2020 Oct 04 Psalm 119 Stanza 14, Proverbs 6-7, BWGA, CTC Corner
2020 Oct 04 Psalm 119 Stanza 14, Proverbs 6-7, BWGA, CTC Corner
Hello, with warm wishes for a sunny sunflower day! Let's reflect on the 14th stanza of Psalm 119, verses from Proverbs 7, a current BWGA, as well as a new CTC Corner.
PSALM 119 STANZA 14A
STANZA 14 Theme: GOD CAN PRESERVE US THROUGH TIMES OF PERIL,
WHILE HIS REMINDERS BRING JOY.
The 8 verses of stanza 14 include thoughts such as these: Like the psalmist, we
may come to view God’s reminders with great joy. How does God’s word serve as a
lamp and a light, how has God proven to be a Savior?
105 Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.
106 I have sworn an oath, and I will carry it out, To observe your righteous judgments.
107 I have been greatly afflicted. O Jehovah, preserve me alive according to your word.
108 Please take pleasure in my voluntary offerings of praise, O Jehovah, And teach me your judgments.
105 Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.
BE GUIDED BY GOD'S WORD.
It was the prophet Jeremiah who was
inspired by God to pen the words of Jeremiah 10:23, saying: “23 I well know, O
Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who
is walking even to direct his step.” We want to rely on Jehovah as we “walk
with God,” willing to let Him guide our steps. Of course we have free will, and
can choose our course in life, for Jehovah is a God of freedom! But man was not
designed to decide for himself what is good and what is bad, what is right and
what is wrong. This belongs to Jehovah God. Thus, Proverbs 16:9 says: “ 9 A man
may plot out his course in his heart, But it is Jehovah who directs his steps.”
God’s word is therefore a “lamp” to our foot, to allow us to see the next step
we should take. And more than that, it can light our path, helping us see down
the road, alerting us to what may be coming in the distance. God’s prophetic
word does give warning, often with history written in advance! May we look to
God and His word for guidance in life, leading humanity to the success of God’s
loving will and good purpose!
106 I have sworn an oath, and I will carry it out, To
observe your righteous judgments.
LEARN FROM AND KEEP GOD'S JUDGMENTS.
Genuine decisions from God
should be appreciated as made in harmony with His law and will, and in line
with truth. The psalmist had such confidence in them that he made a solemn vow
to recognize and support Jehovah’s judgments. Really, we stand in awe of God’s
power and righteous decisions manifest throughout man’s history. The judgments
God made in times past are written in God’s word for mankind to learn from, so
as not to repeat history. Even some of the wrong desires manifest by Israel
were recorded as a warning, as expressed in 1Corinthians 10:6-11. Verses 6,11
say: “6 Now these things became examples for us, in order for us not to desire
injurious things, as they desired them...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.” They were not to worship idols, desire
pleasure above God, or murmur against His exercise of authority, for instance.
We, too, should appreciate that God, and no human, is the giver of “every good
gift and every perfect present.” Should we not love the Creator even more than
what He created? We can love both, but certainly Jehovah, as the God of love,
deserves the first place in our heart! May we be determined to keep God first,
and greatly respect His righteous judgments!
107 I have been greatly afflicted. O Jehovah, preserve me
alive according to your word.
ACCEPT COUNSEL OF GOD'S WORD.
Another translation says “I have
suffered much...” Have you been through difficult trials like the psalmist? If
we rely upon God, He can carry us through. What benefit would there be to
ignoring God and striking out on our own, as if we can get through without His
help? He wants to help us, and how we need His guidance! His word really can
help us know how to handle various situations that may arise in our life, to
make good, healthy decisions leading to success. We need to study carefully the
teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, and the
wisdom of God found throughout His word, but especially in the Christian
writings as well as books such as Proverbs and Psalms. As we grow in wisdom,
which we can ask God for, we will often know the right decision to make, also
as we receive God’s help in prayer.
108 Please take pleasure in my voluntary offerings of
praise, O Jehovah, And teach me your judgments.
EXPRESS ADMIRATION OF GOD AND HIS WAYS. For all the benefits God brings to us, in His goodness, we can offer to Him our whole-hearted devotion and praise. Jehovah takes pleasure in such, as we express appreciation for Him with thanksgiving for His good gifts and love exercised toward us. Pleading that God find pleasure in such expressions, the psalmist also requests to be taught God’s judgments, or judicial decisions. As highlighted in an earlier verse, God’s judgments enable all to learn of God’s right ways and standards—what’s required by Him. Thus, God’s beneficial ways and standards can themselves be objects of our praise and admiration, by which God enables mankind to live happily and peaceably into eternity! May we ever appreciate God’s loving intervention in mankind’s activities, to assist us in accord with His good will and purpose, trusting His righteous judgments!
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PSALM 119 STANZA 14B
STANZA 14 Theme: GOD CAN PRESERVE US THROUGH TIMES OF PERIL, WHILE HIS REMINDERS BRING JOY.
Stanza 14B reads like this:
109 My life is in constant danger, But I have not forgotten
your law.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me, But I have not strayed from your orders.
111 I take your reminders as my permanent possession, For they are the joy of
my heart.
112 I have resolved to obey your regulations At all times, down to the last.
109 My life is in constant danger, But I have not forgotten your law.
JEHOVAH KNOWS HOW.
Jehovah, the Creator of mankind and this entire
universe, certainly has tremendous power—has He used it to save His servants
out of peril? Look at examples from history—such as God’s display of loyalty
and power at the Red Sea, parting the waters for His people to escape! God
lovingly ensured the safety of every one of them that He brought out of
Egyptian bondage, as they journeyed over the seabed while Egypt’s army unwisely
went in pursuit, God fighting against them, for example by removing wheels from
their chariots. God’s people all safely reached the other side, before He
released the waters to have them destroy the warriors who had witnessed His
great power in Egypt. (Exodus 14). Do you see in the account any weaker ones
who got left behind, who didn’t make it? Still, they needed to follow God’s
instructions, as the psalmist did not forget God’s law. 2Peter 2 says: “9 So,
then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to
reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment.” May all
work on cultivating a close relationship with God, as “9 Jehovah is not slow
concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient
with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to
attain to repentance.“
110 The wicked have set a trap for me, But I have not strayed from your orders.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD VITAL.
The psalmist expresses the role of God’s
orders in saving him from traps of evil ones. May we be ever determined to
abide by Jehovah’s most serious and urgent commands, especially as revealed
through Christ. The disciples of Jesus set an example in this, in the first
century C.E. Jesus had commissioned them to share with others the divine
knowledge about Christ and God’s Kingdom, as at Matthew 28:18-20. They were
persecuted for doing so, being told not to speak about Jesus, after his
impalement (and resurrection.) Acts 5:27-29 reports: “27 So they brought them
and stood them before the Sanʹhe·drin. Then the high priest questioned them 28
and said: “We strictly ordered you not to keep teaching on the basis of this
name, and yet look! you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are
determined to bring the blood of this man upon us.” 29 In answer Peter and the
other apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” After debate,
the account continues: “40 At this they took his advice, and they summoned the
apostles, flogged them, and ordered them to stop speaking on the basis of
Jesus’ name, and let them go. 41 So they went out from before the Sanʹhe·drin,
rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of
his name. 42 And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued
without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.”
May we trust God’s saving power, especially for our eternal life, as we obey
God’s orders for true Christians.
111 I take your reminders as my permanent possession, For they are the joy of
my heart.
APPRECIATE THEM DEEPLY.
How we rejoice when we’ve recently been
reminded of something that proved helpful to us in an important decision or
situation we’ve faced! It is deeply satisfying to know what to do to please
Jehovah as we face decisions each day. Growing in godly wisdom helps us to know
and not fret over such decisions, and life becomes more and more delightful,
handling things successfully. Paying attention to reminders from God, which may
come by reading His word personally, attending meetings where God’s word is
read or discussed, or by association with those of genuine faith, can help us
maintain a healthy routine in life, seeking first both God’s kingdom and His
righteousness, or integrity to Him. (Matth 6:33). As the psalmist, may we come
to delight in God’s reminders, seeking to understand them more fully rather than
viewing them as mundane. Let them come to be “the joy of [our] heart!”
112 I have resolved to obey your regulations At all times, down to the last.
DOWN TO THE LAST. The detailed guidance God provides in His “regulations” (guidelines that regulate our activities) the psalmist was determined to keep “at all times.” He was not about to violate God’s law in any way. Then he adds, “down to the last.” Another translation reads “to the very end.” The psalmist may be using this expression with a dual meaning. As he recently stated that his life was in constant danger, he may have considered that no matter how close to death he came, he would trust God’s law, even His detailed instructions. Of course, God preserved the psalmist alive, and wants us to faithfully live into His righteous new world of peace and happiness. Also, as they involved details of procedure, he was willing to follow God’s instructions carefully, even to the last detail. May we not confuse God’s instructions or "regulations" with laws made without God’s assistance or guidance, that are out of harmony with God’s word or will. We shouldn’t follow detailed instructions that cause us to disobey God’s clear law and orders. Jesus stated a principle, at Matthew 22: “21...“Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” Specifically, the paying of taxes to Caesar was being discussed, which Jesus showed was right to those duly authorized. It is to the true God, Jehovah, that we owe our life, and therefore our devotion. But He has placed rulers with authority in their “relative positions,” beneath Him. (Romans 13:1-4). We are instructed by God to follow their law in every way, as long as it does not violate God’s law, as we look forward to God’s Kingdom rulership through Christ.
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Proverbs 6:30-35, 7:1-5
“30 People do not despise a thief If he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry. 31 Yet, when found, he will repay sevenfold; He will give up all the valuables of his house. 32 Anyone committing adultery with a woman is lacking good sense; The one who does so brings ruin on himself. 33 He will get only wounds and dishonor, And his disgrace will not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy makes a husband furious; He will show no compassion when he takes revenge. 35 He will accept no compensation; He will not be appeased, no matter how large you make the gift.”
Prove 6:30-31 This is found in the midst of a discussion of the serious sin of adultery. Even a hungry person stealing to feed himself or his family must still pay the penalty for his sin when found out. Did he really need to violate God’s law to meet his need, or could God have found another way to provide for him? David wrote, at Psalm 37: “25 I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, Nor his children looking for bread.” Yes, God can provide what’s needed, even rightly desired, for one keeping His law, remaining righteous before Him.
"32 Anyone committing adultery with a woman is lacking good sense; The one who does so brings ruin on himself. 33 He will get only wounds and dishonor, And his disgrace will not be wiped away."
Prove 6:32-33 Likewise, is an act of adultery to be committed in the name of “love”? True, it is possible for genuine love to diminish in a relationship, between a husband and wife. Should this, however, be viewed as an opportunity to steal another man’s wife, or another woman’s husband? Or, rather, should they receive encouragement and support to strengthen and restore their love for each other, if possible, not throwing away all the love they’ve shared in the past? Should not the marriage union be so honored? “4 Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.” (Hebre 13:4). For a discussion of what may be hindering love in a marriage, see the article “Fortify Your Marriage by Rejecting Idolatry” under the MISC heading on this website. God wants trust to be the order of the day in His new world of peace and righteousness, with everyone having a loyal marriage partner into endless life, day by day, year by year, millennium by millennium. How long, for instance, should Adam and Eve have remained together if obedient to God, or if resurrected? While Christ, as "the last Adam" becomes a spiritual father to all, bestowing spiritual and eternal life to obedient mankind, how long would they have been, or could they still be, respected as the fleshly grandparents of everyone on earth? According to Bible chronology, it has been thousands of years since their beginning. It is reasonable to believe that the person you are now married to, or even if younger you may soon marry, could well continue with you as we begin our walk into an eternal happy future. In time, you may grow so fond of your spouse that you both deeply wish for your love to remain so long--if you truly love each other, why not aim for endless life together, and trust God for intervention if ever necessary? May you “trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Prove 3:5-7). Most married persons will likely remain together for the thousand year Reign of Christ, during the earthly cleanup and resurrection and assistance to ancestors of the past. Thus may loyalty between married partners be treasured, while looking to God for any adjustments to the arrangement if truly needed in the future. There is generally no need now to be looking outside of the marriage bond for another partner--work on loving the one you are now with, learning true faithfulness and loyalty, to God and each other, even if that one is not your partner into eternity. May the sin of adultery be rejected by those wishing to please God, and seen as a gross disrespect for God’s lovely marriage arrangement, blessed by Him.
"34 For jealousy makes a husband furious; He will show no compassion when he takes revenge. 35 He will accept no compensation; He will not be appeased, no matter how large you make the gift.”
Prove 6:34-35 Thus a husband dearly loving his wife may become very jealous over having been wronged in such a way by another man. Such sin may bring great spiritual harm to participators and disgrace. Thus was the lesson of ancient Israel, with the severe punishment usually administered. Now, God’s arrangement through Christ makes mercy possible, but it is up to the offended spouse to decide whether to end the marriage or forgive. Genuine resumption of sexual relations after being aware of the sin is indicative of extended forgiveness and continued marriage. Matthew 19:9 Jesus says “9 I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the grounds of sexual immorality [or, “fornication”], and marries another commits adultery.” It may be reasonable to believe that Jesus had not only literal fornication in mind, but also spiritual fornication, or a gross violation of true worship, as a legal ground for separation or divorce. Still, “mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13). If a mate is revilingly abusive, for instance, this should be addressed urgently, as it grossly misrepresents the love that God has for the family arrangement. Hopefully the practice is not so bad that separation is needed over a period. As mercy is extended for a time, help should be offered to overcome such a habit. Hopefully, genuine progress can be made and appreciated, and love restored or strengthened between marriage partners. (1Cori 5:9-11; 1Cori 7:12-16)
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Proverbs 7:1-5
"1 My son, keep my sayings, And treasure up my commandments. 2 Keep my commandments and live; Guard my instruction like the pupil of your eye. 3 Tie them around your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding “my relative,” 5 To guard you against the wayward woman, Against the immoral woman and her smooth words."
Verse 1-3: Clearly, we should "keep" and "treasure" the sayings of God and Christ, and their commands, as they mean life to us and others. While we have faith in Christ, this trust largely causes us to obey him carefully, and as Matthew 28:19-20 shows, Jesus says we are to teach others "to observe all the things I have commanded you." He says "you are my friends if you do what I am commanding you." (John 15:14). May we continually review God's reminders and commands, as if they were tied around our fingers. Let's God's words sink deep into us as we ponder the benefits, blessings, and rewards for doing as He instructs us. Then His words can be written on our hearts, as we in turn love God with all our heart, soul or life, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, these being the two greatest commandments of the Law. "This is what the love of God means, that we observe His commandments. And yet his commandments are not burdensome."
"4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding “my relative,” 5 To guard you against the wayward woman, Against the immoral woman and her smooth words."
Verses 4-5:May we view godly wisdom (applying knowledge to success and God's honor) and understanding as near and dear as godly family members and relatives. God's wisdom should be close to our hearts, as we learn to successfully apply God's instructions to our daily life, thinking God's thoughts as we meet various situations each day. God's thoughts will protect us from being seduced by others to stray from God's commands. The fatherly counselor here specifically mentions the "wayward woman," one disregarding God's word or law. She speaks with "smooth words," attempting to cause another to likewise disregard God's standards and ways, and fall with her into the seductive trap of sexual immorality. Yet, marriage is God's gift for satisfying such desires, and is the way two can express genuine true and loyal love to one another, with God's blessing and approval! Why miss out on the "blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich", 'without added pain?' (Prove 10:22). The so-called "treasures gained by wickedness will be of no benefit, but righteousness is what rescues from death," a vital principle among the very first of the proverbial sayings beginning in chapter 10 (Prove 10:2). Let's honor God's lovely arrangement of marriage, promoting true, loyal love, among mankind!
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BI-WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES
CORONAVIRUS ASSISTANCE
It was reported recently in this segment that certain foods may contribute to exacerbated symptoms of coronavirus. Not long ago, I was helped to find a salad combination that promoted my own health, and which I believe may help others who have been affected by the use of raw cheeses, to have coronavirus symptoms. The use of such a recipe, however, should be considered prayerfully, as your health and that of those charged to your care is YOUR responsibility. Proper approach to God may assist your locating these ingredients.
It begins with lettuce, washing and peeling away outside layers, and using inside layers unwashed, but cut to size.
To this may be added a small can of a beets, setting liquid aside.
Then some sweetened dried cranberries may be included.
A Catalina dressing makes for a healthy combination thus far.
This by itself, may contribute toward a healthy liver and kidney function.
To this may be added garlic, preferably minced or as powder, useful against harmful microorganisms.
as well as regular English walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. The pumpkin seeds, if not on-hand, may be substituted with the use of fresh or dried basil.
Drink the beet juice to begin, after a solemn prayer for God's blessing.
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COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER
How would you sum up the meaning of the term “Modesty” and it’s vital role in preserving peace among humans?
SUMMARY of article from the Watchtower magazine of 2000, dated 03-15:
Modesty—A Quality That Promotes Peace
1. What is included when defining modesty?
1. MODESTY DEFINED . Modesty can mean a number of things, such as a lack of conceit, or vanity, and a reluctance to boast about one’s abilities, achievements, and possessions. According to one reference work, modesty also means “keeping within bounds.” A modest person stays within the bounds of good behavior. He also acknowledges that there are limits to what he ought to do and is able to do. He knows that there are things to which he is not entitled. We surely feel drawn to modest people. “Nothing is more amiable than true modesty,” wrote English poet Joseph Addison.
2. How would you sum up the quality of modesty?
2. SUMMED UP. Modesty is thus humble and obedient, recognizing limits and limitations. Modesty also gives priority to spiritual matters, being content with necessities, and is reluctant to boast. “Wisdom is with the modest ones.”—Proverbs 11:2. Modesty enables ones to be at peace with Jehovah, fellow humans, and oneself.
3. How only is peace with Jehovah possible?
3. AT PEACE WITH JEHOVAH : Peace with Jehovah is only possible if one keeps within the bounds He sets for true worship. We must recognize the limits God sets, such as those found at 1Cor. 6:9,10.
4. (a) How may family life prove to be more peaceful? (b) How can elders display modesty, with what effect on congregation members?
4. AT PEACE WITH FELLOW HUMANS : Modesty promotes peaceful relations with others. When parents set an example in giving priority to spiritual matters and are content with necessities, their children find it easier to be contented, even if they don’t always get what they want. Family life will thus be more peaceful. Also, Christians are not to “go beyond the things that are written.” This includes elders, who are not to impose upon others their own personal preferences. Rather, they use God’s word to encourage ones to apply Jehovah’s standards to their behavior, dress, grooming, and recreation. When elders thus modestly trust God’s word, congregation members are moved to respect such men and respond to scriptural counsel.
5. How may modesty contribute to inner peace?
5. AT PEACE WITH ONESELF : Those who practice modesty are rewarded with inner peace. Such ones do not burn with ambition. While they may have personal goals, they trust in Jehovah for such privileges and credit them to Him. This draws the modest one closer to Jehovah, the “God of peace.”
Developing and Maintaining Modesty
6. How does what Jehovah has compare to what we may have?
6. OUR LIMITED ATTRIBUTES . What personal achievements could we claim that could ever compare with God’s accomplishments? Jehovah asked faithful Job, “Where did you happen to be when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you do know understanding.” (Job 38:4). Like Job, are we not similarly limited in knowledge, ability, and experience? Also, what of our possessions? “To Jehovah belongs the earth and that which fills it.” (Psalm 24:1; 50:10). What do we have that could compare to that? Thus we have no reason to boast of any talent or possession, material or spiritual.
7. (a) What attributes are essential to soundness of mind and modesty? (b) After teaching us what is good, what does Jehovah ask back from us?
7. ALSO HUMBLE . Rather, as stated by one who might have had reason to boast, at Romans 12:3: “3 For through the undeserved kindness given to me I tell everyone there among YOU not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think; but to think so as to have a sound mind, each one as God has distributed to him a measure of faith.” How much faith in God, His word and will have you come to have? Looking to Him, we can develop soundness of mind only with humble modesty, not thinking more of ourself than is necessary. To that end, we should also pray for holy spirit, as its fruitage helps us remain modest in God’s sight, producing within us qualities such as love, peace, patient loyalty, gentle mildness, and self-control. May we treasure the quality of modesty, recalling God’s counsel at Micah 6: “8 He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice [or, righteousness] and to love kindness[or, practice loyal love] and to be modest in walking with your God?” As we’ve learned, this modesty is humble and obedient, recognizing limits and limitations. May Jehovah bless your efforts to walk as He would have us walk throughout our lives.
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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!
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