2020 Oct 13-18 Psalm 119 Stanzas 16-17, Proverbs 7-8, WGA, Greatest Man, CTC Corner
2020 Oct 13-18 Psalm 119 Stanzas 16-17, Proverbs 7-8, WGA, Greatest Man, CTC Corner
Hello! Welcome, wishing you a lovely day in God's favor! Let's continue with Psalm 119 stanza 16, more of Proverbs 7, then, despite some delay, and as promised I will reveal the details regarding the CTC Corner theme for this week as presented on the last blogpost: FIFTEENAGERS: BECOMING RESPONSIBLE!
THU OCT 15: With warm wishes for a fine day, I'd like to make what should prove to be a truly practical and beneficial adjustment to the schedule for this blog: Doesn't it start first with our home? Many have anticipated the latest blog posting, but end up doing so while on the job, or getting to work. Why shouldn't most if not all rather look forward to finding the useful instruction in the late afternoon, before dinnertime perhaps, allowing for discussion with our family first, whether it is a youth desiring to share something s/he appreciated, or a parent finding delight in some helpful direction or insight from God's word. Also, I wish to begin keeping a running blogpost for the week, adding to it each day that is planned. I aim to do so in a way that will not make it difficult to find the new or latest information. So most of the planned information for this day should be presented by late afternoon today, and additional remarks regarding this week's CTC Corner theme on FIFTEENAGERS: BECOMING RESPONSIBLE! should also come then.
SUN OCT 18: Welcome to another precious day of rest for many before Jehovah! Perhaps you may consider further the psalmist's expressions regarding His determination to remain faithful to Jehovah, upholding His law, and the insight gained from both Proverbs 7 and 8. Also, additional remarks have been added to this week's CTC Corner theme, as I am letting it remain for another week's examination, as this one was not presented in it's entirety, as most will be. Also, another installment of the GREATEST MAN, referring to the life course of Jesus Christ as regards the example set by God's chosen Messiah, will soon follow.
PSALM 119 STANZA 16-17
All 8 of these verses show God looks after the welfare of His loyal servants, who practice what is just and righteous. How might understanding help us to know God’s reminders, and why should we highly value God’s commandments?
Stanza 16A:
121 I have done what is just and righteous. Do not abandon me to my oppressors!
122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant; May the presumptuous not oppress me.
123 My eyes have grown weary waiting for your salvation And for your righteous promise.
124 Show your loyal love to your servant, And teach me your regulations.
121 I have done what is just and righteous. Do not abandon me to my oppressors!
STRIVE FOR BLAMELESS INTEGRITY. The psalmist here pleads for God’s protection on the basis of his adherence to the path of righteousness. Some would imagine that the ransom sacrifice of Christ somehow means we no longer have to practice what is right—What a mistake! Recall Jesus said, early in his Sermon on the Mount, “17 “Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I came, not to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 Truly I say to you that sooner would heaven and earth pass away than for one smallest letter or one stroke of a letter to pass away from the Law until all things take place. 19 Whoever, therefore, breaks one of these least commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in relation to the Kingdom of the heavens. But whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in relation to the Kingdom of the heavens. 20 For I say to you that if your righteousness does not surpass that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom of the heavens.” The ransom is primarily to cover our unintentional, occasional misses as we strive for the target of righteousness, or blameless integrity to God. (Romans 3:31; 6:15-17). With full faith in Christ, striving to carefully follow his example of righteousness and keep his commands, we may likewise appeal to God if being oppressed, as the psalmist requests in these two verses.
122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant; May the presumptuous not oppress me.
FAITHFUL ENDURANCE, HOLDING FIRMLY. Going further, the psalmist wants his welfare guaranteed. While God has not promised that we won’t be harmed in some way in this system of things, He can look after our welfare, primarily our spiritual welfare—our well-being, and long-term relationships with God and God-fearing ones. The psalmist has been oppressed by presumptuous ones, at one point having been “greatly afflicted” (v.107). He stated: “92 If I had not been fond of your law, I would have perished in my affliction.” Yet he had things to learn. He said: “71 It is good that I have been afflicted, So that I may learn your regulations.” And he said: “67 Before I was afflicted, I used to go astray, But now I keep your saying.” Perhaps now that he is more familiar with God’s law and holding firmly to it as God’s “servant,” having done “what is just and righteous,” he appeals for greater protection from immodest, law-breaking presumptuous oppressors. Still, he recognizes: “75 I know, O Jehovah, that your judgments are righteous And that you have afflicted me in your faithfulness.” May we place our full trust in God, confident that: “13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” The goal is faithful endurance to God, holding firmly to His way, accepting what God permits, while hoping in the best possible outcome under the circumstances. Soon, God’s kingdom will usher in greater blessings, leading us to a world of righteousness and genuine peace earthwide! (Psalm 37:9-11; 2Peter 3:13).
123 My eyes have grown weary waiting for your salvation And for your righteous promise.
NEED FOR ENDURANCE. The psalmist acknowledges that we may have to learn “endurance”—having acquired the self-control or fortitude necessary to hold firmly to God’s standards—Christian endurance enables us to do so for a period of time, waiting on deliverance from God. Jehovah has promised eventual deliverance, but we realize that some faithful ones have had to endure years of oppression. As God’s kingdom draws ever nearer, the need for such prolonged endurance may lessen, but may we accept what God allows in faithfulness, confident in relief in God’s due time. James begins his exhortation with these words: “2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, 3 knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith produces endurance. 4 But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything.” Yes, we can learn to maintain joy, or deep satisfaction, doing right amidst troubles, as Christ stated: “11 “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you.” Even those with Earthly Paradise hopes, like the prophets of old, will find great reward in such faithful endurance. Rather than tiring, Paul encourages examining Christ's example: "3 Indeed, consider closely the one who has endured such hostile speech from sinners against their own interests, so that you may not get tired and give up." (Hebre 12:1-3). Certainly God will supply us needed strength to remain faithful! God's word says, for instance: "13 For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power." (Phili 4:13). Such endurance produces an even stronger hope in the promised eternal reward!
124 Show your loyal love to your servant, And teach me your [instructions].
LOYALLY AIM FOR THE RIGHT TARGET. The psalmist appeals to God for His expression of loyal love. With all that David had to endure from his enemies and from Saul, afterward he stated about Jehovah, at Psalm 18:25: “25 With someone loyal you act in loyalty; With the blameless man you deal blamelessly.” May we prove a servant of the Most High God, Jehovah, and seek to be taught even detailed instructions by Him, adhering to such faithfully. We may appeal to God on the basis of the ransom sacrifice of Christ, to cover any sins as we strive to be obedient to Christian standards. Let us continue aiming for the target of righteousness, having faith, or deep trust, in Jehovah, knowing “6 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.”
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The 8 verses of this stanza show God looks after the welfare of His loyal servants, who practice what is just and righteous. How might understanding help us to know God’s reminders, and why should we highly value God’s commandments?
Stanza 16B:
125 I am your servant; give me understanding, So that I may know your reminders.
126 The time has come for Jehovah to act, For they have broken your law.
127 That is why I love your commandments More than gold, even fine gold.
128 Therefore, I consider every instruction from you to be right; I hate every false path.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding, So that I may know your reminders.
OBEYING GOD, PRAY FOR DIVINE UNDERSTANDING. Proving a loyal “servant” of Jehovah, by practicing what is just and right, with good judgment and discernment, he was therefore worthy of receiving from God the wise quality of understanding. This quality involves seeing the big picture of something, particularly regarding divine knowledge, along with all it’s pieces, and how they interrelate to make the whole of it. The psalmist considered this quality essential to knowing God’s reminders. God’s reminders can cover the entire scope of worshipping Him acceptably, keeping His law. Understanding true worship fully makes possible a deeper appreciation for God’s reminders, seeing the reasons for them.
126 The time has come for Jehovah to act, For they have broken your law.
JEHOVAH'S TIME TO ACT. When Jehovah considers it right to do so, He may act at any time to support or protect His faithful servants, or even the interests of all mankind. Of course, He, the Creator Jehovah, is motivated by deep love to do so, for His own creation of humanity, and also for His own reputation as a loving and just God, worthy of our devotion. 2Corinthians 3:17 says of this God: “17 Now Jehovah is the Spirit, and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.” While Jehovah is a God of freedom, there must be law for the benefit of His servants, to make possible living peaceably and happily with respect to God and one another. God’s authority is above that of any other ruler, and His law should thus be appreciated and respected by such ones, as it involves the everlasting benefit of all. When the spiritual and eternal happiness of many humans are under severe threat, Jehovah may well step in to save His good and loving purpose for mankind.
127 That is why I love your commandments More than gold, even fine gold.
LOVING GOD'S COMMANDS MEAN LIFE. Thus we should, like the psalmist, highly value God’s commandments, for they contribute to the eternal welfare and happiness of all humans. While “gold” or money is necessary to get along in life, as this likely king or future king well understood, he placed the priority on God’s word, or spiritual matters. It is as stated at Ecclesiastes 7:12: “12 For wisdom is a protection just as money is a protection, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.” Jesus showed that God himself can provide materially for His servants, as they put God’s will first in life. In fact, he revealed that only one can be put first—either God or Riches. He said, at Matthew 6:24: “24 “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches.” The psalmist thus chose to love God and His law more than anything money could buy. Eternal life is not available for a monetary price. One must come to love God and others in a genuine way, in harmony with godly wisdom, in accord with God’s word and law, with faith, or deep trust in God and His Son, getting to know them well, to “get a firm hold on the real life”—the everlasting life God has prepared for those who “continue loving Him.” (John 17:3; 1Timo 6:19; James 1:12).
128 Therefore, I consider every instruction from you to be right; I hate every false path.
These verses express love for various aspects of God’s word, including His reminders and commandments. Why does the psalmist sigh over those not keeping God’s law?
Stanza 17A:
129 Your reminders are wonderful. That is why I observe them.
130 The disclosure of your words brings light,Giving understanding to the inexperienced.
131 I open my mouth wide and sigh, Because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and show me favor, In keeping with your judgment toward those loving your name.
129 Your reminders are wonderful. That is why I observe them.
GOD'S REMINDERS BENEFIT US. Clearly the psalmist was well-motivated to obey Jehovah, not doing so out of morbid fear of torment or tormenting “discipline” if he failed to obey. Rather, love for God and His marvelous inspired word moved him, as he developed deep appreciation. The reminders we receive by reading God’s word regularly, and being where the truth of God’s word is discussed, and in association with those of such faith, truly do better our lives and promote happiness and contentment. The psalmist thus found them to be wonderful, despite pressures to ignore or violate God’s law by wrongdoers. May we likewise consider God’s word carefully, deepening our appreciation for it. As Peter instructed early Christians, including those not yet holding to Christian standards, at 1Peter 2:2-3: “2 As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk of the word, so that by means of it you may grow to salvation, 3 provided you have tasted that the Lord is kind.”
130 The disclosure of your words brings light, Giving understanding to the [naive].
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. As a lamp needs to be lit, and as a light needs to be turned on to function, so God’s words need to be disclosed, shared, or “unfolded” to enlighten others to divine truth. This imparts understanding to those lacking—the naive, or those less aware. Jesus told his disciples: “14 “You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when located on a mountain. 15 People light a lamp and set it, not under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house. 16 Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.” Thus, as God’s word is revealed and explained to us and others, we may listen and apply it’s counsel, causing us to be “rich in fine works” as a good example for others in imitation of Christ. (1Timo 6:18).
131 I open my mouth wide and sigh, Because I long for your commandments.
GOD'S GOOD GUIDANCE. Have you ever yearned to know how best to handle a situation? The principles of God’s word, and sometimes His commandments, help us to make better decisions, knowing the right way to go. While Christians operate mostly on Christian standards and principles of truth such as Christ’s example and teachings, there are still Christian commands. Take for instance Paul’s words to the Romans, at 12:9-12. Here we have several very simple, direct commands, instructing in the application of godly principles: “9 Let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good. 10 In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead. 11 Be industrious, not lazy. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah. 12 Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer.” Do you see the benefit of pondering such commandments, and why the psalmist may have longed for those given to the nation of Israel? Such commands can cause one now to act in a wise way, even while still growing in understanding of Christian truth. (v.100).
132 Turn to me and show me favor, In keeping with your judgment toward those loving your name.
Stanza 17B:
133 Guide my steps safely by your saying; May nothing wicked dominate me.
134 Rescue me from oppressive men, And I will keep your orders.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant, And teach me your regulations.
136 Tears stream down from my eyes Because people do not keep your law.
133 Guide my steps safely by your saying; May nothing wicked dominate me.
TRUST GOD'S GUIDANCE. Recall that God has given us free will, and wants us to use that gift in harmony with His guidance, choosing to do right before Him. While we set goals and make plans, Jehovah is the One with the right and the wisdom to know what is good and bad for us. This is evidently what is meant in Jeremiah 10:23, which states: “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 need the light of divine truth to successfully walk with God. Deciding to step is similar to deciding whether to believe something is true. Proverbs 14:15 says “The naive person believes every word, But the shrewd [or, “foresighted prudent”] one ponders each step.” The primary lesson may be, “think before you act.” Speaking of God, Jesus said “I always do the things pleasing to Him.” Thus the psalmist pleads for God to guide his steps safely. Along with this he asks for nothing wicked to dominate him, or as another translation reads, “Don’t let any sin be my master.” (NIRV). For this to be true, we should aim to view things as God does, asking “What would God have me do?” or “What would Jesus do or have done in this situation?” This is the point of Proverbs 3:5-6, saying: “ 5 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him [“Seek His will in all you do”, NLT], And he will make your paths straight.” May we trust and appreciate God’s guidance in our life, for our everlasting success and happiness!
134 Rescue me from oppressive men, And I will keep your orders.
FIRMLY STANDING. The indication is here that “oppressive men” may try to interfere with such godly obedience. The psalmist pleads for God’s intervention, that he may be free to obey God, to keep His orders. While endeavoring to keep all of God’s commandments, recall that such orders may involve the most serious and urgent commands. These are a major part of the framework of God’s law, as the structural supports in a house. This is built on the foundation of faith in Christ and essential teachings of Christian truth. May we come to identify the orders of God and Christ, appreciating their vital role in supporting a happy and successful life before God, especially with the future blessings of God’s kingdom.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant, And teach me your [instructions].
GOD'S NAME UPON HIS PEOPLE. Clearly, the psalmist sought God’s favor and blessing, as he wanted to be taught detailed guidance from God. Isaiah says of Israel: “13 And all your sons will be taught by Jehovah, And the peace of your sons will be abundant.” (Isaiah 54:13). The Christian apostle Paul referred to the “Israel of God” as those walking orderly by Christian conduct. (Galat 6:16). Thus those being taught by Jehovah would come to have abundant peace, in harmony with prophecies regarding the blessings of life under God’s rulership. Psalm 37:11 says “11 But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” Regarding God’s face shining upon the psalmist, this may be understood in the light of Numbers 6:22-27: “22 Then Jehovah said to Moses: 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is the way you should bless the people of Israel. Say to them: 24 “May Jehovah bless you and safeguard you. 25 May Jehovah make his face shine upon you, and may he favor you. 26 May Jehovah lift up his face toward you and grant you peace.”’ 27 And they must place my name upon the people of Israel, that I may bless them.” May we ever look to Jehovah and honor Him as the Source of genuine peace and happiness!
136 Tears stream down from my eyes Because people do not keep your law.
Proverbs 7:24-27
Here we find encouragement to avoid the trappings of immorality, including by groups promoting serious violations of godly integrity:
Earlier, God reveals the “great persuasiveness” an
immoral woman may use to mislead a young man into her clutches. Sexual
immorality is not true love, causing participants to stray from God’s loving,
loyal, ways of faithfulness for an eternity of happiness with a loyal marriage
partner. Therefore, God’s words to young men and women are vital to protect
themselves from such seduction and immoral thinking. If we do not accept God’s
instructions carefully, we could be easily deceived into a wrong path. Jesus
said “Therefore, pay attention to how you listen...” (Luke 8:18).
"25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways. Do not
stray onto her paths,"
Prove 7:25 We must protect our figurative heart, including our motives for acting, from corruption. Proverbs 4:23 says “23 Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life.” Ideas may be presented to the mind, but we choose whether we stop up our ear, let it go in one ear and out the other, or we ponder, or meditate, upon the notion, which could allow it to penetrate our heart, stirring desire, and eventually prompting action. Thus we need to develop the discernment necessary to distinguish truth from falsehood, right from wrong, etc. to judge what we allow ourselves to ponder. It has been said that a bird might land on a person’s head, but what does he do about it—does he quickly shoo it away, or does he foolishly allow it to build a nest on his head?!? Shoo away wrong thoughts presented to us by others, and refuse to ponder wrong desires, as we learn to recognize and distinguish them. Rather, choose to ponder right thinking, protecting our hearts from leading us into sin.
"26 For she has caused many to fall down slain, And
those she has killed are numerous. 27 Her house leads to the Grave; It
goes down to the inner chambers of death.”
Prove 7:26-27 Such immorality can lead to spiritual death, great damage to our relationships with God and others. Without recovery, this is a sin that can bar one from God’s Kingdom and eternal life with a loyal marriage partner. Does this really make sense? (1Cori 6:9-11). For young ones, they should spend time preparing for adult, married life, learning to do the things that will please their spouse and contribute to the stability and happiness of their newfound family. Look to God in prayer to help you find the marriage partner that will truly make you happy—you needn’t worry excessively over missing the right one. Jehovah God has brought countless married couples together for a delightful relationship, both loving Him and each other. Cultivate first your relationship with God, learning to think wisely and make good, right decisions each day. Learn the personality of a true Christian, growing in your fondness for spiritual things, that will be a source of delightful conversation for an eternity.
___Proverbs 8:1-16
:1-5
Beginning a new Proverbs chapter, let's consider an important reminder that to truly benefit from examining spiritual matters even a brief prayer for God's blessing can go a long way in receiving His spirit and pondering properly to affect and safeguard our hearts before God with what we’re studying.
"1 Is not wisdom calling out? Is not discernment raising its voice? 2 On the heights along the road, It takes its position at the crossroads. 3 Next to the gates leading into the city, At the entrances of the doorways, It keeps crying out loudly: 4 “To you, O people, I am calling; I raise my voice to everyone. 5 You inexperienced ones, learn shrewdness; You “fools”, acquire an understanding heart."
Verses 1-4: Those with genuine love and wisdom, understanding God's word, want to help as many as possible respond to the message of truth, finding ways to 'cry out loudly' to those not walking straight before Jehovah, to inexperienced ones. God raises his "voice to everyone." Clearly God cares about every person, wanting all to love his ways and embrace the hope of endless life in true peace and happiness. 2Peter 3:9 confirms this, saying "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." God is patiently loyal toward mankind--may all appreciate His patience and respond by seeking to understand His word more completely, finding out what's required to be pleasing Him, and offering heartfelt prayer for His mercy over past wrongdoing.
Verse 5: So inexperienced ones need foresighted shrewdness, or
prudence--learning to look ahead and see the consequences of both good and bad
decisions or actions, seeing the danger of a wrong course, coming to hate the
bad accordingly, seeking to avoid it, and love the good, seeking to remain on
the path of good people. Proverbs 2:20-22 says: "So follow the way of good
people And stay on the paths of the righteous, 21 For only the upright will
reside in the earth, And the blameless will remain in it. 22 As for the wicked,
they will be cut off from the earth, And the treacherous will be torn away from
it." It would be foolish to really know right but choose not to do
it. Such a person needs to acquire an "understanding heart." This
involves seeing the big picture regarding God's will and purpose, putting
divine knowledge together, seeing how the pieces fit in the puzzle of God's
word, to make the beautiful complete picture of God's purpose. Qualities of the
heart, such as patience and kindness should be appreciated and understood. Jesus's
teachings are also vital to apply, especially his direct commands. The Sermon
on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7 is an excellent starting point, containing
much of all that's required of true Christians.
"6 Listen, for what I say is important, My lips speak what is right; 7 For my mouth softly utters truth, And my lips detest what is wicked. 8 All the sayings of my mouth are righteous. None of them are twisted or crooked. 9 They are all straightforward to the discerning And right to those who have found knowledge. 10 Take my discipline instead of silver, And knowledge rather than the finest gold, 11 For wisdom is better than corals; All other desirable things cannot compare to it."
"7 For my mouth softly utters truth, And my lips detest what is wicked."
"8 All the sayings of my mouth are righteous. None of them are twisted or crooked. 9 They are all straightforward to the discerning And right to those who have found knowledge."
"10 Take my discipline instead of silver, And knowledge rather than the finest gold, 11 For wisdom is better than corals; All other desirable things cannot compare to it."
"11 For wisdom is better than corals; All other desirable things cannot compare to it. 12 I, wisdom, dwell together with shrewdness; I have found knowledge and thinking ability. 13 The fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad. I hate self-exaltation and pride and the evil way and perverse speech.14 I possess good advice and practical wisdom; Understanding and power are mine. 15 By me kings keep reigning, And high officials decree righteousness. 16 By me princes keep ruling, And nobles judge in righteousness."
Prov 8:11 Corals were rare and highly prized in Solomon's day, but no material gift or desired thing can compare to true godly wisdom, as it brings meaning and purpose to life and thereby makes possible genuine peace, harmony, and happiness among mankind. Adding the right purpose and meaning to life also happens to increase enjoyment in the delights we may experience.
"12 I, wisdom, dwell together with shrewdness; I have found knowledge and thinking ability."
Prov 8:12 Shrewdness, or foresighted prudence, dwells with true wisdom. This quality enables us to look ahead at the consequences of good and bad decisions and actions. Thus we grow in wisdom without having to experience the results of bad decisions ourselves, along with associated troubles, turmoil, headaches, heartaches, heartbreaks, problems, grief, and pain, and the need to recover from such things at times with the help of parents or spiritual shepherds to get back on track spiritually. Let's make good decisions as we stay far away from the path of the wicked, realizing the detrimental consequences of evil practices, as well as the blessings and rewards associated with right conduct. Thus we may avoid being naïve, and find real success in life, keeping away from snares and traps hindering our success in God's eyes (Prov 22:3).
"13 The fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad. I hate self-exaltation and pride and the evil way and perverse speech."
Prov 8:13 What insight into godly fear or reverence--associated with the hating of bad! As we learn the consequences of badness, we may thus find reason to hate it thoroughly, and rather treasure what is truly good, in harmony with God's standards. Jehovah God himself we should "fear" or "revere"--"consider worthy of great respect or honor." We find here four things worth hating, including self-exaltation and pride, lifting oneself up above others, viewing others as lesser ones. God's word says "knowledge puffs up," while "love builds up." True love is humble, viewing others as superior to ourselves. Others have gifts and talents as we do, often more or better than us, but regardless, all such gifts and talents come from our God, the giver of "every good gift and perfect present." (James 1:17). Therefore we've no reason to brag or boast in ourselves, or flatter ourselves, making it harder to see our flaws and correct them (Psal 36:2).
"14 I possess good advice and practical wisdom; Understanding and power are mine. 15 By me kings keep reigning, And high officials decree righteousness. 16 By me princes keep ruling, And nobles judge in righteousness."
Prov 8:14-16 Jesus exemplified true wisdom, and proved to be a "Wonderful Counselor." By his teachings and example as outlined in God's word, high officials and nobles may decree righteousness, and judges judge in harmony with law, which law is hopefully respectful of the law of God.
WEEKLY GOLDEN APPLES
Study Shows Older Americans Are Coping Best During the Pandemic
If you think older Americans have struggled to cope through the pandemic, think again. According to new research by financial services firm Edward Jones, they have actually been faring far better than their younger counterparts.
The Edward Jones and Age Wave Study focused exclusively on how different generations have held up emotionally and financially in the months since the lockdowns began, and some of its findings are at least as startling as how quickly even 70-year-olds came to love Zoom.
“COVID-19’s impact forever changed the reality of many Americans, yet we’ve observed a resilience among U.S. retirees in contrast to younger generations,” says Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D., the founder and CEO of Age Wave, a leading research think tank on aging, retirement and longevity issues.
While acknowledging upfront that the virus itself disproportionately struck aging adults, the five-generational sampling of 9,000 people, age 18 and over, reveals more than a few surprises. Among them:
• While 37 percent of Gen Zers, 27 percent of Millennials, and 25 percent of Gen Xers say they’d suffered “mental health declines” since the virus hit, only 15 percent of Baby Boomers responded likewise.
• Faring the best were those 75 and over – the Silent Generation that followed the so-called “Greatest Generation” – with a mere 8 percent of those respondents reporting any mental health deterioration. That would seem to run counter, as does the results for Boomers (age 56 to 74), to early warnings that prolonged social isolation made older adults especially vulnerable to depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.
• Nearly 68 million Americans have altered the timing of their retirement due to the pandemic, and 20 million have stopped making regular retirement savings contributions.
Dychtwald attributes the two older generations’ resilience to having “a greater perspective on life.”
“They’ve seen wars and other major disruptions before,” he says, “and they know that this, too, will pass. Younger generations feel like, ‘What happened to my life? I mean, I was supposed to go to college or I was starting a new job, and now everything has changed.’”
Most retired Boomers and Silent Gens also had monthly Social Security checks to fall back on. Which explains why – though the pandemic has significantly reduced the financial security of a quarter of Americans – younger generations were slammed the hardest: Nearly one-third of Millennial and Gen Z respondents characterize the impact as “very or extremely negative,” compared to 16 percent of Boomers and 6 percent of Silent Gens who admitted to similar hardship.
Looking for any silver lining that’s come out of the COVID-19 crisis?
Well, 67 percent of respondents did say it’s brought their families closer together.
“The pandemic has certainly thrown into sharp relief what matters most in our lives,” says Ken Cella, Edward Jones’s client services group principal. “And important discussions have taken place about planning earlier for retirement, saving more for emergencies, and even talking through end-of-life plans and long-term care costs.”
And with the study also showing that an overwhelming percentage of retirees yearn for more ways to use their talents to benefit society, financial services firm Edward Jones believes it’s time to redefine retirement more “holistically” to encompass what it calls “the four pillars” of health, family, purpose and finance.
Successfully addressing most of those pillars admittedly takes more financial savvy than many of us have, though, especially given ever-rising costs. But a financial advisor, such as a local one at Edward Jones, has the perspective, experience and empathy to help.
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LIVER SUPPORT:
Here is article I may reprint here to add to your health knowledge/awareness:
Non-invasive Screening Finds Liver Disease Early
( NewsUSA ) – One quarter of the global population is estimated to have a liver disease called Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a condition where the liver consists of 5 percent or more fat. Untreated, this disease can lead to the more severe Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis which can result in cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver transplant.These liver diseases may become life-threatening without any noticeable symptoms, which is why screening is vital. For people who are at high risk, such as those living with obesity, pre-diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor about your liver health and get screened as early as possible. In the past, the best way to diagnose liver disease was by performing a liver biopsy, a procedure where a small piece of the liver is removed using a long needle and then analyzed in a lab. Liver biopsies can be painful, risky, expensive, and unreliable. Complications can include bleeding, infection, accidental injury to a nearby organ, and even death. A typical liver biopsy can cost more than $7,000. Additionally, a biopsy relies on using a tiny fraction of the liver, which means more than 30 percent of liver biopsy diagnoses may be wrong.Fortunately, there are now alternatives to biopsy. It is important for all healthcare providers and patients to understand that liver biopsy is not the only diagnostic option available. Some examples of non-invasive diagnostics include blood tests, ultrasound, and various different scans. Non-invasive diagnostics lead to fewer patient visits, quicker diagnosis, and are more cost-effective without the risks of surgery. Imaging tests can provide you and your doctor with a full picture of the liver, rather than just a small sample. If your doctor recommends a biopsy to screen for early liver disease, ask for non-invasive alternatives such as blood tests and imaging.For more information about liver health and non-invasive screening for liver disease, visit www.globalliver.org/beyond.
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The following is a salad recipe that may assist the liver to cleanse.
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 a handful of sweetened dried cranberries may be included.
A Catalina dressing makes for a healthy combination thus far.
To this may be added considerable garlic, preferably minced (but absolutely no phosphoric acid) or as powder, useful against harmful microorganisms,
as well as many English
walnuts or several black walnuts, and pumpkin seeds as you see fit.
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GREATEST MAN
Jesus once taught his disciples to have a respectful,
appreciative attitude toward those willing to hire them for work, that they may
provide for themselves, and their families as needed.
“Who of YOU is there that has a slave plowing or minding the flock who will say
to him when he gets in from the field, ‘Come here at once and recline at the
table’?8 Rather, will he not say to him, ‘Get something ready for me to have my
evening meal, and put on an apron and minister to me until I am through eating
and drinking, and afterward you can eat and drink’? 9 He will not feel
gratitude to the slave because he did the things assigned, will he?10 So YOU,
also, when YOU have done all the things assigned to YOU, say, ‘We are
good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.’”
While we all like our efforts to be appreciated, Jesus was showing that not all employers treat their employees in such a way. Thus, by having the attitude Jesus was encouraging, his disciples would be able to maintain proper respect for those granting them the work and pay they needed to support themselves, helping them maintain a proper work ethic. Colossians 3:23 recommends the proper view: “Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men.” By seeking to please God in our activity, we can give an honest day's work. Young persons are especially in need of a proper humble, respectful attitude toward their employers and even fellow employees, as they are introduced to the working world. By maintaining such an attitude while at work, we can be helped to avoid pleasing ourselves or concentrating on our own comforts, causing unseemly pride or laziness. Don’t give in if you see others begin to behave this way! Granted, some jobs do not require constant motion, but we should still show some careful quickness, to stay in good practice, especially in situations where the workload may increase. Jesus’ words in this regard have no doubt spared many from much trouble or calamity from the loss of work, especially at times throughout man’s history when jobs were hard to come by.
Prior to continuing this week's CTC Corner theme, I would like to share the opening remarks made regarding this segment as it was begun earlier this year:
SUBJECT: FIFTEENAGERS BECOMING RESPONSIBLE!
Revelation 21:5: "And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
Philippians 1:9-11: "And this is what I continue praying, that your love may abound still more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment; 10 that you may make sure of the more important things , so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ; 11 and that you may be filled with righteous fruit , which is through Jesus Christ, to God’s glory and praise."
RESPONSIBLE LIVING. There comes a time in the course of a teenager working toward adulthood with its many blessings and privileges before Jehovah God that a major step must be taken to assist the acquiring of a more thorough sense of responsibility that is essential to becoming truly prepared to face life as a genuine man or woman. Some serious steps must be taken, with full faith and trust in God, in order to be ready to properly handle such things as qualifying for and finding work to support oneself and eventually one's wife and family, proving that one can maintain living responsibly on one's own, trusting God, and becoming prepared for driving safely and responsibly. How can this be achieved in a way that allows both parents and their growing children to remain close while eventually being a bit further apart than a tent in the backyard?
FIRST THINGS FIRST. At 15, youths are nearing the time for learning to operate a motor vehicle responsibly, and they certainly want to do so in a way that will not endanger the lives of others! Surely under God’s Kingdom, there must be a way that they can develop a proper sense of responsibility while maintaining or even growing the close bond they have with their godly parents and family members. It will be entirely advantageous if these youths find suitable employment during the summer prior to their initial high school year, to enable saving up for the expenses of the new dwelling at the start of the coming school year. Such youths, who prove themselves willing to demonstrate genuine reverence for Jehovah God, could demonstrate to others that an arrangement for living with a same-gender friend approved by the parents of both individuals, in an apartment located not far from home, elsewhere in the same city or nearby town or well-established community, could improve the ability of such young ones to acquire this proper responsible quality. Having been students of God’s word, and supporters of the true worship of Jehovah along with others in the community, such as among one of several Protestant Christian denominations, they could with parental guidance and assistance, locate a peaceful dwelling that may be considered a CLEAN, HOLY EXTENSION OF EACH ONE'S PARENTAL HOME. Under such conditions, they may each continue their school and personal study habits, perhaps even with less distraction as may be found elsewhere. Their love for the inspired word of God should be a hallmark of such a place, as it will be vital to maintain each one’s personal relationship with Jehovah and the purity and sanctity of the new environment.
AGREEMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS.
Of course, such a dwelling will
usually require some agreement with the owner or landlord of the apartment. It is strongly recommended that a 2-year lease term be established, preferably during the summer working season, well before the selected or assigned high school year for this dwelling, with provision in extreme circumstances to return home after 1-year. The
students themselves, as they take on this responsibility, may certainly have
parental assistance to determine how best to suitably pay for any associated
expenses. In this initial year, the parents may certainly help guide their
youths as needed to acquire the necessary services for the dwelling, and these
two students together may use inexpensive public transportation to acquire
needs or meet parents or approved godly associates for an occasional meal, or to transport to their job location. Altogether, the process of acquiring work, the handling of assigned duties there, acquiring and practicing other skills
needed to live responsibly, such as delightful cooking and thorough cleaning,
organizing and tidiness, and the insight gained in the extension of home by what may be studied in preparation for life's privileges, all can contribute greatly to acquiring the sense of responsibility vital for life in the new world.Certainly these more youthful ones need quality
neighborhoods to dwell in at this particular time in their growth.
OTHER HELPFUL STUDIES.
Regarding what is to be studied in this godly setting, there are several beneficial matters worthy of consideration. First and foremost should be a more thorough examination of God's word the Holy Bible, life's genuine instruction manual. In the life of these youths, it's law and wisdom have already proven to be a beneficial guide for them in many difficult situations, and they have likely come to see it's value in their course of activity. There is one provision that would be an excellent start to strengthening one's relationship with God and acquiring vital insight into the godly Christian personality that will prove to enable abundant peace to prevail in the new world of God's making: It is a publication produced by the worldwide congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, entitled "Draw Close to Jehovah." This publication is available for download in the app "JW Library."
VITALLY IMPORTANT! The Scriptures help us see this matter in the proper light: With compassion, none of us wish to see another suffer a terrible disaster. Jesus understood this, but made a serious point, for the purpose of helping us strongly hate giving any consideration to tempting others to violate God's law: At Luke 17:1-4, NLT we read: "One day Jesus said to His disciples, "There will always be temptation to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! 2 It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. 3 So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive." Therefore, while we understand that God is merciful, we must not take that mercy for granted, but always strive to please God in what we do. Then God will ensure you have the advice you need to remain faithful. At Psalm 32:8 God says: "I will give you insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give advice with my eye upon you. 9 Do not become like a horse or mule, without understanding, whose spiritedness must be controlled with a bridle or a halter before it will come near to you." Ultimately, it is Jehovah God who can help a youth to prosper and assist one in eventually finding a suitable marriage partner that will make possible decade after decade of sharing life's joys together within the realm of God's Kingdom, with great love for our Creator, shown by obedience to Him (1John 5:3).
MORE 'INSIGHT AND INSTRUCTION.'
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!
