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What Killed the Cat?

Mart De Haan Posted by Mart DeHaan
June 28th, 2011
59 Comments » 

Photo by: 7rizia

We’ve probably all heard it said that a fool can ask more questions in a minute than a wise person could answer in a year.

From its very beginning the Bible teaches us that some questions end up being out of bounds for those who trust God.

But is wisdom or understanding ever found by not asking questions?

My guess is that whether a question is good or bad depends on its motive. Has God really said? for instance, is probably one of the best or worst questions we could ever ask.

Maybe that even answers the question of whether curiosity killed the cat… or gave it nine lives :-)…


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59 Responses to “What Killed the Cat?”

  1. SFDBWV says:
    June 28, 2011 at 5:18 am

    In my world I can tell you what killed the cat, however Mart, the worst question ever ask I am told is the one not ask. I suppose it is that some folks are just uncomfortable with some questions.

    Personally I think most any of us wonder from time to time whether or not God is real or if He cares. We also need to hear from others that He is real and that He does care.

    Thank you Donna for your compassion, and prayers.

    Regina, I seen a program on the History channel about how air conditioning changed the population growths in America, thank you also for your prayers.

    Steve

  2. SFDBWV says:
    June 28, 2011 at 6:11 am

    • How much money should we keep or give away?
    • How much time did God use and by what process did he speak the world and life into existence?
    • Is it ever right to terminate a pregnancy?
    • How much of the apparent age of the earth can be explained by the flood described in Genesis?
    • Is the authority that men exercise over women from God, or a fallen world?
    • To what extent can we know whether we are doing the will of God?
    These questions Mart posed as a comment in his last topic are excellent questions; I am intrigued and challenged to answer them from both a personal opinion and from scripture.

    As I had mentioned in the last topic these questions could take weeks to give good full consideration and answer. Perhaps though put out as one question at a time one day at a time.

    Even confronting the weaker faith of some and asking whether or not we really believe in God as He is explained in the ancient writings of the scriptures. However if we are honest, our answers tell a great deal about ourselves, some people don’t like to face the real person they find when they look too hard inward.

    Today as 20 month old Braiden Scott Ervin is laid to rest; those who lost him will ask many questions, many hard questions, I pray that God provide the answers they need to hear.

    Steve

  3. tracey5tgbtg says:
    June 28, 2011 at 6:33 am

    Matt 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;

    This post gets right to the point and makes me think of the “Knowing God’s Will” post. God in the dream asking us, “why are you asking?”

    You are right Mart, it depends on our motive for asking. Are we seeking a loophole and a way to get our own way? Or are we truly seeking what is pleasing to God? Are we wanting to know God more?

    I believe God does place questions in our hearts because He wants us to seek the answers. He does allow pain in our lives, as with the family of the little boy who died, because He wants us to turn to Him.

    Psalm 50:15 and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor Me.

    I think it’s better for someone to question God if they have any doubts rather than to just go along with what they are told, and say they believe because it’s the right thing to do and they don’t want to upset anyone with questions.

  4. florida7sun says:
    June 28, 2011 at 6:42 am

    Questions asked often reveal the condition of the questioner’s heart. For example:

    “Is God dead?”

    If the questioner knew God, why would such a question even be asked?

    This past weekend a prominent newscaster asked a presidential candidate, “Are you a flake?” The next day the questioner apologized. But I wondered if in asking such a question he indicted himself to be one.

    Bobby Richardson, famed second baseman for the New York Yankees, has said, “Everybody is somebody’s fool. I am a fool for Christ.” Like Bobby, I too am a fool for Christ and thankful for the faith He has given me.

    As I consider John 17:25-26 I have no need for answers and simply bathe myself in His love and rest in His assurance: “O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

    I trust Jesus that His Love for me will reveal all truth in due time. I rest in His promises and am comforted by His Word.

    Too much curiosity may kill the cat by the poison offered to it. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil bears fruit everyday. It always hangs within our reach.

    As Bobby would close his testimony, he would always ask those assembled “Whose fool are you?”

    Grace and peace, Ray

  5. SFDBWV says:
    June 28, 2011 at 8:26 am

    I am reminded this morning of a few questions that were ask in the scripture (There are many hundreds); John the Baptist had his disciples ask Jesus if He was the one they had been waiting for. Mathew 11: 3. This even after he had baptized Him and seen the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus in the form of a dove, and heard the voice of God. Luke 3: 22.

    Nicodemus ask Jesus “How can a man be born when he is old?” John 3: 4.

    Questions that needed answered, answers that lead to Christ and ultimately to salvation. If we don’t ask the hard questions ourselves, how then can we answer them when others ask them of us?

    Part of being a Christian is being able to answer questions from non believers, whereas I believe the Holy Spirit will speak through us, I also believe we must prepare ourselves and be ready for the fiery darts that come our way. Part of the armor of God is knowledge of His Word.

    Steve

  6. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 9:16 am

    The saying “The only dumb/stupid question is the one not asked”, rings true for anything we want to know but are slow to ask. Who we ask the question is a different story. Asking God questions about His Word would be the one to go to for truth if you have faith that He will answer them actually asking God about anything wanting the truth would be where to go IMHO. Having the faith that He will answer those questions in His time and in His way.

    If we are having a conversation with someone and one does not understand what the other is saying, questions help to clarify so we do not misunderstand or misinterpret the other person.

    When reading scripture it helps to ask questions like;
    Who is writing this?
    To whom was it written?
    When was it written?
    How can this be applied to my life?
    What is the main point?

  7. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 9:27 am

    It was so neat the way Jesus responded to John the Baptist by not just answering the question head on but by telling his disciples to tell him about all the miracles they saw Jesus do and with the message not a direct answer “Blessed are those who do not doubt me.”.

  8. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 9:31 am

    I think what killed the cat was asking the question then doubting the answer or not paying heed to it.

  9. florida7sun says:
    June 28, 2011 at 9:37 am

    “Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?'” – Genesis 3:9

    I believe it is beneficial to provide answers to questions that the Lord has posed to us in His Word? These could strengthen our faith and lead us into greater understanding. For example:

    “Who do you say I am?”

    “Why do you worry?”

    “What is written in the law? How do you read it?

    “Do you still have no faith?”

    “Why do you not judge for yourself what is right?”

    “What are you looking for?”

    “Do you love me?”

    As we search our hearts He will lead us into all truth.

  10. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 9:55 am

    Also along those lines florida7sun the questions that God asked Job.

    Why are you using your ignorance to deny my providence? and the rest of Job 38-40:2. Now those are some great questions that God asked but never answered trying to teach that God knows thing that are beyond our reasoning.

  11. SFDBWV says:
    June 28, 2011 at 10:11 am

    The questions Jesus asks of people were meant to open their eyes to the truth and lead them to Him. He asks them questions so that they could figure it out for themselves.

    The questions people asks along spiritual lines are meant to enlighten also, however they are often ask of us rather then of God. Such was the case with the eunuch and Philip (Acts 8: 27). The Holy Spirit sent Philip, but Philip was prepared to do the will of God and able to accomplish the task.

    What of the question Peter ask of Ananias? Was it meant to expose Ananias or condemn him, or was it so that he might ask forgiveness?

    We all know “Twas curiosity that killed the cat”, however curiosity can also lead to salvation as well as encouragement…

    Ask away Mart, I will do my best to give intelligent informative answers, not just babble so as to feel I have said something.

    Steve

  12. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    I think a very good question was found in ODB yesterday. “What are you known for?” Or as Paul asked “Will we find ourselves approved by God?”

  13. davids says:
    June 28, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    The consensus seems to be that any question is fine, but Mart writes, “From its very beginning the Bible teaches us that some questions end up being out of bounds for those who trust God.”

    So is this just a straw man for us to knock down or is it true? Does it only depend on the motivation of the asker? If the question is only asked to elicite the response that the questioner wants, then it is only a rhetorical question, and not a true question.

    Are there questions that are out of bounds?

  14. Regina says:
    June 28, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Good Afternoon All

    “But is wisdom or understanding ever found by not asking questions?”

    My answer to Mart’s question is “No.” I don’t think wisdom or understanding is ever found without asking questions. When we’re given information or told to accept information as “fact or truth” our natural inclination is to ask *why* the information is true. A person rarely, if ever, accepts information as “truth” without asking why. James 1:5 says we have to ask for wisdom, we don’t receive it unless we ask for it.
    James 1:5, NIV
    If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
    In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks God for an understanding heart, “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

    Want to share a few more Bible verses:
    Prov. 16:16, NIV
    How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

    Prov. 19:8, NIV
    He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.

    Hosea 4:6, NIV
    My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.

    Sunny and hot today in Texas (99 degrees right now).

  15. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    It would seem that if we get the answers to some questions then one may tend to boast about having all the answers even after it was given by God. I do not think there is anything wrong with asking anything of God if we are able to accept the answers and God in His infinite wisdom would know our hearts and understand who could be trusted with the answers.

    I really believe that there are some truths/answers we really could not handle.

  16. Regina says:
    June 28, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    We were posting at the same time, poohpity! :-)

  17. bratimus says:
    June 28, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    As far as questions that are out of bounds, look at lawyering. They can ask a question that yes or no means the same thing.

    So asking the quetion Why is there a God? or How is there a God?

    Thiose question that ask if we created God for our own needs.

    Rather then God creating man out of His Love

  18. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    Regina, isn’t it strange that although Solomon asked for all that wisdom he did not use it in his own life.

  19. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 4:46 pm

    I know I do that a lot. :-)

  20. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    Mart you asked, “But is wisdom or understanding ever found by not asking questions?” I believe the answers is yes. Just listening, reading and watching one can gain knowledge and understanding. The Lord can impart wisdom and understanding any way He chooses to do it. Living life also provides much learning as well with no questions involved.

  21. Regina says:
    June 28, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    Steve, Your comment, “Part of the armor of God is knowledge of His Word.”

    Reminded me of this Bible passage (esp. v. 17b):

    Eph. 6:13-17, NKJV
    13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
    14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
    16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
    17 And take the helmet of salvation, *and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.*

  22. Regina says:
    June 28, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    Yes, poohpity, I do think it’s strange that Solomon did not truly benefit from the wisdom that God gave him in his own life. As a matter of fact, other people benefited more from his “wisdom” than he did. Thinking about “the two women arguing over a baby” incident as one example.

  23. Regina says:
    June 28, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    Has anyone ever heard the saying, “Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back?” lol!

  24. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    Yes Regina the whole nation of Israel benefited from his wisdom as we do today and we did not even have to ask any questions.

  25. poohpity says:
    June 28, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    Actually the origin of that phrase was “Care killed the Cat”. “Care” was referring to worry. Later it was changed to curiosity.

    The meaning of the phrase was to say that being inquisitive can lead one into dangerous situations when it comes to curiosity. I found that on “The phrase finder”

    John Clarke (1639) suggested “He that pryeth into every cloud may be struck with a thunderbolt”.

  26. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    June 28, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    Can’t sleep, already light at 4:30, all the stars have faded away, just made a coffee and my cat has joined me in bed (my cat is black not white like Marts). The sea is crashing on the beach just below my window.
    Sounds like paradise, but all is not what it seems.
    What killed the Cat?
    We all know that curiousity did, probably on the tenth attemped (9 lives don’t forget)
    The Cat also got the cream!
    Not sure where my ramblings are leading but one thing is sure. “All things work together for good to those who love God”.
    I can see Pezance across the bay, about ten miles from my window, and we have a saying here.
    “If you can see PZ then it is going to rain, if you can’t see PZ then it is raining”
    All we can do is live life, like the cat, for the moment and the now, as we don’t know what will happen next.
    If we trust in God what is there to question?

    Bob

  27. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    June 28, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    Sorry, should read Penzance, just incase anyone should want to Google it.

  28. bratimus says:
    June 29, 2011 at 2:33 am

    I think that the invention of the automobile has became the cats greater enemy then its on curousity. Just like the fourth beast of Daniel 7 will be mans greatest enemy

  29. SFDBWV says:
    June 29, 2011 at 6:27 am

    I would like to suggest that there is a difference between asking a question and questioning an action. In truth I can not think of a question that may be out of bounds as long as it is a legitimate question and nothing sinister or vulgar.

    Any father or mother can attest to the fact that children ask a lot of questions, and I would suppose we have that same right to ask of our Heavenly Father.

    For a long time I have thought that reading the book of Job is an odd thing to do, when after God speaks he says that everything Job’s friends said were wrong. That only Job spoke wisely concerning God and then of course there is what God has to say. So what is the purpose of reading all of what Job’s friends had to say if what they had to say was in error.

    It would appear that the only part of Job worth reading is what Job had to say and what God had to say; except that if we read what Job’s friends has to say, it sounds a lot like us trying to figure out something by using worldly wisdom and worldly knowledge.

    I think many of you have done a good job in showing that there is nothing wrong in asking the deeper questions of faith so as to ferret out answers from scripture and from conformation via of the Holy Spirit.

    Personally I believe that many harbor doubt in their heart and that only by exposing that doubt and asking questions can those doubts be put to rest. Hiding them away they only grow bigger and harder to face.

    A cool 55 degrees this morning and bright blue skies.

    Steve

  30. Mart De Haan says:
    June 29, 2011 at 7:01 am

    Much has been made of Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38)…

    On one hand, it is the best question a person in his position could ask, and in one sense he came to a right answer in going immediately to Jesus’ accusers and saying, “I find no fault in him.”

    At the same time, his question, “What is truth?” comes immediately after Jesus’ statement, “For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice” (v37).

    It appears that at this point Pilate uses the “What is truth?” question as a somewhat cynical, philosophical, and therefore rhetorical question (not really looking for an answer)… that he used to sidestep Jesus’ bold claim.

    As so many have pointed out, the answer to Pilate’s question was standing before him in a Person. Yet, Pilate’s motive was to avoid engaging Jesus further on the point.

    Right question. Wrong motive. Disastrous results (i.e. for Pilate personally).

  31. remarutho says:
    June 29, 2011 at 7:36 am

    Good Morning, Mart & Friends —

    On 6/28/11 you wrote:

    “My guess is that whether a question is good or bad depends on its motive. Has God really said? for instance, is probably one of the best or worst questions we could ever ask.”

    I agree entirely with your guess! Old Slew-Foot’s hallmark (at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil & elsewhere)is to quote only the portion of Scripture that suits the purpose of killing the soul of the one being tempted!

    While it is daunting to think of knowing Scripture well, it seems to me the heart and mind “tuned” or “attuned” to the Bible will have an advantage over the one who remains vague on the “whole Book.”

    Hence, Satan’s question, “Has God really said?”(Genesis 3:1) can be a good question in the season of testing and trial. Then, there must be a period of seeking God’s Word: by Scripture, by prayer, by Godly counsel, in worshipful listening.

    Pilate holds a curious place of honor in the Christian creed (“suffered under Pontius Pilate”). Pilate labored under a pagan inability to seek the Creator God, thereby discerning “the Truth, the Way and the Life.” (John 14:6) Pilate’s motive in asking had more to do with his own reputation in Rome than the issues of truth and justice. What he did was required by the will of God. He was “used by God,” as were Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar. To me, this is a mystery best pondered in faith, not doubt.

    Yours,
    Maru

  32. SFDBWV says:
    June 29, 2011 at 8:05 am

    As Maru rightly expressed God uses people to exact His will and as I look at this encounter between Jesus and Pilate I am once again faced with the question; did Pilate have a choice or was he playing out the scene as written by God from the beginning?

    Not knowing as of this writing how many years are between each clear expression of the Messiah and the cross until the event, I would suppose it is from the beginning of the story, from Genesis onward. The encampment of the Israelites being in the shape of the cross, Psalm 22 describing the Messiah on the cross even down to the soldiers dividing His clothes.

    So did Pilate have a choice? Did Judas? Pharaoh attempted to let the Hebrews go but it was God Himself who changed Pharaoh’s mind.

    Does it matter to me to know these answers? Not concerning my faith in Jesus, nor my beliefs, but in understanding some of what I witness in life…maybe.

    Steve

  33. dja says:
    June 29, 2011 at 8:24 am

    Good Morning All,

    Pooh, when you wrote ““But is wisdom or understanding ever found by not asking questions?” I believe the answers is yes. Just listening, reading and watching one can gain knowledge and understanding. The Lord can impart wisdom and understanding any way He chooses to do it. Living life also provides much learning as well with no questions involved.”, I couldn’t help thinking of Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise listen and add to their learning.”

    While it is good to strive for understanding, many times our understanding is within earshot:-) When I was teaching first and second graders, I would always try to help them to be good listeners, using Proverbs 1:5 to help them understand why it’s important to listen. As I was teaching, there would always be at least one student who would raise their hand with a question, jumping ahead of where we were. I would acknowledge that it was a good question, however, if he/she would wait and listen, they would hear the answer to that question later in the lesson.

    I believe we should have questions, but I don’t know if the questions must be always verbalized. I find I get better answers when I mull over something and quietly seek the Lord for the answer. I tend to learn better that way. As a student, I was always tense when the teacher would call on me with a question. It’s not that I couldn’t think about the answer, but rather, I struggled having enough time to think it through clearly. When I was a teacher, I tried to recognize those students that needed more time to think-they actually were the better listeners.

    May the Lord draw near to each and everyone on BTA.

    It’s a nice sunny day in NEPA.

    ~Della

  34. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 8:52 am

    I think every body has a choice. I do not believe for one minute God is a puppet master in anyway shape of form but I do believe the God is omniscience. If He knows what is going to happen before it happens He already has a plan how to use it to His Glory and to benefit His creation.

    I agree Della listening is valuable tool. I think that shows that our motive would be learning rather than being the one with all the right answers or being in control because we know that God has all of them and He only knows our hearts/motives and God is in control.

  35. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 8:57 am

    Steve never heard the encampment of the Israelite’s was in the shape of a cross could you show me that? That is very interesting.

  36. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Bob, I looked it up but how many Km are you from there?

  37. SFDBWV says:
    June 29, 2011 at 10:29 am

    1. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 8:52 am
    I think every body has a choice. I do not believe for one minute God is a puppet master in anyway shape of form but I do believe the God is omniscience. If He knows what is going to happen before it happens He already has a plan how to use it to His Glory and to benefit His creation.

    Deb, I want you to understand that I respect your right to have your own beliefs and respect your resolve in those beliefs. By way of this statement you are saying that your mind is closed to listen to another view, that perhaps God is from time to time a puppet master and forces His will upon unaware people.

    Isn’t it ironic how when we put that attitude forth from ourselves it sounds and feels right, but when we hear it from another, they sound arrogant and close minded?

    Though I do not interpret you view as arrogant, I have suffered being accused of being so for the same attitude of feeling my mind made up concerning a matter.

    Is it your belief then that God’s will can only be accomplished if we are willing to obey?

    Deb I have seen the encampment scenario drawn out in many illustrations, but if you are willing to do the math and the art, you can find the encampment in the form of a cross found beginning in Numbers 2: 1 thru :34. The Tabernacle in the center and each of the tribes camped east, west, north and south of it forming a cross.

    Steve

  38. InHisHands says:
    June 29, 2011 at 10:30 am

    Dear BTA Friends.

    As usual I am trying to catch up to the topic –

    I wanted to let you know I won’t be on for about 3 weeks – The LORD has gloriously put a trip together for my granddaughters and me – we are going to Oregon to visit family.

    Will keep you all in my prayers – and look forward to catching up when I get back.

    Please keep us in prayer. I have never driven this distance by myself before – but then, I won’t be by myself.

    May the LORD bless you all, and have a truly wonderful 4th of July.

    Pam – in the desert

  39. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 10:58 am

    Sorry you see it that way Steve. I am open to others views and opinions. I just have not read in scripture where God has made anyone do anything if you can show me that then I will be open to learning and changing my beliefs. I can give you if you wish several examples of God knowing in advance what people would chose to do. Then from what you are saying we do not have free will. This is again an argument about different church doctrines that cause much division so what is the motive? If it is to prove me wrong, OK I will be wrong that does not hurt my pride I am wrong a lot.

    As far as the encampment of the Israelite’s if there are three tribes in the north, three tribes in the east, three tribes in the south and three tribes in the west and each tribe in each section was next to each other. Then that would appear to be a square or a rectangle depending on the numbers in each tribe. That would leave no room for anything to penetrate to the Levite’s surrounding the tabernacle.

  40. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 11:09 am

    There are examples of God making it very difficult on some who did not chose to do what God had asked i.e. Jonah but even Jesus in the garden wanted God’s will not to give into the flesh of the human part. Those are some of the questions about God that I do not believe we really have to answers to until we get to heaven, then I do not believe we will even try asking.

  41. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 11:18 am

    Steve you also asked, “Is it your belief then that God’s will can only be accomplished if we are willing to obey?”. To that I would reply that God’s will be done whether make a choice to be part of it or not. If we desire to do God’s will good and if not he will find someone else unless we look at the story of Jonah.

  42. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 11:32 am

    I also believe that God’s will was for us to live in paradise walking with the Lord and if he were a puppet master and wanted to control us and not give us any choices then God would have never put the tree of knowledge in the garden. He loved us enough to let us make the choice to chose Him or to chose to live without Him and pick what we wanted. I think it all really comes down to control. You can not ever MAKE someone love, respect or want you that has to be a personal decision.

  43. bubbles says:
    June 29, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Maybe the things we really want to know: the whys and hows and whens and how comes will not be important to us in Heaven. When God is silent and does not answer our questions, that is when our trust/faith in Him really needs to kick in and become real. In my understanding, faith deepens and grows when we must trust God when He doesn’t answer prayer with yes or does not seem to do anything. Of course He IS doing something, it may not feel like it at the time. He is teaching patience. . Maybe this is wrong thinking.

  44. Regina says:
    June 29, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    Good Afternoon All

    Bratimus, Why do you think the greatest enemy for cats was the invention of the automobile?

  45. bratimus says:
    June 29, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Regina,

    How many cats have you heard of getting ran over by horse and buggy

  46. bratimus says:
    June 29, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    The topic question is

    What killed the cat?

  47. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    :-)

  48. Regina says:
    June 29, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Off topic here…
    Bratimus, all due respect to your opinion that the invention of the automobile was the greatest enemy for cats, you don’t know that for certain. *Many things have caused the death of cats since horse & buggy days.* I’m sure one of those other causes could give automobiles a run for their money. :)

  49. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    Last topic we learned that liberty in expression of opinions brings unity and the charity let’s them no that you love ’em anyway. :-)

  50. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    I meant know not “no”, lol!!

  51. bratimus says:
    June 29, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    With all due respect,

    there is no place in scripture that says we need to sacrifice our humor in obeying good. We our to take God serious, not ourselves. God created cats the way they are, man invented the automoblie that crushes the cat. Talk about the cat getting creamed.

  52. poohpity says:
    June 29, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    I think God has to have a sense of humor, he would have to put up with us. Then consider the platypus. ;-)

  53. remarutho says:
    June 29, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    Greetings Mart & Friends!

    Mart wrote:

    At the same time, his (Pilate’s) question, “What is truth?” comes immediately after Jesus’ statement, “For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice” (v37 – i.e. John 18:37)

    Pilate is in no condition to “be of the truth” — nor can he “hear Jesus’ voice.” “What is truth?” can be a fruitful question. It is deeply ironic and painful that the natural heart, warped by its fallen state (such as Pilate’s heart) is not in itself able to discern the things of God. The truth is inaccessible to the fallen heart.

    Jesus’s level of frustration even with “the Jews who had beleived in him” (John 8:31)seems to reach an all-time high in the passage of Scripture talking about knowing the truth and the truth setting them free. At last he says, “If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (vv 46-47) Can it be that the religious establishment is bankrupt and outside the will of God?

    Pilate’s frame of reference is anti-God — not of God. So also, Jesus says, is the frame of reference of these believing Jews anti-God — not of God. The religious community has taken on the same heart-condition as the pagan culture that holds it hostage. Jesus’ remedy is to apply his own blood. The truth is stranger than fiction! The Truth is a Person!

    Maru

  54. royalpalm says:
    June 30, 2011 at 1:20 am

    Thanks everyone for good insights. I really enjoyed the cat/automobile exchange:)Mart you ask, “But is wisdom or understanding ever found by not asking questions?”

    Wisdom is discernment of what is right and good, while understanding is its comprehension. The Scriptures declares that God alone is wise. (Rom. 16:23,1 Tim 1:17, Jude 1:25) and He is the one Who puts wisdom in the mind and gives understanding to the heart. (Job 38:36)

    God through the Holy Spirit, can impart His wisdom and understanding to us only when we approach Him with reverence (fear) and humility (Proverbs 9:10) and the proof that we have understanding is when we hate evil.(Job 28:28)

    In view of the above, I am with those who say yes (poohpity, dja, etc)and believe that one can gain wisdom and understanding by simply walking close to God, learning from His word, applying the knowledge learned, and putting my trust in Him, as I live each day…God asked man many questions, and some have been quoted. Here’s more.

    From Isa. 40:27-31 ‘ Why do you say, …and speak…”My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed
    over by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth.He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable.He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. but those who trusts in the Lord will renew their strenght…

    Psalm 4:2 How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood?

  55. royalpalm says:
    June 30, 2011 at 1:23 am

    Hello, poohpity,Re. your post June 28, 9:16 a.m.

    Your list of questions to ask when reading the Bible is very helpful. Other important questions to ask are:
    What does this verse tell me about God – His character? His attributes? His ways? what pleases Him? What does
    this tell me about man?

    I believe that since the Scriptures is written by God to reveal Himself to us – our main purpose in reading it
    should be to know Him. Knowledge of Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew languages, history, archeology, geography,etc. are very helpful but , again, it is reverence for God and humility that enables Him to teach us the truths and meaning behind His words…

  56. royalpalm says:
    June 30, 2011 at 1:38 am

    Hi, bubbles,

    I agree with your post on Jun 29 11:41a.m. When God seems silent we need to trust and rest on His Sovereignty – for this honors Him. In Isa. 40 God reminds us of His Omnipotence to encourage us..

    Here’s also a good quote from Lilias Trotter, a devout Christian missionary: ” When God delays in fulfilling our little thoughts, it is to have Himself room to work out His great ones.”

  57. SFDBWV says:
    June 30, 2011 at 6:54 am

    Ok pooh you ask for an example, here are two…The birth announcements of John the Baptist and of Jesus.

    Beginning in Luke 1: 5 we read a story of Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth. She being barren and both old, Luke1:7, but when Gabriel spoke to Zacharias he didn’t ask either he or Elizabeth if they choose to be the parents of John, though they had both prayed for a child, this was an announcement that a special person was going to be born and that from his mothers womb he would be great in the sight of the Lord (Luke 1: 15).

    Could this little fetus and baby make choices? Did Zacharias or Elizabeth have a choice? Did God look over the events of man and see this event just take place and so knew of its happening? No He orchestrated it, the players unaware of their place in history.

    Luke 1: 26 Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary, and in verse 31 told Mary that she was going to conceive in her womb and bring forth a child named Jesus. Nowhere in the story was Mary ask to make a choice, the choice was thrust upon her. I can go on with this story, but in verse 37 Gabriel says it best by stating “For with God nothing shall be impossible”.

    In this life we live in and within the story of God and man, there are many events that God uses to exact His will, what I am saying is that when it is God’s will to allow the free will of mankind to accomplish His will it is done, but that He is not confined to only accomplishing His will in that way.

    Jonah rebelled against God’s orders, but God changed Jonah’s mind and he did as was told after all.

    Pharaoh had no choice and did not have any idea that it was the God of the Hebrews that controlled his actions.

    If you look across the history of scripture all throughout it peoples and kings are used to set up a larger goal God has in mind, never knowing they are being used of God to accomplish His will.

    The kings of the Persian Empire had no idea that God empowered them solely for the purpose of freeing the captives from Babylon, but they were (Isaiah 45: 1-4).

    I have said enough. Either you accept what the scriptures have to say, or you only accept what it is you want to and close off the rest, so it is with us all.

    To God are the power and the glory, not men.

    Steve

  58. poohpity says:
    June 30, 2011 at 8:46 am

    Could there be different ways of looking at each of your examples? I think we would have to know more of how God works and does things and His ways a far beyond my understanding and logic. Could He have chosen them because they desired to do the will of God before the task was given?

  59. poohpity says:
    June 30, 2011 at 9:03 am

    Steve I can see the point you were making. :-)

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