By noon I expect to have the Make-up of Sunday's intended post ready for your further enlightenment and enjoyment.
Welcome!!! Let's continue with the second half of Psalm 119, beginning with stanza 12 parts A&B. Then, we may look further into Proverbs 6, and review the continuation of last week's Come to Consensus Corner, with additional remarks.

"12 A useless and wicked man walks about with crooked speech; 13 He winks with his eye, signals with his foot, and motions with his fingers. 14 With a perverted heart, He is always scheming evil and spreading contentions. 15 Therefore, his disaster will come suddenly; In a moment he will be broken beyond healing. 16 There are six things that Jehovah hates; Yes, seven things that he detests: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart plotting wicked schemes, and feet that run quickly to evil, 19 A false witness who lies with every breath, And anyone sowing contentions among brothers."

“12 A useless and wicked man walks about with crooked speech”

Prove 6:12 Crooked speech can involve a covering over of true intentions, of what is in one's heart to do deceptively. This person may say all the right things to all the right people to sound truthful, but may be covering over hatred for others and evil intentions. God sees the truth, and such a one cannot cover such things indefinitely.

“13 He winks with his eye, signals with his foot, and motions with his fingers. 14 With a perverted heart, He is always scheming evil and spreading contentions.”

Prove 6:13-14 His actions may speak the truth about his real intentions and ideas, scheming evil and slanderously putting down those he hates, those who would expose his evil. His heart is thus perverted, or corrupt. His values are totally distorted, and true love for God and others is largely nonexistent. His words thus cause division among others, not truly bringing peace among brothers. Such a person needs to turn to God earnestly, needing spiritual "heart surgery."

“15 Therefore, his disaster will come suddenly; In a moment he will be broken beyond healing.”

Prove 6:15 Such a person needs to urgently repent of wrongdoing, and turn around, to receive "seasons of refreshing from Jehovah himself." (Acts 3:19). It is repentance that Jehovah is seeking from all, that they may find closeness to Him, true happiness and eternal life. Each one needs to grasp, or understand, at least some of the ill consequences of badness, and come to “hate what is bad.” (Psalm 97:10). Discerning between true and false, good and bad, right and wrong, etc. also makes possible the genuine fear of God. Such regard for God, not wanting to displease or hurt Him, “means the hating of bad,” and is the “beginning of wisdom.” Without cultivating such right desires, instead choosing to scheme evil toward others deceptively, leads one down a deadly path. Such a person is heading for terrible disaster, being "broken beyond healing." Jehovah responds, through Isaiah: “Let the wicked man leave his way And the evil man his thoughts; Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, To our God, for he will forgive in a large way.” (Isaiah 55:7).

“16 There are six things that Jehovah hates; Yes, seven things that he detests: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart plotting wicked schemes, and feet that run quickly to evil, 19 A false witness who lies with every breath, And anyone sowing contentions among brothers."

Prove 6:16-19 Jehovah reveals what he hates, or detests, as we should. Most scheming people have both "haughty eyes" and "a lying tongue." They arrogantly flatter themselves, and look down on many others, not 'considering others as superior' to themselves. (Psal 36:2; Phps 2:3). Truly great persons are to be ministers, or willing slaves to others. They also, as we should, speak the truth in their heart. (Psal 15:2,3). Those practicing evil have a heart that 'plots wicked schemes' and feet that 'run quickly to evil.' We should hate such things, hating what is bad in God's eyes. "O you who love Jehovah, hate what is bad. He is guarding the lives of his loyal ones; He rescues them from the hand of the wicked."

The theme for stanza 12 is:

GOD’S WORD AND LAW PRESERVE SPIRITUAL AND ETERNAL LIFE.

Verses 89-92 read: "Forever, O Jehovah, Your word will remain in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness is through all generations. You have firmly established the earth, so that it continues to stand.91 By your judgments they remain until today, For they are all your servants. 92 If I had not been fond of your law, I would have perished in my affliction."

89 Forever, O Jehovah, Your word will remain in the heavens.

GOD’S LASTING WORD. (89) Isaiah 40:8 says "The green grass dries up,The blossom withers, But the word of our God endures forever.” God's word supplies us the universal standards by which all should be governed throughout eternity--the way of genuine peace, happiness, and unity. The Bible has been compared to a loving letter from a Father to His children. It is ever the "elusive" instruction manual for humanity, and all those with ruling authority among mankind do well to consider it's wisdom in their governance.

90 Your faithfulness is through all generations. You have firmly established the earth, so that it continues to stand.

EARTH NOT SIMPLY “TESTING GROUND.” (90) Is planet Earth just a "testing ground" that will soon literally be burned up and destroyed so that all faithful ones can live in heaven with God? Would such an idea really make sense? Some are taking a few verses literally without considering the entirety of Scripture. This view is out of harmony with God's stated purpose for mankind and this earth. The term "earth" is used scripturally to refer, not only to the planet itself, but often exclusively to the people upon it, and their arrangement for living. And the heavens, at times, refer to rulership. For instance, Genesis 11:1 says "Now all the earth continued to be of one language and of one set of words." Thus, when 2Peter 3:5-13 speaks of the 'heavens passing away' and the 'elements being dissolved' this has reference to rulerships and unrighteous evildoers and arrangements. 2Peter 3:13 says "But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to His promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell." Jehovah spent way too much time creating the literal heavens and earth for mankind's happiness to bring it to such a ruin. While some humans will ultimately reject God's rulership, His faithfulness is leading mankind to turn from wrongdoing, as He "does not desire anyone to be destroyed, but desires all to attain to repentance." (2Peter 3:9).

91 By your judgments they remain until today, For they are all your servants.

OUR ULTIMATE BENEFIT. (91) "They" likely refers to the generations mentioned previously. God's righteous judgments have governed the lives of mankind. For instance, 2Peter 3:8 says "one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." The first man Adam died within the 1000 year day of his living, as God said "the day" he ate from the tree he would die, his life span being 930 years (Genes 5:5). Evidently, mankind's life span would gradually come to have a natural limit of 120 years, as God's judgment came after mankind had been "ruined" morally in Noah's day. (Genes 6:3). Of course, it also God's judgment that righteous ones come to have an endless lifespan! So God's judgments are ultimately for our everlasting benefit and happiness. The generations are "all [God's] servants" perhaps in the sense that all things should serve for His good purpose. Proverbs 16:4, for instance, says "Jehovah has made everything work for his purpose, Even the wicked for the day of disaster."

92 If I had not been fond of your law, I would have perished in my affliction.

NEED FOR GOD’S LOVING LAW. (92) Once again, the psalmist reminds us of the importance of loving God's law, appreciating it's value in our everyday life. He is convinced that, without it, he would not have made it through times of difficulty. Likewise today, many dangers exist in the world, both physically and spiritually. It is "spiritual death" that could cause one to lose out on eternal life. How we need God's loving law to help guide our steps safely through this world, into the "real life." (1Timo 6:19).

STANZA 12 Theme:

GOD’S LAW AND WORD PRESERVE SPIRITUAL AND ETERNAL LIFE.

The verses of stanza 12 emphasize God’s faithfulness as well as fondness for God’s law and it’s preservation value. What can help us not to forget God’s orders, as the psalmist mentioned was his determination?

93 I will never forget your orders, Because by them you have preserved me alive.
94 I belong to you; save me, Because I have searched for your orders.
95 The wicked wait to destroy me, But I give close attention to your reminders.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, But your commandment has no limit.

93 I will never forget your orders, Because by them you have preserved me alive.

CAREFULLY KEEP THEM! Clearly, for the psalmist not to forget God’s orders, he had to be familiar with them. According to the next verse, he had “searched for [God’s] orders,” and no doubt discovered them. As obeying them saved his life, likely multiple times, his appreciation for them must have deepened. Even if our life is not physically threatened as much as the psalmist, spiritual hazards abound. By heeding divine orders to guard against bad associations and to hate what is bad, for instance, we may allow God to guard our spiritual lives and eternal life prospects. (1Cori 15:33; Prove 13:20; Psalm 97:10). Like the psalmist, may we search for God’s orders in His word, especially those from Christ, review them often, and carefully keep them! (Psalm 119:4).

94 I belong to you; save me, Because I have searched for your orders.

ENDURANCE NOT SIMPLY “SURVIVING.” The psalmist was born into a nation dedicated to God. Still, according to the psalmist, searching for God’s orders in order to keep or obey them provided a basis for salvation by Him. Jesus spoke in a similar way. After discussing many of the hardships that may be encountered by his disciples during the “last days,” he said at Matthew 24:13 “But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.” Such endurance is not simply “surviving,” but rather enduring trials faithfully to God, with integrity to Him, in harmony with His law. Just as receiving a license to drive a vehicle does not give us the right to drive any way we wish on the street, so having the ransom of Christ does not give us the right to violate God’s laws haphazardly. We should especially strive to carefully keep God’s orders, and appreciate His reminders in other areas of life, then the ransom sacrifice can cover our occasional misses, usually for more minor mistakes. As we do so, we “draw close to God,” and we may especially ‘belong to Him,’ as we prove to be loyal.

95 The wicked wait to destroy me, But I give close attention to your reminders.

VITAL REMINDERS FROM GOD. Thus this likely king or future king had enemies seeking to bring him to ruin, but paid “close attention” to reminders from God. Such reminders, which we may for instance receive at regular meetings for worship, may bring back to mind God’s orders, or other matters of lesser importance. Still, obedience in a seemingly small matter might still save one’s life, at least spiritually speaking. Jesus taught the importance of obedience even in the smaller things, at Luke 16:10, saying: “10 The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.” Can you think of a Bible command or principle that many take lightly, or completely ignore, but that could have an impact on a person spiritually? Many today are still blinded spiritually, being taught to worship almost anything but the Creator, Jehovah. They are still unaware of the untold happiness and blessings that come with loving and serving God obediently, perhaps believing that “ignorance is bliss.” Selfish pursuits only supply a fake happiness, that leaves one empty and unsatisfied. The greater happiness, Jesus said, is in giving, than in receiving. (Acts 20:35). Jehovah invited Israel to test Him out, in Malachi’s day, regarding their obedience to giving the required tithe, or tenth for true worship. Notice His words, at Malachi 3:10: “10 Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house; and test me out, please, in this regard,” Jehovah of armies says, “to see whether I will not open to you the floodgates of the heavens and pour out on you a blessing until there is nothing lacking.” May we grow in faith, or deep trust, in God’s ability to make His servants happy! Jehovah Himself says: “Look! My servants will shout joyfully because of the good condition of the heart...” (Isaiah 65:13-14). Let us choose to serve Jehovah wholeheartedly, having faith that He “becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking Him.” (Hebre 11:6).


96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, But your commandment has no limit.

SUPERIORITY OF GOD’S WISDOM . Truly, that which seems perfect from man’s perspective, the psalmist found to have it’s limitations. God’s commandment was different. God’s instructions are not limited in the way that man’s are. As God told the wayward nation of Israel in Isaiah’s time: “8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, And your ways are not my ways,” declares Jehovah. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So my ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Thus, God’s ways are not limited as man’s own ways are. The guidance found in God’s word can help us in practically every situation we face. God’s wisdom is therefore far superior.

COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

SUBJECT: HORSES!

EVER RODE? 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?

LIMITATIONS OF THE PAST. 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.

PERFECT SURFACE? 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!

A CLEAR PATH. 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 remain there, leaving interstates alone, 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.

A SURPRISE RESOURCE? Some time ago in reflecting upon the Horse issue, I wondered about, and was helped to see an answer to another aspect of this issue. Could the manure of horses have a surprising usefulness? As research should prove, there is power in the grass that all horses should be consuming. And it is possible with godly direction to make use of this resource, when a horse may occasionally unload on a road surface. It has been determined that one dump of manure can take an average vehicle another 100 miles down the road on the energy supplied by the manure! By vehicle manufacturers working together under God's kingdom, they may receive or be permitted to work on the technology for this, so that a person desiring to make use of this free resource available on a roadway, when it is safe to do so, may shovel it up and deposit it in the proper place in his vehicle, and continue on without the need for refueling as soon as s/he may have needed to do previously.

WITH DUE CAUTION, MUCH SAFER TRAVELS FOR A NEW BEGINNING! With the arrival of God's Kingdom by Christ, there must be an answer to the accidents that can occur, under normal conditions as well as during wintry conditions! Some months ago this matter was considered, and it was determined that there is indeed a substance which vehicle tires can be made from, that makes it possible to grip the entire surface of ice or snow--evidently performing adequately on asphalt but as much as 10 times better on concrete surfaces, including most bridges and overpasses! The substance is found primarily in Africa (My apologies that some intruder interfered with my initially revealing the correct locale of this natural resource.) Nevertheless, many are aware how the peoples of this land have suffered economically for so long a time. May it become a sustaining resource for many in those lands, while we somehow address the urgency of obtaining it for the U.S. and the world.

STEPS TOWARD CAUTIOUS AND TRULY SAFE ROAD TRAVEL UNDER GOD'S KINGDOM

While indications are that the Arabica bean harvesting season is not yet upon us, perhaps not for a few months, there is an urgent call for any wishing to protect lives to research this matter and find legal ways to safely plant this substance, in cooperation with African communities, so that everyone may have access to these tires as soon as next season's winter travel may begin in an area. What this means is that this winter season will be a time of exceptional attention to safety using current treads. New safety measures will be implemented accordingly, while Jehovah God blesses all of our efforts to make it the safest winter travel season on record in the U.S. and the world, even more so with cooperation from existing authorities under the current president.