Rudders and Bits

 Look at the words in James 3:2 (NKJV). It reads: "For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires." I want to focus on this verse for a few reasons. It makes us realize we should be 1)aware of our words, 2) how powerful they are, and that 3) they have the ability to restrain our physical bodies. Words also hold the power of life and death, to build up or destroy (Proverbs 18:21). That's a powerful and rather chilling statement!  Words are not only powerful, but someday we are going to give an account of things we have said. (Isaiah 59:2-3). 

What does this Scripture mean by comparing the tongue to the rudder of a large ship? Look closely at the language. James 3: 4-14“They are turned… wherever the pilot desires.” Think about it. Who is the one controlling the rudder? The pilot. Who is the one controlling your tongue? You. This Scripture is telling you that you can turn your life in whatever direction you desire, by using your tongue. I believe Holy Spirit is inviting us to reflect on the use of our life’s rudder. I hear Him gently asking us to think about this question: What have we been allowing to come out of our mouths?

James  continues saying our tongues (speech/WORDS) both curse and bless. We praise God one minute and in anger curse Him in the next. How easily our tongues can be used to steer us away from the things of God. Though the tongue is a small member (verse 5) "it is set on fire of hell" and "is a world of iniquity" (verse 6.) Again, that's a powerful and rather chilling statement! 

When we release words like, “He’s a lazy bum, just like his father!” When we use the power of our tongues to label people in negative ways, we are setting into motion a spiritual law! Believe me, we are not simply “making an observation.” Our tongues loose life, or death, into the world around us. We will live to see the fruit of whichever way we harness this innate capacity. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21).

Have you ever put yourself down? “I’m such a dummy!” So many times, we even use one of the most powerful instruments God has given us – our tongue – to speak curses over own selves. These negative pronouncements become self-fulfilling prophecies. What kind of tongue-fruit do we want to eat in our future? Do we want to steer our lives in the direction of hope, growth, and flourishing that He has for us? 

Then in all that, James finishes by saying  "no man can tame the tongue!" (verses7-8)! So what are we to do? James gives us a bit of hope when he said we can learn to steer our tongues like a rudder does for a boat or like a bit in a horses mouth. A rudder's purpose is to steer the boat in a particular direction. A bit in a horses mouth steers the horse in a particular direction. Neither boat or horse are halted by rudder or bit, but rather steered in a direction by driver or rider.  It's the same regarding our words. As Christians, we should always strive to steer our tongues as God would have us just as we will always be working to restrain our bodies. Why? Because "we all stumble in many things" James says.

The truth is, words actually reveal the true nature of a person.  It is "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew12:34). The words you speak reveal the spiritual condition of your heart! This is so important that the Bible teaches, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). We must be vigilant in keeping our hearts spiritually fit because the words that flow from it have the power of life and death. Scriptures further tell us that the Lord tests the heart, the Lord weighs the heart, the Lord detests a proud heart, the Lord hates a perverse heart,” and many more. In this verse we are instructed to “keep” our heart; meaning watch over, cultivate, and protect it. Why? It is the command center of the soul, the mind, the will, the affections, AND WHAT COMES OUT OF YOUR MOUTH! If our hearts are grounded and anchored in God's Word, what comes out of our mouths should be His love, grace and mercy!

Somewhere as you read this blog you may have questioned, 'if the tongue is a world of iniquity that cannot be tamed anyway, then what am I supposed to do? Scripture says, we can start by cleansing our hearts on a daily basis. How? By flooding/washing it with the Word of God (Ephesians 5:25-26). The Word of God deals with things in our mind, things that deal with conduct, things that have to do with character and attitude. The more we "cleanse" ourselves by reading Gods word, we will find it easier and easier to restrain the tongue. How? The Word of God keeps our hearts clean by pointing out the areas that need changing and confession. It helps to remove the dirt because it convicts those who read it reverently and also by warning us to keep away from sin. You will never control your tongue altogether since scripture affirms it is untamable, but you can bridle it, restrain it, hold it back, and curb it. We should use our tongue to glorify and honor God throughout the day as Psalm 34:1 proclaims, "I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth."  

I challenge you to praise God with your words on a daily basis and watch how your life will change.

Here are some scriptures that confirm this blog:

Ephesians 4:29

Proverbs 19:19

Proverbs 21:23

Proverbs 15: 1,4 

Psalm 19:14

Proverbs 18:21

There's only one way to protect your tongue: protect your heart! Let’s partner with Him, using the tools He has provided. Let’s ask for Holy Spirit’s help in the operation of this tiny, mighty rudder. Let’s make the determination that only words of life will flow from these mouths of ours. We want to steer our lives in the direction of hope, growth, and flourishing that He has for us.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Declaring vs Confessing (Romans 9: 10-11)

 

In this blog I'm going to point out how very important it is that you pay attention to what Bible version you choose to read and learn God's Word from. You need discernment because many bibles printed today are either changing and or alternating words of scripture that completely change the meaning of the verse(s), sometimes even excluding entire sentences! Remember God's warning, "For I testify unto you every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written with this book: And if any man shall take away from the word of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV) 

 ** NOTE: Before I continue, let me make something perfectly clear. I do not care which version of the bible you choose to read, that choice is yours. Just be aware whatever version you do learn from may have changed words or removed entire sentences which are pertinent in knowing truth. Whoever made these changes of  "adding to" or "taking away" are accountable and bear the sole responsibility as translators, and the words of Revelation 22:18-19 lie heavily on them, not you. However, that said, you should be cautious and aware of both obscure or obvious changes. Having different versions of the bible when you study will help assist in spotting changes. I will include information to keep in mind following this blog. However, NO translation is perfect but there are scholars who acknowledge certain versions as being closest to the original Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek.

I have well over 25 examples of scripture verses either changed or completely left out of the NIV alone you should be aware of. I don't have the time or space to list each one so I'm going to give just one example with the help of a Webster's dictionary for word definition assistance to inform you just how subtle and tricky these changes can be. Okay, here we go. The scripture in my example is from Romans 9:10-11.

NIV says: "If you DECLARE with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, [and it is with your mouth that you profess (affirm) your faith and are saved.] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME."

KJV says: "If thou shalt CONFESS with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; [and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED."

These two versions of Romans 9, verses 10 & 11 look the same. They sound the same. They are the same, wouldn't you say? Wrong! In fact each one means something entirely different. It's subtle, but for the discerning eye it's very clear.

Let's Compare two words taken from each version: Declare vs Confess.

Declare: (Used in NIV) To declare is "to state something." Example: I believe in Jesus Christ.

Confess: (Used in KJV) To "acknowledge something." I confess I am a sinner.

Read these two versions above very carefully once again. Are they the same? Absolutely not. WHY? According to the NIV translation, all one must do to be saved is just DECLARE (it's the same as saying) I BELIEVE IN JESUS. Do you know why that is an error and translated incorrectly? James 2:19 tells us that devils also believe! Are the devils or Satan, saved? So, therefore just saying /declaring 'I believe in Jesus' with ones mouth means nothing. Anyone can say it and they do. I'm sure you know people who wear a cross around their neck and if asked if they believe in Jesus would say yes, but they don't live the life of a follower of Jesus. Their "declaration" means nothing. There are many people that say I believe in Jesus and think they are saved simply due to the fact of versions like the NIV whose translations have fooled them into believing all you have to do is say aloud with your mouth, "I believe in Jesus." They think as long as they believe he existed somewhere in history, they believe they are saved!

According to the KJV translation, what one must do is to be saved is CONFESS with their mouth the Lord Jesus. Did you know there is a difference between "declaring" (NIV) and "confessing?" (KJV)? To confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus (as stated in the KJV) you are admitting/acknowledging/CONFESSING you are a sinner and are calling upon Jesus to save you. You are owning it. You confess Jesus is Lord and make an allegiance with Christ in your heart. THAT is more than just the mere words 'I believe in Jesus' as implied in the NIV. It is "confession that is made unto salvation" according to the KJV and that is correct. Every Christian should know, without confession there is no salvation. For all the people out there saying/declaring I believe in Jesus, THAT IS NOT A CONFESSION! Confession involves speaking to God.  We share with Him the areas that we know we have sinned and acknowledge (confess) we messed up. We talk to Him about it and ask Him to forgive us. There is a big difference between confessing and declaring that you believe. With confession comes remorse, regret, and repentance which in turn manifests in changed behavior and life.

The last difference I want to point out between the two versions is the last sentence, verse 11.

NIV says, "Anyone who believes in him WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME."

KJV says, " Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED."

Looking at these two verses can you comprehend each is saying something completely different? The NIV is saying, anyone who believes in Jesus will never be put to shame. Well, that's inaccurate! People are put to shame all the time when witnessing the bible or speaking about Jesus. I'm not saying it's a matter of being ashamed as in embarrassed. I am saying they ARE PUT TO SHAME. For instance, the exampled person as mentioned above who reads and believes the NIV as written and declares if they believe in Jesus and need nothing more, if they are ever approached by a person well versed in scripture, you could say the knowledge of the educated and well informed person who interprets and understands scripture could easily PUT TO SHAME the person who knows very little about God who declares they believe in Jesus. So anyone who declares they believe in Jesus CAN be put to shame.

The KJV is plainly saying, if you truly believe on Jesus, the son of the living God, you will not be ashamed of it! You will never be ashamed to speak His name, talk about the bible, share the Good News, shout to the world of the goodness, mercy, and forgiveness of God. "Whosoever believeth on him SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED." The word shall is a modal verb and used for future time reference. You shall = you will, and you shall not = is the same as you will not. A true follower will never be ashamed of the gospel.

These differences came from only 2 tiny verses, TWO! Have you ever noticed the differences before that now should be easily understood and how changing words can misguide people possibly to their own detriment? Be very careful when reading your bible today. It requires more than just reading and definitely more than just declaring or agreeing there was once a man who walked the earth whose name was Jesus. Reading the WORD also requires studying the WORD. I suggest having a KJV BIBLE and a couple other more "modern" versions for comparison. I mainly use the 1611 KJV bible about 95% of the time. The other 5% I extract and use other versions IF THEY MEAN THE SAME THING AS THE KJV but in a more colloquial language- as long as there are no exclusions or words that change definitions like the examples I left you in this blog. I pray that anyone interested in knowing God will study well because many verses in varying new revised versions ( CEV, CSB, ESV, GNB, HCSB, NET, NLT, NIV) etc. are written in a way that can delude you. The bible says "study to show ourselves approved" so that we will be ready to wield our sword, the Word of Truth, and share it as God intends- straight, without wavering, or without a sugary coating or changing its meaning that makes it easier to swallow.

I have never found that to be the case since reading and studying the KJV bible since 1972. The NIV may deliver more readability than the Kings language of thee's and thou's, but there are too many changes and exclusions in the NIV to completely believe it is a safe version. Check your own NIV. Your version excluded the following (that's not including single word changes throughout the entire version too many to list). EXCLUDED: Matt 17:21, Matt 18:11, Matt 23:14, Mark 7:16, Mark 9:44 and 9:46, Mark 11:26, Mark 15:28, Luke 17:36. Ask yourself, WHY?? Satan would like nothlng more than for you to believe the older, original, translated Greek version (KJV) is outdated or antiquated and is too difficult to follow so its better to lay it aside. I'm not saying don't read the NIV or any other more modern version, I'm suggesting have the NIV (or newer translations) along side the version scholars consider the most accurately translated, the 1611 version of the original Greek. KJV.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

*** Below is some additional information you might find helpful regarding thee's and thou's if you're interested. And Jesus said, "Me is the way." What?? See below.

King James himself commissioned skilled linguists and theologians such as Dr. George Abbott, Dr. Lancelot Andrewes, as well as the orientalist, William Bedwell and the Hebrew scholar, John Bois, who began reading the Hebrew Bible at the age of five, and later gained considerable facility in Greek as well.

 Yes, “thou” and “thee” are the words of Early Modern English (EME) for the ‘familiar’ form of the second person singular. Today we use “you”, which is historically the second person plural, but was also used, in EME, as the polite/respectful/formal form of the second person singular. So, at the time of the translation into the KJV, “thou” and “thee” were the pronouns in general use. The distinction thou/thee follows the case distinctions still working today in English with I/me, he/him, she/her, we/us, they/them.

 Although Semitic languages don’t make case distinctions in nouns or pronouns, if you are translating them into English, you have to make the grammatical distinctions which the object language (in the case, English) makes. Otherwise the alternative is that you would always use “me” for the first person singular, the way a small child might. God would be quoted as “Me told the Israelites many times, but them didn’t listen.” Should Jesus be translated as saying, “Me am the Way.” No, the translator makes the distinctions of the target language, however they are worded in the source language.

The King James Version is deliberately in a somewhat higher register — intentionally formal —than Shakespeare’s writing a few decades earlier. Shakespeare used the informal colloquial language of the time, and provides a better sample of what “real people” spoke in everyday life. But he also distinguished thee/thou/you.

 Hebrew is similar in that it also has a different pronoun for singular and plural second-person pronouns; thus, the thee’s and thou’s give the 1611 KJV slightly more accuracy than most of the other English translations. The Greek was also similar in that way.