2019 Jan 03 Proverbs 3, Psalms, 1Corinthians 3
2019 Jan 03 Proverbs 3, Psalms, 1Corinthians 3
Hello this day, with a hearty welcome! Let's pick up in Proverbs 3, verses 19-26:
"19 Jehovah founded the earth in wisdom. He solidly established the heavens in discernment. 20 By his knowledge the watery deeps were split apart And the cloudy skies dripped with dew. 21 My son, do not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability; 22 They will give you life And be an adornment for your neck; 23 Then you will walk on your way in safety, And your foot will never stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will have no fear; You will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. 25 You will not fear any sudden terror Nor the storm that is coming on the wicked. 26 For Jehovah will prove to be your source of confidence; He will keep your foot from being caught."
Prove 3:19,20 Just ponder the wisdom with which Jehovah God made not only this earth and all that is within and on it, but also our sun, the other stars in this galaxy and countless others in this universe, and any other planets, which are being found surrounding other stars in habitable zones, or distance ranges allowing for continued life. Can we not appreciate God's willingness to share divine wisdom with mere humans? (James 1:5,6). Not only does God know how to create and sustain life among humans, but of much more importance to Him is knowing how to help all to have a close relationship with Him and with other humans--to help us find joy knowing God and in living peaceably with others. God's ability to discern truth from false, good from bad, more important matters from lesser ones, among other things, assisted Him in His creative work and understanding in the way He made us, making it possible for us to delight in His good gifts in life (James 1:16,17).
Prove 3:21 May we thus treasure divine wisdom and thinking ability, in modest imitation of our God and Creator, with humble appreciation for, and submission to, Him, in awe fearing to displease or hurt Him in any way.
Prove 3:22 We will thus be on the road to eternal life, and the words coming through our throat can be lovely before others, rooted in love and appreciation for our God, who is the Source of, and sets the example in, true love, "the flame of Jah." (Canti 8:6).
Prove 3:23 God's wisdom includes foresighted shrewdness, enabling us to look ahead at the consequences of our speech and actions, that we may hate what is bad, and it's resulting trouble, pain, and sorrow, and continue loving what is good, with its rewards and blessing from God. We can thereby see to avoid many hardships and troubles, walking in safety, loving God's protective law, now through Christ. For such ones, God's word says, "Nothing can make them stumble." (Psalm 119:165).
Prove 3:24-26 Letting Jehovah be our source of confidence, rather than merely human power, oneself or our own understanding of things, maintaining our love for, and reliance on, God, will bring His blessing and approval, and true spiritual security, practically eliminating fear as our love for God and others grows. "There is no fear in love, but perfect (complete) love casts fear out, because fear restrains us. Indeed, the one who is fearful has not been made perfect in love." (1John 4:18). Such complete love, for example, deals with others impartially, without prejudice.
Psalm 75 (Book 3, 3rd psalm) May we take note of God's mighty intervention in man's affairs, to halt the self-exaltation and pride of the wicked, and exalt the power of the righteous: "1 We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks to you; Your name is near, And people declare your wondrous works. 2 You say: “When I set a time, I judge with fairness. 3 When the earth and all its inhabitants were dissolved, It was I who kept its pillars firm.” (Selah) 4 I say to the boastful, “Do not boast,” And to the wicked, “Do not exalt your strength. 5 Do not exalt your strength up high Or speak with arrogance. 6 For exaltation does not come From the east or the west or the south. 7 For God is Judge. He puts one man down and exalts another. 8 For there is a cup in Jehovah’s hand; The wine is foaming and is fully mixed. He will surely pour it out, And all the wicked of the earth will drink it, down to the dregs.” 9 But as for me, I will proclaim it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 10 For he says: “I will cut off all the strength of the wicked, But the strength of the righteous will be exalted.”" Notice in verse 2 that God judges "with fairness." Of course, Jesus explained at John 5:22 that now "the Father...has entrusted all the judging to the Son," because Jesus upholds Jehovah's justice and ways in all he does, exalting the name of the Father. May we trust God's direction and judgement as revealed in His word, as He will cut off all the strength of the wicked, exalting that of the righteous. He desires the wicked to repent of their evil, and find true happiness humbly pleasing God. As Isaiah 55:6,7 says: "Search for Jehovah while he may be found. Call to him while he is near.7 Let the wicked man leave his way And the evil man his thoughts; Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, To our God, for he will forgive in a large way."
1Corinthians 3:1-7 highlights the need for spiritual growth to maturity, progressing from receiving spiritual "milk" to feasting on "solid food." Notice Paul's encouragement, and what may be holding some back from growth: "3...Since there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do? 4 For when one says, “I belong to Paul,” but another says, “I to A·polʹlos,” are you not acting like mere men? 5 What, then, is A·polʹlos? Yes, what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord granted each one. 6 I planted, A·polʹlos watered, but God kept making it grow, 7 so that neither is the one who plants anything nor is the one who waters, but God who makes it grow...9 For we are God's fellow workers..." May we no longer be among those seeking our own glory, or placing the glory of other men above that of our loving Father, God, and Creator Jehovah. It is "God who makes it grow." May our seeking the honor of God in all we do enable us to grow to spiritual maturity, as John 7:18 encourages, "Whoever speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory; but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him, this one is true and there is no unrighteousness in him."


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