Tag Archive | Choosing Life

The Hidden Meaning of Contentious by Lorena Cox

Dec14

Unlocking the Hidden Meanings of “Contentious” in Scripture: A Journey of Self-Reflection and Growth

This week, while reading scripture, I came across the word
“Contentious”.
To my surprise, the word contentious was mostly accompanied by the word “woman”.
This word kept calling my attention. I like word studies, but before I even look into it, I asked the Lord what is this about?
Why is being mentioned only for women?
After seeing it three times….I thought I am praying this one…I surely don’t want to be a contentious wife!
I prayed but without saying it I am thinking again why it’s only mentioned for women. I read some more…and BAM! I found it ladies ? prayer answered.

Memorize it “Proverbs 26:21”.
“As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
I am hallelujah!! ?
Ladies, we are still mentioned 4 times out of five ?.
I’m injecting a little humor here.
If you do some study on this word contentious, you will identify the meaning more in depth.

Hebrew word used on the following verses means strife, quarreling, scolding

Pr 21:19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.

Pr 25:24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Pr 26:21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Pr 27:15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;

On this verse, Hebrew word means quarrels, controversies

Pr 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Contentious word is mentioned five times in the Old Testament, and all of them are in the book of Proverbs.

On the New Testament; however, the word contentious is mentioned only one time in the book of 1 Corinthians.

The Merriam Webster dictionary describe it as follow:
1-as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
2-as in controversial
“given to arguing”
a tiresomely contentious person who likes to argue for the sake of arguin

This moment of insight, brings us into a place of self evaluation. Are we contentious wives? Are we contentious with our children?
Some of the (top)synonyms of contentious for your reference are:

– aggressive
– militant
– hostile
– confrontational
– combative
– irritable
– ugly
– pugnacious
– assaultive
– belligerent
– acidic
– argumentative

According to 1 Corinthians 11:16 “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”

In other words, contentious shouldn’t be part of our culture and behavior. Each one of us, continue to become more like Jesus, and in this path, we take a moment to meditate on this as we evaluate ourselves.

It’s important to note the opposite of contentious.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary here are some (top) antonyms for your reference.

– peaceful
– peaceable
– nonaggressive pacific pleasant
– uncontentious
– friendly
– amiable
– conciliatory
– amicable
– cordial
– unwarlike
– benevolent
– gracious

Abba desires for every one of us, to be women/wives, men/husbands gracious to each other. Only Holy Spirit can help us on this journey to stay away from being contentious and becoming more peaceful and gracious.

Let’s repent individually for being contentious spouses in any way our form. Even if we feel like our behavior has not been this way. Let’s humble ourselves before God.

Now, let’s decree in Jesus name.

I decree that we are virtuous spouses, wives of noble character by and through the empowerment and leading of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s say out loud the following decrees based on Proverbs 21:19, 25:24, 26:21, 27:15, and 21:9.

1. I will strive to be peaceful and avoid contentious behavior, creating a harmonious environment.
2. I will cultivate a spirit of calmness and patience, steering clear of anger and strife.
3. I will foster relationships built on mutual respect and kindness, avoiding quarrels.
4. I will be mindful of my words and actions, ensuring they contribute to peace and unity.
5. I will continuously evaluate my behavior, choosing to act with grace and humility.

Some BONUS decrees based on Proverbs 31.

1. I will be virtuous and honorable in all my actions.
2. I will commit to diligent work and manage my household with wisdom and care.
3. I will provide and care for my family, ensuring their well-being.
4. I will extend my hand to the poor and needy, offering help and kindness.
5. I will speak with wisdom and teach kindness.
6. I will ensure the affairs of my household are well-managed, avoiding idleness.
7. I will be known for my strength, dignity, and preparedness for the future.
8. I will cultivate a reputation of good deeds, earning respect from others.
9. I will value inner beauty and godly character over outward appearances.

Hope you enjoy!
God bless you. Lorena Cox

Scripture Of The Week by JoBeth Kested

Dec8

Scripture for the week of December 8, 2024

By JoBeth Kested

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned… The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:1-5 (NKJV)

Have you ever struggled with the sorrow and sadness of this life or the overwhelming grief of a great tragedy with longing for comfort? Sometimes the agony of loss and the pain of injustice we experience in this world can be hard to bear as we search for our lost hope in the puddles of our tears. The prophet Isaiah twice declares to the people of God “comfort, comfort” (meaning a double portion) along with the end of warfare and mercy for their sinfulness. He exhorts them to prepare a way for the Lord; with the promise that the extreme highs and lows will be made right, the crooked and rough will be made straight and smooth, and that all would see the glory of the goodness of the Lord in their land. Oh, Lord, comfort, comfort the wounded hearts of your people once again. May Jesus, the Prince of Peace, be revealed for the healing of the nations and for the glory of the LORD to shine in all the earth. Amen.

If You Know And Do It Anyway

Nov23

Repentance is for Everyone. Check yourself today. Put it under the blood of Yeshua. Walk upright before ADONAI with clean hands and a pure heart.

Two Keys: Know the Word of God, Repentance

 

Blessings and Shalom in Yeshua. Love Beyond Measure, Beth Auman

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Nov18

Scripture for the week of November 17, 2024
By JoBeth Kested

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord… Jeremiah 29:11-14a (NKJV)

Have you ever felt like you messed up so bad that you are beyond forgiveness and undeserving of God’s love? Sometimes it feels like God is playing Hide and Seek and not to be found. But, these verses assure us that God is listening and really does hear our prayers when we cry out to Him. Listening implies that He is waiting and anticipating to hear our voice so He can reveal Himself and the good plans He has prepared for us. Though it may be hard to fathom, the truth is, God harbors no thoughts of evil against us. He is always thinking of how to show us His plans for our future that includes renewing our dashed hopes and bestowing His peace that passes our understanding. Be encouraged in this promise to you today, that you will find the Lord when you pray and seek Him with all your heart. Praise the Lord!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Nov3

Scripture for the week of November 3, 2024
By JoBeth Kested

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:30-32 (NKJV)

Are you frustrated with your imperfections, disappointed in the imperfect people in your life, or weary of this imperfect world? What a huge comfort to discover the realization that the ways of our God are perfect and to know with assurance that His Word has proven to be perfect, too. He is the protector and defender of all who put their trust in Him. He alone is the Almighty God above all gods and majestic Lord above all lords. There is nothing in this world more sure, more solid, and more dependable than our God; The Rock. Our loving, compassionate and merciful God lifts us out of our pity puddles of discouragement, renews our strength and even makes our crooked rough roads into perfect paths of peace. Thank You, Lord!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Oct27

 

Scripture for the week of October 27, 2024
By JoBeth Kested

The Lord will always lead you. He will meet the needs of your soul in the dry times and give strength to your body. You will be like a garden that has enough water, like a well of water that never dries up. Isaiah 58:11 (NLV)

Have you ever marveled by the beauty of a garden after a refreshing summer rain or seen the dazzling display of a dessert in glorious bloom after a drenching thunderstorm? Sometimes we find ourselves lost in a dry desolate place; overwhelmed by the pressuring demands of our lives with no idea how to find our way back to restoring waters of life? Be encouraged by the promise of this scripture that the Lord is always with us to mercifully show us the way even when we find ourselves lost and desperate through foolish choices or by no faults of our own. God can meet all the needs of our soul (mind, will and emotions) and renews us when it looks like there is no provision in any direction. So, call upon the Lord in your day of trouble and He will deliver you (Psalms 50:15) and restore you like a well watered garden; filling you with His living water that never runs dry. Oh, hallelujah!

Yeshua IS Lord

Oct24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Word of a True Prophet lines up with the Word of God -The Bible. A false prophet tickles your ears and tells you what you want to hear.. but if you search your Bible and ask God for confirmation.. you will realize that the prophecy was false! God Himself wrote an entire book with 66 chapters so that we would know the Truth and not be led astray.

Check your Salvation today. Ask Yeshua freshly into your heart. Crown Him King of king and Lord of lord over your own life. Then ask Him to fill you freshly with His Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).

If you deny Yeshua before men. He will deny you before His Abba! Matthew 10:33 Denying Him means denying what IS written in the Bible!! Yeshua (Jesus) IS The Word!

That is His Word.

I am not ashamed to ask Yeshua (Jesus) into my heart and be my Lord and King daily..

Yeshua said in Matthew 24:12-13

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Iniquity is habitual sin.. the love of many will wax cold..

Check your own temperature! God is not double minded in anyway.

As for me and my house we will serve Adonai (The Lord)!

I choose righteous, peace and joy. My body belongs to Yeshua! My choice is Him and I will endure unto the end and shall be saved in Yeshua (Jesus) Name

You need to check yourself because according to this Scripture.. your salvation that you think you have may just be false because you bowed to the false.

Check yourself.. before God.. before it is too late.

I apply Yeshua (Jesus) blood over this post and seal this by Ruach Ha Kodesh! In Yeshua’s Name

Yeshua IS Lord! Yeshua IS King!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Oct6

Scripture for the week of October 6, 2024
By JoBeth Kested

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Psalms 19:1-3 (NKJV)

Have you ever been enthralled by stars shining in the darkness of night or the glow of a full moon over majestic mountains? Has your soul been thrilled by the glorious dawn of morning or a blazing sunset with gold and crimson streaks across the skies? Or have you been captivated by the delicate fragrance of a blooming rose, crashing waves upon a sandy beach, or a towering forrest with butterflies flitting and birds calling? These scriptures instruct us that the heavens are declaring the glory of God and the earth’s beauty reveals His handprints upon all creation. Day after day and every night all that is around us reveals the evidence of an intricate and intimate God. There is no place on earth where the voice of His creation and the language of His beauty is not spoken to all who will see and listen. May you hear His voice calling your name in the wind and your heart filled with His loving presence revealed in every detail of His beauty all around you. Amen.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Sep29


Scripture for the week of September 29, 2024
By JoBeth Kested

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV

Have you ever wondered how to find God’s will? What if the three things listed in this verse were the keys to discovering and experiencing God’s will for us? In the many tests, trials and desperate situations we encounter each day, we all face the opportunity to choose how we will respond to life’s challenges. What if we would choose to rejoice in the Lords’s overcoming power instead of worrying? What if we would choose to pray in faith instead of yielding to fear? And, what if we would choose to give thanks for the opportunity to see God demonstrate His abundant provision for us instead of grumbling and complaining? In Matthew 19:26 Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” With His sufficient grace for today in everything that comes your way, be encouraged to rejoice, pray and give thanks that will set your feet on the path of God’s perfect will concerning you. Yes and amen!