2019 Feb 16 Proverbs 16, Psalms, John 16
2019 Feb 16 Proverbs 16, Psalms, John 16
Wishing you a fine day with a warm welcome! Let's continue in Proverbs 16, verses 25-28:
"25 There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death. 26 The appetite of a laborer makes him work hard For his hunger urges him on. 27 A worthless man digs up what is bad; His speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A troublemaker causes dissension, And a slanderer separates close friends."
Prove 16:25 Proverbs 21:2 says "All of a man’s ways seem right to him, But Jehovah examines the hearts." What an important truth to appreciate! What may "seem right" can lead "to death"--how vital to "make sure of the more important things!" (Phili 1:10) How we need God's word to help us discern the difference between what is truly right and wrong, good and bad, true and false, wise and unwise, and what is a more serious matter before God and what is really a lesser matter, though still required. However, "where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom!" So much of what remains is up to our individuality, such as our choice of an incredible variety of foods that delight our palate! May we delight in Jehovah's right ways, trusting Jehovah "with all our heart," not leaning "on our own understanding." Thus we may avoid becoming "wise in our own eyes," imagining we're doing the right thing when we're really not. (Prove 3:5-7).
Prove 16:26 Ecclesiastes informs us that "it is the gift of God" for one to indeed eat, drink, and find enjoyment "for all his hard work." (Eccle 3:13). Spiritually, Jesus said, at John 4:34, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." So servants of Jehovah may labor, while hungering for the joys and refreshment that comes from again doing God's will, as Jesus found.
Prove 16:27,28 The "worthless man" is clearly a fault-finder, or scoffer, finding negative, hurtful things to say about others, true or untrue. Slander is among the first of sins--Satan tried to make God out to be a liar, that Adam and Eve wouldn't die for disobedience, as God said they would. While being wise in dealing with others, may we be careful about being unduly suspicious of others, emphasizing negative traits. At least we should not try to spread malicious gossip or rumors from questionable sources. If another hurts us with some inconsiderate remark, and we can't just "let it go," rather than complaining to others, building resentment, why not approach the person first for an apology. We'll likely find that there was no malice or desire to hurt you, or that there is sincere regret over the incident. Thus we may kindly help to preserve the person's reputation, avoiding speech "like a scorching fire," and perhaps avoid separating "close friends." Still, with minor sins against one another, may we endeavor to heed the counsel of God's word at Colossians 3:13, "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same."
Psalm 105 (Book 4, 16th psalm) extols Jehovah's wonderful works, His miracles, and His judgments. Verses 4,5 say "Search for Jehovah and his strength. Seek his face constantly. 5 Remember the wonderful works he has performed, His miracles and the judgments he has pronounced." Verse 7 adds "He is Jehovah our God. His judgments are throughout the earth." Verses 23-38 recount Israel's entry into Egypt, and eventual exodus therefrom. Verses 23-27 say "Then Israel came into Egypt, And Jacob lived as a foreigner in the land of Ham. 24 God made his people very fruitful; He made them mightier than their adversaries, 25 Whose hearts he let change to hate his people, To plot against his servants. 26 He sent his servant Moses, And Aaron, whom he had chosen. 27 They performed his signs among them, His miracles in the land of Ham." He brought ten plagues on Egypt, to move Pharaoh to let His people go free. Verses 37,38 say "He brought his people out with silver and gold; And no one among his tribes stumbled. 38 Egypt rejoiced when they left, For the dread of Israel had fallen on them." Verses 43-45 conclude: "So he brought out his people with exultation, His chosen ones with a joyful cry. 44 He gave them the lands of nations; They inherited what other peoples had worked hard to produce, 45 So that they would keep his decrees And observe his laws. Praise Jah!" May we appreciate the lessons, and follow through to receive the blessings of Jehovah, by keeping the way of the truth, observing the royal law of love, as followers of His son, Jesus. (James 2:8-10).
John 16:7-11 Jesus has important counsel for his closest followers before his death and resurrection. Jesus proceeds to tell them of the coming of the holy spirit upon them, and personalizes it to them, illustrating the spirit's influence as if it were a person, that they may further appreciate it's influence. It is really God, however, that controls His powerful holy spirit. (Genes 1:1,2; Luke 11:13; Ezeke 37:1; 1Cori 2:10) He says, beginning in verse 7: "7 Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the helper will not come to you; but if I do go, I will send him to you. 8 And when that one comes, he will give the world convincing evidence concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment: 9 first concerning sin, because they are not exercising faith in me; 10 then concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11 then concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged." God's powerful holy spirit was heavy upon the first-century Christians, using especially the apostle Paul to declare to the nations the truth about sin, righteousness, and judgment. He spoke of such things even to Roman officials, such as Felix (Acts 24:25). Likewise today, the truth about such things are vital for people to comprehend if they are to embrace God's will and grow spiritually, finding the path to eternal life. (Prove 2:20-22) May we pray for God's powerful holy spirit and it's fruitage that our hearts may truly be touched by the truth of God, to affect our lives in positive ways, for the everlasting benefit of ourselves, our families, friends, and neighbors. May we thereby reject sinful ways, choosing God's righteousness to live by--the framework for a happy and successful life and family both now and endlessly, and be spared an adverse judgment by God when His time comes to "judge the earth." (Psalm 9:8; 82:8).
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
