Lost?

This road doesn't look right with all these old houses. And the new houses? They were not here yesterday. Where are the curves on your old road? And the speed bumps and potholes?

But this road is so smooth, straight, and easy to drive!

You check Facebook to see if your friends have noticed the changes. You check your text messages. Has anyone alerted you? 

You don't check your smartphone's GPS app. You don't look at a paper map to see where you are. And heaven forbid you would be so 'old school' as ask the man in his front yard for help.

The fact is you are on the wrong road.

But how could such a good road be wrong. It feels so good. You are not working hard at driving. On this road you can go fast. There is no need to be alert or careful. How could a straight road without speed bumps be wrong?

The Bible tells us of good roads and bad roads. It tells us the best way is a challenge.  The road to great living (and ultimately eternal life) has curves, bumps and potholes. You must be cautious and controlled. Some of it may not paved and muddy. It tells us of the easy, fast, interstate-quality drives that go to the bad life (and ultimately THE bad place). 

Why should you check the electronic Bible app on your smart phone, or the 'old school' printed Bible that warns us? Be careful: You might discover your are on the wrong road.

So, where are you going?

Whatever is ... (8)

How long is the worm in the cocoon?
How long is needed for an ugly duckling to become a swan?
My mother is still one of the best cooks ever. Often she cooks s-l-o-w.
Fellow American's, speed is not everything. The best things can not be rushed.

Paul's efforts to create a metamorphosis of the mind does not happen immediately. He decelerated, caught his breath, and carefully chose the best verb possible to motivate his brothers at Philippi to search out honorable ideas, truth and truthful people, pure, lovely, or of good repute. He longs for them to be completely changed, so he included anything excellent and anything worthy of praise.
He chose 'DWELL'.
Jack McKinney, the same Greek teacher from Harding previously mentioned, explained the word as meaning to take up residence, to live somewhere long enough to 'put down roots'. 

But the word Paul selected was a different Greek work, but with some of same flavor. Logizomai means to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over; to take into account; weigh the reasons, infer, meditate on, suppose, judge, determine, purpose, or decide.
Strong's Dictionary of Greek words added this footnote. “This word deals with reality. If I 'logizomai' that my bank book has in it, it has in it. Otherwise, I am deceiving myself. This word refers to facts not suppositions.” So DWELL deals with facts, not with anyone's opinion.
Paul wants to properly re-train their minds. He calls on them to spend time thinking about each item in his powerful list. He knows it will take time to develop these mind-correcting qualities. Each one must be factually, thoughtfully considered.
“Thought control is clearly the practice Paul enjoined here.” (Burton Coffman Commentary)
This one strong verb, dwell, requires calculation and computation. The benefits of each quality will provide reasons why it should be adopted.
Our success at properly re-training our minds will be directly proportional to our success at weighing reasons. We must infer results and meditate on the benefits of every quality. If we properly determine the outcomes, we then can plan, purpose, and decide to implement these wonderful traits.
“We are responsible for our thoughts and can hold them to high and holy ideals.” (Robertson's Word Picture of the New Testament).
Yes, Paul could have simply made the list and told them to become such. He also knew the likelihood of failure. Developing these qualities in their minds would subsequently cause a metamorphosis of their lives.
How beautiful the butterfly is. How great mom's soup is. How elegant a swan is.
Slow down, re-think, and become true, honorable, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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Study truth, honor, things pure, lovely, of good repute, excellence and praiseworthy.

Whatever is .... (7)

Jack was struggling to explain the scope of “no.”

Professor Jack McKinney, Harding University Greek instructor, was attempting to explain the Greek negative found in 1 John 1:5 (“...and in Him there is no darkness at all.”). He reminded us of a bright summer day with its shadows. Then he asked what it might look like if there were no shadows, or any other forms of slight darkness. He added the ideas together to show us how bright the world would look. He concluded that God was brilliant, with no shadows (evil) of ANY kind or amount. There was not a hint of darkness.

If there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, ….

Paul wanted his point thoroughly made in Philippians 4:8. He wanted it complete. He added to the list two “shadow” areas: excellence and praise. He combined both ideas.

Paul was emphatic. He added ANY excellence and ANYthing worth praising. He urged them to search out ANY virtuous thought, feeling or action. Seek ANY amount of moral goodness. Find ALL modesty and purity. He added ANY thing worthy of approval or sanction. Hunt ALL things worth endorsing or recognizing, commending or praising.

Paul had told them, and us, to consider carefully whatever is of truth, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute. Now he adds ANY area that might be closely associated with ANY of the powerful qualities. His thoughts must be complete.

Paul is challenging you to look for excellence or moral goodness ANYwhere it might be found. This creates a mind set always aware of the good, commendable things.

Then, as the chain reaction continues, genuine praise will flow. We will speak well of good organizations or people. We praise good behavior.

Some are elevated from their muck and mire, and others develop a new attitude as well.

Are you looking for ANY thing excellent or ANY thing praiseworthy? Think about it!

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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Study truth, honor, things pure, lovely, of good repute. And thank you for considering ANYthing excellent or praiseworthy.

But now would be the WORST time to stop reading. The most powerful thought of this series will be discussed: the verb. Please read the final link, coming very shortly.

Whatever is ..... (6)

JF: “Hey! How is everyone. Haven't seen some of ya'll in a while. Is Tiger here?

DP: “No. He is riding over to the cemetery with TwoLane and Creek. And how are you, Geezer?”

JF: “Not bad. Hey, where is that Screaming Eagle, or are you in a cage today?”

DP: “Traded in my Screaming Eagle for a Harley Fatboy. I like the way the pipes sound -- mellow and deep.”

JF: “What is up with Harley's anyway? I mean, Tiger traded his Heritage Classic for a Goldwing.”

DP: “Did he tell you why?”

JF: “He said Harley's shake too much. He was always taking it to the dealer to have everything re-tightened. I think he just couldn't keep his new dentures in his mouth.”

DP: (laughing). “Well, that new Goldwing with its 1800cc's won't vibrate. Those opposing cylinders make it run so smooth. Didn't you put a pair of Vance and Hines pipes on your bike?”

JF: “No. I don't have $600 to spend on pipes and a re-jet kit. But I have been looking at adding a Cobra light bar to add some lights. But I can't decide to use them or get a pair of bullet lights from Show Chrome to add to my highway bar, or to get the new windshield and lightbar from National Cycle. Which would you get?”

DP: “Hey, is that Scooter coming. She hasn't been at a mission in a long time. Let's go see her!”

These guys know motorcycles. They enjoy comparing different cycles and cycle parts. Nothing negative, but a constant admiration and appreciation for each bike's strong points. They would welcome the chance to tell you about their bikes, rides, and experiences.

Whatever is of GOOD REPUTE.

It is good to talk about the things we enjoy, take pride in, or promote. They have valuable qualities we admire or enjoy. We would do ourselves a favor to explore, analyze and determine what makes them attractive.

There is a direct relationship between the amount of time we concentrate on the worries, disappointments, or disillusionments, and the resulting negative mindset. Reducing the time reduces the anxiety and depressive negativity.

Carefully watch and consider. We speak highly of Toyota cars or trucks for their dependability. Then, when auto shopping, what do we search for? Or, after watching the children or grandchildren, we pridefully talk about their successes.

We contemplate the good qualities of organizations like the Red Cross, the Marines, Alcoholics Anonymous, or St. Jude Research. Then we promote their efforts. They are of a good repute.

We consider how successful each has been and we consider their efforts for good.

We watch and think of successful things, people, and organizations. Result: We become successful people ourselves or become part of organizations that serve others. We not only increase our own self-esteem, but contribute to the welfare and success of others.

We become of good repute.

Isn't God of good repute. Are we becoming like Him? Isn't that the point, Paul?

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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We are continually coached by Paul. Let's study honor, truth, pure, lovely and of good repute.

Whatever is ...... (5)

Whatever is LOVELY.

What happens when we continually concentrate on things pleasant and acceptable?

Phil 4:8 is the only time this word is used in the New Testament. What value is in exercising your mind in this way? The key is in focusing on anything God finds acceptable, pleasing or winsome in individuals.

A former boss made demands for extreme excellence. I received frequent 'butt-chewings' before attaining his level of quality. Daily practice made 'extreme excellence' routine. I became excellent at video tape editing. Consistent high expectations brought high quality results. My thinking changed.

If I demand myself to consistently search for what is lovely, I will find it. I will enjoy it. I will raise my personal expectations to match.

First, I will identify what is needed to be quality, to have ideal family time, to accomplish great community service, and valuable service to God.

Second, I will induce others to that same level of acceptance. I will demonstrate joy and pleasantness gained from quality.

Third, I develop an admiration for anyone who does anything well. I can enjoy watching a backhoe operator or a cable television repairman. I will develop the ability to learn desirable ways from just about anyone who exemplifies quality.

Thinking about anything that is lovely, quality, or acceptable is good for us, our families, and our friends. Whatever is LOVELY....

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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Paul is perpetually preparing us. Let's study truth, honor, pure and lovely.

Whatever is .... (4)

The world was shocked in 1939. Clark Gable uttered his now-famous word in Gone With the Wind.

Richard Pryor, the so-called comedian, made a healthy living using profanity and irreverence.

What is Ax Men about? I watched to find out. I did not. There were not enough sentences that made sense. What they saying got lost in all the bleeps.

Is this entertainment? Or are we not thinking at all? Either way, it leads to people holding nothing sacred, modest or clean. Carnality reigns.

Paul is persuading the Philippians to adopt a refreshing thought pattern. It requires considerable time appraising whatever is PURE.

What could happen for a Christian if they spent time thinking of the sacred, modest, and clean?

Name anything that is modesty, chaste, or venerable. What about professions working at rape crises centers or battered women's shelters? Remember Iwo Jima. Describe the character of the men that raised the flag? What makes Abraham Lincoln so revered? Why is the Nobel Peace Prize cherished? Why is the silence deafening at the Vietnam Memorial? Why are Red Skelton, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball still popular? Why do soldiers salute a flag-draped casket as it moves? These are special. Chaste. Revered.

Will a man with pure thoughts curse? Will purity-pursuers defraud an insurance company, or the government, or the grocery store clerk?

To establish why these are important to us will take some time. Inspection of pure lives will cause us to practice purity and reverence.

Becoming venerable is achievable if we will constantly look for whatever is pure, and decide to emulate those qualities. Think about purity and become pure.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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Paul continues to train us. Let's study truth, honor, and purity.

Whatever is ... (3)

“Two boys were walking along a road through a field, when they came upon an old coat and a badly worn pair of shoes. Off in the distance a farmer was working his field. The younger boy thought it would be fun to hide the coat and shoes, and then wait in the bushes to see the farmer's expression upon finding his things missing. The older boy thought about that, but then told his friend that the farmer must be awfully poor to have clothing so worn. Instead he suggested that he would put a silver dollar in a shoe, then they could hide and watch the expression on the farmer's face,. Silver dollars were worth a lot to a boy in those days, but the boys agreed that this was a good idea so they each did it. By and by the farmer came out of the field and put his foot in one shoe. He pulled his foot back out, reached into the shoe, and withdrew the coin with considerable surprise., The farmer looked around and couldn't see anyone, so proceeded to put on the shoe again, and then to try the other one. Finding the second silver dollar, the farmer knelt on the ground and prayed aloud to the Lord, rejoicing because he would now be able to help his wife, who was sick, and his children, who had no bread.

That lesson was worth far more to the boys than $2.00.” (borrowed from http://user.xmission.com/~wake/honor.html)

Whatever is honorable.

Do you see honor in the story? Do you get a lump in your throat when you read stories about people doing the right thing, the honorable thing?

What if you inspired reverence and admiration? The aged should be respected and admired. It is better to be younger and still command respect and admiration because of personal dignity and the sharing of dignity.

Spend some time considering:

• What happens when we are consistently treating others with dignity and honor?
• What results from refusing association with unsavory individuals and questionable activities?
• How will we be treated if we promote reputable places instead of unwholesome bars, above-board business practices instead of questionable accounting, fair play as opposed to cheating, clean talk as a replacement for obscene language and dirty jokes, and preferring kindness over meanness?
• Do you see Jesus paying taxes?
• Why did Jesus honor the centurion?
• Why did parents want their children near Jesus?
• What happens to us when we think about honorable events? If we keep thinking about honor, will we do what is honorable?
• Do we revere dignified individuals? How about those who dignify others?
• Who do you admire, and why? Is it because of acts of kindness or generosity? Or because of their character?

Look long and hard for people to do honorable things. You will find them. Then study what they did to

receive your honor.

Did Jesus do the honorable things as a child? Was his life honorable? Was his death honorable in spite of a dying with thieves?

Study honor. You will become what you study.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Paul is training us. Let's study honor and truth.

Whatever is .... (2)

He writes to his infant grand daughter, posting it on Facebook. He gives her simple advice, and then lists pieces of 'useful' (??) information. A sample: “1) The Bee Gees sound an awful lot alike; 2) Don't notice that the presents from Santa and the gifts from your parents are the same paper. 3) Count your blessings and not your presents.” Each of the 20 pieces of info are considered by every reader, albeit ever so briefly. Some are entertaining. Others actual encourage. But ALL are evaluated.

To self-control your mind so as to make it functional for God's plans necessitates considerations. It is crucial to conscientiously analyze Whatever is TRUE.

Jesus is the 'way, the truth, and the life', and Paul wants each and every one of his students at Philippi to become like Him. But how? How do you take people entrenched in Judaism and change them to be Christ-like. How do you take a pagan, idol-worshiping person and create a masterpiece for the Lord?

The answer starts with spending ample time examining the effects of whatever is true. Consider these:

• What happens as people come to love truth?
• Is truth profitable? Why?
• Since God is always truthful, are people who love truth acquiring a love for God? Are they more like God?
• When we tell the truth are we looking for something lasting?
• When forming opinions, should we evaluate with truth?
• Are God's methods a highway to an exceptional life?
• If truth reveals to us we lack His qualities, should we be glad or sad?
• Is hunting truth noble?
• Will truth-lovers be called into question or resisted?
• Would life be simpler if you do not need to remember all the lies or deceptions?
• Can deceit, cheating, or insincerity be part of us and still be a lover of truth?

Once a love for truth is established, then consistent truth-telling becomes habitual. People will trust you. Friends believe you will not harm them, but will direct them to ways that are factual, informative, and accurate. 

Truth is derived from unbiased facts, solid information, and accurate, complete reports.

Truth allows the mind to rest. Gossip's agitation is gone. Worries are whipped. Direction is determined. Goals are gathered. Progress is possible.

Becoming a lover of truth opens opportunities. Let's search for truth in EVERY THING we do, say, or see.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Whatever is ....

Years ago my father gave me an curious Christmas present – a roll of toilet paper.

Inside a cheerfully wrapped box was a mass of news papers and a single solitary roll of toilet paper. I chucked out the newspaper, picked up the toilet paper roll and pitched it, then restarted my quest for the enormous “special” present destined for my discovery. But the box was barren. Grief-stricken. No surprise. Granny was close. She entreated me to inspect all the papers. I picked up each crumpled newspaper. Nothing here. Then I noticed the toilet paper. It was the wrong color. It had a green hue. Why? I scrutinized, then unrolled it. Once every two laps I found a crisp, new one-dollar bill. By the end of the roll I had $50, a lot of money. I was rich.

Philippians 4:8 is like my curious Christmas present. It can be easily neglected, but is of enormous benefit when thoughtfully 'unrolled.' A quick glance will not suffice.

I will 'unroll' this hidden gift. It can reward you with happiness, joy and contentment. Each part delivers a study fashioned by God precisely for your peace of mind. You must check the links at the bottom of each page, as they appear.

The Christian soldiers fight for the consummate victorious life is not about resisting sin and observing a code of dos and don'ts, but the transforming of who we are into who He is.

A Green Beret in the Lord's army knows the battleground is not in the bar, bedroom, or brawls. It is not in binges, backbiting, boiling over, or bad mouthing. It is not about blame, bickering, betrayal, or begrudging. The fight is not in belittling, boredom, or being a baby.

The fight is for control of the mind. Control creates credibility, certainty, and candor. The controlled mind can be constant, conclusive, celebrated, considerate, courteous, and courageous. Controlled thinking leads to civility, compliments (given and accepted), competence, constraint, and charm. A consecrated mind cheers excellence, commands respect, is composed and carefree. A mind controlled by God will be classy, content, calm, commendable and commending, charitable, cheerful and commissioned.

“Thought control is clearly the practice Paul enjoined here,” Burton Coffman said. “We are responsible for our thoughts and can hold them to high and holy ideals.” (Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament).

A listing of qualities was not Paul's goal, but the development of these traits, first in the mind, then the metamorphosis of life.

When you are ready to become like Him, read the coming posts and consider.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Elections

Elections are almost here. The part of me that does not like the ads, brochures, flyers and signs will cheer when it is over. The part of me that senses accountability is uneasy.

Every important privilege brings with it duties. We live in a country of freedoms. So, Christians have responsibilities to the government. Rom 13:1 says, "Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities for there is no Authority accept from God and those which exist are established by God."

And responsible citizens vote.

In many countries, Christians do not have an opportunity to improve, correct or refine their nation, their state, or county through democratic voting.

Voting brings with it four challenges.

The first challenge is to vote for the man most moral. Morals are founded on principles of right conduct rather than legalities, enactments, or customs. Since my country is needing to return to the principles of right conduct, in the presidential race I must vote for the man following God's principals.

From http://evanolsen.org/

God gave up on homosexuals thus setting a principle of right conduct. We will not vote for a man who endorses homosexuality as an "alternative lifestyle".

The second challenge is to vote for the man with the best employment program. God wants us to work. 2 Thessalonians 3:10. "For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busy bodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread."

Some states, such as Arkansas, can also vote for issues that keep their citizens working.

We should NOT vote for candidates who allow able workers to stay on welfare programs.

Challenge #3 is to vote against issues, or candidates, that will ruin people. Colorado shows was clearly legalized medical marijuana does not work. Law enforcement officials believe it results in more pain than it removes. In Arkansas, we need to vote against legalizing medical marijuana.

The final challenge is to vote for a candidate that practices good stewardship. Companies such as T.D.Ameritrade and Edward Jones are practicing stewardship. They manage properties and financial matters.

My bank helps me practice good stewardship. If I spend more than I have deposited, I am charged a severe penalty. Good stewards do not spend more then they take in. Nor do good stewards "gamble" with someone else's money (mine) in an attempt to spend their way out of debt. Will your bank let you spend your way out of debt?

Exclusive Policy

Worshiping like other nations is not in God's policy. As he set the laws for His new nation of 600,000 men, He made it very simple and explicit what He did not want. “You shall NOT do what is done in the land of Egypt... nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan... you shall NOT walk in their statutes.” (Leviticus 18:3). The same directive was repeated in Leviticus 18:24 and 20:23

God discards the assumption that what everyone else does is ok. He perceives the impact of imported opinions on His people. He knew they would do what others do, and that was sinful in His eyes. They were to have nothing to do with idols (Lev 19:4). No child was to be offered to Molech, a Canaanite god (Lev 20:2). Mediums or spiritists were off-limits. 'Cussing out' your mom or dad would result in death. Adultery, in any combination, was not acceptable.

“Moreover, you shall not follow the customs of the nation which I shall drive out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I have abhorred them.” Leviticus 20:23.

Living according to His judgments is His policy. “You are to perform My judgments and keep My statues, to live in accord with them.” (Leviticus 18:4). Personal chasteness was presumed. Homosexuality was forbidden. Reverence for parents was required ( LINK 29:3). Corners of the fields, and some grapes, were left unharvested for the poor and widows. Neighbors were not oppressed. Workers were paid promptly every evening. Cursing the deaf and tripping the blind was irreverent to God.Impartial justice was imperative. Gentle correction of your neighbor was condoned. Loving your neighbor was legal. Pimpingyour daughter was punishable. Respecting the gray-haired and aged was required. Legal aliens were kindly treated. Preserving fair trade practices was expected.

“You are therefore to keep all My statutes and all My ordinances and do them,...” (Leviticus 20:22)

Tolerance, acceptance, or worship for any god or version of God, other than the one stated in the Bible, is not in God's worship policy. “The graven images of their gods you are to burn with fire; you shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 7:25). And, “...I will not give glory to another, Nor my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8)

Reverence for these gods (with a little “g”) was rejected.

• Ashtaroth, a goddess of the Phoenicians.
• Baal, a god of Phoenicia and Canaanite tribes.
• Baal-Peor, a god of the Moabites.
• Chemish, another god of the Moabites.
• Dagon, a god of the Philistines.
• Artemis / Diana, a goddess of the Ephesians
• Molech / Sikkuth, an Ammonite god.

Among His people he condemned the:

• Golden calf of Aaron.
• Golden calves of Jeroboam.
• Any heavenly body.
• Any household idol.
• People worshiping.
• Demon worship.

So, does this mean God rejects Islam? Hindi? Buddha? What about religions that combine the best of each? Will God accept worship from 'Christian' religions that reject parts of His Bible, or add their own spin to sections?

Many years later God punished His people, the Jews, because they continued to not follow His policies. He allowed an evil nation, Babylon, to conquer them and enslave them for 70 years. In about A.D. 70, God completely did away with the Jewish religion. 

So what does He do now?

Conversion is His policy. He still rejects the worship of all gods, or modifying of His plans. Instead of terminating their offensive worship through genocide, He converts them to His policies. His Apostle Paul spoke to worshipers of the “unknown God”. He proclaimed the God of creation. He implored them to “grope” for God. He cautioned them to not think of God as gold, silver or stone formed by man's hands. He forcefully concluded, “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because he has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness...” (Acts 17:30-31a)

His policy is exclusive. “I am the Lord YOUR God.” Leviticus 18:2

Are There Not Enough Graves?

"Camp where I tell you. It will look like we are meandering aimlessly," God told Moses, adding, "I'm going to harden Pharaoh's heart one more time. ...The Egyptians are going to know I am the Lord, " God concluded.

Moses understood God's plans, but the Israelis did not.

Pharaoh gathered his chariots and pursued the Israelis. The Israelis saw the Egyptians were coming.

Wildly they ask, "Were there not enough graves in Egypt? Moses, why have you treat us like this?" 

Why was counting on God so strenuous?

Their irrational behavior, recognized as exaggeration, reflects fear. Fear reveals limited faith. Their 'embellishments' came from weak, inexperienced reasoning. Were these the early signs of a hard hearted people??

Do hard hearted people ignore faith-causing information or events?

Consider these New Testament stories.

• There was hard-packed soil in the parable of the sower. Why was the “seed” ineffective on this soil?
• Lazarus was joyously resurrected. But the Pharisees brushed off his resurrection, plotting to kill Jesus.
• So intent on obedience to their Sabbath laws, they ignored the healings of Jesus.
• 
  Jesus gave sight to a blind man (John 9). The religious leaders interrogated him. They belittled his intelligence. They said, "...but as for this man (referring to Jesus), we do not know where He is from.” Verse 30 adds, "The man answered and said to them,“Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. ...If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

What are preventatives to hard-heartedness?

Here are a few answers.

1. Delight over the good luck (or blessings??) of friends.
2. Determine if its God's blessing or the Devil's tool. Not all “blessings” are truly blessed.
3. Thank God for every blessing. “Count your many blessings, name the one by one,” the song echos.
4. Enjoy every event remembering it came from God.
5. Ask God's help frequently.
6. Acknowledge God's justice.
7. Tell your family and friends what great things God has done for you.
8. Study nature, and inspect His knowledge.
9. Accept God-given joy from obedience.
10. Before you decide God is not answering your prayer, look for alternate ways He may have already answered.
11. Be guided by his way, and not your inferior wisdom..
12. Ask him to build your faith.
13. Be aware of God. Watch His doings. Find evidences of His working.