We do not often think of ordinary men or women being inspired but is not God able to breathe into them? Elihu says he was able. He had just mentioned in the same verse (Job 32:9) that there is a spirit in man.

A Spirit In Man
This phrase is found several times either as "spirit of man" or "spirit in man," (see Proverbs 20:27; Ecclesiastes 3:21: Zechariah 12:1; 1 Corinthians 2:11). Studying these passages shows that spirit is limited thus distributed to men or beasts individually. Let us go back to Genesis 2:7:

"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

So it is reasonable that we think of breathing or the breath as an evidence of physical life.

Stay with me a minute and is it not obvious that more came into that dust of the ground object than physical life? How about mind, conscience, reason, comprehension, all manifesting life, and go on to all of the senses. I put it simply: It is the breath of man which God instilled, but literally this is the spirit of a man, his life. Then I like to think of the spirit as being a window which God provided for himself to have a point of entrance into a man's soul. No, soul and spirit are not the same, but every quality of a man's soul was injected into that first man. These qualities may increase in our understanding as we grow to adulthood. Every soul quality can develop into greater and greater understanding. At some point God adds to his breathing into a man, so that the things of spirit, or spiritual things, begin to be a part of one's understanding.

The Meaning of Inspiration
We likely should not refer to all of these four references listed above as inspiration, for this word is very limited in its usage in the Bible. The Hebrew word in the Old Testament occurs 24 times, though only once translated inspiration in the KJV. The translators doubtless had some difficulty expressing the idea. We have seen the relationship of inspiration to breath. Of the 24 times three are rendered spirit, though it is not the same word for spirit always. Once it is rendered soul. We know this is not wise, for a distinction is made between soul and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23) and a dividing or separating of the soul is mentioned (Hebrews 4:13). The spirit of man, came in as God breathed into him and man became a living soul. Thus every life function is associated with soul. It is even preserved by reference to death of the soul. Spirit on the other hand is associated with a life quality, and this distinction is seen even in men who have not believed. So possibly you can understand my reference to the human spirit as God's window into the soul, the whole man.

Now, go to the four references where "spirit of man" is mentioned: Observe the first: "The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly" (Proverbs 20:27) and see God's use as a candle, or light. Spiritual light is not evident in a man's soul until God moves in to convict him of sin. God's candle or light begins to sweep his inner parts. Certain body organs figuratively describe the inward man. The NKJV uses heart here. Perhaps the old KJV is more accurate, as other organs in one's body cavity (belly) are representative of various mental or emotional qualities. The bowel speaks of mercy or compassion (pity, sympathy). Remember "bowels of mercies." The candle (light) of the Lord searches our mind and emotions in every avenue of expression. I trust you follow the logic: God is not searching to find out all about the man, but the search indicates He already knows but wants the individual himself to know that God sees and knows all about the man.

The second reference is "Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?" (Ecclesiastes 3:21). The harsh language of Solomon almost makes one feel that he was willing to surrender to world opinion, but in Ecclesiastes 8:12 he declares that one must fear God for safety. And in Ecclesiastes 12:13 he says that the whole duty of man under the sun is to fear God and keep His commandments. The phrase in the KJV "under the sun," is a clue that we must hear the voice of the Lord and not depend on our human judgment alone. It is dependent on what he sees or experiences "under the sun," in this life. There is more reason for looking elsewhere than man's best judgment can provide. As we contemplate the significance of the "spirit of man" in contrast with the spirit of the beast we should be able to grasp the wise distinction. The animals have to consider the elements of their lives here below. Food, comfort, and propagation claim their attention. How much more of "life" they know is not the subject for us here. God is concerned about the animals and makes provision for them here on earth. He is God and is there for every living creature, as He knows that creature or person. This is one of the greatest lessons to be learned in life. Is God concerned? You may be sure He is ...for animals, every one, and for men, every one. He had a purpose for their creation, for their being born. Our lives make sense as we come to realize that the mind of our God comprehends all such. The spirit of the beast is more than the air he breathes, just as the spirit of a man is more than physical life. The scope of a man's mind surely extends beyond that of a beast. Even so, we can and often should come to comprehend the lot of animals, but there is nothing to indicate they are equal with man in all things, none spiritual. The statement in Ecclesiastes 3:21 is a question and should not be understood to say with finality that the spirit of a man or all men will go upward, or that the spirit (the life elements ) of an animal goes downward.

When a child asks if his pet that died went to heaven or hell, we must as calmly and directly as possible tell him that we do not know about animals. They were put on earth to bless human beings. Maybe God has use for animals in the hereafter, but he has not told us and we should not presume that He has arranged for one who lived now to go where human beings prepared to meet God will go. At the same time we ought to remember that animals do that which God created them to do and are more consistent in doing it than men who ought to know better. At the same time we must remember that a man's life qualities are far superior to those of an animal and, to use the figure of direction to illustrate, our passage in Ecclesiastes says the spirit of man goes upward, that is, tends toward higher or spiritual things, whereas the spirit of beasts tends toward lower things, or things of this earth.

The third reference to spirit of man: Zechariah 12:1: "The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him." This verse introduces an important paragraph described as "the burden of the Lord." In order to place a proper emphasis on its importance he describes the Creator God as One Who designed and created the heavens and the earth and He "formed the spirit of man within him." Over against the wisdom and power necessary to design and make the universe, he sets a very delicate topic: He is the same who formed the spirit of man within him. We should notice that all these verbs about creating and setting in order the universe are spoken of as in the present tense. This is a way of saying that He associates it all into a harmonious and synchronous creation. We see an importance of the air which maintains physical life. God fixed it that way. But every other function of the human, and/or the whole universe is determined and maintained by Him. Reminds me of Colossians 1:17: "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." Does that make you want to look up the meaning of "consist"? An archaic meaning is "hold together," but a more basic sense is "to exist in harmony, be consistent with." Our passage in Zechariah 12:1 rather seems to say that the life functions of all creatures is maintained by the same God. The size or importance is all within His understanding and direction.

We like to think that we are in charge of our own lives, right down to our imaginations, plans, and skills. But God tells us that He is the one who is in control. The sooner we learn this the easier it will be for us to surrender our lives into His hands. Have you argued that we dream outside our conscious control, but Elihu tells us that man does not always recognize when God speaks (Job 33:14), and then He may go on to impress us with things beyond our thoughts and imaginations at a given time (read Job 33:15ff) and may even become drastic to get us to see what we need to know. That young man had learned to listen to God, yearningly and in faith, hungering and thirsting after righteousness. So ought we all listen. It is a sure way to learn God's perfect will or plan for us as individuals. With a Bible we learn much of the mind of God, but to see this all extended to our person, our day, our status in life is the means of our recognizing His language, even if we have not seen it in the Bible. So saying, I hasten to add that we will never find God's inspiration which gave us the Scriptures, to be in conflict with the inspiration of the Almighty which He may afford us at a given time in our lives.

The fourth passage listed as mentioning "spirit of man": "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 2:11).

The context of this passage has the Apostle Paul explaining that not all men know all, nor even some of God's plans and illustrating this by the fact that man's knowing is a matter of his spirit sensing, either by learning, remembering, or observing, and coming to a conclusion. Still this does not mean he knows what God is thinking. He does not even know what another man is thinking until it is revealed to him. Only the spirit of a man can know man's thoughts and ways, and then only his own (v. 11). So he does not know, and cannot know, the things of God, but only as the Spirit of God reveals them. Paul explains that even believers in God do not know merely by having believed to be saved, but he has given us the Spirit which is of God that we may know the things of God. My opinion here, is that this does not mean the person of the Holy Spirit is given to all men, not even to all saved men, but he is describing that disposition or attitude which becomes the disposition of a surrendered believer, and by this he is able to receive discernment of things pertaining to God. Our key phrase, "spirit of man" is applicable to all men individually, as there is a spirit in every man. It is that provision which God has made in order to contact the man with the information he should have. Summing it up: We have Bibles, preachers, teachers, parents, and still there can be no certain understanding all the time except "the inspiration of the Almighty gives us understanding." Believers in our day have learned to ask the preacher, attend a class, go to a Bible School, get more education. But we are selling ourselves short unless we depend on God's direct discernment. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God" (1 Corinthians 2:12). The natural man is not able, even though he may have intelligence and insight into language, but spiritual truth is spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:13). This granting of the Holy Spirit for such discernment is for people committed to serve God. The promise was originally for the Lord's true church. Such narrow thinking makes us prideful unless we are truly committed to Him.

There are other passages where "spirit" is used with reference to this element of a man, by which we have consciousness, are able to exercise the privileges of life whether natural or spiritual. These should be observed for a better understanding. See these in the Book of Job (6:4; 7:11; 10:12; 15:13; 20:3; 21:4; 26:4; 32:8); in Psalms (31:5; 32:2; 76:12; 77:3, 6; 142:3; 143:4). Other references in the Psalms seem to refer to that attitude or disposition a man may have at a given time. This use is often throughout the Bible, but we forego further search for the moment.

A Word Of Warning
This article must not be taken to mean that you do not need a Bible or do not need to use it often. The fact that there is a direct help which God offers every man, as we understand, means that this help is immediately available all the time. You have heard of a leadership of the Spirit, and in this there is a real need that any action pursued, purporting to be following the Spirit's leadership, must be in exact accord with the truth of the written Word. We Baptists have been sticklers for finding out God's will from that which is written. This is factual as to the principle, but still there may be personal leadership which comes in addition to the written Word. In a similar manner, things come up which we do not know, or our logic seems to suggest something else. God has made it simple, even easier, for us to seek His will through the written Word today. But there are matters in which this may not be possible. For example, it is a Scriptural fact that God calls some men to preach, but that man's name is not in the Bible, so how does he know he should preach? The fact of the matter is, that every man whom God deals with, whom he has saved, is being influenced by God directly to get him to serve and do it in God's way. God is able to show the way. He even reaches into the lives of alien sinners to persuade them to submit to Him. How else would one know he is lost and that God is willing and able to save? He deals directly. He may pursue a man for many years before he is either able to understand what God desires, or is willing for Him to have His way. The loving and merciful God comes to every man, even in countries where the Gospel is not familiar and makes manifest His wrath against sin. He has blessed us who trust Him with the serious privilege of pointing out principles of righteousness and the means of grace to any one in need.

This is not something new, though some may have a name to describe it, but God has always been there for us. We just did not realize He was seeking us. Read how Elihu (Job 32 and for several chapters) spoke dogmatically how God by His Spirit comes to every man, entering through the spirit of that man, and influences him to think of God and His claims on us.

A man not as well informed as others may excuse himself by saying that he does not have much education, has not had the privilege of certain others. But God has a way of coming to every man. Yes, He is pleased to use another who is willing to help. I have felt for years that God would have me help others. But I need help myself often. So it is available.

What this is all about, is that each man is accountable to God for himself. Then God may use him to help others to account who have had less opportunities. This being true, we must be willing to listen to God, or to those whom God raises up to help. Everyone of us should come into a relationship with God. It is not only possible, but was described by Jesus in John chapters 14--17. There Jesus promised that the Father would come and make his home with us on condition that when we know His words we obey Him. Jesus serves as our High Priest at the Father's right hand. We can keep our relationship on a very personal level and enjoy special comfort and help. This, of course, is only for those who are seeking to obey and who want to be used of the Lord. This is a part of "the inspiration of the Almighty," but every man is in the sight of God and should be ready and willing for Him to speak and make Himself known.

We maximize the written Word, insisting that it has all the information about God that we need, all we need about how to serve Him. One thing seems lacking. Is it referring to me personally. It may be, you know. I know by experience how I felt when I first thought that God might call me to preach. I made an excuse; I cannot speak to a group I cannot remember how to speak to a group. But God reminded me of the county speaking contests I had won as a fifth grader and again as a sixth grader. His memory is not faulty. I was made to know that I had done it, so why not again? I cannot say that God deals with others the way he dealt with me, but I have strong reason to believe he does. I do not remember being taught that God has a life plan for everyone of us and works to get us to learn this fact. It does not come to my memory that I ever heard of this plan. But over the years I have been made aware that God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. The sooner we learn about it and surrender to Him, we can get started with His grace to help us carry it out. Could you, dear reader, consider asking God to show you enough of your future and of His assurance of grace to enter into it in faith? Would you consider offering yourself to Him to serve in any way that His will and purpose would be pleased for you to enter. Are you afraid that it might lead you into life situations that would be uncomfortable? A devoted young lady in Bible School where I attended, asked the president how she might better prepare to become a missionary to Africa. He said he told her to go down on West Ninth Street and talk to anybody she might meet there. I did not hear whether or not she ever tried. That was an area heavily populated by Black People. Missionary work among such would surely serve well to prepare one for most any foreign field.

More From Elihu's Sermon
Among many suggestions, this young man (Job 32--34) tells us that in every man is a window, a spirit in man (32:8), by which God informs every man, gives him understanding, 32:8, The preacher says this spirit is a "candle", a lamp or light, which God uses to illuminate his heart, mind, will, and emotions (Pr. 20:27). Through Job 32 Elihu points out reasons for his being sure that he was acting under the inspiration of the Almighty and did not dare flatter or compromise with anyone. He acknowledges that he was made by God and was able to discern and speak convincingly, being sure that God's Spirit was the source of his assurance (33:1-5). The Hebrew word is ruwach, and it is translated spirit 232 of the 378 times it occurs. Do not attempt to pronounce it by the way it is spelled for the English letters are only an attempt to match each letter of the original. It is breath 27 times and wind 92 times. One of its first occurrences is seen in a verbal form (Genesis 2:7) where it references God's blowing wind or breath into the nostrils of the image of man made of mud. In that act God imparted into the first man the life, physical and intellectual, emotional, or whatever is found in man of the image of God. When a new human is born the breath of life must soon come. The essence of life itself came even earlier, but the breath still stands as a reminder of the divine order: life comes from God, even when men may call it an "accident."

As the new life continues it must grow and develop, so that the life evidences become apparent more or less gradually. When it is new the mother counts its toes to see if it is perfect. In time it turns over, sits up, stands up, walks. The mental signs of development show up in words, maybe crudely spoken, but an evidence of life. An education provides attractive enhancements to that life. In time, and it should be very early, obedience and voluntary responses enhance growth. Further along the child shows more evidence of spiritual understanding. This, at first, may only relate to the parents, but in time the person realizes this responsiveness is due to God.

Elihu may not have named these details, but they are comprehended in his language as he admits his own self to be formed out of the clay, and then says "God is greater than man." He notes the elements of fear, of pride, of iniquity, and specially notes God's patience and persistence in asking for a response in a man. If at first he does not get it, then he may send a message in a dream, in a vision, maybe, while he is asleep. In time He opens the ears of a man. How many times has God made you see that you are a sinner, and you have refused to admit it? Still God spares him. God may chasten with pain. It may become so severe that not even the best food is attractive to him. The individual may draw near even to the grave. It may require a messenger from heaven (an angel?) to give him understanding. God is patient beyond all reason. As the man is brought to the end of himself he soon learns that God has provided a ransom for him. He learns that he can pray to God and may receive deliverance.

There comes a happy time in his being dealt with by God ...when he admits "I have sinned, and perverted that which was right." It is then that God causes him to know that "He will deliver his soul from hell, and his life shall see the light."

These thoughts are addressed to Job by the young man, Elihu, and it is open to the careful reader to recognize the wisdom from this man. He carefully reviews the defense that Job has used, claiming innocence and going so far as to blame God and saying God had actually restricted his actions, as when a man's feet are fast in the stocks. But Elihu says, "In this you are not just" (33:11) and reminding him that God is greater than any man. God's very greatness should restrain us from believing, much less from saying, that God is not as righteous as we ourselves. We dare not assume that our own tenderness or compassion or reasonableness, are evidence that God does not do certain things. To do so is to charge God foolishly. He knows what He is doing and why. If it does not appear reasonable to us, then just remember "He is God!" He does things which are not reasonable. For example, He took the form of a man and sent Him into the world to "become sin for us," and tells us that it is the righteousness of God that performs such. His taking the form of a man required a virgin birth. This is unreasonable, or as we say, impossible. But God can do the impossible. A vital lesson for us is to believe that God, is indeed God and we must not circumscribe Him as to His thoughts, plans, or actions. After saying that God is greater than we are he asks why we should charge him or strive against Him, for He does not give account for anything which He does (33:23).

Elihu points out that God's patient dealings with us may seem unreasonable, specially since we may be in pain or in anguish of soul, but God brings us through such and allows us another chance. Do not mistake this patience of God with His giving in to our follies. Here he explains that God does these things to deliver man from his pride and all of his weakness, and that He might deliver him from destruction in hell (33:17-18). He calls the extreme treatment by God chastening, which, as I read Hebrews 12:5ff, I see that God deals with His own as with sons, and chastens every one. Those receiving the chastisement must respond as a son, else he is called illegitimate; one not a son but pretending, that is, hypocritical. Elihu then speaks of one who has trusted the Lord but has gone away. This is why the messenger is mentioned, one whom God sends to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14; cf. Job 33:19-30). He then appeals to Job and all who have knowledge, to heed and not justify self. This logic is extended (Job 34:10). In fact there is a lengthy line of wisdom which would be good for all who are self-assured and questioning God's ways. A saved man may take his stand on security, but neglect the many admonitions to righteousness and obedience, "drinking up scorn like water," sinking into judgment of others and not giving God His full due as the Judge. How did this young man get so far ahead of many in today's churches who have become judges and ignore God's holiness. Our holiness is His goal, and such is the object of chastening.

In Job 34:1-15 Elihu sets forth one of the most challenging arguments to be found in the whole of the Bible. Study the first nine verses and see if we can determine just what is being said to those of us who claim to have knowledge. Our choosing judgment is not error, but we must not allow ourselves to hide behind the statement which says the man of God shall not come into judgment ("condemnation"). The person referenced is one who hears God's words and believes (John 5:24). Are we hearing and believing? Only so do we escape being judged. Our choosing judgment evidently means we choose to do the right as we have heeded God's instructions and we have believed He assumes responsibility for us. Being "once saved always saved" does not mean one is excused from obedience. Such is a perversion of what God says. We must believe that God is always right. For us there is the need to try God's words as the ear is able to do, just as the mouth tastes food. We shift His words around in our understanding and expect the inspiration of the Almighty. God is not being difficult. He desires simply our submission. Then we can please him and enjoy His Security. Only so can we grow and serve.

The Reminder January 2005
We have sought to establish a precedent by sending out The Reminder early in each month. Our failure is sometimes explained by the breakdown of our computer or printer. Further, our age makes us slower than we used to be. We are sorry to disappoint the faithful readers who are blessed by our studies and musings. Having been further hindered by the holidays, the visiting, the interruptions, we simply went through December without mailing the December issue. So now there will be no December issue. We are dating this one January 2005, and trusting it will be back soon from the printer and we can attempt to stay on schedule.

The work is a delight. We do get tired of the discipline which keeps us current, but we are pleased to be found faithful. God has continued to bless our minds and heart. Bethel Baptist Church here in Harrison has allowed us to go on preaching for them, even allowing us to miss a few services because of our health and then because of the weather, extremely cold and sometimes windy. Even the recent rains have kept us from going out and coming into our home easily.

The expense of the paper has been taken care of to date. We have received enough, specially through the Christmas Season to pay for a printer, a monitor, for the printing, the postage, a few ribbons and enough paper. We do want to thank those who have voluntarily sent offerings, some repeatedly. We do hope you receive this paper by the middle of January. If not, we are mindful that today is Jan. 8, so we must allow time to send the copy to the printer and time for him to do the work and get it back to us. Please pray for this ministry.

A Sign Of The Times
We have been reading of more persecution of professed Christians lately than for some time. This has not been felt fully in America. It is here, and shows up in the pressure we feel to conform to certain standards. The ultimate standard our culture requires and our government makes on us is that we do not go public with our faith, keep our witnessing and our preaching inside our homes or inside our church buildings. You may not have felt this because you are not doing any preaching or much witnessing.

The world does not want any mention of the Bible. Many of the symbols of our faith have been excluded from the Public School System. Teachers and leaders are charged to exclude religion from anything connected with government. They do not realize that this is impossible because our liberty is given us by the Lord, not by the government. Expressions of our beliefs are endemic to preaching, to witnessing, and even to our voting.

Recently I received a letter from a man who identified himself as a Jew, one who believes that the religion of his forefathers which has been brought on by persecution to his parents and grandparents is now beginning to happen to Christians. He knows how it feels to be maligned and persecuted. He warns us that this had to happen and that it likely will become much worse. I agree, as references to the removal of restraint from the Antichrist in the endtime is sure to occur soon, and a tribulation unlike any the world has ever seen will come. How many Christians can believe we will suffer the loss of all our independence and right to worship God as we see fit will be taken away? It is coming, maybe much sooner than you think.

Fellowship Meeting in St. Louis
Bro. John L. Coleman has reminded me that his church, Calvary Cross Missionary Baptist in St. Louis, Mo. is again inviting brethren to come for fellowship. You know the blessed parts of such meetings. At the moment I do not have the announcement before me, but maybe I can find it.

The date is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 24, 25 and 26, 2005. This date for Good Friday and Easter is earlier this year, so do not let it slip up on you.

It is always wise to call the pastor or the church and let them know you are coming and which day. Bro. Coleman's phone number is 1-314-771-1280. The members will accommodate as many as possible with a place to stay and will furnish everyone with food for their meals all day on Friday and through noon on Saturday. To write Bro. Coleman if you have e-mail his address is jcoleman26@hotmail.com His mailing address, the address of the church, is 2811 Juniata St., Saint Louis, MO 63118.

Wife and I were blessed to attend the Fifth Sunday Meeting down near Hot Springs in October. Such lift the spirits of those able to be there. Their next meeting will be Friday night, Jan. 28, and Sat. Till noon. It remains to be seen whether we can do that again so soon, or whether we can make the meeting in Saint Louis in March. It is certainly worth the expense when it can be arranged. I may have heard where this meeting in the Hot Springs area will be, but I have forgotten if I did.

Our church in Harrison has been blessed with several visitors the last two months. This is always a blessing. It is providential that I am able to pastor a church at my age. I am thankful that the brethren permit it. I have begged off several times lately due to the extreme cold and wind. We live some nine miles from the church out in the country. We are on a paved road, but the unpaved driveway up a slight incline is often impossible, specially at night.

We are not large enough to have people to fill all the jobs which are to be done so the tasks are doubled up. One family recently was away for two Sundays. The wife, Melissa, is our pianist, and her husband is our Sunday School Teacher for the adult class. We have nobody to fill in at the piano, so we have recorded the congregation several times during regular service and the pianist has recorded other numbers. These we can play and have a good selection when the pianist is not there. Bro. Steven Cecil fills in as song leader and to begin services in the absence of Bro. Michael Horne. Bro. Joe Cecil does a good job as teacher in the regular teacher's absence. How thankful we are for these willing servants.

Does this shorthandedness explain the small size of our congregation? Well, no, it is the other way around, but many do not attend where everybody is seen and noticed. They would rather get lost in the crowd. Do you realize what a blessing it is to be available when there is a need to help in the worship services? And had you thought how this encourages one when he is called on and willing to respond. We will accept bench warmers, if one is unwilling or unable to take a part, but we would rather encourage each one to have a part. And maybe that is something to pray about: that you be able and willing to help out, that you find the place where God would have you serve.

Likewise, as God's people become more and more persecuted, pointed out as believers, would you pray about this prospect? We know that prayer for a church, whether or not it is your own local congregation, we should pray for any one of God's churches that they may find the man whom God could bless to their benefit and maintain a faithful witness for Him in the world. How we need to learn when and what to pray about! The inspiration of the Almighty is certainly a means of teaching us in this area. So, pray more.