δόκιμος - acceptable

δόκιμος

English spelling - dokimos

The word is pronounced dok'-ee-mos

From Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries - properly acceptable (current after assayal), that is, approved: - approved, tried.

The following shows a use of this word from the scriptures.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

I found it interesting to replace the word "tried" with the word "acceptable". Considering the implications of temptation and how often we find ourselves surrounded by things that would entice us in the day and time in which we presently exist; the word acceptable brings with it a challenge for believers to accomplish in the midst of temptations.

Then we see the reward of being found acceptable that James is writing about in this scripture to the twelve tribes. He tells them to remember that every man that loves the Lord is promised a crown of life. If we truly love another, we are committed to stand by their side through the ups and downs without question in their lifetime. If we love our Lord in this same manner, He will find us dokimos (acceptable) on that coming day when His promises are fulfilled. My hope for today and the new year is that every one of you receive the promise of our Lord one glorious day; His promise, the crown of Life!

My New Year's Wish For You All

New Years is a prime time for parties and temptation to try new things that look good and exciting. It is only good for a season and then the shame, pain and regret comes in the morning. I encourage you to remain faithful in your love for the Lord and what is morally right in His eyes; remain acceptable and you will be blessed on earth as you also will in heaven. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

Just a thot: Say the Lord's Prayer for New Years with your family at midnight. Jesus taught His disciples to pray this way that they might be blessed each day of their lives.

Our Father which is in heaven, Hallowed (sacred) is your name.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (God wants peace in heaven and on earth)

Give us today our daily bread. (the word and food)

And forgive us for our debts, as we forgive our debtors (who owe us).

And lead us not into (away from) temptation, but deliver us from evil (that we may be acceptable and blessed): For yours (God's) is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6:9-13

ἐπιποθέω - TO CRAVE POSSESSIONS

The word epipotheō basically means to crave something.

To understand one use of this word in scripture, I have chosen the following.

"Do you think that the scripture says in vain, The spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy?" James 4:5

ἐπιποθέω
epipotheō
It is pronounced - ep-ee-poth-eh'-o

Definition from the Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionary - (to yearn); to dote upon, that is, intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully): - (earnestly) desire (greatly), (greatly) long (after), lust.

Paul enlightens us as we read in this passage, that just as the scripture says, we are all craving material and living things. That's a fact that I can personally vouch for in my own life experiences.

But there's another enlightenment in the very next verse that reveals a flip side to the fact that we all crave things in our own spirits. He follows by saying that God gives more grace (χάρις ) than we need to overcome this craving desire for things that other people possess. The word grace refers to graciousness. When this comes from God it brings a divine influence upon the heart of those who receive it, and it's reflection in the life; including gratitude as well as benefit, favour, grace, joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).