ADDED SW[1-2]& MLH[1] Respect Others & Their Right to Their Belongings, EE[4] Imitate Christ, Safeguarding Sincerity, EE[1] Protecting Purity, etc., EE[2] Bringing Unity Through Christ, EE[3] Faithful, Responding to Christian Truth, EE[4]

THU UPDATE (9:37,46,50,56 am; 8:08,09; 9:07 pm) Hi! Added Mosaic Law Highlights from Exodus, helping to respect rights of others to their belongings! Updated. Added SongWeekly, SW[1-2] ! update.

WED UPDATE (1:53 pm) Hi! Updated EE[3] par. 1 Seek Faithfulness, Christian Integrity

TUE UPDATE (8:53; 9:35 am) Hi! Added EE[4] Imitate Christ, Safeguarding Sincerity

FRI UPDATE (8:53 am) Hello! Added EE[3], Seeking Faithfulness and Truth!

THU (9:03,25 am) Adding more under EE[2], from Colossians--Bringing Unity Through Christ !

WED (9:15 am) Hello! Another EE piece on Christian unity, from Colossians 1 !

________(5) MLH - Mosaic Law Highlights

MOSAIC LAW SELECTIONS:

Now let’s consider God's instruction to Israel, at Exodus 22:1-4: “1 “If a man steals a bull or a sheep and he slaughters or sells it, he is to compensate with five bulls for the bull and four sheep for the sheep. 2 (“If a thief is found in the act of breaking in and he gets struck and dies, there is no bloodguilt for him. 3 But if it happens after sunrise, there is bloodguilt for him.) “He must make compensation. If he has nothing, then he must be sold for the things he stole. 4 If what he stole is found alive in his possession, whether it is a bull or a donkey or a sheep, he is to make double compensation.”

"YOU MUST NOT STEAL" Verse 1 It is the Eighth Commandment out of the Ten that says “You must not steal.” Can not we, as humans appreciative of “life and breath and all things” that God gives us, keep ten of the most important laws God has given to man? (ACts 17:25). Those ten were carved by “God’s finger” on two stone tablets, perhaps reminding Israel of the law code of Hammurabi of the Amorites, a compilation of existing laws, but which he had engraved in stone pillars and placed throughout the kingdom so that all would know the law. Certainly God did want, and wants us, to know Christian law well in order to live by it day by day! A little further down, let’s consider how Christian teachings reflect compassionate understanding into God’s law to Israel. First, however, under the Law, in this verse, the one stealing, who then kills or sells the bull, which may affect the victim's power to work his land to feed himself and his family, is to pay heavy—he is to compensate five times for the bull. Now if you know the Law, would this not be a powerful deterrent? In God’s view, the same principle may apply today. There is, however, a merciful provision in God's law for paying back what was stolen, with an addition of 1/5 more. Notice how this reads, at Leviticus 6:1-5: 

"Jehovoe went on to say to Moses: 2 “If someone sins and behaves unfaithfully toward Jehovoe by deceiving his neighbor in connection with something entrusted to him, or something deposited with him, or he robs or defrauds his neighbor, 3 or he finds something lost and is deceptive about it, and if he swears falsely over any such sin he may commit, this is what he should do: 4 If he has sinned and is guilty, he must return what he stole, what he extorted, what he took by fraud, what was entrusted to him, or the lost thing that he found, 5 or anything about which he swore falsely, and he must make full compensation for it, and he will add to it a fifth of its value. He will give it to the owner on the day his guilt is proved..." 

Thus, $24 Grand for the $20 G Vehicle as a possible penalty. If one is thinking of stealing someone's vehicle, why not, as a DETERRENT against erring, contemplate the potential consequences of having to pay such an amount, or even a higher amount back, for his error against God and his neighbor, as a motivation to avoid the crime, and look harder for the right solution to some problem or situation, with God's help? If not, how long will he have to work to pay off this debt? Can we not thus avoid the practice of stealing?

WHEN NO ONE WILL WORRY. Verse 2-4 shows God’s view of nighttime thievery, often perceived as a serious threat to one’s family. One striking a thief in the victim’s own home at night in this instance under God's Law to ancient Israel, was not considered bloodguilty, even if the thief were to die. This would have been a serious deterrent from nighttime thievery. Perhaps the intent was just to stop or prevent him, likely with primary concern of protecting one's family. Remember, though, that this was in the days without modern electricity or lighting. If this occurred after sunrise, there would be bloodguilt for the thief’s death. The point is, that back then, one should, after sunrise, be able to recognize the person’s face, making positive identification to bring that one to justice only for stealing, unless there was clear intent to harm the family. Either way, the thief was to make compensation for what he stole. If he does not have the item stolen, then again he was to compensate four or five times for what he stole. Notice, he "must make compensation." If he did not have the ability to pay the amount necessary, an arrangement was to be made for him/her to work off the debt:

Back in those days in Israel, "slavery" is not as is thought of today--it may more resemble honest work for another, a reasonable "boss". The money thereby gained would go toward payment, working off his debt for perhaps a year or more. In today's terms, he may have had to work hard for a fair-minded boss, perhaps on a farm with year-round work, where food and rooming would be provided, until debts were paid. However, going back, if the stolen item was still in his possession, God went easier on this person, as he needed only make double compensation, paying twice the value of the item—two bulls for the one. How fine when the day arrives when no one will worry about their neighbor’s intentions, when all will respect what rightly belongs to another, and will be void of envy or jealousy, having no desire to rob anyone of anything, any possession another may have. Such persons will all look to God to satisfy their needs and desires. Micah 4:4 foretells: “They will sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one will make them afraid, For the mouth of Jehovoe of armies has spoken.”

CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES, COMPASSION, LOOK TO GOD. Christian teachings support the principles of the Ten Commandments, but add other principles of truth, teachings, as well as laws and commands that all can benefit from. Sometimes Christian teachings expand on the law, or get to the root of it, with compassion. Ephesians 4:28 says “28 Let the one who steals steal no more; rather, let him do hard work, doing good work with his hands, so that he may have something to share with someone in need.” Thus mercy may be extended perhaps in certain circumstances for one willing to turn to true Christianity and seek to avoid sin, hating its resulting harm to others. And guidance is here given for what he should do, finding good work with his hands to support himself with God’s blessing, and learning to give to others, rather than take, by having “something to share with someone in need.” What fine and wise advice from God’s word for one who has considered stealing from another. Even the Tenth Commandment helps one to avoid pondering wrong desires, reading: “You must not desire your fellow man’s house. You must not desire your fellow man’s wife nor his slave man nor his slave girl nor his bull nor his donkey nor anything that belongs to your fellow man.” (EXodus 20:17). May we all look to God for the satisfying of good desires before Him. Psalm 145:16 says of God, “You open your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Do you not want God to fulfill this promise in your life? Then by all means, please God in your activity, and look to Him in prayer for the things you are needing, in order to comply with God's delightful will! (MAtth 6:8; 1JOhn 5:14)

________(6) Eternal Express

CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER SELECTIONS (CSL))

VITAL QUALITIES FOR TRUE PEACE. Ephesians 4 contains much to contemplate, beginning with encouragement to "walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all humility and mildness, with patience [or, loyalty], putting up with one another in love, 3 earnestly endeavoring to maintain the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace." These qualities are vital to preserving the peaceful, loving spirit of the congregation of God. We need to have a humble view in dealing with one another, 'considering others superior to us,' refusing contentiousness or a fighting spirit with others whom we should be loving, doing nothing out of egotism, or arrogance, appreciating the good in others, most having qualities we could improve in. (Philippians 2:3). We should also deal with one another with a gentle, mild manner, sensitive to their feelings. Loyalty should also be shown, as we remain first and foremost loyal to God, showing loyalty to others by helping them become loyal to God themselves. Being peaceable, or a peacemaker, on the basis of love, seeking to forgive others freely, seeking peace especially with fellow Christians, is also vital to maintaining our Christian unity. Ephesians 4:25-26 (NIV) says "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 'In your anger do not sin.' Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry"--thus try to be quick to restore peace, especially with fellow believers. And Romans 12:18 says "If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men." May we strive after such qualities and enjoy the blessings associated with such obedience to God.

TREASURE PURITY OF HEART, USE CLEAN SPEECH. Ephesians 5:3 offers this encouragement regarding our choice of speech: "Let sexual immorality and every sort of uncleanness or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as is proper for holy people." By what we talk about, we can influence others, for good, or for bad. Continue giving consideration to God's word, the wisdom of Proverbs and Christ's teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, to comprehend the value of God's standards, that we may come to love what is right, and hate all badness, which has a negative effect on humanity, carrying on selfishness and other sin. May we grow in love for God for his abundant goodness toward humans, knowing what we all need to be truly happy and to live in peace amidst one another.

REJECT IMMORALITY, GREEDINESS. Ephesians 5 reminds us, in verse 5, that we should not allow emotions from music or wrong thinking from TV shows or movies to affect our view of marriage or hinder true unselfish love in our hearts and obedience to the GOD who IS LOVE (1John 4:8). Verse 5 says: "For you know this, recognizing it for yourselves, that no sexually immoral person or unclean person or greedy person, which means being an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of the Christ and of God." While looking to God for strength and right dealings in such matters, even as regards a long-distance relationship seeking marriage, improper or immoral sexual contact with anyone risks not only your eternal life in God's Kingdom with a loyal marriage partner, but the everlasting life of the other person as well. Is that showing true love??? Look to God to help you prepare for marriage and find a good partner! Let's work to protect, or safeguard, the lives of others, rather than being a threat to them. Rescue the righteous, as Proverbs 11:9 states: "By his mouth the apostate brings his neighbor to ruin, But by knowledge the righteous are rescued." May we lovingly uphold God's standards in life, treating others with respect, doing what contributes to their eternal happiness, God's way!

CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER SELECTIONS (CSL))

POWER OF BIBLE TRUTH. Colossians 1:6 acknowledges the power of the truth of God's purpose: "Just as the good news is bearing fruit and increasing in all the world, so it is also doing among you from the day you heard and accurately knew the undeserved kindness of God in truth." May we appreciate and continue growing in the "accurate knowledge" of Bible truth. Colossians 1:9,10 continues: "That is also why from the day we heard of it, we have never stopped praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, 10 so as to walk worthily of Jehovoe in order to please him fully as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God."

BECOMING TRULY UNITED. Accordingly, we need the truth, accurate divine knowledge, about God that Christians may be truly united. 1Corinthians 1:10 says "10 Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought." All Christians, regardless of our "tribe," need to give attention to true Christian doctrine, that we may all be united in the "one faith" of true Christianity. (Ephes 4:5). Surely God and Christ would provide a means for the entire Christian household to become united in the true faith!

____

CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION. Colos 2 Why should we give attention to the life and words of Jesus? Colossians 2:3 says "Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge." All true Christians should come to be united by accurate divine knowledge, having understanding, putting truth together to form the complete picture of God's will, on the basis of true love, "the perfect bond of union." Verse 2 speaks of hearts being comforted and "that they may be harmoniously joined together in love and may have all the riches that result from the full assurance of their understanding, in order to gain an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God, namely, Christ."

FREED FROM WORLDLY CAPTIVITY. Thus let us look to the truth of God and Christ's teachings as our source of divine knowledge, not to the worldly wise philosophers, propounding their own ideas without regard for God's reliable word. Colossians 3:8 adds this: "Look out that no one takes you captive by means of the philosophy and empty deception according to human tradition, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ." Despite such warnings, Babylonish teachings and particularly Greek philosophy within the first century or two made inroads into Christian thought that contributed to an apostasy from the truth of God's word, violating true Christianity. (2Thes 2:3). The text at 2Timothy 4:3-5 foretold and exhorted: "For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled.4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories. 5 You, though, keep your senses in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry." May we find and treasure the "accurate knowledge" of God's word making possible true peace and happiness among mankind, for an eternity! (Colos 1:9; 1Timo 2:3-4).

CLOTHED WITH NEW PERSONALITY. Colossians 3:8-11 discusses stripping off the "old personality" we may have acquired before receiving Bible truth, and clothe ourselves with the "new personality" through accurate divine knowledge, in the image of God. Colossians 3:8-9a says "But now you must put them all away from you: wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another." Verse 11 adds that it's not about the exterior of a person--their heritage or ethnicity, for instance, but rather the interior person. We need God's help if we're to abandon such practices as mentioned above. Paul said "For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power." (Phili 4:13). We should pray for God's powerful holy spirit daily, and whenever we need the strength to resist temptations. (Luke 11:13; 1Cori 10:13). Colossians 3:9-10 continues: "Strip off the old personality with its practices, 10 and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it." Just as a caterpillar can turn into a beautiful butterfly, so those learning the truth about God and his purposes, and heeding the teachings of Christ, can make astounding changes in their lives in the power of God.

CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER SELECTION

SEEK FAITHFULNESS, CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY. 1Thessalonians 3:4-5 shows we may occasionally suffer hardship to maintain the true faith, looking forward to the Kingdom hope of a world without such things. Paul says "For when we were with you, we used to tell you in advance that we would suffer tribulation, and that is what has happened, just as you know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn of your faithfulness, in case somehow the Tempter might have tempted you, and our labor might have turned out to be in vain." In more recent times, underhanded tricks and "smoke and mirrors" have been used to cause confusion. Recall that "God is greater than our hearts, and knows all things." Therefore, may we pray to maintain our loyalty, faithfulness, and integrity to God, and include as in the Model prayer, "do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the ungodly one." (Matt 6:13). May we trust that the reward God holds out for us is worth every effort and is far greater than anything we may give up. May we pray too for our loved ones and others, to grow and become strong in their faith as well. Everlasting life in true peace and happiness, loving God and others--this hope is much greater than anything that any system or body bent on dishonoring God may offer us, in tempting us to be disloyal to Jehovoe. Let's use our talents in ways that honor our loving Father, upholding His great and pure reputation.

BE WILLING TO RESPOND TO LIGHT OF TRUTH. 1Thessalonians 3:6-8 The early Christians of the first century maintained remarkable unity before "oppressive wolves" entered among them as foretold (Acts 20:28-30). True, they had some disagreements, but resolved these eventually, after some debate, by a Scriptural discussion by appointed men, the apostles and outstanding older men in Jerusalem. (Acts 15). Notice that before the decision on whether or not circumcision was a necessary Christian requirement was handed down, those debating the issue, expressing differing opinions, were not "removed" from the Christian congregation for having an opinion on the matter. Such a thing is not scripturally a serious offense, as is being an idolater, reviler (seriously verbally abusive), a drunkard, or extortioner, for instance. Yet, as 1Corinthians 6:9-11 shows, some used to have such practices, but learning the truth, were able to make necessary changes in their life, with God's help. May we seek Christian unity, loving one another, and rejoicing in the truth as it is clarified to us in God's kind way, practicing it faithfully, standing firm. (Ephes 4:1-3). The inspired words through Paul in 1Thes. 3:6-8 say: "But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has given us the good news about your faithfulness and love, that you always continue to remember us fondly and that you long to see us in the same way as we also do you. 7 That is why, brothers, in all our distress and tribulation, we have been comforted because of you and the faithfulness you demonstrate. 8 Because we are revitalized if you are standing firm in the Lord."

IMITATE CHRIST, SAFEGUARDING SINCERE MOTIVES. 1Thessalonians 2:5-8 shows the motives and attitude of ones imitating Christ, such as the apostle Paul, in the first century: "In fact, you know that we never used flattering speech or put on any false front with greedy motives; God is witness! 6 Nor have we been seeking glory from men, either from you or from others, though we could be an expensive burden as apostles of Christ. 7 On the contrary, we became gentle in your midst, as when a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8 So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us." May we be determined to have similar motives toward others, with true sincerity and chastity. At 2Corinthians 11:3 Paul expressed concern regarding the true motives of Christians, saying: "But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent seduced Eve by its cunning, your minds might be corrupted away from the sincerity and the chastity that are due the Christ." By maintaining Christian love and associated qualities, such as humility, loyalty (with integrity), and mildness, we can safeguard our hearts from corruption. (Ephes 4:1-3). May we remain gentle in our dealings with others, sincerely and truly loving them.

This week I'm presenting two beautiful piano solo pieces all about living non-solo, both played by Robin Spielberg, and available on common music apps, like Amazon Music & Pandora:

We might appreciate not only God's gift of marriage, but His purpose that we come to trust & love God and other people and delight in life as He has intended us to live, doing and accomplishing good things together more than by ourselves!