Welcome to the renewed blog, bringing back this week two former segments, Come to Consensus Corner, and now Bi-weekly Golden Apples, beginning this Wednesday. Let's delve into the review of Psalm 119 segments 9 through 11, before also reviewing the entire first half of Psalm 119. Then we'll take a look at more of the timely counsel of Proverbs chapter 5. Finally we'll consider a new Come to Consensus Corner!

PSALM 119 REVIEW 3 STANZAS 9 THRU 11

The theme for stanza 9 is this, along with selected verse commentary:

GOD’S DISCIPLINE IS GOOD FOR US, HELPING US TREASURE HIS PRICELESS LAW.

Verse 67: Before I was afflicted, I used to go astray, But now I keep your saying.

SPARED HEARTACHE. Psalm 119:67 God may have allowed the psalmist to face difficulties so that he might learn obedience, as did Christ, through “the things he suffered.” (Hebre 5:8). Adherence to God’s law spares us much heartache and trouble from the consequences of wrongdoing. The psalmist here learned the lesson, and came to appreciate the value of God’s loving guidance and correction.

Verse 68: You are good and your works are good. Teach me your [instructions].

EVIDENCE OF GOD'S LOVE. Psalm 119:68 Thus, Jehovah’s works are in harmony with His personality—they are a manifestation of His great love, wisdom, power, and sense of justice. His primary quality, according to His word, is love. While God HAS the other qualities, it is only love that He IS. (1John 4:8,16). Therefore, we can expect His works, past, present, and future to primarily manifest this quality. Can we not see this in God’s works of creation? The way humans have been made ‘in God’s image,’ to be able to think, reason, draw conclusions, work with our hands, move with our feet, laugh, and enjoy living—can we not appreciate our Great Designer? How much work would teams of scientists and engineers have to do to design and create a robot that could do all the things humans are capable of doing? Could it really just come about by chance? What about all that went into the animal creation, with the delightful experiences of watching kittens or puppies at play, seeing squirrels or other acrobatic creatures amaze us with their feats of skill, witnessing a bird’s talented flight or listening to birdsong? What about the sights and aromas of beautiful flowers or blossoming trees in springtime? Then being able to share such times with friends and loved ones, delighting in conversation over meals and other enjoyable activities—can our appreciation and love for God not continue to grow as we contemplate His innumerable kindnesses manifested toward the human family? Yes, Jehovah is good and His works are good! Like the psalmist, may we thus be moved to willingly learn from God even His detailed guidance for us, that we may know how to live and support the doing of His will and good purpose.

Verse 71: It is good that I have been afflicted, So that I may learn your [instructions].

GOD'S LAW A PROTECTION. Psalm 119:71 Similar to verse 67, the psalmist looks back on times of difficulty, as disciplining him toward godly obedience. He came to recognize God’s law as a protection from the stain and pain of wrong conduct. He learned God’s regulations, or detailed guidance, that he might keep it, finding and maintaining God’s approval, favor, and blessing. Happily, Jehovah can forgive past error, even making such mistakes “white like snow.” (Isaiah 1:18). Still, there can be consequences that ones have to live with for serious transgressions, just as David suffered many family troubles for his sins. How much better to appreciate God’s goodness, accepting His loving correction to begin with, choosing to live in accord with His standards!

Verse 72: The law that you have proclaimed is good for me, More so than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

GOD'S LAW PRICELESS, LIFE-SUSTAINING. Psalm 119:72 Here the stanza is summed up with an evaluation of God’s law—truly priceless! The psalmist has shown over several stanzas the benefits of keeping it whole-heartedly—remaining in a close relationship with God, and usually being respected by most God-fearing persons. He recognized God’s law as good, not just for others, but for him personally, moving him to value it more than money. Ecclesiastes 7:12 says “The advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.” Money, while necessary, cannot buy eternal life or true happiness, as God’s word clarifies. Therefore may we come to see what is of greatest value in life, and refuse to let others convince us otherwise!

The theme for all of stanza 10 is:
SUBMISSION TO GOD’S DISCIPLINE PLACES US IN HIS HANDS TO EXPERIENCE HIS FAITHFULNESS

Verse 75: I know, O Jehovah, that your judgments are righteous And that you have afflicted me in your faithfulness.

GOD'S PERMISSION OF DIFFICULTIES. Psalm 119:75 The psalmist was a likely king or future king, and thus perhaps came under more of God’s discipline than most, needing refinement to carry out the will of God fully. Likewise, those receiving sonship to rule with Christ likewise need God’s loving correction to guide them in receiving their privileged reward from God. Anointed Hebrew Christians at one time were evidently focusing too much on any problems, as Paul sought to correct their view, stating at Hebrews 12:5-6: “5 And you have entirely forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “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.” The psalmist thus felt he was experiencing difficulties that God at least permitted, yet he saw God’s faithfulness in His dealings with him. He knew God’s judgments were righteous, and he could endure in faithfulness, learning from his experiences to observe God’s law fully.

Verse 77: Show me mercy, so that I may keep living, For I am fond of your law.

CHOOSE LIFE AND GOOD. Psalm 119:77 The psalmist no doubt recognized human imperfection, and the need for God's mercy in the maintaining of our relationship with Him. He sought this mercy on the basis of his genuine fondness for God and His law. He knew it means life to be pleasing God--for Christians, eternal life is dependent upon it, and being alive spiritually depends likewise on our friendship with God and His son. Such thoughts may remind one of Moses' exhortation to Israel, as regards their keeping of the Mosaic Law, at Deuteronomy 30:15-16: "“See, I do put before you today life and good, and death and bad.16 If you listen to the commandments of Jehovah your God that I am commanding you today, by loving Jehovah your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his judicial decisions, then you will live and multiply, and Jehovah your God will bless you in the land you are going to possess." For Christians, God's approval and righteous standing comes by deep trust, or faith, in God and his mercy through the ransom provision of Christ, as we likewise seek obedience to Him and His son.

Verse 80: May my heart be blameless in following your [instructions], So that I may not be put to shame."

"REMAIN STEADFAST" Psalm 119:80 The psalmist requests a heart of integrity, able to follow even the detailed guidance from God. Such obedience contributes greatly to our happiness, as the very first verse of Psalm 119 bears out: "Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah." Regarding the following of God's instructions, verses 5-6 say: "If only I could remain steadfast So as to observe your [instructions]! 6 Then I would not be put to shame When I consider all your commandments." As we continue seeking divine obedience, we can be happy to find ourselves in compliance with God's standards more and more, having no reason for shame. We still, though, will need faith in the ransom for occasional unintentional mistakes. As David wrote, in Psalm 19, verses 12-13: "Who can discern mistakes? Pronounce me innocent from sins I am unaware of. 13 And hold your servant back from presumptuous acts; Do not let them dominate me. Then I will be complete, And innocent of blatant sins." Thus may we lovingly aim for similar divine obedience, with faith in God's merciful provision of Christ's ransom, and with hope in the priceless reward God extends by His love

The theme for stanza 11 is:

GOD'S RELIABLE ORDERS HELP PRESERVE US THROUGH PERIODS OF PERSECUTION.

Verse 81: I long for your salvation, For your word is my hope.

ENDURE WITH HOPE OF SALVATION. Psalm 119:81 At Matthew 5:10 Jesus said: "“Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them." Proverbs 17:26 says: "To punish the righteous one is not good, And to flog honorable people goes against what is right." Being persecuted, or harassed with harmful desire, for one's keeping integrity to God, faithfully following His orders, is highly displeasing to the Greatest Authority, Jehovah God. He says, regarding His true servants, "Whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye." (Zecha 2:8). Yet normally we should humbly endure wrongs without seeking vengeance, respecting the admonition from God, at Romans 12:19, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” Jehovah can see the motives of all, and judge most appropriately according to each person, in due time. Still, we should endure with hope of salvation, trusting in God's word of wisdom and promise. The loving way we cope may in time cause onlookers to turn to the God of love and hope, Jehovah. Regardless, Jehovah knows what is best for all, and He can "make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it." (1Cori 10:13). Isaiah 25:8 promises: "He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For Jehovah himself has spoken it." Let's look forward to such a blessing for all who may become Christian servants of God!

Verse 84: How many days must your servant wait? When will you bring judgment against those persecuting me?"

JEHOVAH KNOWS HOW TO RESCUE. Psalm 119:84 Notice the faith of the psalmist in God's judgment, will, and power to act in his behalf. IT was not IF he could bring judgment, but WHEN He would do so. May this move wrongdoers to turn around from their evil works before God's judgment arrives, coming to know God's love, that they may receive of God's abundant mercy, and have hope of spiritual and eternal life. May this move all of us to continue to hope in God, drawing closer to Him, and seek to live by His standards, in harmony with 2Peter 2:9-10, stating: "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, 10 especially those who seek to defile the flesh of others and who despise authority." Such latter ones need urgently to turn from wrongdoing and seek God's face, pleading for His help to change their thinking, habits, and ways. This can be done, but not in one's own strength. Regarding even with Jesus' apostles gaining salvation, Jesus said to them "intently," at Matthew 19:26: "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." The same powerful holy spirit God used to create the universe, can be of assistance to help weaker ones acquire "power beyond what is normal" to make necessary changes to please God more fully. (2Cori 4:7). May we pray for God's holy spirit, which He gives to "those asking Him" and to those "obeying Him as ruler." (Luke 11:13; Acts 5:32).

Verse 86: All your commandments are trustworthy. Men persecute me without cause; help me!

VALUING GOD'S COMMANDS. Psalm 119:86 God's commandments truly are for our lasting benefit. To persecute someone for obeying the commandments of our true loving God, Jehovah, reveals a lack of appreciation for what is truly right and good for mankind. Yet, God's word warns us of such an influence, saying, at 2Timothy 3:12: "12 In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." Like the psalmist, some may even be persecuted "without cause"--just for existing! He looks in the right direction, however, pleading to God: "Help me!" May we continue to appreciate God's trustworthy commandments while looking to Him for assistance!

Verse 87: They almost exterminated me from the earth, But I did not abandon your orders.

LOVING GOD'S ORDERS. Psalm 119:87 By concentrating on God's most serious and urgent commands, we may be protected from possible spiritual harm. The psalmist was even guarded from extermination. Let us prayerfully rely on Jehovah during such times, knowing of faithful men throughout history who faced similar trials (Hebrews 11).

PROVERBS 5:18-20

"18 May your own fountain be blessed, And may you rejoice with the wife of your youth, 19 A loving doe, a graceful mountain goat. Let her breasts satisfy you at all times. May you be captivated by her love constantly. 20 So why, my son, should you be captivated by a wayward woman Or embrace the bosom of an immoral woman?"

The context of these verses involves helping a young man disregard the "lips of a wayward woman" which may "drip like a honeycomb," but "in the end she is as bitter as wormwood and as sharp as a two-edged sword." (Verses 3,4). Rather, let's treasure the gift of marriage, one's dear wife being cherished by him along with her expressions of love and affection.
Prove 5:18-20 Jehovah instituted marriage for the happiness and benefit of mankind! Patience and self-control are vital for both unmarried and married persons. Loyalty to God and one's marriage partner should be safeguarded, with expressions of sexual endearment reserved for this one alone, with whom vows have been exchanged to care for one another through thick and thin, in good times and bad. Of course, any misuse of sex is abusing the gift of God, violating the sanctity of marriage. Trust God and wait! One abusing this gift is practicing disloyalty toward others, seeding impurity and distrust, and violating true love--putting at risk the everlasting happiness of himself and others. God is allowing marriage to be a gift mankind can enjoy for all eternity--would we want to turn our back on this blessing???

COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

SUBJECT: HORSES!

Have you ever rode a horse? A marvelous creature, so well-designed by God to be a perfectly effective agent for transporting people and goods from one place to another! Through much of our history, whether by carriage, by saddle, or bare-backed, many people have found great pleasure in moving by way of horses—with many memorable conversations taking place. So, what do you imagine these people will want to do not long after they return to life in the resurrection? How might we not only accommodate them, but perhaps even improve our own lifestyle while allowing for sustainable motor vehicles to also exist?

Many people today believe that horse travel and motor vehicles could never coincide together in our modern society, but recall that over a century ago, it was the other way around--horse travel was the norm, and motor vehicles were just beginning to appear. While some problems existed between the two modes of travel back then, these were greatly caused by the limitations of motor vehicle technology that need no longer hinder people from cooperating together to allow for a peaceable merging of times past and present, although with some REASONABLE adjustments.

One major issue that arises is roadway surfaces. God is aware of the inherent problems with the choice of asphalt for roadways. This is not the long-term solution that can continue into an eternal future on the planet! Also, horses have difficulty traveling their capable speeds on this surface, so many who have seen horses on common roadways may not fully grasp the speed with which they are truly capable of traveling! While the asphalt surface may be stable enough to serve as a base, the proper mixture of concrete, consisting largely of plentiful sand, is the perfect solution for roadways that can exist forever on planet Earth! Not only is it a stable surface, but horse hooves are designed for travel on this surface, allowing for their achieving nearly their maximum horse speed!

In view of this, a clear aim comes into view. Many roadways made before interstate highways existed are almost entirely of speed limits at or below 45MPH, which is approximately the average full speed horses can travel under such conditions. So why not start there, leaving interstates alone for now, gradually covering the asphalt base with the concrete. No doubt we can find the most efficient method possible for this, and it just may be that night-time work for this may be great for the primary work, while we must be patient for it to set for a reasonable period of time. Details for how this will benefit not only people in the future desiring horse travel, but also allow for an improved condition for much safer travel in ice and snow, will be included in a continued addition.

Statement from Sunday Sep 21.

To be continued soon...

By "soon" I had hoped to finish by noon or so. Allow me to apologize, having several vital things to attend to until now. While you may have been waiting for the rest of the segment today, let this be a reminder to me to be in the habit of thinking ahead for these segments, aiming to prepare them in time to meet your reasonable expectations! Expect the remainder of this segment tomorrow by noon at the latest.