Welcome!I We're aiming for 10AM sharp again, due to a similar circumstance as before...with all FOUR segments for your consideration...

PROVERBS 2:1-6

Prove 2:4-6: This quest for genuine godly wisdom should be valued and sought after like hidden treasures, seeking to understand true godly fear and truthful knowledge of God and His law and purposes. Godly fear includes a reverential awe of God and fear of displeasing our loving Father. We should be always appreciating God's gift of life, and the uncountable gifts we experience every day, from the incredible variety of foods, beautiful sights, smells, sounds, etc. that make a wonderful life possible and enjoyable, especially in God's new world of righteousness. It is ultimately from God, more than the worldly wise, that we receive true knowledge and discernment. And receiving it from God, it should therefore be used in agreement with God's will, and not simply according to our own ideas.

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PSALM 119

Stanza 3 Theme: FONDNESS FOR GOD'S WORD VITAL FOR FAITHFULNESS

Psalm 119:21-24, offering more help in line with developing fondness for God's word, reads this way: "You rebuke the presumptuous, The cursed ones who stray from your commandments. 22 Remove from me scorn and contempt, For I have observed your reminders. 23 Even when princes sit together and speak against me, Your servant ponders over your regulations. 24 I am fond of your reminders; They are my advisers."

Psalm 119:21 You rebuke the presumptuous, The cursed ones who stray from your commandments.

AVOID PRIDEFUL DISOBEDIENCE. The presumptuous take liberties that they have no right to take, and thus fall under Jehovah's disfavor. Even through Christ, showing great mercy to sinners as they learn to trust God more fully, nevertheless exceptional obedience to one or many serious commands does not excuse violation of another. James 2:10-13 makes this point, with verse 11 putting it this way: "For the one who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” If, now, you do not commit adultery but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of law." Whitewashing such evil does not take away the effect of Jesus' stern rebuke: "But whoever stumbles one of these little ones who have faith in me, it would be better for him to have hung around his neck a millstone that is turned by a donkey and to be sunk in the open sea.7 “Woe to the world because of the stumbling blocks! Of course, it is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the man through whom the stumbling block comes!" (Matth 18:6-7). Now Jehovah is primarily a God of hope. (Romans 15:13; Psalm 25:5). So the point is, may we therefore turn away from evil practices, refusing to stumble God's precious sheep, training our conscience by God's word, proving loyal to our God and Father, Jehovah.

Psalm 119:22 Remove from me scorn[or, reproach] and contempt, For I have observed your reminders.

LOOK TO GOD DESPITE REPROACH. The psalmist pleads for Jehovah to take away any reproach motivated by hatred, even by fellow servants of God, who may have found fault with him. He thus requests to be treated fairly according to his own integrity, rather than receive prejudice due to the misunderstandings or misjudgments of others. Clearly the psalmist strives hard to observe God's reminders, that he may give no good reason for reproach against him.

Psalm 119:23 Even when princes sit together and speak against me, Your servant ponders over your [instructions].

REMAIN COURAGEOUS TO OBEY GOD. Likely, princes would be speaking against a king or future king, anointed of Jehovah. Despite such reproach or rebellious talk, the psalmist continues to look to God and His word, to ensure he remains compliant and receive divine favor and assistance. We should thus regularly "ponder" or reflect upon God's good guidance and instruction, just as Paul exhorted Timothy, to "Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, so that your advancement may be plainly seen by all people." (1Timo 4:15). Prayer should usually precede such a thoughtful intake of spiritual instruction, that we may do so with a proper, unselfish motive, seeing how to use the information to help others and ourselves to honor Jehovah, improving in our worship of Him.

24 I am fond of your reminders; They are my advisers.

BECOME FOND OF GOD'S REMINDERS. Godly reminders are thus useful to all when seeking guidance, as if requesting advice from trusted counselors. We should develop fondness for God's reminders, as they assist us in retaining our good way of thinking in harmony with God's loving direction and guidance, that we may continue walking on the path of eternal life. Regularly receiving instruction and reminders from God can assist us in knowing how to respond to various issues that may arise day to day, helping us grow spiritually and maintain our spirituality despite pressures against us from worldly philosophies and such. May we come to delight in receiving such instruction from God on a regular basis!

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POINTS TO PONDER

Philippians 4:4 continues this thought, exhorting "Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice!" (v.4) Paul was then inspired to acknowledge our reasonableness, perhaps showing that our joy should be more in our heart than in making a spectacle of ourselves before the world. (v.5) Verse 8 continues with a list of standards that should govern our choices regarding what we feed our minds and hearts, to safeguard ourselves from corruption. We should seek to grasp the scope of these beneficial standards, and be cautious about our viewing things in violation of them. The verse reads as follows: "8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things." Paul evidently was addressing material that was suitable for consideration within the congregation of God. The key to this understanding may lie in the mention of things "of serious concern." Congregation study is more geared for examination of important spiritual matters, although considering such things contribute to deep-seated joy (Galatians 5:22,23). In the home, however, occasional comedic entertainment may be acceptable. Surely God wants us to enjoy life! Ecclesiastes 10:19a says "Bread is made for laughter, and wine makes life enjoyable..."Any such entertainment, however, should be well-motivated, still supporting what is "true," "chaste," and so forth. We needn't feel deprived--there are several gems of education and entertainment that have been produced over the years that are reasonably in complete, or nearly complete harmony with these standards! This is true of reading material, music, television and movies, both older and modern. We should, however, use discernment to carefully judge whether we have a true gem, or a cheap imitation. Is it based on, or supporting, genuine truth, and such righteous and godly standards? Find economical or convenient sources, or ways to find sources, of such entertainment, appreciating the good enjoyment or lessons being heard or viewed, but disregarding anything that significantly violates what is good. May we place higher priority on God's word and spiritual things, leading us to everlasting life!

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GREATEST MAN

As Jesus taught the disciples a vital lesson on faith as beloved Peter attempted to walk on water, we find in the way he dealt with many throughout his life and ministry he underscored the vital importance of this quality. Faith involves a deep trust in God, His word, and provisions through his Son, that make His grand purpose possible for humankind. This faith also significantly removes negative, damaging doubts from our minds about God and others. This enables a restoration of a loyal people, practicing what is right in accord with God's standards, achieving restored relationships with God and the peace, happiness, and prosperity God originally intended for man. James, who was a half-brother of Jesus, and thus grew up with him, getting to know this perfect son of God well, wrote about this faith in James 1:5-8: "So if any one of you is lacking wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him keep asking in faith not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and blown about." The scripture here is not at all intended to condemn, but rather to inspire genuine faith in the hearts of humans. It is primarily our faith in God personally that is so important to Him--who wants to be treated suspiciously, as though one's motives are in question? Jehovah has the most upright of all intentions toward mankind, as evidenced by the amazing and wonderful way we've been created. Thus, what of God's commands as found in His word the Holy BIble? Or, if God should personally give us a command or instruction to follow, should we not readily obey? Psalm 19:8 says "The orders from Jehovah are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice; The commandment of Jehovah is clean, "enlightening the eyes" (NWT, AMP)." Thus, as we reflect on the value of God's commands, we are further "enlightened" as to the love, wisdom, and justice of God. May we exercise faith in such words as in Psalm 19:8, and not doubt the sincere love of God our Father or His loving Son, Jesus, rather appreciating the abundant evidence provided that underscores their tremendous loyal love for us!