Hello! Wishing you a safe, healthy day in the favor of Jehovah. Let's begin considering Proverbs 12, verses 1-3, then Moses' exhortation at Deuteronomy 4, verses 1-8, Today's TWGA, and this week's CTC Corner.
1 The one
who loves discipline loves knowledge, But the one who hates reproof is
unreasoning. 2 The good person obtains Jehovah’s approval, But He
condemns the man of wicked schemes. 3 No man is made secure by
wickedness, But the righteous will never be uprooted."
Prove 12:1: Do you comprehend this? A child should 'love
discipline.' Thus we see that the Bible term here means
exhortation--teaching and training. Recall the word "discipline" comes
from the same root as "disciple." Did Jesus go around punishing his
disciples, or did he lovingly correct and train them? Yes, punishment may be acceptable at times if the motive is clearly love for the child or student,
and the lesson(s) are made clear. But primarily a child or student
should look forward to the loving guidance of a parent or teacher,
appreciating the instruction given. One hating "reproof," or strong
correction, is not being reasonable, is lacking discernment to see the
difference between right and wrong, good and bad, true and false, etc.
Such ones need to ask "why" and have their questions answered, to learn
to reason on things.
Prove 12:2-3: Clearly God approves of the good, and condemns
evil. May this motivate us to seek to please God in all we do, and help
others to do so, with everlasting life in true peace and happiness at
stake. Seeking this, Jehovah will not abandon us! Psalm 9:10 says, for instance: "Those knowing your name will trust in you; You will never abandon those seeking you, O Jehovah." Those 'knowing God's name' would come to know His true personality and ways, and place confidence in Him accordingly. Jesus once said, "And the One who sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things pleasing to him.” (John 8:29). May we not imagine giving up on Jehovah's loyal love! HE is the God who "IS love." While taking time and effort to cultivate, true loyal love is worth every effort, making life as it should be possible.
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DEUTERONOMY 04A
A CLEAN HOME PLANET.
Recall that the "Israel of God" is now "all those who walk orderly by this (Christian) rule of conduct, peace and mercy be upon them, yes, upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16). Most Christians are to have Paradise hopes, with this earth as a home planet. First, we must work to clean up this planet and let it be the gem both spiritually and physically Jehovah GOD intended it to be!
“Now, O Israel, listen to the [instructions] and the judicial decisions that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land that Jehovah, the God of your forefathers, is giving you. 2 You must not add to the word that I am commanding you, neither must you take away from it, so as to keep the commandments of Jehovah your God that I am commanding you."
REFUSING TO WORK EVIL.
Jesus taught similarly. Recall in his Sermon on the Mount, that he said he came, not to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. Thus, his teachings help us to maintain the spirit of the Law, the primary motivation behind it being true love, for God and neighbor. Jesus, in fact, said these were the two greatest commandments of the Law--the first, to love GOD with all our heart, life, and strength, and the second, to love our neighbor as oneself. We love God first by obeying Him (1John 5:3). Paul said "LOVE DOES NOT WORK EVIL TO ONE'S NEIGHBOR, hence love is the Law's fulfillment." (Romans 13:10). Let's consider Moses' next words:
“Your own eyes have seen what Jehovah did in the case of the Baʹal of Peʹor; Jehovah your God annihilated from your midst every man who walked after the Baʹal of Peʹor. 4 But you who are holding fast to Jehovah your God are all alive today.5 See, I have taught you ]instructions] and judicial decisions, just as Jehovah my God has commanded me, so that you may observe them in the land you will take possession of.6 You must carefully follow them, because this will show wisdom and understanding on your part before the peoples who will hear about all these regulations, and they will say, ‘This great nation is undoubtedly a wise and understanding people.’7 For what great nation has gods as near to it as Jehovah our God is to us whenever we call on him?8 And what great nation has righteous regulations and judicial decisions like this entire Law that I am putting before you today?"
TREASURE GOD'S GIFT OF MARRIAGE.
The scourge that killed many in Israel, falling to the worship of Baal, involved sexual immorality--utter disregard for GOD's marriage arrangement. What a marvelous gift to mankind is marriage, when a man and woman can remain loyal to each other in a covenant of closeness that should not compare to any other human relationship. Of course, their first loyalty is to GOD, as HE is the Originator of the marriage, and the Ultimate Preserver of the marriage bond, as husband and wife seek HIS direction and guidance in their life. Paul wrote of warnings in the Scriptures to conduct unbecoming of a true Christian, leading to GOD's disfavor.
1Corinthian 10:6-13 accordingly says this: "Now these things became examples for us, in order for us not to desire injurious things, as they desired them.7 Neither become idolaters, as some of them did; just as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink. Then they got up to have a good time.”8 Neither let us practice sexual immorality, as some of them committed sexual immorality, only to fall, 23,000 of them in one day.9 Neither let us put Jehovah to the test, as some of them put him to the test, only to perish by the serpents. 10 Neither be murmurers, as some of them murmured, only to perish by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come.12 So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it."
Next time, let's continue Moses discourse in Deuteronomy 4.
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THRICE WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES (TWGA)
Kids and Adults Need Good Drinking Water
SUSTAINER OF LIFE.
Water is touted, throughout God's word, as a sustainer of life. It is used as an illustration to encourage the receiving of essential spiritual refreshment. Isaiah 55:1a says, for instance: "Come, all you thirsty ones, come to the water!" While the point of this verse is primarily to receive what we need spiritually from God, we may still take a lesson in hydration. Kids, experts say, should be just as properly hydrated as adults, if not more so. Of course, "more so" may especially be involved when running and playing outdoors, for instance.
DEHYDRATION IS KNOWN TO BE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO ILLNESS.
WATER-RICH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.
The recommended amount of water might be reduced, however, with the intake of water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers or watermelon, both of which are best eaten alone as refreshment, rather than combined with other foods, and allowing time for them to digest properly.
CHLORINE-TREATED PUBLIC WATER SOURCES.
Also, when it comes to drinking water, municipal or publicly treated water may still contain high amounts of chlorine or chloramines when it reaches your tap. Chlorine is a common treatment to eliminate unhealthy organisms from a water source. But the chlorine itself can harm your own internal bacterial gut flora, needed for good digestion and even essential vitamins and other substances helpful to healthy body and immune function. Most water filters, whether attached to the sink or a filtered water pitcher, while reducing largely many unhealthy contaminants, nevertheless remove very little of the harmful chlorine. In this time, when good water is in short supply, you could do this:
Rapidly boiling your water for a few minutes, even 3-8 minutes, depending on the amount and heat applied, can eliminate the chlorine! If in need of additional drinking water, and your tap water is treated publicly with chlorine but not ozonated (which can also eliminate the chlorine, but can be dangerous used at home), why not boil some each evening, preferably in a nonreactive stainless steel pot, then add perhaps 1/10th of a bottled water such as a good spring water, for added flavor and perhaps additional minerals? Of course, this would only be recommended if your city or municipal tap water is declared safe to use by your local government and health authorities. Then keep jugs handy both room temperature, for cooking, coffee, etc. and refrigerated for drinking, or making iced tea, for instance. Just be advised that some sources declare regular tea as a diuretic, contributing to dehydration, so drink it sparingly. Keep in mind that good cold water is much more tasty and refreshing than lukewarm!
“The standard recommendations are for children to get six to eight glasses of water per day,” says Dr. Melina Jampolis, CNNHealth’s Diet and Fitness expert. “Mild dehydration can affect learning as well as mental and physical performance.”
Underscoring Jampolis’ assertion is a recent report out of Tufts University which found that children who are even mildly thirsty can become cranky. For school-age children, dehydration—even at low levels—can impair cognitive function, says lead reseacher Kristen D’Anci, Ph.D.
Realistically, however, parents know how difficult it is to get kids to drink any water, never mind enough. To that end, the following tips may help concerned parents find ways to help their children guzzle more of what’s good for them:
•Make water available. Place a pitcher of water in the refrigerator (studies show that kids are more likely to drink cold water than room temperature), have water bottles out, ready to be filled, or have bottles handy. That way, there’s no excuses. You may also want to consider offering water that has mildly alkaline properties...
• Take it to go. Kids model what they see, so whenever you and your wee ones are on the go, make sure you take water for yourself and your child. If you’re taking sips of water throughout the day, chances are, they will too. And don’t stop at car rides, take water to the park, family picnics and other excursions.
• Serve water-rich foods. When all else fails, serve good-for-you, water-infused foods, such as soup, fruit and milk, which can be made up of 80 to 90 percent water. Watermelon, for instance, is usually a kid-friendly favorite and a great water-logged fruit.
Revelation 7:17 says of Christ the Lamb, "the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.” Yes, spiritual refreshment can lead to a happy, everlasting future, well illustrated by an essential life-promoting substance, WATER!*
*This was a copyright-free article, interspersed with established research.
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COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER
REALITIES OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT AND BENEFICIAL STANDARDS
We’ve seen how GOD’s STANDARDS ARE REALISTIC, REASONABLE, RELIABLE, AND REWARDING.
We’ve also noted that: UNDER THE RULE OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT, THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN HIS WORD WILL MAKE POSSIBLE PUBLIC POLICIES THAT PROMOTE HONESTY, FAIRNESS, REASONABLENESS AND HAPPINESS.
APPLYING PRECEPTS.
Putting these truths together, the way true peace will be obtained and will remain among mankind will be by both GOD’s blessing, and also by the education and application of GOD’s astounding word and it’s principles, or precepts. This will be seen, for instance, in the vast reduction and practical elimination of serious and life-threatening infractions, such as regarding home and work fire hazards and alcohol-related and other harmful auto incidents. Of course, GOD’s blessings will be flowing upon mankind, and we shall have HIS assistance to promote safety, security, and happiness among one another. Yet all this will be enhanced by means of an extensive public educational policy, blessed by GOD, that will encourage awareness of HIS beneficial laws and standards. And LOVE for GOD and for one another will be the dominant motive prevailing! Let’s take the above examples and consider how we may largely eliminate such threats to our peace.
FIRE SAFETY.
Under control, fire may be included among some of our most cherished memories, perhaps a campfire with family and friends roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. But out of control, what a threat to our security and happiness! In a home, for instance, what makes the difference? Isn’t it largely by being informed about fire hazards and safety, and acting accordingly, or appropriately? Today, however, how often are you presented with loving guidance or instruction in these matters? How often is commercial air time used for an educational message regarding fire safety? Yet statistics indicate roughly a 1/2 million fire incidents per year, in a nation of over 300 million people. Shall we say that’s “just” one in 600? Or, rather, is it a 1/2 million too many?
WITH JEHOVAH GOD’s BLESSING in full force under HIS RULERSHIP, HE will assist us! And efforts can be applied under the leadership of the Christ, having access to the helpful guidance necessary to QUICKLY REDUCE and PRACTICALLY ELIMINATE fire hazards around our workplaces and homes.
ADVANCEMENTS.
And, advancements have been and can be made in the use of fire-resistant building materials and modifications to existing homes. Also, smarter systems can be put in place around cooking equipment and home heating systems. Recommendations can be made, or provided, to assist in such matters. All of this will just make it easier for Jehovah GOD to fulfill His promises toward mankind, as in Revelation 21:3-4:
“3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
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INTERVENTIONS.
As the number of fires quickly drop nationwide and eventually worldwide, GOD Himself will most certainly be behind it. Even praying to Jehovah, seeking HIS help and blessing each day can reflect our humble, appreciative attitude toward life. And while we aim to maintain a sound mind, can Jehovah not intervene to prevent a serious mistake or calamity? Under the rule of HIS Kingdom, certainly HE can, as we continually look to HIM for guidance in our lives, and may we be grateful when HE does! (Compare Psalm 19:7-8, 11-14). In such ways, Paradise blessings will be achieved and experienced by mankind, and as foretold, GOD is making this possible through the Christ, the Son of man, with his co-rulers, all upholding Jehovah GOD’s sovereignty! (Matthew 19:28).
DRIVING INCIDENTS.
Along the same lines, can we not expect intervention by GOD and Christ regarding the plague of driving accidents nationwide? MUCH of this is attributed to alcohol abuse—an insidious, confusing influence that deceptively disrupts normal driving skill and ability. The people of GOD will beat this problem, under Christ’s direction, as true knowledge is applied to the issue, with GOD’s blessing! Inhibitive fear itself is to be practically eliminated in GOD’s new world.
Micah 4:4 says “4 And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making [them] tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken [it].”
NEVER ENDANGER OTHERS.
May all take a close look at their practices in this regard. Jehovah GOD is “ready to forgive.” Some have caused others harm in the past by ignoring alcohol’s subtle and deceptive influence. May they turn around from such practices, realizing the danger, and lovingly and compassionately making arrangements so they never endanger others behind the wheel in such circumstances. And many have never fallen into this trap. Under the rulership of Christ, all will be educated in such things, so we can avoid threatening others in such ways! May we behave in ways that uphold GOD’s loving will and purpose for humans, eliminating fear and injustice in our practices. All will be helped to do so in GOD’s new world.
CONCLUSION
UTTER SORROW TO VANISH.
These are just two examples of how the Christ will lead the way in an extensive educational campaign to bring such issues under control with GOD’s benevolent blessing. Arrangements will be made within GOD’s government, likely in cooperation with Christian institutions, to address various matters involving the life and health of humanity. Tears of sorrow will all but vanish as we address issue after issue needing attention to be in harmony with GOD’s loving ways and wondrous Word! May we thus continue to be educated in the marvelous ways of GOD by continually feeding at HIS table, considering thoughts from the Bible that INSPIRE, EDUCATE, CLEANSE, AND BENEFIT all humans accepting such provisions!