficult choices, sad days...yet also joy and blessings. On a day like Thanksgiving, we all think, “What can we be thankful for?” Today, I decided to do a quick Bible study about why we should “Give thanks.” I didn’t get past the first verse: “Therefor I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto Thy Name.” (2 Samuel 22:50) Of course, I had to see what the “therefore” was there for. For what cause was David giving thanks? Hang on, because this “quick study” took a little time as I read through the chapter and listed out reasons that we ALL can be thankful to God.

- He is my rock, fortress, and deliverer (vs. 2)
- The Lord is my shield, my salvation, my high tower, my refuge, my Savior (vs. 3)
- The Lord hears me in my distress (vs. 7) and moves on my behalf (vs. 8)
- He sends from above, and draws me out of many waters (vs. 7)
- He delivers me from my strong enemy, and that which is too strong for me (vs. 18)
- He is my stay/support (vs. 19)
- He delivers me and delights in me (vs. 20)
- He rewards and recompenses (vs. 21)
- He shows us mercy and uprightness and purity (vs. 26-27)
- He is my light in darkness (vs. 29)
- By Him, we leap over a wall (vs. 30)
- His way is perfect, His Word is tried (vs. 31)
- He is a buckler to all who trust in Him (vs. 31)
- He is God, our rock (vs. 32)
- He is my strength and power; He makes my way perfect (vs. 33)
- He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, sets me on high places (vs. 34)
- He teaches my hands and gives me strength (vs. 35)
- He has given me His shield of salvation (vs. 36)
- His gentleness has makes me great (vs. 36)
- He enlarged His steps so we wouldn’t slip (vs. 37)
- He gives us power over the enemy (vs. 38)
- He gives us strength for battle (vs. 40)
- He delivers us from the striving of people (vs. 44)
- The Lord lives, He is the rock of our salvation (vs. 47)
- He avenges for us (vs. 48)
- He brings us forth and delivers us (vs. 49)
- He is our tower of salvation and shows us mercy (vs. 51)

THEREFORE we can give thanks go Him.

On days like Thanksgiving, we often face things that have been hard for us in the year, and struggle to be thankful around them. Only God knows what each of us are going through, but if you’re struggling to focus your eyes on your blessings, why not take a look into God’s Word and see why we CAN be thankful?

When We Don't Know What to Pray

I was recently talking with a friend about prayer, how God answers prayer, and how we should pray. A few days later, I was reading through Ephesians 1 and found yet again the beautiful prayer that Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus.

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:15-20)

In this prayer, is a beautiful example of how we can grow—and what we can access by prayer.

• The spirit of wisdom
• Revelation in the knowledge of God
• The eyes of understanding enlightened
• Knowledge of the hope of His calling
• Knowledge of the riches of His glory
• Knowledge of the inheritance of His saints
• What is the exceeding greatness of His power to believers (which is compared to His power in raising Christ from the dead!)

Knowing that we have access to ALL of this should great affect how we pray!

As I reflected on this, I then thought about how I pray for others. Sometimes, I just don't know what to pray--there may be times when I sense a need in their lives (which, by the way, we should pray just as fervently for those whose lives look "put together" as those who seem to be falling apart--Paul often prayed that the churches would continue in what they believed), but other times, I want to pray, but may not know how.

Ephesians 1 and 3 and Philippians 1 all have passages of Paul's prayers for others. This gives me a good idea of how to pray Biblically for someone else. I started making a list from the prayer passages in the New Testament:

I plan on adding to this list as I come across other passages that demonstrate ways for us to pray for others.

Do you have a specific passage you've used before to pray for others?

What verse has God used in your life recently about prayer?

Biblically Speaking - No Abominations in Heaven

Part 22 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

No Abominations in Heaven

Revelation 21:23-27

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Heaven is pure, spotless, and holy, just like God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because of this holiness, anyone who walks in rebellion to God's laws, unrepentant of their sins, cannot enter into heaven. This includes anyone who lives their lifestyle in what is abominable in God's eyes.

Here, I believe, the focus is not to be on the abomination but on the escape from that abomination and, ultimately, an eternity spent separated from the Holy and Righteous Lord.

1 Peter 1:18-22 says,

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Every human being was born into this world with a sin nature (Romans 5:12 - Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:) and in his natural, sinful state, man's due reward is death and eternal separation from God. However, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die and rise again, taking the penalty of our sin upon Him (Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.). It is only through Jesus Christ that one can be cleansed from their sin and made holy before the Lord, dressed in His righteousness, purified by His blood.

Biblically Speaking - Warning for Those Committing Abomination

Part 21 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

 Warning for Those Committing Abominations

Jeremiah 7:9-11

9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

10 And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?

11 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord.

God does not take lightly to those who claim to be followers of Him living and accepting a lifestyle which He clearly defines as abominable. I am afraid that many people today have the same mindset as in Jeremiah's day: "I am saved--I have 'liberty in Christ'--I can do this." God's Word very clearly defines what is right and wrong in His eyes. He also says, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20) Instead of accepting what is said to be "good" or "evil," we need to open our hearts to God's Word and search His Wisdom on what is truly good or evil--and live in accordance to His Word on the issue.

Jeremiah 13:27 - I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?

Continuing the warning, God reminds us that He sees it all. We can live an outwardly upright lifestyle but if we harbor any of these abominations in our hearts (and our unrepentant attitude), God sees and He will judge, as He is pure and just.

Ezekiel 7:3-4 - Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.  And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.

Biblically Speaking - Ways of Men (vs. God's way)

Part 20 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

Ways of Men (contrary to ways of God)

Luke 16:15 - And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

In context, this verse follows Luke 16:13-14, No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

The Pharisees had their list of rules of "right and wrong" however Jesus reminded them that God's ways are higher than man's ways. We can refuse to listen, but that does not change God's laws and His ways.

Biblically Speaking - Prayers of the Rebellious

Part 19 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

The Prayers of Rebellious

Proverbs 28:9 - He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

This goes along with Psalm 66:18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: We cannot live however we please and expect God to hear our prayers. 1 Peter 3:12 guarantees, For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. God, being the just and holy Savior that He is, cannot mar His purity by looking on and condoning our sin. One cannot rebel against the Lord and expect Him to hear our prayer.

Biblically Speaking - The Way of the Wicked

Part 18 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

The Way of the Wicked

Proverbs 15:9 - The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

This verse debunks the modern thought that "God loves me how I am." God cannot love us "how we are" if we are living a lifestyle that He loathes, a lifestyle that refuses to acknowledge God's higher ways and His righteousness.

One Justifying the Wicked

Proverbs 17:15 - He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.

Not only does God loathe those walking wickedly, He also loathes those who justify the wicked. Here is where many Christians are falling today. Am I trying to "soften" the sins of others? Am I trying to make others believe that "God accepts you as you are" when the Bible clearly contradicts that lifestyle (the Bible defines the lifestyle as wicked)? Am I standing on the Word of God firmly, or am I beginning to sway to the world's thinking? Oh Christian, be careful of justifying what God calls abomination!

Biblically Speaking - Sacrifices of the Wicked

Part 17 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

Sacrifice of Wicked

Proverbs 15:8 - The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Proverbs 21:27 - The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

God will not accept sacrifices by wicked men. As shown in His Word, it is not actions that God desires but a heart condition.

Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Hosea 6:6 - For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Biblically Speaking - These Seven Things: Sowing Discord

Part 16 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

These Seven Things

Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God's Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers' lives.

- One Sowing Discord

"Discord - OT: 4090 medan, discord, strife"

The other use of this Hebrew word is Proverbs 10:12, Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Having been a pastor's daughter, I have seen examples of this last "of the seven abominations" in the church more than the others. Church members are relatively truthful, strive for humility, keep their feet from the paths of evil and their minds from wicked imaginations...but when something goes awry they are the first to sow discord in the church. God doesn't just recommend it "doesn't happen." He finds it utterly distasteful. He knows the harm that it creates in His body for one member to be "warring against" another, and He hates it. Am I taking part in this abomination?

Biblically Speaking - These Seven Things: Feet Running to Mischief

Part 15 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

These Seven Things

Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God's Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers' lives.

 - Feet Swift in Running to Mischief

"Mischief - OT:7451 ra` (rah); from OT:7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):"

Am I quick to jump on the bandwagon of mischief? Do I find myself following after those whose actions are not "necessarily good?" God does not have a "gray area." Either it is evil or it is good. Psalm 37:27 commands, Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. When was the last time I stopped to consider my ways--if they are (in God's eyes) evil or good?

An example of a man who lived uprightly in this area is Job:

Job 1:1 - There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

To "eschew" means to "turn off." Not only did Job refuse to run to evil, he went the opposite way. A concept repeated in 1 Peter 3:11, Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

Biblically Speaking - These Seven Things: A Heart of Wicked Imagination

Part 14 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

These Seven Things

Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God's Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers' lives.

- A Heart of Wicked Imaginations

"Deviseth - OT:2790 charash (khaw-rash'); a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense); hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone; hence (by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of dumbness):"

"Wicked - OT:205 'aven (aw-ven'); from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol:"

"Imaginations - OT:4284  machashabah (makh-ash-aw-baw'); or machashebeth (makh-ash-eh'-beth); from OT:2803; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice):"

Psalm 94:11 reminds us, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. God finds abominable not just the man who enacts on his wicked thoughts, but the man who thinks wicked thoughts. Many times, it is easy to justify self because "I didn't do anything about it -- just thought it." However, if the thought can be categorized as "wicked imaginations," it is abomination in God's eyes.

Proverbs 15:26 - The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

The believer who is struggling in this area would do well to consider Proverbs 16:3 - Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Biblically Speaking - These Seven Things: Hands That Shed Innocent Blood

Part 13 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

These Seven Things

Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God's Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers' lives.

- Hands that Shed Innocent Blood

This is what the Bible says it is, and no clearer definition is given by the Hebrew translation. Many minds, I imagine, go to "those days" when men would fight against men, killing them for no reason. And we do see this today. The Holocaust is an example. Serial killers is an example. But what about abortion? Every time a baby is aborted, their innocent blood is shed. God will not hold this guiltless.

Psalm 10:8 - He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.

Biblically Speaking - These Seven Things: A Lying Tongue

Part 12 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

These Seven Things

Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God's Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers' lives.

- A Lying Tongue

- A False Witness

The same root word is used for both of these: "Lying - an untruth, by implication, a sham (often adverbial):"

A lying tongue is not only mentioned in the "seven abominations" but also in Proverbs 12:22, Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

Proverbs 19:5 - A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

God despises liars and false witnesses so much that He demands punishment. He doesn't sway for the "little white lies" but holds His judgment against any untruth.

Biblically Speaking - These Seven Things: A Proud Look

Part 11 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

These Seven Things

Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If ever there was a clear list given in God's Word for abominations in His eyes, Proverbs 6:16-19 holds the key. It is distinct and unarguable. Above that, sadly, this list can be found in many believers' lives.

- A Proud Look

"Proud - to be high actively, to rise or raise."

Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

I can testify first-hand that pride is probably the TOP of my struggles as a believer. The times when I think very highly of myself, raise up myself to be someone above who I am, not considering the grace of God Who has given me all things, and taking credit which only belongs to Christ.

Proverbs 16:5 - Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Biblically Speaking - Frowardness

Part 10 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

Frowardness

Proverbs 3:32 - For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.

Proverbs 11:20 - They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

The Hebrew words for these two references of "froward" are different but give a similar thought: the first is "to depart, be perverse," the second is "distorted, hence false." While both of these could easily be applied to the lifestyle of sodomites, what other lifestyles could be defined as departing from truth, being perverse or distorted?  Adultery, fornication, lying, stealing, hating, killing, pride...and the list continues. All of these are ways that depart from the lifestyle the Lord Jesus Christ would have us to live ("And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." Mark 7:20-23).

Biblically Speaking -

Part 9 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

Molten Images

Deuteronomy 27:15 - Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

Not only is making a graven/molten image for worship abominable in God's eyes, He has even placed a curse upon all who do such.

Biblically Speaking -- All Unrighteousness

Part 8 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

All Unrighteousness

Deuteronomy 25:16 - For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God.

Here it is summed up: ALL who do unrighteously are abomination to God. How then, can man be made right before God? Praise the Lord for Jesus Christ, Who, through His blood, cleanses what is abomination before God, purifies the heart, and places His righteousness upon us!

Biblically Speaking - Diverse Weights

Part 7 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

Divers Weights

Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small. Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God.

Proverbs 11:1 - A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.

Proverbs 20:10 - Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.

Proverbs 20:23 - Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good.

When dividing money, grains, or other materials, a system of balances and weights were used. To have a scale calibrated lighter or heavier than "true" would give the seller unjust gain and profit. God, being the God of order, does not smile at the unjust gain of one. Rather, He lists it in what He finds utterly distasteful.

Today we might find it difficult to identify with this issue unless we think hard. I personally find it applicable in issues such as owing money--do I owe $10.10 to a sibling and try to round it down to $10 without their knowledge? Do I divide the restaurant bill so that I pay less than the others with whom I'm splitting? Am I honest in my tax returns? Those are a few areas that come to mind that parallel with the thought of false balances. What are your thoughts?

Biblially Speaking - adultery (whoredom, remarriage after defilement)

Part 6 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

The Hire of a Whore

Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

God will not accept a monetary offering from funds gained by adultery.

Remarriage after Defilement

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife. And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

For a woman to be divorced, remarried, divorced again, then come back to her first husband, is abomination in God's eyes.

Biblically Speaking - Mixing Garments

Part 5 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.

Recap:

Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God's Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word "abomination," but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

Mixing Garments

Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

There has been a big debate about this verse. What, for a woman, "pertaineth unto a man?" Should a woman not wear pants? Button-up shirts? T-shirts made for men? Denim? Or does this verse mean that a man is not to try to look like a woman and a woman try to look like a man?

The keyword is "pertaineth unto" which in the Hebrew means, "something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):"

I find it very interesting that the woman is not to wear what pertains to a man (that which, from the Hebrew definition, seems prepared for a man) but the man is simply not to put on (clothe himself with) a woman's garment.

I do not want to be guilty of "reinterpreting Scripture"--especially to narrow down to "THIS is what God meant He sees is an abomination" as my own interpretation, but I personally believe that this verse lines up with another abomination in God's eyes--sodomy. He created man to be man and woman to be woman. In the world of clothing, there is a dividing line (which is becoming more faint) of masculine and feminine. For us to try to "mix things up" in appearance is to try to "borrow" the appearance of the opposite gender. This is my personal belief and you can believe differently--that's fine.