2020 Jul 29 Proverbs 19, CSL Selection, weekly CTC
2020 Jul 29 Proverbs 19, CSL Selection, weekly CTC
JULY 30: I'd like to still request your understanding if one occasion serious matters prevent a day's instruction from being shared--I will do what I can to prevent this from occurring any more than necessary.
JULY 29
Hello, with a warm welcome, wishing you a fine, safe, and careful day. Let's continue into Proverbs 19, with verses 18-23, then consider a selection from Christian Small Letters, then include the weekly CTC Corner.
"18 Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not become responsible for his death. 19 The hot-tempered man will pay the penalty; If you try to spare him, you will have to do it again and again. 20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, In order to become wise in your future. 21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, But the counsel of Jehovah is what will prevail. 22 The desirable thing in a man is his loyal love; And it is better to be poor than to be a liar. 23 The fear of Jehovah leads to life; The one who has it will have a pleasant rest, free from harm."
Prove 19:18 Thus parents should do all they reasonably can to raise their children in the path leading to life. Proverbs 22:6 says "Train a boy in the way he should go; Even when he grows old he will not depart from it." Yes it is possible, especially with reliance upon God, to train our children in the right way. They need godly wisdom, and if possible they should begin receiving it at a young age. The Proverbs were written, not just to educate adults, but "to impart shrewdness to the inexperienced[or, "naïve"]; to give a young man knowledge and thinking ability." Of course, Jesus' teachings and example, especially in the Sermon on the Mount of Matthew 5-7, is a treasure store of lessons that children can benefit from. Publications exist that help young ones benefit from Christ's model in an accurate way, or you may narrate the stories directly from God's word, and let family members alternately read the words of Jesus and other characters. Help them visualize the accounts, putting themselves there, while offering if possible, perhaps with research publications, some background details so they can understand more clearly what took place back then. For example, when bread was being discussed, Jesus told his disciples to "watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (Matth 16:6). You might explain how a little leaven spreads through bread dough the way sin can corrupt a large body of people. (Galat 5:9). Thus, our children so need our loving correction to prevent such sin from penetrating their precious hearts.
Prove 19:19 God is "slow to anger," or very patient, and wants us to be so as well. God's word encourages a "mildness of temper," a gentleness of spirit based on love, that treats others kindly. Try not to go past the level of irritation before thinking through the solution to a problem or how to cope with it. The quality of insight, recently discussed in this blog, 'certainly slows down one's anger,' as it promotes a compassionate understanding of what contributed to offensive conduct. (Prove 19:11). There are consequences to losing control of one's anger, letting it go beyond irritation to using hurtful speech or in other ways causing harm that may bring consequences. If such a person has not learned self-control, then this may happen "again and again." Pray for God's spirit and its fruitage including self-control, which is vital for true Christians, especially upon learning God's laws, that they may be equipped to keep them, choosing not to violate Christian guidelines.
Prove 19:20 How vital to listen to counsel and discipline. Those refusing to do so may become foolish in their speech and practices. (Prove 1:7). Help especially the young to see such as given in love, offering helpful correction to them in their way of life. Thus they may happily grow in true wisdom, becoming equipped for a successful future and family life.
Prove 19:21 We should look to God's word first and foremost to understand God's will now and in the future, so that our plans can be in harmony with God. Take your plans to Jehovah in prayer, that they may be more firmly established. Since "the counsel of Jehovah" finds success, many plans not in harmony with it will ultimately fail, so how much better to be among those "hearing the word of God and keeping it!" (Luke 11:28).
Prove 19:22 God's word reveals that if God were identified by a single quality, that quality would be love, as 1John 4:8 says "God is love." Thus, was not man made in the "image of God?" Thus a man should set an example before others in genuine love, as encouraged and described in Christian teachings (Matth 22:37-39; 1Cor 13:4-8). In Revelation, four "living creatures" were depicted as each having an outstanding attribute represented by four creature symbols. The bull, for example, depicted one's power. One of these creatures "had a face like a man's." This verse shows clearly that the virtue depicted by the man is "loyal love." Also, a poor man should make sure he is trusting in God for his needs, refusing to lie, cheat, or steal for his needs or those of his family. There are right ways to find what's needed--pray for God's help to see how to obtain necessities in a proper way, and experience God's blessing on your efforts. Thus you will continue or come to see how Jehovah can lift us out of dire circumstances and enable us to be satisfied with good. The Scriptures encourage all to set aside a little to be able to compassionatelyhelp someone in true need (1John 3:17,18).
Prove 19:23 The respectful, reverential "fear of Jehovah" is also the "beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). Trusting God fully, as our spiritual "refuge," enables us to find real peace of mind and heart. Appreciating God's love, we are thus determined to respect Him, refusing to do anything to displease, or hurt Him in any way. "The fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad." Thus we come to hate the things Jehovah hates, knowing they result in harm.
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CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER SELECTION
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POSSIBLE? Two months from now, on the 16th of the month, what day of the week will it be? How would you like to know the answer without having to check your phone, calendar, or appointment book, or recall some complex memorization device? What if time or days could be measured in a more orderly way? Might this increase our ability to organize activities better, and promote greater happiness? How would you like every month to begin on a Monday? What if every month was 4 weeks, or 28 days long? Is it possible to maintain this year after year? Many may recall that the year can primarily be split into 4 divisions of 13 weeks each, totaling 364 days. Thus, turning this around, could we have 13 months of 4 weeks each? And could we incorporate one additional month in a way that wouldn’t upset the balance of seasons that we’ve become accustomed to?
IT IS POSSIBLE! The answers may indeed be a resounding YES! Would the additional month necessarily have to be at the end of the year? Or rather, could it be divided up, one week at a time, at the conclusion of each 3-month period, at the beginning of each season? Initially, I proposed the month be named Humanity, largely as a reminder of the one human family God made, and the dignity with which we should accord one another within this family. However, the name of a month needs to be chosen carefully, so that it not be confused with normal words, which can cause misunderstandings, especially in the ears of young children. For instance, Humanity 1, Humanity 2, etc. could be misconstrued. Researching the origins of the word “month” led to a proposed adjustment, to recommend calling the month Humaneth. The meaning may be retained, and the origins explained and related to the appealing term of Humanity. Thus Humaneth 1-7 could appear at the end of the first 3 months, some days after the beginning of the spring equinox, which would normally occur around the time of March 20. And after 3 full months of 4 weeks each, what if some may even be able to have this week off from normal work activities, an additional rest and recreational period to add to the blessings of God’s Kingdom arrangement? Granted, this might not be possible for everyone, but perhaps those that must still work, may work less, and possibly alternate with other workers, to have off some other time of the year. We may be surprised what is possible with God’s blessing on this arrangement! What a fine time of reflection and activity each of these weeks could be, as we prepare for a new season!
YEAR TO YEAR? So with 4 separate weeks of Humaneth, the final being Humaneth 22-28 after the last normal month of the year, what can be done to account for the additional 1-1/4 days, the year actually being 365-1/4 days long? First, we need one additional day each year, to maintain the first of each month as Monday, the beginning of the week we’ve grown accustomed to. We certainly don't want every month the following year starting on Tuesday! While this day, Humaneth 29, would help maintain our sanity, following the Sunday of Humaneth 28, and avoid causing confusion with another day Monday through Sunday, which could be maintained each as 52 days of the year, a name appropriate to it's intended purpose might be simpy, "Reflection," or "Reflection Day". It would follow the Sunday of Humaneth 28, and give us pause before looking ahead to the new year.Either way, every fourth year, we would need one more additional day, Humaneth 30, to account for the Leap year. I would like to propose we actually call this “Quad Day,” having reference to the number 4, as I believe it would be advantageous for us to refer to each 4-year cycle as a “Quad,” or a "Quad cycle." It is evidently a period of time God built in to Earth’s journey around the Sun, and a period that should be recognized in some useful way, in counting time. It would still follow "Reflection" and likely also be a day of consideration of the prior 4 years, before looking ahead to the next.
OTHER MONTH NAMES. Then, while we’re looking at such significant changes, could we not reconsider even the names of our months? How beneficial are the meanings of the months as they are? What if they could be renamed in a way that would help our precious children gain values and understand more of what’s important in life, to be happier and more at peace with themselves and others? Let’s propose names that have meaning and provide some order to values contributing greatly to a wise and peaceful human family. Again, we can be careful to choose names that wouldn’t be confusing to words used ordinarily, so the names shouldn’t necessarily sound familiar:
In a new world of God’s making, benefitting from the rule of His Kingdom,
The first three months might be named accordingly:
(1) EverPray Life without reliance upon God leads to pride and disaster. What is life or even time without our Creator and Life-giver? Why not give Reliance on God the rightful place of the first month, as we live our lives ever acknowledging our need and dependence upon God for our happiness and sustenance. It was determined that praying for our needs is such an important concept to our happiness and relationships with God and others. This teaches us vital communication with God, and the concept of looking to Him to provide for our true needs.
(2) HopenGod-Jah (Hop.) - Vital for happiness, and needed to be restored quickly if ever lost, is HOPE. And our hope should be in our Creator, first and foremost. (Romans 15:4). This was originally Hopengod, but it was determined that young children would be having trouble connecting God with His name, Jehovah or Jah, shortened, such as appears in the expression "Hallelujah", and which makes its appearance in the original text of God's word in many places. With this new name, they can make this connection as early as possible, and learn much about the true God and His loving, peaceable ways. The two verses especially encouraged to remember and share at the conclusion of this article may help young children similarly, but again it was determined that some still wouldn't make this connection without this important adjustment. Also, we may be reminded that we have several current month names that are 3- and 4-syllables long, which we often draw out without giving it a second thought.
(3) Noli (Nol.) - An important early value is learning to tell truth from falsehood. What a vital, life-saving ability! May we aim to gain and refine the wisdom to tell the difference, and refuse to carry on or promote harmful untruths.
After 4 weeks each of these months, would come the first week of Humaneth, 1-7.
The next three months of Spring might then be named:
(5) Agreehelp (Agr.) While considered an agricultural month, the name suggests a measure of peace, with encouragement to lovingly assist others to come to a proper view, and the abbreviation fits well with agriculture. Peace is to be a hallmark of God’s new world, so it appears here early on in development. This is a quality God expects us to strive to maintain with Him and fellow humans, never growing bitter and allowing hatred to fester toward others, but rather treating others with compassion and understanding where possible.
(6) Humilidad (Hml.) While this was previously Hapnesy , it has been determined that deep-seated joy should be experienced by lovers of God throughout the year, while this ever-vital quality or attitude of HUMILITY is such an important aspect of every faithful worshiper of God. Humility greatly promotes peaceful dealings and relationships with others, and assists a right relationship with Jehovah God himself.
After 4 weeks each of these months, would come the second week of Humaneth, 8-14.
The following three months of Summer might then be named:
(7) Jahferss (Jfs.) ,"Jah" being the shortened form of God's name, such as appears in the expression "Hallelujah."The unusual spelling helps to avoid confusion with the first day of the month. An example where this shortened form of God's name should appear in the Scriptures can be found at Isaiah 12:2, which says "Look! God is my salvation. I will trust and feel no dread; For Jah Jehovah is my strength and my might, And he has become my salvation.” Another verse that all should perhaps know, that could help young ears to learn who "Jah" is, would be Psalm 106:1, which reads: "Praise Jah! Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever." Putting God first is important in the development of a person, contributing to the quality of godly devotion, which involves a close personal attachment to God as a person. The very first of the Ten Commandments requires that we give God exclusive devotion, not worshiping anyone or anything else. This makes possible His blessing on us as individuals, and as a nation or people. This expression may also help us remain a strong but humble people before God and one another, promoting genuine peace and happiness. Godly devotion was recognized by many of those founding this country, as they sought to worship God more freely in accord with His word the Bible. It is God Himself who made possible the founding of such a nation, in spite of the imperfections and weaknesses of men, and we do well to rightly give Him credit for such achievements.
(8) LisnaJah (Lis.) While others qualities originally held this spot, an emerging realization of the need to underscore as essential God's word became a high priority. In fact, the Scriptures point out that obedience to God is what's needed to bring about the purity that's considered a primary aspect of divine wisdom (James 3:17). And such also contributes greatly to genuine peace. These qualities are vital to develop divine wisdom and happiness. This initially appeared one month later, but logically should be placed prior to the reminder to love Jehovah's ways, and even our all-important faith begins with hearing the word of Jehovah. (Romans 10:17).
The concluding three months of Fall or Autumn might then be named:
(10) Autisciplince (Aut.) Our longest name, it carries an abbreviation appropriate for the beginning of Autumn. It’s meaning involves Self-discipline. How much better when we can correct ourselves to avoid wrongdoing, before others lovingly attempt to do so themselves! While we want to appreciate the appropriate efforts of others to offer correction where necessary, the development of this quality may enhance one’s life considerably.
(11) Goodsee (Gds.) After an early reminder to hope in God, we now may see much good from hard work and such faith as any remaining harvesting of crops takes place and we experience the fruitage of this work. This is a reminder of God’s blessing, and may cause appreciation and thankfulness to overflow within us.
(12) Loyalnes (Loy.) To round out the year, "loyal love" is a crowning goal and accomplishment, something all should strive for. The term loyalty has been chosen to best describe and remind us of the true "love" encouraged in God's word, at times translated "loyal love." The term "love" by itself is often applied in many different ways, which may contribute to confusion to the very young. This is the love spoken of in God's word that we are to have for God and fellow humans. As God has shown true loyal love to humans first, we are moved to reflect it to Him and others. Of God, Psalm 103:11 says: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So great is his loyal love toward those [in awe of] him." And Proverbs 3:3 says "Do not let loyal love and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; Write them on the tablet of your heart." This loyal love should be shown to God first, then fellow humans, treating them in a beneficial way promoting their long-term happiness. This name thus carries such significance. "Loyal love" is the type of love highlighted throughout God's word that most closely identifies God Himself, in saying "God is love." (1John 4:8). Thus, when thinking of God, we might at times also think of this quality. Also, aspects of this quality appear in other month names, as described in 1Corinthians 13:4-8.For instance, love "hopes all things," it "rejoices with the truth," and it "does not rejoice over unrighteousness."Also, in saying "love is patient," the term can be associated with loyalty, as a loyal person can patiently put up with a disagreeable circumstance in a relationship, seeking God-approved ways to correct it, with blazing hope of a restored condition. That's loyal love! Most, if not all, of the values presented as month names find good order as qualities that make for fruitful activity and a positive contribution to society.
After 4 weeks of each of these months, would come the fourth week of Humaneth, 22-28, 29 (proposed "Reflection"), and every fourth year, 30 (proposed "Quad Day")
CONCLUSION:
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!
