Excuse me if I do not quote any bible verses today.

We all know what a dictionary is used for, right? First it is a reference source. We refer to it to settle confusion as to meaning. We even have English to Spanish dictionaries in order to better understand what someone in another language is saying.

Dictionaries change over time. New words and definitions are added as needed to expand the references as those words are used in common speech. Use a new word that is made up and gain enough usage, it will be added to the dictionary. Some words have been so misused and abused even the alternate pronunciations are added. It is now acceptable to pronounce ask, axe.

God does not change, his meanings do not change, but our language does. So how are we to know what God meant when he said it, if man keeps changing the meanings of words? We cannot all be Hebrew, Chaldean, Greek, Latin and Aramaic scholars. Others have, many others over the years have done exactly that. Surprise, surprise, they do not always agree.

So what do we do with the unchangeable God, whose mind, will and intentions are sovereign, immutable, and everlasting? How do we know?

I start with my point of reference. My understanding comes from common use within the framework of the life I have lived. Being from Maine it did not take me long to realize that when I was stationed in Georgia that speech is not the same everywhere. Clarity of understanding had to come through a commitment of relationship. You have to care enough to put in the time and allow a deeper understanding come from a personal relationship.

How committed are you with your personal relationship with God?

How do you treat others that are not as committed as you?

How do you treat those who are more committed than you?

Depends on your relationship, doesn’t it!

Isaiah 48:17 Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

Have you ever seen a movie or television show where the detective is told to “Follow the money!”? The money trail leads you to the one paying for what happened. That’s how they connected President Nixon to the Watergate break in, the money trail.

There is within the Christian community a class of detectives who use the word profit to lead those who will listen down the money trail. “If you want to know which way to go, follow the money!” See it says so right there in Isaiah 48:17! But that isn’t what God is saying, is it!

The original Hebrew usage of profit meant to ascend on high, to rise above. Another way of looking at it is your call from God. You have an end which is meant for your good. Being on the path to that end is walking in God’s will. If one comes and distracts you as to that end, it is a waste of your time, and unprofitable.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

I think it is noteworthy that just 3 verse later in John 6, many of the disciples that heard this stopped following Jesus. Perhaps that is because they were looking for another profit.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

I pray you profited from this word.