2020 May 04-May 05 Proverbs 13, Fourth (Sabbath) of the Ten, TWGA, CTC Corner!
Joshua M. Campbell-Elanemy • May 4, 2020
2020 May 04-May 05 Proverbs 13, Fourth (Sabbath) of the Ten, TWGA, CTC Corner!
UPDATE: 05/05-1805 "CTC Corner, add'l par. mod." Welcome, may you find God's blessing on your efforts this day, while maintaining caution and safety! Let's continue in Proverbs 13, this time verses 22-25, then consider another of the Ten Commandments, today's TWGA, and finally CTC Corner!
“22 The good person leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, But the sinner’s wealth will be stored up for the righteous one. 23 The plowed field of the poor yields much food, But it may be swept away by injustice. 24 Whoever holds back his rod hates his son, But the one who loves him disciplines him diligently. 25 The righteous one eats and satisfies his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is empty.”
Prove 13:22 The apostle Paul confirms this expectation for his day, saying at 2Corinthians 12:14 “14...the children are not expected to save up for their parents, but the parents for their children.” Of course, situations do vary, but how fine when parents can look out for the future welfare of their children, and even their grandchildren! Recall that in the illustration of the Prodigal Son, the father allowed one of his sons to receive his inheritance early, which he unwisely wasted. (Luke 15:13,14). Clearly, while an inheritance might in certain circumstances be given sooner than normal, care should be taken that wise use be made of such provisions. Still, these days understanding should be shown by younger ones, if failing health or other factors limit what parents can give those they still love. Loving their children, and helping them on the path of eternal life, may be an even more rewarding inheritance to leave them! Sinners who stubbornly remain so and refuse to turn around, would be giving up their own eternal life, possibly even leading their family members down the same path. Is that the kind of inheritance they really want to leave their offspring? Often such ones are misunderstanding God’s love for them, or are not experiencing the deep-seated happiness that comes from serving God in harmony with His standards. May they repent of error and return to a loving Heavenly Father who “will forgive in a large way.” And may the rest remain on the path of righteousness leading to eternal life alongside a loyal marriage partner, and help our children receive a similar inheritance!
"23 The
plowed field of the poor yields much food, But it may be swept away by
injustice."
Prove 13:23 Clearly, God’s blessing may be on the land of a poor one who puts full trust in Jehovah to provide his needs as he seeks to live God’s way. Still, living under the current system of things, injustice has not yet been fully eliminated. Psalm 107:39 mentions other factors causing affliction, as “oppression, calamity, and grief.” May we still look to God for support through such circumstances, maintaining a hopeful outlook for enduring and perhaps overcoming such difficulties and finding “an abundance of peace” under God’s coming Kingdom. (Psalm 37:11).
"24 Whoever holds back his rod hates his son, But the one who loves him disciplines him diligently."
Prove 13:24 Again it is clear that discipline is associated with genuine love, but how so? We must remember that the word does not simply mean “punishment,” but rather comes from the same root as “disciple.” Still, some may have wondered about the teaching here. Looking at this more carefully scripturally, there is evidence that the term "discipline" should be associated with "loving correction." This proverb and Hebrews 12:5-11 share this view of discipline, saying in Hebrews 12:5-6, "“My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.” While it is true that Jesus did not go around punishing his disciples all day long, but lovingly taught, trained, and corrected them, there is another term that deals more with the loving teaching and training of parents and teachers. Ephesians 6:4 says "And fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah." The term "admonition" here has reference to loving "instruction, guidance." Therefore, Jesus' disciples were not merely disciplined after they had done something wrong, but admonished throughout the day by receiving loving instruction and guidance to serve God properly. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 shows Jehovah commanded the parents to have God’s words on their own hearts, and then to “7...inculcate them in your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up"(thus, not only when receiving “time-out” for doing something wrong). Parents, please make sure you make time for your young ones to lovingly answer their questions according to their age and development, and to assist in teaching them what they need to know, helping develop their powers of discernment and understanding (Prove 2:1-6). Proverbs 10:1 says “A wise son makes his father rejoice...” So help them develop godly wisdom to be able to make good, right decisions each day, and reap many blessings for time well spent!
"25 The righteous one eats and satisfies his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is empty.”
Prove 13:25 The righteous one, wanting to act in harmony with God’s standards, feeds himself, not only literal food, but as Jesus declared, as stated at Matthew 4:4, that “...It is written: ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah’s mouth.” Thus he or she reasonably considers things such as found at Philippians 4:8, including “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.” Paul adds, “continue considering these things.” Again, we need reasonableness when we consider these guidelines for what we learn from and are entertained by. Whatever things are “true,” for instance, doesn’t mean we can’t watch a creative made-up story. This list is evidently meant for topics to be considered at congregation meetings for Bible study. But how fine when the lessons from such a story have real meaning in harmony with what is truly right and good! When we take care of what we feed our minds and hearts, especially spiritual things based on God’s reliable word, we ‘satisfy our appetite.’ Those not caring about such things often go hungry. At Isaiah 55:2 God says: “ 2 Why do you keep paying out money for what is not bread, And why spend your earnings for what brings no satisfaction? Listen intently to me, and eat what is good, And you will find great delight in what is truly rich.”
_______TEN COMMANDMENTS
Let’s continue with Exodus 20:8 “8 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it sacred.”
A SABBATH DAY.
God goes on to explain this Fourth Commandment, the way He did the
second command against bowing to carved images, spending about the same
amount of time, more than the other eight commandments. But let’s focus
on the opening words. We were to “remember” the Sabbath day—not to
forget about it—to keep it “sacred,” or to recognize it as a “holy” day,
or “holiday.” The original Sabbath day was Saturday, but in time our society has gravitated toward a rest day of Sunday, now commonly the last day of the weekend. Tradition has it
that a superior “Christian” sabbath came to be on the “eighth” day,
Sunday the original first day of the week, so that in time both days
became recognized as times off from most work. Thus most came to have a
five-day workweek, still practiced in many places throughout the world.
Thus the Sabbath is at least partially being recognized, but is it being
kept “sacred?” Let’s read God’s further explanatory words regarding
this day:
Exodus 20:9-11 “9 You are to labor and do all your work for six
days, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to Jehovah your God. You must
not do any work, neither you nor your son nor your daughter nor your
slave man nor your slave girl nor your domestic animal nor your foreign
resident who is inside your settlements. 11 For in six days Jehovah made
the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and he
began to rest on the seventh day. That is why Jehovah blessed the
Sabbath day and made it sacred.”
A DAY WITH MEANING.
So there was to be a day, the Sabbath, on which no “work” was to be
done. This was to be a day of what God calls "rest," for both physical
and spiritual refreshment! Now the religious leaders of Jesus’ day,
particularly the Pharisees, went to extremes with regulating what was
and wasn’t considered “work” on the Sabbath day, and tried to accuse
Jesus of violating the Sabbath for doing things such as healing a man’s
hand! (Matth 12:9-14). Certainly precious people may need a doctor’s
attention occasionally, even on a Sabbath day. So reasonably, some
doctors might choose to be “on call” that day, as Jesus stated that it
was not wrong to "do a good deed on the Sabbath." While performing such
activity would likely have it's rewards, hopefully he or she would also
be free enough regularly to be otherwise spiritually edified on that
day. Certainly Christians can recognize the principle of the Sabbath
day, keeping spiritual things a priority in our life—not letting them
fade into the background. We should thus not let financial, material, or
mundane concerns of life weigh us down, but have faith in Jehovah and
His son to support us as we seek the interests of God’s kingdom first in
life, along with pursuit of God’s “righteousness” or the keeping of
integrity to God. As Jesus said at Matthew 6:33, “33 “Keep on, then,
seeking first the Kingdom and [God's] righteousness, and all these other
things will be added to you.” So yes, we may have financial and
material concerns, but let’s keep them in their proper place.
A REAL SABBATH DAY.
If Scriptural evidence is clear, however, that God still expects
humankind to acknowledge and heed the Ten Commandments, alone being
carved by His finger on stone tablets, and the only laws on record to
have been spoken in the hearing of humans by God from heaven, then
should as many as possibly can choose to recognize the real Sabbath day,
and hold it “sacred,” which God may now reasonably allow to be Sunday,
having been the final day of the weekend before the next workweek, and
already considered by many to be a day of rest and spiritual
refreshment? (Exodus 20:1,22). These laws on stone tablets are
reasonably distinct from those in "the handwritten document" that was
put aside at Christ's impalement. (Colos 2:14). At least Paul and James
reference commands from the Ten, and not in the past tense. Ephesians
6:2, for instance, says regarding the fifth commandment, "“Honor your
father and your mother” IS the first command with a promise." (see also
James 2:10-12). The Sabbath law would thus be included. Wishing to honor
such a law of God, we may on a Sunday set aside some time for
relaxation with our family and/or friends, and perhaps give some
attention to spiritual matters, perhaps reading something beneficial and
of interest to us and our family spiritually. Have you found a place
among the tribes of Christianity where God's word is read or discussed,
and you and your family may be spiritually refreshed? Aim not to give
attention to business matters on this day, or spend undue time in the
kitchen or in other absorbing work tasks if at all possible. Prepare
some things ahead of time, Saturday evening perhaps, so that time may be
freed up for our family on the day considered our Sabbath. Certainly
God’s blessing would be upon it! In fact, it is conceivable that if the
Sabbath is still in effect by God, farmers might be experiencing a near
double crop once every seven years, in the sixth year, as the seventh
Sabbath year the ground was to rest, and no planting was to be done.
(Levit 25:4). The abundant harvest was to provide amply for this year
and the next, so that there would be no need for planting the Sabbath
year. The ground would be allowed to rest. God would also bless the
heeding of this Sabbath law as well.
GOD'S REASONABLENESS.
Still, while requiring obedience of His faithful servants, Jehovah God
has often proved Himself to be reasonable and understanding, as even
Christians are commanded to “let your reasonableness become known to all
men—the Lord is near.” (Phili 4:5). Jesus said “For the Son of man is
Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matth 12:8). In this regard, there may be other
businesses that God may reasonably designate to be open on a Sabbath
day, such as some restaurants, where many enjoy fellowship before or
after meetings for worship, or grocery or convenience stores with gas
stations for travelers or those in need of something for a family meal.
Let us trust God's reasonable and loving direction in such matters. Try
to make time for some spiritual refreshment, even if you are being
commanded to work on the Sabbath. With the varying schedules that many
are required to work, perhaps you could choose another day soon before
or after the Sabbath, to give more complete attention to spiritual
matters. One day we may hope, perhaps even before God's Kingdom is
ruling completely, even faithful employers may be more willing to trust
God's direction fully in this matter. Do we not want God's blessing on
all our activities?
GOD'S BLESSING, REWARD.
Therefore may we aim to recognize the principle of the Sabbath day of
rest, being restored and refreshed physically and spiritually, to
continue happily keeping God first and supporting our family and loved
ones in every way. It may be a sacrifice to support such an arrangement,
especially a real Sabbath day on Sunday, but recall that Proverbs 10:22
states "It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, And He adds
no pain with it." With God's blessing on those putting forth the effort
to do so, having faith, or deep trust, in God and His law, we may find
many, perhaps even unexpected, rewards. Hebrews 11:6 says "Moreover,
without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever
approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder
of those earnestly seeking him." By ignoring what is really the law of
God, we could miss out on God's blessing and help. Psalm 127:1-2 thus
reminds us: "Unless Jehovah builds the house, It is in vain that its
builders work hard on it. Unless Jehovah guards the city, It is in vain
that the guard stays awake. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early, That
you stay up late, That you toil for your food, Since he provides for
his loved ones while giving them sleep." Let us thus trust in Jehovah
fully, reaping rich rewards!
_______
THRICE WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES (TWGA)
As important as drinking enough water is for proper body hydration, there are other nutritional factors involved for optimal health. The Promised land of Israel was a land blessed by God, providing many kinds of nutritious foods. It was"a land of wheat and barley, of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey." (Deuteronomy 8:8). Many nowadays are not really meeting their nutritional needs as well as they might think, as this study bears out. Please consider this article, that I may print here:
HOW DO AMERICANS PERCEIVE SATISFYING NUTRITIONAL NEEDS?
(NewsUSA) – Although consumers say they are at least somewhat knowledgeable about nutrition, new research from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) shows several wide gaps between American’s perception of their nutrient intakes and reality..
“While there is some disparity between perceived nutrient adequacy and actual nutrient intake, it is notable that consumers recognize the benefits their food can offer,” says Sarah Romotsky, registered dietitian and associate director of health and wellness at the IFIC Foundation. “Indeed, health-promoting foods and food components, like blueberries, yogurt, fish, milk and fortified breads and breakfast cereals, play an important role in meeting nutrient needs and improving overall health.”
According to the 2013 IFIC Functional Foods Consumer survey, however, the majority of respondents (almost 70 percent) believe they fall short of meeting “all or nearly all” of their nutritional needs.
What’s more, a comparison of the survey’s findings and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data shows gaps between how many believe their intakes are adequate versus recommended daily intakes or nutrient intake recommendations (Dietary Reference Intakes from the Institute of Medicine). For nutrients such as vitamin D (68 percent perception vs. 32 percent consumption), potassium (61 percent vs. less than 3 percent) and fiber (67 percent vs. 5 percent), the discrepancy between perception and reality is glaring.
The high percentage of consumers who are meeting their needs for B vitamins may be a testament to how fortification can help consumers meet their nutrient needs.
“Breads, rice and cereals, which are often fortified with B Vitamins, may be helping consumers meet their B vitamin needs, without the consumer realizing the added value,” says Romotsky.
However, there are still gaps in knowledge and consumption of a variety of other beneficial components, such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, flavonoids and zeaxanthin.
The good news, though, according to the survey, is that consumer interest in learning more about foods with benefits beyond basic nutrition remains high. Almost nine in 10 Americans say they are interested in learning more about foods that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition, but cited barriers such as price.
For more information, you might investigate websites such as foodinsight.org, or search for others.
POTASSIUM-SODIUM BALANCE. One of the nutrients mentioned here was potassium. Research shows our cells function properly within a certain balance between potassium and sodium. Potassium is actually a cellular salt, while sodium is an intra-cellular salt. Enough potassium is needed in the diet, with reasonable sodium intake, to allow cells to receive water/hydration and be properly cleansed. If you're constantly passing urine often throughout the day, this is a likely indication of low cellular hydration, despite adequate water intake! Drinking good refreshingly cold water is important, at least a few times a day. Be aware that some drinks, such as black tea, can be diuretic, meaning they promote urine excretion. Several other herbal teas, for instance, may not be diuretic, and may contain less or no caffeine, but still may enhance energy or body balance in other ways. Still, with over-consumption of salt, and inadequate potassium intake, the excessive urine-passing may continue. To beat the problem, educate yourself on good potassium sources, such as most fruits and vegetables, including bananas, kiwis, and potatoes. Many vegetables have a potassium-sodium ratio of 10:1 or more! Of course, potatoes are often accompanied with salt, but eating ORGANIC sodium may help with this issue--CELERY has the proper kind of sodium that may assist with the sodium balance issue--organic sodium versus inorganic salt. Finding delicious low-salt foods/dips/etc to accompany a portion of celery with a salty meal may prove beneficial. Also finding other spice alternatives to using added salt can also make a big difference. There are several spice mixes on the market to flavor foods with instead of salt. Also, Celery Seed (Not celery salt), although it has a strong flavor, can also help assimilate a salt-laden food, sprinkling or mixing it into a dressing, etc., as it also contains the organic sodium helpful for salt metabolism. Just being mindful of the comparison of potassium and sodium in processed foods may help you limit your intake of excessive salt, and find delicious alternatives that promote more potassium intake. Be aware that, while a potassium salt is available, it is associated with increased risks of troublesome health conditons--it is INORGANIC POTASSIUM, as opposed to the ORGANIC potassium found in foods. Putting some of this knowledge to work, you may finally make headway on that excessive urine condition that has seemed for many to be a lost cause, and actually promote true body hydration and likely better health!
P.S. Our bodies utilize ORGANIC minerals and nutrients primarily. INORGANIC minerals are found in soil, for instance. Plants can take up the inorganic nutrients and convert them into the ORGANIC nutrients that benefit our bodies, promoting good health!
BE CAUTIOUS WITH SUGAR SUBSTITUTES! I'm not endorsing any food/nutrition-based websites at this time. There are some substances being used in the market that I believe are dangerous to the public's health, including some common sugar substitutes, that are often being touted as harmless. Please do careful research before assuming that unnatural chemicals are somehow completely safe for the body! God gave us sugar, although it has been processed to remove certain essential minerals that support sugar metabolism. Keeping sugar within reasonable limits is in most cases the best answer until the missing minerals start to be added back in with the sugar. Also, you might make use of other, more natural and complete sugar substitutes. (Proverbs 24:13)
HOW DO AMERICANS PERCEIVE SATISFYING NUTRITIONAL NEEDS?
(NewsUSA) – Although consumers say they are at least somewhat knowledgeable about nutrition, new research from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) shows several wide gaps between American’s perception of their nutrient intakes and reality..
“While there is some disparity between perceived nutrient adequacy and actual nutrient intake, it is notable that consumers recognize the benefits their food can offer,” says Sarah Romotsky, registered dietitian and associate director of health and wellness at the IFIC Foundation. “Indeed, health-promoting foods and food components, like blueberries, yogurt, fish, milk and fortified breads and breakfast cereals, play an important role in meeting nutrient needs and improving overall health.”
According to the 2013 IFIC Functional Foods Consumer survey, however, the majority of respondents (almost 70 percent) believe they fall short of meeting “all or nearly all” of their nutritional needs.
What’s more, a comparison of the survey’s findings and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data shows gaps between how many believe their intakes are adequate versus recommended daily intakes or nutrient intake recommendations (Dietary Reference Intakes from the Institute of Medicine). For nutrients such as vitamin D (68 percent perception vs. 32 percent consumption), potassium (61 percent vs. less than 3 percent) and fiber (67 percent vs. 5 percent), the discrepancy between perception and reality is glaring.
The high percentage of consumers who are meeting their needs for B vitamins may be a testament to how fortification can help consumers meet their nutrient needs.
“Breads, rice and cereals, which are often fortified with B Vitamins, may be helping consumers meet their B vitamin needs, without the consumer realizing the added value,” says Romotsky.
However, there are still gaps in knowledge and consumption of a variety of other beneficial components, such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, flavonoids and zeaxanthin.
The good news, though, according to the survey, is that consumer interest in learning more about foods with benefits beyond basic nutrition remains high. Almost nine in 10 Americans say they are interested in learning more about foods that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition, but cited barriers such as price.
For more information, you might investigate websites such as foodinsight.org, or search for others.
POTASSIUM-SODIUM BALANCE. One of the nutrients mentioned here was potassium. Research shows our cells function properly within a certain balance between potassium and sodium. Potassium is actually a cellular salt, while sodium is an intra-cellular salt. Enough potassium is needed in the diet, with reasonable sodium intake, to allow cells to receive water/hydration and be properly cleansed. If you're constantly passing urine often throughout the day, this is a likely indication of low cellular hydration, despite adequate water intake! Drinking good refreshingly cold water is important, at least a few times a day. Be aware that some drinks, such as black tea, can be diuretic, meaning they promote urine excretion. Several other herbal teas, for instance, may not be diuretic, and may contain less or no caffeine, but still may enhance energy or body balance in other ways. Still, with over-consumption of salt, and inadequate potassium intake, the excessive urine-passing may continue. To beat the problem, educate yourself on good potassium sources, such as most fruits and vegetables, including bananas, kiwis, and potatoes. Many vegetables have a potassium-sodium ratio of 10:1 or more! Of course, potatoes are often accompanied with salt, but eating ORGANIC sodium may help with this issue--CELERY has the proper kind of sodium that may assist with the sodium balance issue--organic sodium versus inorganic salt. Finding delicious low-salt foods/dips/etc to accompany a portion of celery with a salty meal may prove beneficial. Also finding other spice alternatives to using added salt can also make a big difference. There are several spice mixes on the market to flavor foods with instead of salt. Also, Celery Seed (Not celery salt), although it has a strong flavor, can also help assimilate a salt-laden food, sprinkling or mixing it into a dressing, etc., as it also contains the organic sodium helpful for salt metabolism. Just being mindful of the comparison of potassium and sodium in processed foods may help you limit your intake of excessive salt, and find delicious alternatives that promote more potassium intake. Be aware that, while a potassium salt is available, it is associated with increased risks of troublesome health conditons--it is INORGANIC POTASSIUM, as opposed to the ORGANIC potassium found in foods. Putting some of this knowledge to work, you may finally make headway on that excessive urine condition that has seemed for many to be a lost cause, and actually promote true body hydration and likely better health!
P.S. Our bodies utilize ORGANIC minerals and nutrients primarily. INORGANIC minerals are found in soil, for instance. Plants can take up the inorganic nutrients and convert them into the ORGANIC nutrients that benefit our bodies, promoting good health!
BE CAUTIOUS WITH SUGAR SUBSTITUTES! I'm not endorsing any food/nutrition-based websites at this time. There are some substances being used in the market that I believe are dangerous to the public's health, including some common sugar substitutes, that are often being touted as harmless. Please do careful research before assuming that unnatural chemicals are somehow completely safe for the body! God gave us sugar, although it has been processed to remove certain essential minerals that support sugar metabolism. Keeping sugar within reasonable limits is in most cases the best answer until the missing minerals start to be added back in with the sugar. Also, you might make use of other, more natural and complete sugar substitutes. (Proverbs 24:13)
_______
COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER
Week 9:
ISSUE AFTER ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: LEGAL BUSINESS CONTRACTS, ETC.
Psalms “15 O Jehovah, who may be a guest in your tent? Who may reside in your holy mountain? 2 The one who is walking faultlessly, Practicing what is right And speaking the truth in his heart.”
Proverbs 12:19-20 “Truthful lips will endure forever, But a lying tongue will last for only a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot mischief, But those who promote peace have joy.”
A HOBBY? Are you one who loves to pour over legal documents as a hobby, eager to see what nuance you may find differing from a similar one you read six months prior from a similar company? Granted, the reading of such documents has become a necessary part of life today for most, and to some extent, they serve an important purpose, in making possible agreed upon terms and business obligations. Does it seem, however, that the companies promoting integrity, honesty and straightforwardness are hard to spot, based on the legal documents they put forward to do business with you? While wanting or needing services from a business entity, large or small, many find it a difficult challenge to weed through a mass of words and ensure there is not some hidden trap waiting to ensnare them unsuspectingly.
HONESTY. At the same time, there are companies eager to have your business, who are willing to be honest and straightforward in their terms of service, or in what they offer in their product lines. They are willing to tell you up front what your financial obligations are, and what they will provide accordingly. If it was possible, they would be willing to tell you in plain simple language what you are getting and what they are asking for from you.
LEGALESE. Could you see this as an issue worth addressing? Have you at times, for instance, hesitated to sign up with a company, perhaps on the internet, because it will require that you read through an exhaustive Privacy Policy and Terms of Service? Or are you one who is so put off by such legalese that you have considered clicking a box stating you have read and agree to the terms, even though you barely skimmed through it, just to have the product, services or information you desired? What may be done, in the spirit of God’s incoming Kingdom, to address such concerns as these?
STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS. What if the major companies in an industry, willing to show a spirit of cooperation, put their heads together and considered the terms they hold in common with one another, and what they might be willing to agree to in the way of fair business practices, and honest dealings with customers? Could such groups come up with an Industry-specific GENERAL TERMS, that relate what those specific companies hold in common or what they are willing to hold in common? Then, each individual company might have a few specific terms, that it could detail in another document, some sort of SPECIFIC TERMS document. Any person who has read the GENERAL TERMS document already, agreeing to it, may then need only read the SPECIFIC TERMS in order to comprehend all that the company is providing and requiring. Also, what if ALL of the FINANCIAL ISSUES affecting the customer were addressed at the very top of each of these documents, so there was no confusion or hidden tricks aiming to take advantage of someone? This may reveal an honest spirit of integrity for those companies willing to uphold such in the public eye. ANY COMPANY in the industry who can generally meet the standards set forth in the GENERAL TERMS document might declare their support, and develop their own SPECIFIC TERMS document making known any additions, modifications, or clarifications. This would save much unnecessary reading on the part of customers.
ISSUE AFTER ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: LEGAL BUSINESS CONTRACTS, ETC.
Psalms “15 O Jehovah, who may be a guest in your tent? Who may reside in your holy mountain? 2 The one who is walking faultlessly, Practicing what is right And speaking the truth in his heart.”
Proverbs 12:19-20 “Truthful lips will endure forever, But a lying tongue will last for only a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot mischief, But those who promote peace have joy.”
A HOBBY? Are you one who loves to pour over legal documents as a hobby, eager to see what nuance you may find differing from a similar one you read six months prior from a similar company? Granted, the reading of such documents has become a necessary part of life today for most, and to some extent, they serve an important purpose, in making possible agreed upon terms and business obligations. Does it seem, however, that the companies promoting integrity, honesty and straightforwardness are hard to spot, based on the legal documents they put forward to do business with you? While wanting or needing services from a business entity, large or small, many find it a difficult challenge to weed through a mass of words and ensure there is not some hidden trap waiting to ensnare them unsuspectingly.
HONESTY. At the same time, there are companies eager to have your business, who are willing to be honest and straightforward in their terms of service, or in what they offer in their product lines. They are willing to tell you up front what your financial obligations are, and what they will provide accordingly. If it was possible, they would be willing to tell you in plain simple language what you are getting and what they are asking for from you.
LEGALESE. Could you see this as an issue worth addressing? Have you at times, for instance, hesitated to sign up with a company, perhaps on the internet, because it will require that you read through an exhaustive Privacy Policy and Terms of Service? Or are you one who is so put off by such legalese that you have considered clicking a box stating you have read and agree to the terms, even though you barely skimmed through it, just to have the product, services or information you desired? What may be done, in the spirit of God’s incoming Kingdom, to address such concerns as these?
STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS. What if the major companies in an industry, willing to show a spirit of cooperation, put their heads together and considered the terms they hold in common with one another, and what they might be willing to agree to in the way of fair business practices, and honest dealings with customers? Could such groups come up with an Industry-specific GENERAL TERMS, that relate what those specific companies hold in common or what they are willing to hold in common? Then, each individual company might have a few specific terms, that it could detail in another document, some sort of SPECIFIC TERMS document. Any person who has read the GENERAL TERMS document already, agreeing to it, may then need only read the SPECIFIC TERMS in order to comprehend all that the company is providing and requiring. Also, what if ALL of the FINANCIAL ISSUES affecting the customer were addressed at the very top of each of these documents, so there was no confusion or hidden tricks aiming to take advantage of someone? This may reveal an honest spirit of integrity for those companies willing to uphold such in the public eye. ANY COMPANY in the industry who can generally meet the standards set forth in the GENERAL TERMS document might declare their support, and develop their own SPECIFIC TERMS document making known any additions, modifications, or clarifications. This would save much unnecessary reading on the part of customers.
UPDATING. ALSO, if a GENERAL TERMS document needs to be modified or updated at all, let an UPDATE document be released, that shows just the changes made to the document, or all the changes made that calendar year, for any who have already read the ORIGINAL. They need only read and comprehend the changes. Perhaps the latest entire GENERAL TERMS document may be posted each January 1, so that anyone can read it or be reminded of it’s contents.
LAYMAN’S TERMS (LT) VERSION. What if, also, such a GENERAL TERMS document could be put into an additional LAYMAN’S TERMS VERSION, or LT VERSION, that would be no longer than 1/3 the original legal document length, and would spell out, honestly and openly, the primary concerns of the customer and company, in clear and simple language, apart from the legal terminology so common in those documents? Reading the LAYMAN’S TERMS document would give the average person a much faster read, and way to comprehend more readily what the legal document sets forth. Agreeing to the LT document may be a preliminary way of indicating a willingness to cooperate or enter agreement—they are willing to go further in pursuing the product or service. As long as the legal document contains nothing important intentionally hidden or missing from the LT document, the customer is then likely willing to do business, and the reading of the legal documents becomes more of a formality, while still, however, making it more official.
HEADINGS.
Also, such companies who choose to uphold the aforementioned standards of honesty, straightforwardness, fairness in business practices--general integrity, without any underhandedness, would be welcome by me to consider my patented license for paragraph HEADINGS, to make the reading of these documents even more straightforward and understandable. The headings would work in the same way as in this document, to give in a few words generally the most helpful idea presented in the following paragraph, building anticipation. The patent now gives students the right to use these headings for free when writing something that is not-for-profit.
A STANDARD PRIVACY POLICY. Also, what if certain companies known for their integrity, security and privacy support, such as Apple, Inc., and I believe, Microsoft Corp. now also, similarly put forward a GENERAL PRIVACY POLICY document, that once again several other business or internet groups may officially support or adhere to, with perhaps just a few changes or additions? Having read this Privacy Policy, or it’s latest update, you need only read any PRIVACY POLICY SPECIFICS by the company of interest, to know where it stands on this crucial issue.
FURTHER ISSUES.
Also, God's Kingdom is to bring a large measure of stability to society. While some things may continue to change, with variety still the spice of life, there should be less to disturb us, or threaten our peace and happiness. Along those lines, most contracts signed in person are the agreements that are considered binding regarding that product or service, at least over a certain time period. However, many internet services have been eager to change their terms at will, giving you a short time to review these changes, and decide whether or not to continue with their services. You're forced to change what you agreed to when you first signed up with the company. What if more stability could come about, with those companies willing to do things a better way? There may be some good options: (1) What if we had at least a 6-month standard period of time for which most such agreements would be good for. While such terms could change anytime for new
customers, what if the agreement that a customer made with such companies was good for a reasonable period of time? Such internet agreements could clearly state a term for which the agreement is good for, or possibly a date that it is good until, at which time any adjustments or modifications could be made. There could be reasonable time allowed for reviewing any changes to such service terms, before making any decisions. OR, (2) Such a company might set a date yearly or a time every so often to make significant changes to the internet environment of it's customers, and make the terms good until that date, so that any changes to the system may be uniformly reflected to all customers at the same time. Stating a TERM for the agreement may be very helpful, and hopefully in most cases any changes afterward would be few and far between. Such would reduce worry of unexpected and unsettling emails requiring you to review the updated terms. And again, when the term is up, why not provide a document showing just the changes to the terms that have occurred since the last term began, or since the year's beginning, perhaps in layman's terms as well, rather than a full document to read, showing no attempt to hide what changes were actually made? Might something like this be a better way, for any such companies who care about the peace, security, and happiness of their customers?
Along the same lines, could most such companies provide a sign-up period of free service, or a low-cost trial, with the customer being required to read the Layman's Terms Service agreement, 1/3 the length of the longer Legal document, agreeing to this, and having the term of temporary service, for example, 3-7 days, to read through the more extensive Legal document, while enjoying the service, to be in position to, at the end of the trial, agree to the Legal document already read, which should be a formality after reading the LT version, and choose to submit payment for the agreed upon term of service? Granted, this may not be possible in every case, but some sort of access or benefit may be possible in most cases. How fine to have an easier-to-read document at first, to understand the agreement clearly, and begin enjoying the services, then having more time with which to consider the more official legal version!
CONCLUSION
WHAT A GIFT! What a gift for such an arrangement to come about by such companies, perhaps in cooperation with honest legal teams, willing to cooperate and uphold God’s standards of fairness, justice, reasonableness, and good business practices! Many companies in the same industry usually have their own specific niche or specific rewards and benefits associated with using their products or services, attracting certain types of customers, such that companies do not need to have an overly competitive or dog-eat-dog spirit. God Himself can bless the efforts of each company willing to do things His way, well motivated to provide good products or services to fellow humans. Granted, some businesses may still come and go—such is the nature of a free market system, one enabling people to explore possibilities and look for solutions to real problems. But God’s Kingdom is bringing a spirit of unity and harmony among those honoring Him the likes of which have been rare in human history. The relatively free market system that was somewhat present in the days of Israel and that has in many ways blessed the United States, while allowing for market creativity with a desire to achieve financial success, is capable of operating more on integrity to good standards and loyal love for fellow humans than on selfish greed. Proverbs 11 says, for instance: “3 The integrity of the upright is what guides them, But the deviousness of the treacherous will destroy them.” May many good things come about by such an arrangement, blessed by God, as He and His Son lead us toward a time of genuine peace, prosperity, and happiness, even endlessly!
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!
2026 07A/12 (Jlo) FLS START Blogpost 1 (1-3) Shorthand: ETH06A1: (2A) PS[1]. / 10A2: Update v.14, (7) PR-C(18.4), Update, (4A) Ps119 Review S05-07, Update, (PA3) More Orderly Time. / 05P2: Updates, New blogpost, (3) PR-A(02.5), (7) PR-B(11.1), notes. /
2026 07B/12 (Jlo) FLS Blogpost 2 (4-6) Shorthand: ETH07A2: Update, (4A) Ps119 Review S05-07. / 12P2: New blogpost, Update. /
2026 07C/12 (Jlo) FLS Blogpost 3 (7-9) Shorthand, Educ Note: ETH10A3: Update v.14, (7) PR-C(18.4), (PA3) Update, More Orderly Time. / 05P2: Updates, New blogpost, (7) PR-B(11.1). /
2026 06A/12 (Tru) FLS START Blogpost 1 (1-3) Shorthand: ETH08A1: Update, (4A) S07B. / 07A1: (7) PR-C(18.3), (4A) Ps119 S07A. / 05P1: Update, (7) PR-B(10.6), Update, (3) PR-A(02.4). / 07P2: Updates, (4A) Ps119 S06B, (2A) PS[2] and (2B) SW[2]. / 08A2: Update, (7) PR-C(18.2), PR-B(10.5), (4A) Ps119 S06A. / 12P1: (3) PR-A(02.3). /
2026 06B/12 (Tru) FLS Blogpost 2 (4-6) Shorthand: ETH07A1: Update, (4A) Ps119 S07B. / 07A1: Update, (4A) Ps119 S07A. / 07P1: Update, (4A) Ps119 S06B. / 06A1: (4A) Ps119 S06A. / 07A1: (4A) Ps119 S05B. / 07A2: Frmt, (4A) Ps119 S05A. /
2026 06C/12 (Tru) FLS Blogpost 3 (7-9) Shorthand, Educ Note: ETH07A1: (7) PR-C(18.3). / 05P1: Update, (7) PR-B(10.6). / 08A2: Update, (7) PR-C(18.2), PR-B(10.5). / 08A1: (7) PR-C(18.1). / 07A1: (7) PR-B(10.4). / 07A1: (7) PR-C(17.7). / 06A2: (7) PR-B(10.3). / 07A1: (7) PR-C(17.6). / 11A1: (3) PR-B(10.2). /
2026 05A/12 (Agr) FLS START Blogpost 1 (1-3) Shorthand: ETH08A1: W1p, Election article, (3) PR-A(10.6) and (7) PR-B(20.6,20.7). / 10A2: Update, Wildfires add, Update, (7) PR-B(20.5) also (3) PR-A(10.5). / 08A1: (7) PR-B(20.4) and (3) PR-A(10.4). /
2026 05B/12 (Agr) FLS Blogpost 2 (4-6) Shorthand: ETH09A1: (4A) Ps119 Review S12-22 Part 3 of 3. / 08A1: (4A) Ps119 Review S12-22 Part 2 of 3. / 06A1: (4A) Ps119 Review S12-22 Part 1 of 3. / 09A1: (4A) Ps119 Review Stanza 20-22. / 09P1: New blogpost 2/B and (4A) Ps119 S22A-22B. /
2026 05C/12 (Agr) FLS Blogpost 3 (7-9) Shorthand, Educ Note: ETH07A1: Election article, (7) PR-B(20.6,20.7). / 10A2: Update, Wildfires add, Update, (7) PR-B(20.5). / 08A1: (7) PR-B(20.4). / 05A1: (7) PR-B(20.3). / 07A1: (7) PR-B(20.2). / 09A1: Update, (7) PR-B(20.1). /
2026 04A/12 (Rtp) START Find Life and See (1-3) Golden Apples-A and Win-it Minute (2) Psalm Select and SongWeekly (3) Proverbs A