2024 Presidential Campaign 14 Points v4

1-3. Revised 14 Point Campaign, Look to GOD as Higher Power, Elections, Public Education

1. Understanding GOD as Higher Power, a properly translated Bible revealing the good of His spirit and influence, and His good promises for a bright future. Knowing God (and His Son) as more correctly, Jehovah(z), God's word revealing divine wisdom, re-known for promoting real peace, and ruling to accomplish good earth-wide. {Reference article GA, How the Kingdom of God Relates to the (Proper) U.S. Constitutional Republic}

2. Great care should be exercised that elections for office within the United States, and especially for the Higher Offices Nationally, take place according to the United States Constitution and as the public rightly expects as a democratic process of choosing truly wise (and not just knowledgable) public servants not hindered or manipulated, but carried out freely and by law(l). {Reference WGA, B-507 Election Integrity 2024-2025}

3. Also, public education, with reasonable laws also permitting private education, is to aid the proper and natural growth of each youth (or to refresh and restore older ones), and to provide extra help in cases where essential learning skills are not being acquired, as in basic math and logic, reading and writing, fair retention/memory function and grasp of higher authority and laws, with capacity for eventual good community involvement and social responsibility.

4-7. Government, Public Safety, LGTQ Rights, Economy.

4. As regards government itself, encouraging high regard for truly sacred and inspired documents (including the U.S. Constitution) blessed by God for the establishment and maintaining of the democratic republic understood by the Founders to be the way, despite necessary watchfulness and challenges, to properly care for the needs of citizens and others; they highly regarded universal law and divinely blessed law. Localities and States themselves are helped to unite by proper, but not excessive, laws, oversight, and assistance from a properly administered and balanced Federal government, limited in size and scope, and thereby also in tax burden upon citizens. In this, God's authority should also be respected and appreciated. Thus matters of national health, security, and well-being must be regularly monitored, and attention given to foreign relations and crises.

5. Public Safety must be a high aim, safe public transportation, Good police investigation, protection and gun control as regards a disciplined military and strict regulation on carry license, with education on resolving conflicts without violence. Also, good affordable medical care is also vital as needed.

6. LGTQ Rights, Respect as Individuals and God-given help from being caught in-between genders, etc. and suffering associated real emotional distress and related problems. {Shortening to LGTQ helps ensure Bisexual is not viewed as a normal behavioral category but rather an abnormality, with still a single real sex or gender of the person. Other unusual conditions can appropriately fall into the Queer category.} 

7. Economy. Address instabilities, encourage good business models that contribute to market stabilization and good business ethic; Rather than repeatedly taxing our own planet, which has been shown to silently contribute to cycles of economic growth and then severe decline or disparity, instead promote understanding of the right kind of taxes to diminish inflation and other threats to the economy, thus averting excess property/real estate taxes, but not avoiding restaurant meal taxes (unembellished) or personal property taxes, such as on more expensive cars, which may gradually ensue, helping replace the annual excess property taxes. Of course, let's see that states have the means to oversee stable housing and new builds in the market as needed. The importance of adhering to a budget should not be diminished, but appropriate modifications should be permitted under changing or changed circumstances, perhaps quarterly. If debt is seen as necessary, the matter should be continually addressed to seek and find ways by God to overcome it properly. Also, another measure of the divinely-inspired law(l) that can apply literally does strongly promote economic stability long-term--the 50-year provision of Jubilee, land returning to owners, worthy of serious attention, for the 250th birthday of the United States.

8-10. Climate, Foreign Policy, Immigration, U.S. and International Peace-keeping

8. On climate change, or the environment, practices which are threatening a healthy and stable environment should be replaced with viable and advantageous alternatives, blessed by God, to promote the right and happy life we can live, preferring to prevent many problems and excessive work in cleanup, etc. by effective recycling and garbage handling, improved and economically viable energy sources, better products, and so on. By reducing threats of earthquakes and other anomalies, and with newly available clean energy sources such as TruGas that are nearly as economically viable to the United States as more polluting ones, greater public health can be obtained and maintained. On the Moral climate, God-blessed family-friendly entertainment and education should be the Gold standard, seeking good public health, alertness, and happiness on all levels.

9. On Foreign Policy and Immigration. Many envision the Statue of Liberty, recalling that so many ancestors arrived in New York, immigrating to this New World, looking for a freedom that was only possible with God's power and blessing. Whereas there is much land that remains to be occupied, a balance must be struck, preserving life also for our children and children's children. Proper ways and laws for immigrating must be established and maintained, and differentiated from those seeking temporary refuge or shelter from apolitical violence abroad. At the same time, the United States has the power to help other countries establish peaceable governments in cooperation, so that many no longer see a need to immigrate here. Also, maintaining good foreign relations and being aware of foreign crises to judiciously help, are also important. Look for the peace of God through Christ.

10. Promotion of the United States and the U.N. as an International Peacekeeping Force, returning as a United States entity encouraging diplomacy, scholarship, and cooperation to prevent or resolve violence in conflict. The United States breathed life into this institution beginning with Woodrow Wilson at first called the League of Nations, until events of WWII transpired, then re-emerging as the United Nations, and for beneficial purpose, to overcome the roots and ravages of war. Recommending the U.S. re-integrate at an appropriate time, becoming the United States International Peacekeeping Organization, or USIPO. Also, other international emergencies and situations may more readily receive U.S., multi-national and peaceable, effective response, God-blessed. Foreign relations considered significant, supporting global peace. Immigration balanced, laws established and maintained, with differentiation for temporary refugees from apolitical violence. Standards for U.S. citizenship fair but U.S. assistance for good government globally, lessening need for lovers of God to immigrate.

11-14. Stable Government, Human Dignity, Respect for Law(l).

11. Promote ensurance of stability in government.

12. Each person deserves dignity and RESPECT.

13. To each his own (by God through His Firstborn Son).

14. Have all persons comply (adherence to lawl's provisions for the common good, or the general welfare).

---Mark A. Campbell/M Camelangemy

_____(4A) PSALM 119 (5#13) COMMENTARY

This is a verse-by-verse journey through the 119th psalm (the 13th of Book 5) written by, surprisingly to some, one anointed to become king, and in the process, relying on God and His word, doing so through many hardships. What I've gone through also has enabled keen insight into David's experiences and provides many fine lessons for all to benefit from as we endeavor to live life as God purposed, in a way that brings genuine peace, real satisfaction and eventual prosperity, in true love.

You may find the Podcast on Spotify.com, by searching some portion of the title: "Find Life and See Earview Podcast" Include "Earview" to differentiate from my former podcast, not yet active again. Since this Psalm 119 Commentary began this podcast, you may sort the Podcast show to start with the Earliest podcasts, rather than the Most Recent (which would display the newest podcast releases). On the show site, look for the first Psalm 119 episode entitled "Introduction to 5Psalm 13(119) Commentary, the format for the entire work", you may scroll to see the entire show with all available segments.

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Psalm 119 (or 5Psalm 13) Commentary

THE SPIRIT OF GENUINE PEACE. While not wanting to neglect other valuable psalms, containing many important lessons of their own, we can nevertheless still benefit from reviewing this priceless one of David, anointed to be king, having endured many years to finally receive that privileged right. Why not both--if we continue Psalm Select, segment (2), with selections from the spirit-inspired psalms, we can gain even more insight into the spirit of God, or the "goodforce" that we may receive as we love God and His word of truth, and that can stir or motivate us in the doing of God's loving desire/will for humans. According to 1Timothy 2:3-4 that involves the saving of people everywhere, as they come to an accurate knowledge of the genuine truth about God! This truth is not as it has sometimes been represented. God's word and law is truly reasonable, as there are answers within it that not all yet know about or comprehend. Thus we can truly find genuine joy and satisfaction within God's law, rather than without it! God's loving desire or will also thus involves the genuine peace and security that His word has promised. Grateful for the gift of life, realizing where it has come from, is a great start. Then, seeking real peace with others, willing to look to God to grow and for help as we need it, we may look forward to many blessings to come, with greater love for God and others! Such should be everyone's upright desire to attain. Many may not realize it, but God's word can be fulfilled in a way that confirms God's love for the entire human family, which he and his Son seek to preserve, along with genuine peace. God's word says "seek peace and pursue it." Godly instruction is thus involved. For some, it may require more faith or thankful trust in God and His word. For others, it may be that what's needed is to better comprehend the respectful fear of God, the vital spirit of true humility--a humble respect for God and His decisions and purposes, and for fellow humans--replacing an arrogant sense of superiority (letting go of pridefulness, as it were, lacking faith or trust in God). Also important is acknowledging How Jehovahz is still accomplishing His will for a peace-loving world, even through the corrections of those within the United States and elsewhere, desiring the happiness of the entire human family on Earth. Let's do all we can to promote such genuine peace, remaining peace-lovers as the wisdom of God teaches us to do. (On a sidenote, I would like to also continue and/or update the podcast of Psalm 119). 

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PSALM 119 (5Psalm 13) COMMENTARY

INTRODUCTION

UPCOMING COMMENTARY. As mentioned previously, Psalm 119 is an acrostic, or an alphabetic song, with each succeeding 8-verse section beginning with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet, evidently done so primarily for assistance with memorization. Evidently, the psalmist David, anointed to be king, considered the lessons of this psalm so important and helpful to all that he wanted to make it easier to remember and recall in the acrostic format. This makes 8 x 22 letters = 176 total verses. The 22 sections (of 8 verses each) can break down to 2 sets of 11, and these sets may be further grouped. This time I wish to modify the pattern from 4-4-3 to that I now believe was most intended, a 4-4-3 for the first 11-stanza half of the psalm, and a 3-5-3 for the last 11 stanzas. Beginning with the next Psalm 119 blog post I wish to offer an overview of the first 4 sections, then consider it gradually, typically a 4-verse half-section at a time, at least twice per week, and then a review summary as well.  I wish to refine or update the commentary where appropriate. We may thus consider, by commentary, 8+ individual verses, of the loving and inspired work, per week. We can then proceed with each succeeding stanza the same way, with a preview and verse-by-verse consideration, and review, continuing to complete each of the two sets of 11 sections. A broader review of each half of 11 sections is also provided. Thus 4-4-3 (11), and 3-5-3 (11) with previews and reviews, however I may place more emphasis on the 3, 4, and 5 stanza Reviews, numbered 3 per half, and provide the larger reviews midway and at the end. In this way much can be gained from this valuable psalm. 

Within it there are so many things to appreciate! God reveals through the psalmist the importance of having deep love for Him and His word, and for those who could benefit from it (hoping everyone)!

There is an intriguing connection between this 119th (5#13) psalm and Psalm 19, which also highlights various aspects of God's word such as His (1)"lawl", (2)"reminders", (3)"orders", (4)"commandments", and (5)"judgements." These five aspects are introduced in Psalm 119 in the exact same order, although with two others inserted in between them! Psalm 19 is clearly credited to David as a melody by him, which was evidently the earlier work, and used as a basis for exploring such key aspects of God's word in Psalm 119, also understood to have connections to his earlier time while anointed to become king.

Let's notice the reading of Psalm 19:7-14, also beautifully inspired of God.

"7 The law of Jehovahz is perfect, restoring strength. 

The reminder of Jehovahz is trustworthy, making the [naive] one wise.

8 The orders from Jehovahz are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice; 

The commandment of Jehovahz is clean, making the eyes shine[or, "enlightening the eyes", AMP].

9 The [respectful or godly fear] of Jehovahz is pure, lasting forever. 

The judgements of Jehovahz are true, altogether righteous.

10 They are more desirable than gold, Than much fine gold, 

And sweeter than honey, the honey that drips from the combs.

11 By them your servant has been warned; 

In keeping them, there is a large reward.

12 Who can discern mistakes? 

Pronounce me innocent from sins I am unaware of.

13 And hold your servant back from presumptuous acts (defying your lawl); Do not let them dominate me. 

Then I will be complete, And innocent of blatant/intentional sins.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be pleasing to you, O Jehovahz, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Altogether there are about 10 aspects of God's word or law highlighted in Psalm 119, with possibly two or more significant related values mentioned. The 5 aspects highlighted above appear in successive order in Psalm 119, with two others inserted among the first 7, those being God's "ways" and "regulations," or, "lanelineways."  "Regulations" need to be understood as the beneficial laws, limits, and procedures governing, or regulating, our conduct so as to promote respect, fairness, and peace among citizens and residents of a community, for instance. The expression "instructions" or even "lines of living" might be appropriate alternate expressions, also perhaps “lanelineways”. The remaining terms are God's "word", His "saying" and His "statutes". The two related values mentioned, perhaps among others, are the "respectful fear" or “hoss” of Jehovahz and His "works." We want to come to understand each of these terms, so we can better comprehend their value in relation to God's wisdom. In the next blog post, let's have a PREVIEW of the first 4 alphabetic segments of Psalm 119, verses 1-32, beginning with a key truth, as highlighted in the first verse, that true happiness depends on walking in God's lawl, where genuine satisfaction may be found! Verse 1 reads: "Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the lawl of Jehovahz." Is it reasonable to do so? How can we? Let's give this more attention.

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PSALM 119 COMMENTARY

PREVIEW STANZAS 1-4, verses 1-32

What stirring lessons are to be found in the 119th Psalm (5Psa.13)! Let's begin by previewing the first four stanzas. A dominant point of the first stanza is found in the first verse:

STANZA 1 THEME: HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD.

"1 Happy are those who are blameless in their way [or, "who keep integrity"], Who walk in the law of Jehovahz." Thus we will see that happiness depends on obedience to God's law or lawl. Complete righteousness, however, is only attainable, as true Christians have come to know, through faith or an active trust in God, His word, Christ's example and the ransom provision of Christ's sacrifice allowing true forgiveness of sins, or occasional misses, but all this with the aim of love for God and neighbor, shown by genuine obedience. (1John 5:3). Abraham's faith was "counted to him” as “righteousness" or “rightdoing” as he loyally walked with God. (James 2:23).

STANZA 2 THEME: BY GOD'S WORD A YOUTH CAN REMAIN MORALLY CLEAN AND PURE.

What about the second stanza? Verse 9 highlights how a young man can remain spiritually clean. This is by "keeping on guard according to [God's] word." This idea of "keeping on guard" is expressed this way in another translation: by "taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to [God's] word [conforming his life to it]." (Psalm 119:9, AMP).

STANZA 3 THEME: FONDNESS FOR GOD'S WORD VITAL FOR FAITHFULNESS.

The third stanza, covering verses 17-24, highlights how fondness for God's word is vital for faithfulness. Verse 18 pleads to God: "Open my eyes so that I may see clearly The wonderful things from your lawl." Christians are exhorted, at 1Peter 2:2, "2 As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated (uncontaminated, unspoiled) milk of the word, so that by means of it you may grow to salvation."

STANZA 4 THEME: WE CAN REMAIN FAITHFUL UNDER TRIALSOME CIRCUMSTANCES.

The fourth stanza, verses 25-32, explains that, with God's help, we can remain faithful to God even under trialsome circumstances. Verses 25,28 say: "I lie prostrate in the dust. Preserve me alive according to your word...I have been sleepless from grief. Strengthen me according to your word." In both statements the psalmist relies upon the word of God, including His promise of support. 1Corinthians 10:13 explains: "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." Still, accordingly a trial ‘uncommon to men’ in God’s view we shouldn’t be faced with--as we seek to remain faithful, the truth of our sincerity and loyalty to God and others should eventually become clear, with wishes that wrongdoers might turn around, abandoning wrong conduct, preferring God's kindness, as explained in Psalm 103. Such matters as these, as God's word addresses, will be considered more thoroughly.

Thus we have much to look forward to as we examine these and other vital points of faith. May we appreciate the lessons God offers in this psalm for our spiritual welfare and that of others, as we gain understanding and insight into such matters!

HIGHLIGHTS OF GODZ LAWL. 

Godz lawl does of course include consideration of the Ten Commandments, the introduction, if you will, by God to His Mosaic Law covenant. Jesus would prove to keep the Law perfectly, as evidently no one prior was able to do completely. Of course, he would offer new teachings, that gave people a fresh way of looking at living by God's standards, in harmony with the greatest commandments of the Law, to love God with our all, and then our neighbor as ourself. The Mosaic Law itself can thus be seen from a new perspective, with greater insight into God's thinking and what it means to love Him and others as genuine Christians. This segment offers highlights from consideration of the Mosaic Law covenant, as found largely in Exodus, taking God's laws to Israel point by point. Leviticus adds laws for the Levitical priesthood, Numbers some related to organization, and Deuteronomy, which means "Second Law" was largely a restatement of the Law by Moses, and may have been Jesus' favorite book, evidently being the one he quoted from the most! Especially let's be reminded of how God wants to be worshipped, as we largely consider points from the Mosaic Law as they have application in the life of a Christian today. Many today wish to worship God on their own terms, but doesn’t God have the right, the authority as Author of the Universe, to reveal to us they way to our greatest happiness--to inform us as to His will to worship Him acceptably? Let's highlight Godz Lawl seeing parallels in true Christianity. May we review and increase our understanding of true worship!

LAWL OF GOD, Exodus 24

Value of God's Lawl

Exodus 24:1-3:

CHRISTIAN STANDARD: TRUE CHRISTIANS, HAVING  FAITH, STILL ACKNOWLEDGE A LAWL OF GOD AND GODLY STANDARDS.

Let’s consider Exodus 24:1-3: “24 Then he said to Moses: “Go up to Jehovalz, you and Aaron, Naʹdab and A·biʹhu, and 70 of the elders of Israel, and bow down from a distance. 2 Moses should approach Jehovalz by himself; but the others should not approach, and the people should not go up with him.” 3 Then Moses came and related to the people all the words of Jehovalz and all the judicial decisions, and all the people answered with one voice: “All the words that Jehovalz has spoken, we are willing to do.”

Verse 3 Notice Israel’s response to the relating of God’s initial Lawl to them: “All the words that Jehovalz has spoken, we are willing to do.” This people recognized God’s lawl as reasonable, wise, just and fair. They were willing to comply with all of it, to be obedient to it. In their day and time, God’s lawl was understandable and wisely beneficial. Of course, the principles of that Lawl--what it teaches us about the God who does not change--are timeless. By knowing the lawl well, they would be able to teach their children the things of utmost importance to God, that they might “live a long time in the land that Jehovalz your God is giving” them. As we’ll see, Moses wrote down this Lawl, and Israel at this time would agree to be bound by it, trusting in Jehovalz that it would prove beneficial to them. This agreement caused them to become a nation dedicated to Jehovalz, compliant with His will. Christians, despite having faith in Christ, recall this one's saying (in the Sermon on the Mount) that "I did not come to destroy the Lawl or the Prophets...I came, not to destroy, but to fulfill (perfect, or complete)." Rather than ignoring God's Lawl given through Moses, then, true Christians should come to realize that God's Lawl has another interpretation or application through Christ, in accord with Christian teachings and instructions. Also, willingly dedicating oneself to God as a true Christian gives evidence of a genuine faith in the God who is love, realizing that He is trustworthy, good and merciful in His dealings with us, willingly able to strengthen us to accomplish His will in our life. We can see this in the way Jesus, who perfectly reflected His Father’s love, dealt with fellow Israelites with humility, compassion, kindness, and patience. Of course, he reflected these qualities with proper motive, seeking to honor Jehovalz, unselfishly motivated to seek the long-term welfare of others, to benefit them eternally, helping them gain a good relationship with God and fellow humans. As Peter reminded fellow Christians, at 1Peter 1:15-16: “15 but like the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in all your conduct, 16 for it is written: “You must be holy, because I am holy.” The term “holy” itself is found nearly 800 times in God’s word. With proper motive, we should consider ourselves an extension of God’s hand to others, uplifting and helping them in various ways. We may add to their knowledge, and assist them in practical ways. Proverbs 11 says: “9 By his mouth the apostate brings his neighbor to ruin, But by knowledge the upright are rescued.” May we contribute to the everlasting salvation and happiness of others, by sincerely encouraging them to be among faithful Christian servants of God.

GODZ LAWL HIGHLIGHTS

DEUTERONOMY, OVERVIEW

"WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING." DEUT. Chapters 1-4: Moses’ first discourse of this book recounts significant events during the Israel’s 40-year wilderness sojourn, how they got to this point of nearing entry into the Promised Land, including several victories from Jehovahz over their opposers. They are exhorted to carefully follow the instructions and judgments of Jehovahz, because it would show “wisdom and understanding” on their part to do so. They were also not to forget what they had seen by Jehovahz’s hand, and speak of them to their sons and daughters.

DEUTERONOMY 04A

A CLEAN HOME PLANET. Recall that the "Israel of God" is now "all those who walk orderly by this (Christian) rule of conduct, peace and mercy be upon them, yes, upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16). Most Christians are to have Paradise hopes, with this earth as a home planet. First, we must work to clean up this planet and let it be the gem both spiritually and physically Jehovahz GOD intended it to be!

“Now, O Israel, listen to the [instructions] and the judicial decisions that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land that Jehovahz, the God of your forefathers, is giving you. 2 You must not add to the word that I am commanding you, neither must you take away from it, so as to keep the commandments of Jehovahz your God that I am commanding you."

REFUSING TO WORK EVIL. Jesus taught similarly. Recall in his Sermon on the Mount, that he said he came, not to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. Thus, his teachings help us to maintain the spirit of the Law, the primary motivation behind it being true love, for God and neighbor. Jesus, in fact, said these were the two greatest commandments of the Law--the first, to love GOD with all our heart, life, and strength, and the second, to love our neighbor as oneself. We love God first by obeying Him (1John 5:3). Paul said "LOVE DOES NOT WORK EVIL TO ONE'S NEIGHBOR, hence love is the Law's fulfillment." (Romans 13:10). Let's consider Moses' next words:

“Your own eyes have seen what Jehovahz did in the case of the Baʹal of Peʹor; Jehovahz your God annihilated from your midst every man who walked after the Baʹal of Peʹor. 4 But you who are holding fast to Jehovahz your God are all alive today. 5 See, I have taught you [instructions] and judicial decisions, just as Jehovahz my God has commanded me, so that you may observe them in the land you will take possession of.6 You must carefully follow them, because this will show wisdom and understanding on your part before the peoples who will hear about all these regulations, and they will say, ‘This great nation is undoubtedly a wise and understanding people.’7 For what great nation has gods as near to it as Jehovahz our God is to us whenever we call on him? 8 And what great nation has righteous regulations and judicial decisions like this entire Law that I am putting before you today?"

TREASURE GOD'S GIFT OF MARRIAGE. The scourge that killed many in Israel, falling to the worship of Baal, involved sexual immorality--utter disregard for GOD's marriage arrangement. As it turns out, realistically, many more couples are actually considered married in the eyes of God than some realize. What a marvelous gift to mankind is marriage, when a man and woman can remain loyal to each other in a covenant of closeness that should not compare to any other human relationship. Of course, their first loyalty is to GOD, as HE is the Originator of the marriage, and the Ultimate Preserver of the marriage bond, as husband and wife seek HIS direction and guidance in their life. Paul wrote of warnings in the Scriptures to conduct unbecoming of a true Christian, leading to GOD's disfavor.

1Corinthian 10:6-13 accordingly says this: "Now these things became examples for us, in order for us not to desire injurious things, as they desired them. 7 Neither become idolaters, as some of them did; just as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink. Then they got up to have a good time.”8 Neither let us practice sexual immorality, as some of them committed sexual immorality, only to fall, 23,000 of them in one day. 9 Neither let us put Jehovahz to the test, as some of them put him to the test, only to perish by the serpents. 10 Neither be murmurers, as some of them murmured, only to perish by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come. 12 So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. 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."

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DEUTERONOMY 04B

PROMOTING LIFE AND HEALTH. We finished last time with verse 8, which states: "And what great nation has righteous [instructions] and judicial decisions like this entire Law that I am putting before you today?" The Law God gave Israel was quite exceptional, and promoted both spiritual and physical health and genuine peaceful and loving relationships and actions among the communities of God's people then. Of course, God's sending of Jesus, and his offering of a sacrifice for man's life prospects, brought a fresh approach to that Law, allowing greater compassion and mercy, giving more opportunity for repentance--a true turn from wrongdoing, in hope of restoring God's favor. This was the message God ultimately intended for the rest of the world, to embrace true Christianity to serve Jehovahz GOD acceptably. Let's now pick up with verse 9:

"“Just be careful and watch yourself closely, so that you may not forget the things that your eyes have seen and so that they may not depart from your heart all the days of your life. You must also make them known to your sons and to your grandsons.10 On the day that you stood before Jehovahz your God in Horʹeb, Jehovahz said to me, ‘Congregate the people together to me so that I may let them hear my words, in order that they may learn to fear me all the days that they are alive on the ground and that they may teach their sons.’"

SAFEGUARD HEART. Proverbs 4:23 says "Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life." The heart holds our very motives, and our spirituality, inclining us to Jehovahz when motivated properly, leading to life. Each father and grandfather was to speak often about the things they had witnessed or learned about Jehovahz GOD in truth, sharing such stories and teachings with their offspring. And they had God's law to listen to and learn from, to share and discuss with others as well. There was much to draw each one close to Jehovahz, loving Him with a complete heart. Let's continue:

“So you came near and stood at the base of the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire up to the very heavens; there was darkness, cloud, and thick gloom.12 And Jehovahz began to speak to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—there was only a voice.13 And he declared his covenant to you, which he commanded you to observe—the Ten Commandments. Afterward, he wrote them on two tablets of stone.14 At that time Jehovahz commanded me to teach you [instructions] and judicial decisions, which you are to observe in the land you will enter to take possession of."

"UNBLEMISHED AND IN PEACE" The Christian scriptures offer proof that the Ten Commandments, written on stone upon making them known, are still in force by God, who wants us to live by them, along with the standards of Christian teaching, in support of the Law's precepts and teachings. (Ephes 6:2). "Love is the Law's fulfillment." James 2:10-13 says: "For if anyone obeys all the Law but makes a false step in one point, he has become an offender against all of it. 11 For the one who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” If, now, you do not commit adultery but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of law. 12 Keep on speaking and behaving in such a way as those do who are going to be judged by the law of a free people. 13 For the one who does not practice mercy will have his judgment without mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Certainly the Ten Commandments are among the most important of all God's instructions! May all who will look forward to living by GOD's loving instructions and guidance in the promised "world" of peace foretold. 2Peter 3:13 says: "But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these uprightness is to dwell. 14 Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace."

Next time, let's consider of Moses' discourse to Israel.

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DEUTERONOMY 04C

Our last consideration taught us to safeguard our heart from corruption, and to observe God's instructions, to be found by Him unblemished and in peace. Let's continue further in Moses' discourse.

“Therefore, watch yourselves closely—since you did not see any form on the day Jehovahz spoke to you in Horʹeb out of the middle of the fire—16 that you may not act corruptly by making for yourselves any carved image having the form of any symbol, the representation of male or female,17 the representation of any animal on the earth or the representation of any bird that flies in the sky,18 the representation of anything creeping on the ground or the representation of any fish in the waters under the earth.19 And when you raise your eyes to the heavens and see the sun and the moon and the stars—all the army of the heavens—do not get seduced and bow down to them and serve them. Jehovahz your God has given them to all the peoples under the whole heavens.20 But you are the ones Jehovahz took and brought out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to become the people of his personal possession, as you are today."

SIN OF IDOLATRY. It was the first Two Commandments of the Ten that clearly show Jehovahz requires exclusive worship of His people, ultimately all humankind, the work of His own hands. These state: "“‘I am Jehovahz your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.7 You must never have any other gods besides me.8 “‘You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.9 You must not bow down to them nor be led to serve them, for I, Jehovahz your God, am a God who requires exclusive devotion, bringing punishing correction for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation of those who hate me,10 but showing loyal love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments." It is the sin of idolatry that involves lifting up another thing or creature, including humans, above Jehovahz in worship--this practice blinds one spiritually, so this one is no longer able to see clearly and be fully honest and upright. (Psalm 115). Even the stars are a gift from God, supporting life throughout the Universe, but may we carefully follow God's guidance and direction obediently, to be able to enjoy life as He has intended for humans, first restoring true peace, purity, and happiness to our planet. We would never want to worship the sun, the moon, or the stars, or even our own planet Earth, as though these gifts from God and anything obtained from them are somehow greater than the love of God Himself, and our relationship with Him. We are to love Jehovahz, pleasing Him, patiently waiting for His guidance in doing what is right before Him, not selfishly running ahead of Jehovahz, or worshipping those we should respect, and losing out on our precious eternal future as His loyal, faithful worshipers.

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DEUTERONOMY 04E

As we concluded last time, Israel of old did turn to false worship too often, and what is next stated by Moses took place among them. What lessons can we learn from this, so as to remain faithful to Jehovahz in the new world at hand?

“If you become father to sons and grandsons and you have lived a long time in the land and you act ruinously and make a carved image of any kind and you do what is evil in the eyes of Jehovahz your God so as to offend him, 26 I do take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today that you will surely and quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of. You will not last long on it, but you will be utterly annihilated. 27 Jehovahz will scatter you among the peoples, and just a few of you will survive among the nations to which Jehovahz will have driven you. 28 There you will have to serve gods of wood and stone made by human hands, gods that cannot see or hear or eat or smell."

SECURITY SYSTEM: Clearly, God takes His command to worship only Him quite seriously. No other so-called gods, anything or anyone exalted above Jehovahz to obey or love, should be allowed to take God's primary place in our hearts. He is the God of truth, peace, and "is love." There is no need to desire any other standards than what God Himself sets for the human family. HE and HIS WORD is our security system. Take the Ten Commandments--our security and happiness are threatened by the violation of any ONE of them! If someone ignores the Command not the steal, what insecurity and unhappiness this creates among those robbed of what belongs to them! May we treasure God's loving instructions for the human family, and worship Him exclusively! Let's see what Moses further has to say regarding this circumstance that Israel of old found themselves in, after being exiled to Babylon:

"“If you search for Jehovahz your God from there, you will certainly find him, if you inquire for him with all your heart and with all your soul.30 When you are in great distress and all these things have happened to you in later times, then you will return to Jehovahz your God and listen to his voice.31 For Jehovahz your God is a merciful God. He will not desert you or bring you to ruin or forget the covenant that he swore to your forefathers."

A FAITHFUL PEOPLE. Israel did return to true worship of Jehovahz for a time, but largely rejected Jesus, losing God's favor as a nation. But the nation of spiritual, or Godly Israel was still intact, among true Christians, including many of Jewish heritage! (Galat 6:16). We needn't repeat history in the critical time inheriting a new world of righteousness and peace. (2Peter 3:13; Psalm 37:11). Rather, we may fulfill the promised blessings for those obedient, faithful servants of the true God, Jehovahz! Let's ever aim to remain as faithful to God, as the moon is a "faithful witness in the skies," ever adhering to it's designed purpose as regards our planet and people. (Psalm 89:37).

_______(6) Eternal Express

MATTERS OF CHRISTIAN UNITY

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 Jehovahz 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. Colossians 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."

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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.

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CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER SELECTION

ENDURE HARDSHIP FAITHFULLY, UPHOLDING CHRISTIAN TRUTH

MAINTAIN 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." 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 corrupt 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. Recall that "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." (1Cor 10:13). Smoke & mirrors aside, the truth becomes clearer. 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 this world may offer us, in tempting us to be disloyal to Jehovahz. Let's use our talents to glorify our loving Father and His great and holy name.

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."

MANY "SLEEPING IN DEATH" AWAIT RESURRECTION. 1Thessalonians 4:1-2 mentions how God provides instruction "on how you should walk in order to please God," and encourages us to "keep doing it more fully." 1Thes. 4:13-14 debunks the idea of an immortal soul (a popular Greek philosophy) in saying "we do not want you to be ignorant about those who are sleeping in death, so that you may not sorrow as the rest who have no hope. For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus." Scripturally, it is the "spirit" of a person that can receive immortality upon one's resurrection to heavenly life, having been scourged by God in training for that special privilege. (Hebre 12:6; 1Peter 5:10; Revel 20:6). Also, it should be known that "heavenly" life is also in the Scriptures associated with government and rulership, even as humans. Whether one's hope is heavenly or within an earthly Paradise, 1Corinthians 15:44 says "...if there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual one." It is the spirit within that contains one's personality. For more detail on this subject, see the article "Finding Truth".

GODZ LAWL SELECTION

CTC ARTICLE: ISSUE AFTER ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: PROPER VIEW OF LAW

Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of JOHVAHZ, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night.”

Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must ponder it day and night, in order to observe carefully all that is written in it; for then your way will be successful and then you will act wisely.”

Jeremiah 31:33 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares JOHVAHZ. “I will put my law within them, and in their heart I will write it. And I will become their God, and they will become my people.”

NEED FOR LAW. The need for some code of law became apparent with time in man’s history. Before the advent of such laws, humans, closer to the perfection originally present in our first parents, Adam and Eve, generally lived by their consciences. Likely, discussions of right and wrong actions were among the conversations our first parents had with their children. It was possibly even before a law code existed that Joseph fled from having an adulterous affair with his Egyptian owner’s wife, saying “How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?” In the oral history handed down, he knew God had brought the first man and woman together in marriage, and at this, God’s word says: “That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24). Thus respect for the covenant of marriage was engendered early on, especially among God-fearing persons.

AN EARLY CODE. One early law code was the code of Hammurabi. This was before the time of Moses. Hammurabi’s code laid down some 282 laws, having been written upon stone pillars within the kingdom of Babylon, so everyone would know the law. Hammurabi is known as the sixth king of Babylon, and is believed to have ruled between 1792 BCE and 1750 BCE. Hammurabi evidently did not write these laws, but brought together and organized existing laws. It became the standard of judgement throughout his empire. Of course, there were some similarities and differences when comparing his law to that of God’s law through Moses. Both codes stated, for instance, that kidnapping a child would bring the death penalty.*

WHY SEVERE PENALTIES? Why do such laws of man and God, even today, have severe punishments associated with certain wrong actions? If everyone is aware of the law code, and knows how severe the penalty would be for a specific harmful, criminal act, this should serve as a powerful deterrent from engaging in wrong conduct, thus enabling a peaceful existence to be maintained in society. Just as violating a law of physics, such as gravity, you know could mean your death, so serious moral laws should never be violated either. God reveals at 2Peter 3:9 that He “...is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed (or killed) but desires all to attain to repentance.” Thus, He wants everyone to understand and respect His laws, which promote life and genuine peace and happiness among society, regretting past violations and the harm they may have caused. Hammurabi’s code even included death for robbery, while God’s law through Moses generally only required returning the item stolen, if possible, and added compensation, totaling from an extra 1/5th up to seven times the amount, depending on the situation. Thus, God’s law was more reasonable in this case, while the penalty still serves to deter the crime. 

STILL CONSIDERING CIRCUMSTANCES. At the same time, judges were to take circumstances into account, to judge with fairness, so that the penalty truly fit the crime and the person. A principle of God’s word underscores God’s fairness and love for all, in saying “Mercy exalts triumphantly over judgement”. God’s law promoted fairness and equality, whereas Hammurabi’s law considered a crime less serious if it was committed by one with higher social status. More than a crime against man, God’s law made it clear that crimes such as robbery were also being committed against God—who loves His human children, and wants the peace and happiness of all. They thus were sins against God, requiring forgiveness by Him, to have His blessing restored. And efforts were to be put forth, with real repentance, to undo reasonably and where possible, the harm that had been caused. Submitting to God, a person could at times, based largely on truthfulness, original intent, and/or real correction with faith in Christ, receive judgement of a penalty not as severe. There is also a lesser penalty, temporarily limiting certain freedoms, an excommunication of sorts, that serves to bring realization of the blessings that God through Christ has brought to human society, making civilization and a peaceful world possible.

OTHER PURPOSES OF LAW. We’ve seen that laws can be set as a deterrent from bad actions. But laws can also promote and accentuate good practices and standards. It can be used to set certain payments for government, legal and business services, for instance. It can serve as a guide for helping ensure that all can learn to live respectfully and peaceably with one another. It can outline fair practices between entities, whether governmental, commercial, or personal. It can outline a path to help various peoples overcome some disappointing or failing circumstances, to regain their peace, security, prosperity, freedom and/or happiness after some disaster or unfortunate occurrence(s). Laws can thus be used for much good, and contribute to the above-mentioned conditions that human hearts long to experience and maintain. And contrary to the notion that laws are only restrictive, in truth law can even be made to defend and protect various freedoms that promote such happiness among humanity. God’s word reveals that “where the spirit of JOHVAHZ is, there is freedom!” (2Cori 3:17). And James speaks of God’s law or lawcode as a 'perfect lawcode that belongs to freedom.' He writes: 'But the one who peers into (or, examines) the perfect lawcode that belongs to freedom and [persists] in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the lawcode; and he will be happy in what he does.” (James 1:25). Thus, God’s law can promote wise and good conduct, and help those who adhere to it act with greater wisdom, and find greater happiness. Psalm 19:7-8 says: “7 The law of JOHVAHZ is perfect, restoring strength. The reminder of JOHVAHZ is trustworthy, making the naive one wise. 8 The orders from JOHVAHZ are upright, causing the heart to rejoice; The commandment of JOHVAHZ is clean, enlightening the eyes.” Therefore, God’s commands support truth and true worship in a way that enables obedient ones to find wisdom and joy, to see more clearly where they are on the path of life, and where they are going.

WHAT OF THE RANSOM? Therefore, the ransom of Christ, while a merciful gift of God, does not do away with law, but rather establishes it. It is having faith, or thankful trust, in that merciful provision for forgiveness that enables ones to gradually grow to greater adherence to the law of God. With a deep faith in God and His word and law, we are moved to respond to God’s love by loving Him in return. And 1John 5:3 explains: “3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” Thus by such faith in God’s love, seeing God’s law as a way to know how to love Him in return, true righteousness is made possible, even a complete obedience of the heart of a person. This was not always understood. Some Jews felt that their own circumcision of the flesh itself gave them divine favor. Romans 3:23-24, 29-31 says: “23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and it is as a free gift that they are being declared upright by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Joshualz (Jesus)...29 Or is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also the God of people of the nations? Yes, also of people of the nations. 30 Since God is one, he will declare circumcised people upright as a result of faith and uncircumcised people upright by means of their faith. 31 Do we, then, abolish law by means of our faith? Not at all! On the contrary, we uphold law.” Likewise, for true Christians, baptism itself is not an automatic sign of divine favor, but it is a “request made to God for a good conscience.” (1Peter 3:21). Holding a good conscience, that is eagerly trained by God’s word, with an obedient and loyal heart, brings divine approval, not as something we earn, but as a free gift, by God’s kindness, through the ransom of Christ. Christian faith in this ransom inspires to greater adherence to God’s word, reflecting divine wisdom.

CONTROLLED THINKING AND CONDUCT. Further serving as a deterrent to crime is a healthy respect for others and discipline, or esteemed control of one's own thinking and emotions, even reactions, in accord with a rightly-trained conscience. Important to achieving this is the realization that thoughts precede, or come before, feelings in the complex mind. Think or ponder a good vacation you've enjoyed, and you may feel quite happy at the idea of planning a similar one. One who has developed such control or discipline, instead of responding in kind, can choose a beneficial response to another's words or conduct, often more helpful.

CONCLUSION

FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD. Joshualz (Jesus) when on earth taught many principles of divine truth, that aid one to understand God and His ways better, so as to WANT to live by them. Christ’s teachings help to address one's loyalty and faithfulness to God in a heartfelt way, helping to become obedient from the heart to God’s standards and laws, promoting true peace, uprightness, and happiness. These same teachings enable us to understand the Law of God in Christian light, to identify figurative or spiritual application of some laws that until now (or, previously) were only thought to apply in a literal or physical sense. May we therefore come to delight in the law of God, as others throughout history, and look forward to God’s favored blessings and rewards. This requires faith, or thankful trust, in Him, as explained at Hebrews 11:6: “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 persistently seeking him.” God’s Kingdom will thus help people to comprehend God’s law in a way that they can understand and live by it, seeing it’s wisdom and value in their life. Perhaps books will be published, with the aim of addressing a certain aspect or topic of God’s law, revealing insight into how it functions to contribute to earth-wide or even universal peace, security, prosperity, freedom, and happiness. They can be written with warmth and understanding, in “plain English” so-to-speak, in a way that may bring delight and satisfaction. May everyone be learning of God’s perfect law, that they may live by it, respecting His law and Son’s teachings, thus honoring our loving God and Father, JEHOVAHZ, as the rightful Sovereign of the Universe.

* WORLD HISTORY for Christian Schools, 1984 ed. pp. 24-25

Psalm 119 (or 5Psalm 13) Commentary

THE SPIRIT OF GENUINE PEACE. While not wanting to neglect other valuable psalms, containing many important lessons of their own, we can nevertheless still benefit from reviewing this priceless one of David, anointed to be king, having endured many years to finally receive that privileged right. Why not both--if we continue Psalm Select, segment (2), with selections from the spirit-inspired psalms, we can gain even more insight into the spirit of God, or the "goodforce" that we may receive as we love God and His word of truth, and that can stir or motivate us in the doing of God's loving desire/will for humans. According to 1Timothy 2:3-4 that involves the saving of people everywhere, as they come to an accurate knowledge of the genuine truth about God! This truth is not as it has sometimes been represented. God's word and law is truly reasonable, as there are answers within it that not all yet know about or comprehend. Thus we can truly find genuine joy and satisfaction within God's law, rather than without it! God's loving desire or will also thus involves the genuine peace and security that His word has promised. Grateful for the gift of life, realizing where it has come from, is a great start. Then, seeking real peace with others, willing to look to God to grow and for help as we need it, we may look forward to many blessings to come, with greater love for God and others! Such should be everyone's upright desire to attain. Many may not realize it, but God's word can be fulfilled in a way that confirms God's love for the entire human family, which he and his Son seek to preserve, along with genuine peace. God's word says "seek peace and pursue it." Godly instruction is thus involved. For some, it may require more faith or thankful trust in God and His word. For others, it may be that what's needed is to better comprehend the respectful fear of God, the vital spirit of true humility--a humble respect for God and His decisions and purposes, and for fellow humans--replacing an arrogant sense of superiority (letting go of pridefulness, as it were, lacking faith or trust in God). Also important is acknowledging How JOHVAHZ is still accomplishing His will for a peace-loving world, even through the corrections of those within the United States and elsewhere, desiring the happiness of the entire human family on Earth. Let's do all we can to promote such genuine peace, remaining peace-lovers as the wisdom of God teaches us to do. (On a sidenote, I would like to also continue and/or update the podcast of Psalm 119).

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PSALM 119 (5Psalm 13) COMMENTARY

INTRODUCTION

UPCOMING COMMENTARY. As mentioned previously, Psalm 119 is an acrostic, or an alphabetic song, with each succeeding 8-verse section beginning with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet, evidently done so primarily for assistance with memorization. Evidently, the psalmist David, anointed to be king, considered the lessons of this psalm so important and helpful to all that he wanted to make it easier to remember and recall in the acrostic format. This makes 8 x 22 letters = 176 total verses. The 22 sections (of 8 verses each) can break down to 2 sets of 11, and these sets may be further grouped. This time I wish to modify the pattern from 4-4-3 to that I now believe was most intended, a 4-4-3 for the first 11-stanza half of the psalm, and a 3-5-3 for the last 11 stanzas. Beginning with the next Psalm 119 blog post I wish to offer an overview of the first 4 sections, then consider it gradually, typically a 4-verse half-section at a time, at least twice per week, and then a review summary as well.  I wish to refine or update the commentary where appropriate. We may thus consider, by commentary, 8+ individual verses, of the loving and inspired work, per week. We can then proceed with each succeeding stanza the same way, with a preview and verse-by-verse consideration, and review, continuing to complete each of the two sets of 11 sections. A broader review of each half of 11 sections is also provided. Thus 4-4-3 (11), and 3-5-3 (11) with previews and reviews, however I may place more emphasis on the 3, 4, and 5 stanza Reviews, numbered 3 per half, and provide the larger reviews midway and at the end. In this way much can be gained from this valuable psalm. 

Within it there are so many things to appreciate! God reveals through the psalmist the importance of having deep love for Him and His word, and for those who could benefit from it (hoping everyone)!

There is an intriguing connection between this 119th (5#13) psalm and Psalm 19, which also highlights various aspects of God's word such as His (1)"lawl", (2)"reminders", (3)"orders", (4)"commandments", and (5)"judgements." These five aspects are introduced in Psalm 119 in the exact same order, although with two others inserted in between them! Psalm 19 is clearly credited to David as a melody by him, which was evidently the earlier work, and used as a basis for exploring such key aspects of God's word in Psalm 119, also understood to have connections to his earlier time while anointed to become king.

Let's notice the reading of Psalm 19:7-14, also beautifully inspired of God.

"7 The law of JOHVAHZ is perfect, restoring strength. 

The reminder of JOHVAHZ is trustworthy, making the [naive] one wise.

8 The orders from JOHVAHZ are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice; 

The commandment of JOHVAHZ is clean, making the eyes shine[or, "enlightening the eyes", AMP].

9 The [respectful or godly fear] of JOHVAHZ is pure, lasting forever. 

The judgements of JOHVAHZ are true, altogether righteous.

10 They are more desirable than gold, Than much fine gold, 

And sweeter than honey, the honey that drips from the combs.

11 By them your servant has been warned; 

In keeping them, there is a large reward.

12 Who can discern mistakes? 

Pronounce me innocent from sins I am unaware of.

13 And hold your servant back from presumptuous acts (defying your lawl); Do not let them dominate me. 

Then I will be complete, And innocent of blatant/intentional sins.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be pleasing to you, O JOHVAHZ, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Altogether there are about 10 aspects of God's word or law highlighted in Psalm 119, with possibly two or more significant related values mentioned. The 5 aspects highlighted above appear in successive order in Psalm 119, with two others inserted among the first 7, those being God's "ways" and "regulations," or, "laneways" or “lawlines”. "Regulations" need to be understood as the beneficial laws, limits, and procedures governing, or regulating, our conduct so as to promote respect, fairness, and peace among citizens and residents of a community, for instance. The expression "instructions" or even "lines of living" might be appropriate alternate expressions, also perhaps “lawlines”. The remaining terms are God's "word", His "saying" and His "statutes". The two related values mentioned, perhaps among others, are the "respectful fear" or awe of JOHVAHZ and His "works." We want to come to understand each of these terms, so we can better comprehend their value in relation to God's wisdom. In the next blog post, let's have a PREVIEW of the first 4 alphabetic segments of Psalm 119, verses 1-32, beginning with a key truth, as highlighted in the first verse, that true happiness depends on walking in God's lawl, where genuine satisfaction may be found! Verse 1 reads: "Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the lawl of JOHVAHZ." Is it reasonable to do so? How can we? Let's give this more attention.

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PSALM 119 COMMENTARY

PREVIEW STANZAS 1-4, verses 1-32

What stirring lessons are to be found in the 119th Psalm (5Psa.13)! Let's begin by previewing the first four stanzas. A dominant point of the first stanza is found in the first verse:

STANZA 1 THEME: HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD.

"1 Happy are those who are blameless in their way [or, "who keep integrity"], Who walk in the law of JOHVAHZ." Thus we will see that happiness depends on obedience to God's law or lawl. Complete righteousness, however, is only attainable, as true Christians have come to know, through faith or an active trust in God, His word, Christ's example and the ransom provision of Christ's sacrifice allowing true forgiveness of sins, or occasional misses, but all this with the aim of love for God and neighbor, shown by genuine obedience. (1John 5:3). Abraham's faith was "counted to him” as “righteousness" or “rightdoing” as he loyally walked with God. (James 2:23).

STANZA 2 THEME: BY GOD'S WORD A YOUTH CAN REMAIN MORALLY CLEAN AND PURE.

What about the second stanza? Verse 9 highlights how a young man can remain spiritually clean. This is by "keeping on guard according to [God's] word." This idea of "keeping on guard" is expressed this way in another translation: by "taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to [God's] word [conforming his life to it]." (Psalm 119:9, AMP).

STANZA 3 THEME: FONDNESS FOR GOD'S WORD VITAL FOR FAITHFULNESS.

The third stanza, covering verses 17-24, highlights how fondness for God's word is vital for faithfulness. Verse 18 pleads to God: "Open my eyes so that I may see clearly The wonderful things from your lawl." Christians are exhorted, at 1Peter 2:2, "2 As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated (uncontaminated, unspoiled) milk of the word, so that by means of it you may grow to salvation."

STANZA 4 THEME: WE CAN REMAIN FAITHFUL UNDER TRIALSOME CIRCUMSTANCES.

The fourth stanza, verses 25-32, explains that, with God's help, we can remain faithful to God even under trialsome circumstances. Verses 25,28 say: "I lie prostrate in the dust. Preserve me alive according to your word...I have been sleepless from grief. Strengthen me according to your word." In both statements the psalmist relies upon the word of God, including His promise of support. 1Corinthians 10:13 explains: "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." Still, accordingly a temptation ‘uncommon to men’ in God’s view we shouldn’t be faced with--as we seek to remain faithful, the truth of our sincerity and loyalty to God and others should eventually become clear, with wishes that wrongdoers might turn around, abandoning wrong conduct, preferring God's kindness, as explained in Psalm 103. Such matters as these, as God's word addresses, will be considered more thoroughly.

Thus we have much to look forward to as we examine these and other vital points of faith. May we appreciate the lessons God offers in this psalm for our spiritual welfare and that of others, as we gain understanding and insight into such matters!

PSALM 119 REVIEW STANZAS 1-4

We've reached Review 1 of the first four stanzas, the first-half reviews aiming to follow a 4-3-4 pattern, then with an overall 11 Stanza review of the first half of the 22 Stanza Psalm. The plan is for each smaller review to cover from 1-3 selected verse commentaries per Stanza, often shortened some and with a few things rephrased to keep it fresh. The review may thus bring back to mind several key ideas from the Commentary. The larger reviews, then, attempt to draw from each stanza, with an occasional summary followed by one or two commentary selections. Let's now consider together our first 4-stanza review.

PSALM 13 OF BOOK 5 (Ps119) REVIEW STANZAS 1-4:

STANZA 1, Verses 1-8: HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD.

Happiness depends on obedience to God's lawl, but only by exercising faith, or thankful trust, in God, His word and son, and the ransom provision for forgiveness of sins, with repentance. We must recall that Abraham's faith was "counted to him as righteousness, or integrity" so we can develop an upright standing with God, even while we have much to learn of God's right standards, endeavoring to keep them.

A few misunderstood terms found in verses 1-7 include these:

Verse 4 speaks of God's ORDERS to be "carefully kept." Recall Psalm 19:8 says "The ORDERS from JOHVAHZ are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice." Clearly a command to do or avoid something, evidently with even more urgency or zeal than a command or commandment, with hopefully all recognizing it's purpose--the important reasons for it, and therefore possibly serious consequences if we fail to heed it. We may recognize a "God-order" as an order coming from the Supreme authority of JOHVAHZ God. (Genesis 18:22-25-33).

Verse 5 mentions observing God's REGULATIONS. These are defined as authoritative detailed rules or procedures, given to regulate or control a body, an organization or system. In other words, they help to guide or regulate our conduct in a good and beneficial way. When used in the plural in the Scriptures, this term has been translated as "INSTRUCTIONS," and now this still appears to be not too far from the real meaning. Peace and order requires some good and fair lawl, just not excessive. Regulations are basically the lawls governing, or regulating, our conduct that we may live and find the genuine peace and real satisfaction God has promised, only within God's lawl, not without it. God's "standards" really help form the basis for good regulations or "careful instructions," which might also be phrased as "lines of living," underscoring fair and impartial treatment and handling of matters, helping us comprehend living the way of endless peace and prosperity that only God's Kingdom can bring through the Christ. Other ways to term these besides “careful instructions” are “lanelineways” and now “lawlines”.

Verse 7 mentions God's righteous JUDGEMENTS. These are evaluations formed by discerning and comparing or contrasting various aspects of a matter. His evaluations and decisions should be respected and appreciated, and often much can be learned from them. They are "true, altogether righteous." (Psalm 19:9).

TRUE HAPPINESS FOUND. Also key to the first stanza is that it is possible and reasonable to keep God's lawls and standards. The first 4 verses thus read as follows: "Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the lawl of JOHVAHZ. 2 Happy are those who observe his reminders, Who search for him with all their heart. 3 They practice no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded That your orders be carefully kept."

PSALM 13 OF BOOK 5 (Ps119) REVIEW STANZAS 1-4:

STANZA 2, Verses 9-16: BY GOD'S WORD A YOUTH CAN REMAIN MORALLY CLEAN OR PURE.

KEEPING ON GUARD. Verse 9 says: "How can a child [most accurate] keep his path clean? By keeping on guard according to your word." Young children are often safeguarded by parents and other responsible ones from much of the spiritual contamination that degrades some or many, depending on an area or environment. Our youths, while vulnerable, may grow in spiritual strength, in the force of good. Thus, Proverbs 22:3 says: "The discreet one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the naive keep right on going and suffer the consequences." As these precious children grow, they should be helped to gain enough discretion to be aware and cautious of spiritual pitfalls still common in our time period. While loving people, they will nevertheless need to realize that "bad company" still threatens or "spoils good habits." (1Cori 15:33, NIV; 2Timo 3:2-5). Thus, how can a young man keep his path clean? The answer is expressed this way in AMP: "By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it]." Thus, be pleasing God, and have love for all! God's word, including the book of Proverbs, contains much divine instruction that can assist all to protect their spirit from ruin. May we treasure Christian teachings and guidance toward God's reward of eternal life, peace, and happiness!

TREASURING GOD'S SAYINGS. Verse 11 says "In my heart I treasure up your saying, so that I may not sin against you." Jesus/Joshualz said, at Matthew 7:24, "“Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock." In God's word are found many motivating expressions helping us remain faithful to God, as we ponder them, endeavoring to see how to live by them each day. These sayings need to affect, not only our speech, but also our actions. It is not enough simply to know God's standards, we need to develop heart appreciation for them, perhaps with prudence to see the blessings and rewards of choosing the right course, and some of the problems and troubles caused by choosing poorly. Thus we can more readily "hate what is bad" and choose a good path. (Psalm 97:10; Prove 2:20-22).

One more term often misunderstood, found in verse 16, is STATUTES.

God's STATUTES are mentioned, as something we should be fond of, helping us not to forget God's word. As used in the Scriptures, reference is several times made to a "lasting statute," meaning a lawl that held special permanence or longevity among all of God's lawls. For instance, the day Israel had left Egypt en-route to the Promised Land, God said, at Exodus 12:14: "“‘This day will serve as a memorial for you, and you must celebrate it as a festival to JOHVAHZ throughout your generations. As a lasting statute, you should celebrate it." The day has even carried over into Christianity, as the Memorial of Christ's death, similar to Good Friday, as the Passover lamb foreshadowed Christ's sacrificial death. All living among God's people were to keep His lawl. On one occasion, God added a "statute" to the existing lawl code, thus setting a precedent in allowing statutes to be added to the Mosaic Lawl when circumstances necessitated it. Such lawls should always support and prove to be in agreement with God's lawls and standards, never contributing to their violation. That was not the case with many of the traditions of Pharisees and others in that day, which taught people to do things in violation of God's written word. (Mark 7:9-13).

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PSALM 13 OF BOOK 5 (119) REVIEW STANZAS 1-4:

STANZA 3, Verses 17-24: FONDNESS FOR GOD'S WORD VITAL FOR FAITHFULNESS.

THE VALUE AND BEAUTY OF GOD'S LAWL! Psalm 119:18 The psalmist recognizes that a person can be blind to the beautiful truths of God's word and lawl. This psalmist was evidently fairly familiar with God's lawl, and accepting a bribe, God's lawl stated, at Exodus 23:8 "blinds clear-sighted men and can distort the words of upright men." Also, any form of idolatry, exalting anyone or anything above the place only God should occupy in our hearts, causes those having eyes not to see, a reference to hampered spiritual vision. (Psalm 115). And Paul eludes to this, in referring to those influenced by Satan's godship, which could be anyone in the entire world or system of things. While the term “world” (Greek kosmos) can vary by scope, as used in English such as “the world of sports, or of insects”, in a Scriptural context the Bible even mentions it in plural, referring to “the systems of things”. But the term can also refer to the entire world system or arrangement. Paul says in verses 2 and 3 of 2Corinthians 4 that by making the truth manifest, they were recommending themselves to every human conscience in the sight of God. Then he says “IF”. He says “If, now, such good news is in fact veiled (obscured, hidden), it is veiled among those who are perishing, among whom the god of this (or that, a difference between Greek and English grammar) system of things (world of that time) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through." So nevertheless, this good news, genuine truth, could be veiled, or hidden from view. Again, recall that things such as bribery and idolatry could blind otherwise “clear-sighted men”. Therefore, may we not be fooled into underestimating the value or beauty of God's law, nor the rewards of adhering thereto. Eternal life in true peace and happiness is surely worth every effort to attain!

LOOK TO GOD DESPITE REPROACH. In verse 22, this request is made: "Remove from me scorn[or, reproach] and contempt, For I have observed your reminders." The psalmist pleads for JOHVAHZ to take away any reproach motivated by misunderstandings, or anger perhaps, sometimes even by fellow servants of God, who may have found fault, possibly believing slander, or even due to the sins or mistakes that others have caused him. He thus requests to be treated fairly according to his own integrity, rather than receive prejudice due to mistaken views or the errors of others.

BECOME FOND OF GOD'S REMINDERS. And in verse 24, the value of reminders are highlighted: "I am fond of your reminders; They are my advisers." Godly reminders are thus useful to all when seeking guidance, as if requesting advice from trusted counselors. Also, you may have already realized that God's genuine reminders tend to help us keep in step with His lawl, leading to many blessings.

PSALM 13 OF BOOK 5 (119) REVIEW STANZAS 1-4:

STANZA 4, Verses 25-32: WE CAN REMAIN FAITHFUL UNDER TRIALSOME CIRCUMSTANCES.

We can remain faithful under trialsome circumstances. The inspired word of God says this, at 1Corinthians 10:13: "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." We see that it should be rare to undergo an uncommon temptation--as we seek to remain faithful, the truth of our sincerity and loyalty to God and others should become clear, at least in time, when the smoke and mirrors are taken away. Throughout we hope the pridefulness of wrongdoers falls to God's true love, them turning around, realizing the price we all pay for ungodly rebellion, so abandoning wrong conduct, appealing to our God who is "good and ready to forgive."

CONTINUE SEEKING WHAT IS RIGHT. In verse 25, the psalmist expresses himself this way: "I lie prostrate in the dust. Preserve me alive according to your word." He thus speaks as if "at the end of his rope." Nevertheless, He falls back on God and His promise to sustain him. It is faith, or thankful trust and reliance upon God, that was "counted to [Abraham] as righteousness." Faith in Christ's ransom can cover sins. Forgiveness can be found, and God can raise one up even from the dust. Psalm 55:22 says "Throw your burden on JOHVAHZ, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the upright one to fall." Are you motivated to continue trusting in JOHVAHZ, seeking what is right? While it's not always the "path of least resistance," you will receive assistance toward lasting peace for all. Psalm 34:19 says: "Many are the hardships of the upright one, But JOHVAHZ rescues him from them all."

TRUST NECESSARY FOR GENUINE PEACE. Verse 29 says this: "Remove from me the way of deception, And favor me with your lawl." Living with falsehood or deceit is quite opposed to God's way of the truth. Genuine peace is not possible without being able to have faith, or deep trust, in God and in one another. Ephesians 6:23 says: "May the brothers have peace and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus or Joshualz Christ." The psalmist thus chooses faithfulness to God, wanting to know God's lawl and hold to it. Have you come to realize that keeping God's lawl protects us from many dangers, both spiritually and physically?

REMINDED OF WHAT WE NEED TO LIVE BY. And verse 31 reads this way: "I cling to your reminders. O JOHVAHZ, do not let me be disappointed." Regularly going where God's word is read and discussed, and reading in God's lawl or word daily, and related literature, should bring to mind Christian commands and principles we need to live by. Jesus/Joshualz primarily seeking associates in God's Kingdom taught his followers to make disciples, "teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matth 28:19-20). Thus, of course, we would need to know "all the things" ourselves. This needn't be too difficult. Recall that in just 3 chapters of the Bible, Matthew 5-7, containing Christ's Sermon on the Mount, we find perhaps a fourth of all that God requires of true Christians. Also, the Ten Commandments how well should we know? See if you can figure out this acronym for the Ten, (now updated): WIN-SH,MAS-FD. (Exodus 20). (The W appropriately stands for proper Worship of God, also the 9th place now uses "F", continuing as against things, in this case "False" testimony.) The "FD" may remind one of the "Fire Department," perhaps fitting as these two sins represented can each lead to a spiritual firestorm. On a sidenote, local F.D.'s are hubs promoting safety and life in associated communities. These should be supported well, and in turn, may offer educational materials helping to reduce fire risks and other safety hazards locally. Adding Proverbs 1-10 to the aforementioned Bible chapters, we may have come to know well over a third of God's requirements! What other chapters in the Gospels or Christian letters can you find that contain valuable guidance and instruction? As we follow such counsel, may we find God's approval and blessing, and the hope which "does not lead to disappointment!" (Romans 5:5).

PSALM 119 STANZA 5

The theme we'll consider for all of stanza 5 is this:

WHOLE-HEARTED OBEDIENCE CAN BE (HAPPILY) CULTIVATED AND SUSTAINED OVER TIME.

As we learned in the first verse of Psalm 119, true happiness belongs to those "who walk in the law of JOHVAHZ." This requires faith, or a thankful trust, in God. As we learn God's lawls and ways, our faith, like that of Abraham, can be 'counted to us as integrity (rightdoing),' based on the ransom of Christ. (James 2:23). Our obedience can be shown to improve and endure over time.

Stanza 5A

Stanza 5A, verses 33-36, says this: "33 Teach me, O JOHVAHZ, the way of your governed guidance, And I will follow it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, So that I may observe your lawl And keep it with my whole heart. 35 Guide me in the pathway of your commandments, For in it I take delight. 36 Incline my heart to your reminders, Not to selfish gain."

Psalm 119:33 Teach me, O JOHVAHZ, the way of your governed guidance, And I will follow it to the end.

‘FOLLOW IT TO THE END’ Evidently, even the ways of God as revealed in any specific instructions and procedures of God's lawl the psalmist was eager to learn, so as to obey Him fully. He was determined to keep God's instructions or governed guidance "to the end," or steadfastly, but possibly also with a double meaning "to the last detail." While it is crucial to understand that there are some matters of God's word and lawl that are of much greater importance to keep, under normal circumstances we want to be inclined to obey God's lawl even in smaller things. This will help incline us and others toward faithfulness in much larger matters, safeguarding us from the practice of wrongdoing. Christ indicated all this, in Luke 16:10, stating "He that is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much. He that is unrighteous in what is least, is unrighteous also in much." Some workers, for instance, may value specific instructions enabling successful work that may be blessed by God, realizing their valued contribution to His purpose. The Contemporary English Version (CEV) puts it this way: "Point our your rules, LORD, and I won't disobey even one of them." May we thus likewise seek an obedient heart. Of course, these are GOD's rules the psalmist is referring to--rules formulated by humans should carefully take God's word into consideration, lest they become unduly cumbersome, or violate right standards, or even common sense! We should still aim to respect even man-made laws that do not conflict with God's word, where we perceive they are properly authorized or made with good intentions and that they're conceived for good reasons. Later, the psalmist mentions keeping God's lawl "forever and ever." May we likewise look long-term, comprehending God's eternal purpose, to have right-hearted ones serving Him happily and peaceably loving Him and one another throughout His universe. This requires that all acknowledge JOHVAHZ'z just, fair, and right standards for living.

Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding, So that I may observe your law And keep it with my whole heart.

UNDERSTANDING NEEDED. The psalmist recognizes the importance of the quality of understanding, when it comes to learning to fully obey JOHVAHZ. Understanding involves initially feeling for others, as with empathy, aiming to comprehend what they're going through, to possibly help in some way. With time, it can see the big picture, especially as matters pertain to God, along with all the individual pieces that make it up, and how they all interconnect to make the whole. We should want to primarily understand people and God's lawl, as His word clarifies--matters of the spirit, as in our relationships, our personal thinking, and emotional well-being. Understanding helps us put the pieces together, and requires acknowledging JOHVAHZ'z right to receive our honor and respectful admiration. We need to get to know and love God and His word! This same thinking is vital, for instance, when learning to operate a motor vehicle. There are many principles and traffic laws that must be learned, that together make it possible to safely navigate the roadways among fellow drivers. As we learn these things in order to drive safely, we recognize that they are understandable and make sense. Without understanding how these many laws work together, there would be chaos and confusion. God is honored by our respect for such laws. Of course we learn such, not only for our own benefit, but out of love and respect for our neighbors, with interest in their safety. With such motives, it is possible to observe God's lawl with our "whole heart." Such laws will then most likely affect our actions and reactions, as we truly seek to obey and honor God from the heart. It is important to remember, however, that only with proper discernment can one's understanding can be most useful and effective. Everyone needs to gain a good grasp of discernment, or the proposed term "difftell", the ability to tell the difference between good from bad, right and wrong, true and false, and so on, by about the age of 8 years or later, when one might begin growing more steadily to understand broader topics.

Psalm 119:35 Guide me in the pathway of your commandments, For in it I take delight.

GOD'S COMMANDMENTS A PATH TO FOLLOW. The psalmist again pleads to be instructed to remain on the path of life, the roadway leading to eternal life. He 'takes delight' in God's ways, and in His commandments, which, according to Psalm 19:8 are "pure and bright, enlightening the eyes." (AMP). God's commandments thus help us maintain purity, clean worship, which helps us maintain our keen spiritual vision, seeing the truth as it should be seen. We shouldn't shy away from the idea of "worship"--this mainly involves giving God the rightful place in our hearts and our lives. This helps us deal with problems head on, finding workable solutions in our dealings and relationships with God and others, rather than blindly being led astray. How we should delight in God's commandments, and the privilege of maintaining pure worship to God, alongside our neighbors and hopefully sharing belief in common!

Psalm 119:36 Incline my heart to your reminders, Not to selfish gain.

GOD'S REMINDERS PROMOTE UNSELFISHNESS. As we are reminded of God's good guidance in life, we are helped to maintain an obedient course, in harmony with God's laws and standards. We are able to do this with a proper motive of genuine love for God and neighbor. Evidently, as a future king, the psalmist would eventually be in charge of much wealth, yet he refused to focus on "selfish gain," rather using whatever resources he had unselfishly to God's honor and purpose. He knew our primary motive should be godly and unselfish, to experience the joy and peace that only God can give. How important to maintain clean and pure motives, and avoid even thoughts of using other people in some selfish way or even raising them or ourselves up above God in some way for some purpose out of harmony with God's will. Let's thus maintain humility and an honest conscience. Jesus or Joshualz warned against devotion to Riches, or really any other God-dishonoring Master, saying at Matthew 6:24 "“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 (or, Wealth, Money)." This does not ban wealthiness--rather it is our object of worship that is being discussed. The psalmist thus chooses to worship and slave for God, JOHVAHZ, still often rewarded materially, rather than seeking only selfish gain by Riches, an often harsh master. (Prove 3:10; 8:21). This also underscores the intent of a fairly free market system blessed by God--seeing a genuine need within a community, for instance, and unselfishly aiming to both fill that need and make a living doing so, which can be perfectly pleasing to God, and as the verse says, "It is the LORD's blessing that makes you wealthy. Hard work can make you no richer." (Proverbs 10:22,GNB)

PSALM 119 (5Ps13) STANZA 5B

Recall our theme for stanza 5 is WHOLE-HEARTED OBEDIENCE CAN BE (HAPPILY) CULTIVATED AND SUSTAINED OVER TIME. In verse 34, the psalmist expressed longing to observe God's lawl and keep it with his whole heart.

Verses 37-40 read this way: "Turn my eyes away from looking at what is unworthy; Preserve me alive in your way. 38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, So that you may be feared. 39 Remove the disgrace that I dread, For your judgements are good. 40 See how I long for your orders. Preserve me alive in your right way (integrity)."

Verse 37 Turn my eyes away from looking at what is unworthy; Preserve me alive in your way.

SPURNING WHAT IS ‘UNWORTHY’ Psalm 119:37 This verse shows an important consideration to maintaining godly obedience--being careful what we give attention to, especially what we choose to look at, or watch, and listen to attentively. We need the quality of discernment to judge between something of value spiritually and something "unworthy." This quality helps us discern between true and false, good and bad, right and wrong, and between more important things and those less so but still required. Also, matters of the cleanness and seriousness of things should be considered. We might add: between things of great value and those of less or no value. May parents use God's word (normally with help gained locally from an appropriate church, often affiliated with a main church respectful of Christ attended by ancestors) to correct their own and a child's thinking in such matters. How would you value a close relationship with God? How about eternal life in true peace and happiness, and that of your loved ones and friends? Of course, the latter depends upon the former. Hopefully you've come to value both highly. If so, we should have no problem turning away from things that undermine, or threaten to take away, what we treasure most, choosing instead the things in harmony with God's right ways and standards. In this way we act in harmony with the psalmist's plea to be 'preserved alive in God's own way.' If you don't yet feel close to God, pray to Him more, with faith, or thankful trust in Him and His desire to reward you for your loyalty. (Hebre 11:6). Confidently ask him for things you truly need, and experience His hand of assistance in your life, while you listen to and read His word for His guidance. In this way, "Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you..." (James 4:8). Seek and encourage Bible truth with your local church, as there is no scriptural penalty against having a sincere difference of opinion regarding interpretation, only value unity as well, based on such truth purposed to come primarily from church authority, genuine truth coming down from God through Joshualz (Jesus).

Verse 38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, So that you may be revered.

‘FULFILL YOUR PROMISE’ Psalm 119:38 As a future king, the psalmist may have been making reference to a specific promise he received from God, perhaps the one to make him the king that God had anointed him to become, the fulfillment of which would demonstrate to others God's loyal love, wisdom, power, and adherence to what is right. Thus, along with other evidence, the writer of Psalm 119 is unquestionably David, after his anointing to become king, but before taking the throne while King Saul was opposing him. (1Chron 12:1-2,8,16-17). JOHVAHZ is a Keeper of Promises. God has made many promises regarding His faithful servants, to sustain them through trials, for instance. Psalm 55:22 says: "Throw your burden on JOHVAHZ, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the upright one to collapse in ruin." God's support of His people surely brings Him glory, especially when His servants trust fully in Him and hold on to their integrity through trials He’s truly permitting. May all possible come to thus acknowledge ancient King Solomon's summation of life in these words: "The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Respectfully fear the true God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole obligation of man. 14 For the true God will judge every deed, including every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad." (Eccle 12:13-14).

Verse 39 Remove the disgrace that I dread, For your judgements are good.

GOD SAVED JESUS'S/JOSHUA'S REPUTATION. Psalm 119:39 No one enjoys receiving disgrace or shame from others, especially when we seek what is right by God. Even Jehoshua (Jesus/Joshua) 'despised shame,' although he was ridiculed and impaled as though a terrible criminal (Hebre 12:2). Yet God proved what He can do to save one's reputation, exalting him to have a name above every other name. (Phili 2:9). Thus, we should never give up, as long as we look to God with faith, or thankful trust, in His desire and power to act in our behalf. Even if our own heart condemns us, remember that "God is greater than our hearts and knows all things." (1John 3:18-20). May we seek God's right ways and standards, and appreciate His judgements, or fair and just evaluations. He can read hearts, hear our pleas, and see the love we show others. Yet, remember that no good deed gives us allowance to sin against God or our neighbor. Understanding that there are at least a few differences in the what God expects of those he made as angels (built differently, even those in mid- or lower heaven) and those people of the earth, or ‘earthers’, let all "hate what is bad" in the reverential fear of God, and pursue what is good, seeking His honor, trusting Him with our own reputation, as did faithful men of times past. Remaining faithful to God, we may look forward to a bright future. God has promised to remove the reproach from His servants, as at Isaiah 25:8: "He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord JOHVAHZ will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For JOHVAHZ himself has spoken it."

Verse 40 See how I long for your orders. Preserve me alive in your right way.

DELIGHT IN GOD'S ORDERS. Psalm 119:40 Thus the psalmist once again highlights his fondness for God's word and guidance. According to Psalm 19:8 God's orders are righteous, and cause "the heart to rejoice." Thus we find genuine joy in obedience to God, and this obedience can be sustained, preserving us alive in God's right way, with integrity to Him. God's right ways and standards are a protection in many respects, and form the way of eternity. May we thus treasure the privilege of doing things God's way, learning so that it becomes "first nature" to us! Why "second nature?" As human, whether angel or earther, GOD'S WAY is the way He created us to live in the FIRST place. Let's get back to that, and experience the happiness and rewards of doing so! (Hebre 11:6)

PSALM 119 STANZA 6A

Our theme for stanza 6 is this: LOYAL DEVOTION TO GOD REFINES OUR INTEGRITY AND STRENGTHENS OUR HOPE.

The first 4 verses read this way: "41 May I experience your loyal love, O JOHVAHZ, Your salvation in harmony with your promise; 42 Then I will reply to the one taunting me, For I put my trust in your word. 43 Do not utterly remove the word of truth from my mouth, For I have hoped in your judgment. 44 I will keep your lawl constantly, Forever and ever."

Verse 41 May I experience your loyal love, O JOHVAHZ, Your salvation in harmony with your promise.

‘BECAUSE HE HAS AFFECTION FOR ME’ Psalm 119:41 The psalmist thus shows that God's love for us would certainly move Him to bring us salvation through His judgement, in harmony with many such promises in His word. Psalm 91, evidently written by Moses, says this in verses 14-16: "God said: “Because he has affection for me, I will rescue him. I will protect him because he knows my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in distress. I will rescue him and glorify him. 16 I will satisfy him with long life, And I will cause him to see my acts of salvation.” All this because of our affectionate love for JOHVAHZ, shown by our loyal obedience to Him (1John 5:3). Such an attachment to God personally, a close relationship with Him, moves JOHVAHZ to respond loyally in return. "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you..." says James 4:8. Accordingly, our hope of salvation is thereby strengthened.

Verse 42 Then I will reply to the one taunting me, For I put my trust in your word.

A REPLY TO ONE TAUNTING. Psalm 119:42 God appeals, at Proverbs 27:11, "Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me." Of course, in God's case, there have been various ones taunting God over time, from the time of the serpent's and man's rebellion in the Garden of Eden, or Park of Pleasure, designed and created by JOHVAHZ God. Also, according to the book of Job (rhymes with robe), the angel Satan, whatever the cause of his rebellion, had taunted that he could turn Job away from his integrity to God, but in spite of all that was done to hurt Job, he was faithful, and was doubly rewarded by JOHVAHZ. (Job 42). Our loyal integrity to God makes His heart glad, giving Him a reply to those still taunting, even those taunting the people of God, and as He lovingly uses His power to protect and save them, they too perhaps can make a similar reply. May we continue to build thankful trust, or faith, in God's inspired word, and in God Himself, becoming reliant upon Him. (Prove 3:5-8).

Verse 43 Do not utterly remove the word of truth from my mouth, For I have hoped in your judgment.

HONESTY ESSENTIAL TO INTEGRITY. Psalm 119:43 Genuine integrity to God involves honesty, speaking and acting in accord with truth. As we put faith, or have thankful trust, in God's judgment, we are moved to trust the course of integrity. Integrity essentially means "wholeness or completeness without corruption." In Psalm 15, the essential elements of the course of integrity is outlined, and includes "speaking the truth in [one's] heart." Removing the "word of truth" would result in a mouth of deception and trickery, and a loss of genuine integrity. In another Psalm, 115, we sadly find that this could happen as one somehow commits idolatry, in placing anyone or anything above the first place that God should have in our hearts. We could then develop blindess to our eyes of divine understanding, ears no longer able to perceive truth, and mouths not able to speak it. May we trust JOHVAHZ God's power to support His honest servants, who nevertheless know there is a "time to be silent" as well as a "time to speak."

Verse 44 I will keep your law(l) constantly, Forever and ever.

WRITING GOD'S LAW ON OUR HEART. Psalm 119:44 Acquiring such integrity brings genuine joy of heart, being close to God, along with other devoted ones, moving us to want to experience such happiness "forever and ever," by keeping God's law "constantly." By thus making God's law OUR law, writing God's law on our heart, we are always able to live in a way that pleases God! JOHVAHZ speaks at Jeremiah 31:33-34 regarding His law, saying of Israel: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares JOHVAHZ. “I will put my law within them, and in their heart I will write it. And I will become their God, and they will become my people.”34 “And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know JOHVAHZ!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares JOHVAHZ. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.” May we find such delight as did the psalmist, and "get a firm hold on the real life," the everlasting life promised by our Creator, JOHVAHZ. (1Timo 6:19).

PSALM 119 STANZA 6B

Recall our theme for stanza 6, verses 41-48: LOYAL DEVOTION TO GOD REFINES OUR INTEGRITY AND STRENGTHENS OUR HOPE.

Verse 41, for instance expressed desire to experience God's loyal love, and salvation by Him. He was happy that this meant, as in verse 44, keeping God's law or word "constantly, forever and ever." Now the psalmist expresses this contentment:

Verses 45-48 read this way: "And I will walk about in a place of safety, For I search for your orders. 46 I will speak about your reminders in front of kings, And I will not be ashamed. 47 I am fond of your commandments, Yes, I love them. 48 I will raise my hands to your commandments, which I love, And I will ponder over your careful instructions."

Verse 45 And I will walk about in a place of safety, For I search for your orders.

SEARCHING. Psalm 119:45 We may thus dwell in a figurative place of security, as we stay close to JOHVAHZ, like the psalmist David, searching for God's orders. He wanted to know everything God commanded him, so that he would not fail to be obedient. He continues "to search" for God's orders, as often revealed in His word. May we likewise be searching for God's guidance and instruction, especially the most serious, important, and urgent commands, seeking to understand the reasons for them, that we may comply with God's vital direction. May we delight in God's orders, which "cause the heart to rejoice," and His reminders, that we may not forget what's required by Him. Understandably, he next mentions these "reminders."

Verse 46 I will speak about your reminders in front of kings, And I will not be ashamed.

NOT ASHAMED OF GENUINE TRUTH. Psalm 119:46 It may take more study and reflection on the value of God's word to ourselves and others, but we too can come to happily speak about divine knowledge with others, not being ashamed to do so. Remember, it means life to people to comprehend how important such reminders can be or really are. But they should also recognize how reasonable Christian standards truly are, as God's spirit often will remind them in some way later on. Or something may happen later to change their mind, and how they feel about it. By doing the right thing now, we help others see, perhaps at a good time, the right way for them to go, for their own and their family's or community's genuine happiness! Often, it is seeing that God's word truly is reasonable, based on love--that it is often misunderstanding or hedging the law, adding rules that may be protective, but forgetting to help others gain better understanding and judgment, for instance, that has contributed to misapplication or confusion and dissatisfaction. God's word clearly states: "Do not go beyond the things that are written." People need to know that we find true happiness within, and not outside of, God's word and lawl! (Psalm 27:14; 146:5).

Verse 47 I am fond of your commandments, Yes, I love them.

GIVEN OUT OF GREAT LOVE. Psalm 119:47 What a lovely simple expression of appreciation for God's lawl! JOHVAHZ has given His commandments out of His great love for us, to do what is in our best interests, what leads to our greatest happiness! Isaiah 48:17-18 says, for instance, "This is what JOHVAHZ says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I, JOHVAHZ, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. 18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your rightdoing (integrity) like the waves of the sea." By thus "paying attention" to God's commandments, we can, like the psalmist, come to love them and keep them, with loyalty, and with strengthened hope of salvation by God!

Verse 48 I will raise my hands to your commandments, which I love, And I will ponder over your careful instructions.

PONDER GOD'S GUIDANCE. Psalm 119:48 David likely is showing his willingness to do or act in accord with God's commandments, in raising his hands to God's commandments. May we reflect on God's lawl, seeking heartfelt obedience to God. He willingly chose to ponder God's regulations, or careful instructions, so that he could keep them wholeheartedly. It may take development spiritually before one can grasp certain details of instruction, even from God. May we grow in especially the quality of understanding, with empathy seeing where things fit in to the big picture of God's overall purpose and the value of God's word in all of it's guidance in life. Examine your life and see where a particular principle, truth, or lawl of God has value. Then we may appreciate God's instructions more fully.

PSALM 119 STANZA 7A

The theme for all of stanza 7 is: GOD'S LAW AND WORD OF PROMISE ARE RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY.

Stanza 7, Verses 49-56:

Theme: GOD'S LAWL AND WORD OF PROMISE ARE RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY.

Verses 49-50 say: "49 Remember your word to your servant, Through which you give me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my tribulation, For your saying has preserved me alive." The word of promise the psalmist received from JOHVAHZ sustained him through difficult times. How may this be true of us? Today, there is much that could threaten to harm humans physically and spiritually--which includes the quality of our relationships, personal thinking and emotional well-being. How may God's word of promise have comforted the psalmist, and how can God's saying preserve us alive? Also, verse 56 hints that the psalmist was helped to keep God's commandments by observing God's orders. Why is this important, and how do we do so?

Verses 49-52, covering the first half of stanza 7, state this: "Remember your word to your servant, Through which you give me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my tribulation, For your saying has preserved me alive. 51 The presumptuous (crossing boundaries) utterly scorn me, But I do not deviate from your lawl. 52 I remember your judgements from of old, O JOHVAHZ, And I find comfort in them."

Verse 49: Remember your word to your servant, Through which you give me hope.

THE GOD OF HOPE. Psalm 119:49 This future king evidently received a word of promise from JOHVAHZ, which helped to sustain him through difficult times. Of course, God's word the Bible is filled with hope-inspiring promises from God. Hope is vital to all, and God is eager for people to look to Him with hope in His blessing and salvation by seeking faithfulness to Him. In fact, a primary reason God's word the Bible has been provided to humans is that "we might have hope." Romans 15:4 says: "For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." After Adam's sin, it took JOHVAHZ almost no time at all to provide hope to the human family of a restoration of God's purpose, with the prophecy recorded in Genesis 3:15. Thus JOHVAHZ is keenly aware of our need for this. May we likewise be quick to provide comfort to one lacking hope, if only they may turn to the God of hope, JOHVAHZ. Psalm 146:5 says "Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob as his helper, Whose hope is in JOHVAHZ his God."

Verse 50: This is my comfort in my tribulation, For your saying has preserved me alive.

GOD'S TRUTH CAN PRESERVE LIFE. Psalm 119:50 Thus, God's reliable word of promise provides us with genuine comfort in difficult times, when we, like the psalmist, may suffer tribulation in some form. Whatever "saying" he has reference to, it is nevertheless true that God's word and law protects us in many ways from harm as we heed it's instruction and guidance. Following God's word, for instance, preserved alive Noah and his family, and the human race, when JOHVAHZ brought the promised deluge upon a violent, evil society of humans whom God said had "ruined it way" on planet Earth (Genes 6:11-12). Today, there is much that threatens to harm humans physically and spiritually, which includes our mental and emotional well-being, our spirit the basis for close relationships. God warns us against much harm with wise counsel and His "saying," or word of truth, which may at times even 'preserve us alive' by our following it.

Verse 51: The presumptuous (crossing boundaries) utterly scorn me, But I do not deviate from your lawl.

‘WALK IN MODESTY’ Psalm 119:51 Despite receiving reproach from those immodestly deviating from God's lawl, the psalmist refused to do so. Proverbs 11:2 says "When presumptuousness comes, dishonor will follow, But wisdom is with the modest ones." Summed up, modesty is humble and obedient, recognizing due limits and one's own limitations. It gives priority to spiritual matters, and other deserving matters, is able to be content with necessities, responsible with wealth, and is reluctant to boast. Modest ones humbly refuse to violate God's lawl or standard, or to seek authority that they have no right to. Micah 6:8, a favorite verse of many, outlines simply a course of life pleasing God, in saying this: "He has told you, O man, what is good. And what is JOHVAHZ requiring of you? Only to exercise justice, to cherish loyalty, And to walk in modesty with your God!" We can remain modest despite reproach from those acting presumptuously, praying for strength or fortitude from God, and by our steadfast example, hoping for those not yet understanding to turn from a disobedient course to find God's favor, divine wisdom, and blessings of eternal life.

Verse 52: I remember your judgements from of old, O JOHVAHZ, And I find comfort in them.

LOOK TO THE GOD OF JUSTICE. Psalm 119:52 The judgements of JOHVAHZ, as recorded in His word, are written as a warning against serious wrongdoing. As 1Corinthians 10:1-11 mentions a few instances, which included such sins as idolatry, sexual immorality, putting God to the test, and murmuring against Him, it states: "Now these things became examples for us, in order for us not to desire injurious things, as they desired them...Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come." Of course, JOHVAHZ also judged His faithful servants favorably, and protected many in various ways, saving them, such as Noah, Jonah, Jesus/Joshualz, and others. May we find comfort in the God of justice, looking to Him for protection more than to money or any other person or thing. Those with money should likewise still be dependent on God. Proverbs 18:10 says "The name of JOHVAHZ is a strong tower. Into it the upright one runs and receives protection." Conversely, verse 11 states: "The wealth of the rich (one) is his fortified city; It is like a protective wall in his imagination." This may refer to either material or spiritual wealth--we should not trust solely in our own knowledge--may we continually look to God and not depend on ourselves or any possession for our lasting happiness.

PSALM 119 STANZA 7B

Recall our theme for stanza 7: GOD'S LAWL AND WORD OF PROMISE ARE RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY. Verses 49-52 spoke of God's word as giving the psalmist hope, and even preserving him alive. In the next 4 verses, the psalmist is angered by lawless men, and remembers God by observing His orders.

Verses 53-56 read: "I am seized with burning rage because of the crooked one(s), Who forsake your law(l). 54 Your careful instructions are songs to me Wherever I dwell. 55 During the night I remember your name, O JOHVAHZ, So that I may keep your lawl. 56 This has been my practice Because I have observed your orders."

Verse 53 I am seized with burning rage because of the crooked one(s), Who forsake your law(l).

ROBBING OF TRUE HAPPINESS. Psalm 119:53 Understandably, those forsaking God's lawl are not only hurting God and themselves, but are hurting others either directly or indirectly. Ignoring or violating God's lawl is selfish and inconsiderate of what is right, fair, and just for all people. Such selfishness and greed not only may rob others of their rightful due, but may cause some to believe they must follow the same path to get what they want in life, thus leading many on a path that can diminish their spirit and hope of endless blessings from God in a peaceful world where true happiness can flourish. Such crooked thinking and actions distress those loving God and fellow humans, seeking the eternal happiness of all. Jesus expressed the same when the religious leaders at God's temple were robbing the people who just wanted to offer acceptable sacrifices to God. We read, at Matthew 21:12-13: "[He] entered the temple and threw out all those selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 And he said to them: “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a cave of robbers.” God can provide for our needs if we truly rely upon Him, and maintain our hold on His word and lawl, keeping integrity to Him. David wrote, at Psalm 37:25: "I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone upright abandoned, Nor his children looking for bread."

Verse 54 Your careful instructions are songs to me Wherever I dwell.

BEAUTIFUL AS SONGS. Psalm 119:54 Regulations are generally fair lawls and limits, instructions or procedures, those necessary to carry out true justice in accord with God's will toward humans. Lovers of God who have gained the wisdom vital to comprehend these should also develop similar appreciation for them. They were like beautiful songs to the psalmist, who was David and literally composed songs like the one outlining essentials to a course of integrity to God, at Psalm 15. Some of God's word is detailed, but with the gaining of true understanding, which can see with empathy the big picture and how all the parts interrelate to make the whole, one can learn to grasp such details and come to love them. May we grow in such qualities, by considering such instruction as Proverbs 1-8, Proverbs being written to "impart shrewdness (or "discretion") to the [naive]; to give a young [person] knowledge and thinking ability."

Verse 55 During the night I remember your name, O JOHVAHZ, So that I may keep your lawl.

REMEMBER GOD'S NAME. Psalm 119:55 Other psalmists mentioned thinking upon God at night, even singing to Him. Psalm 92, for instance, says: "It is good to give thanks to JOHVAHZ And to sing praises to your name, O Most High, 2 To declare your loyal love in the morning And your faithfulness during the nights, 3 Accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument and a lute, By the melodious sound of a harp. 4 For you have made me rejoice, O JOHVAHZ, because of your deeds; Because of the works of your hands I shout joyfully." Special mention is made of remembering God's "faithfulness during the nights," just as the moon is called a "faithful witness in the skies." (Psalm 89:37). Of course, remembering God's name is more than knowing how to spell it or even what it means--literally, "He Causes to Become, Grow, and Accomplish" JOHVAHZ causing His purposes to become reality, and a Keeper of Promises. We more significantly recall His reputation and ways, and our privilege to uphold them by keeping His standards in life, showing others the way to eternal blessings.

Verse 56 This has been my practice Because I have observed your orders.

KEEPING GOD FIRST. Psalm 119:56 Observing God's orders cause "the heart to rejoice," as God gives us rewarding activities to focus our attention on to help accomplish His will. (Psalm 19:8). It is as David sang at Psalm 23:5-6 "...My cup is well-filled. 6 Surely goodness and loyal love will pursue me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of JOHVAHZ for all my days." The psalmist made it a practice to do the things necessary to maintain his hold on God's lawl, because he followed God's orders, and these helped him to maintain soundness of mind, keeping his priorities straight in life. When we put God first in life, doing as He instructs, other things usually fall into place--we're able to get more accomplished than we may realize. Philippians 4:13 says "For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power." And in reference to the order for Christians to share divine light or truth, God's word mentions, at 2Corinthians 4:7 "However, we have this treasure ["the glorious knowledge of God"] in earthen vessels (or, ‘clay pots’, those anointed with the spirit were from earth, not even the lower angels), so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us." May we thus diligently seek God's commands through Christ, relying upon God for the power to keep them, assisting us in drawing close to God and proving a blessing to fellow humans.

PSALM 119 REVIEW 2 STANZAS 5-7

Recall the theme for stanza 5:

WHOLE-HEARTED OBEDIENCE CAN BE (HAPPILY) CULTIVATED AND SUSTAINED OVER TIME.

Verses 34, 36, 37, and now 39 contain some key thoughts on this theme, helping us to comprehend God's law, or lawl*, and it's value, and hold to it. Here are the verses and their associated comments:

* (You may recall this completes the word lingually, requiring an ending consonant to be properly understood and interpreted by human ear; also, think of keeping both our (a)Actions and (w)Words |'between the lines'|.)

Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding, So that I may observe your law And keep it with my whole heart.

UNDERSTANDING NEEDED. The psalmist recognizes the importance of the quality of understanding, when it comes to learning to fully obey JOHVAHZ. Understanding involves initially feeling for others, as with empathy, aiming to comprehend what they're going through, to possibly help in some way. With time, it can see the big picture, especially as matters pertain to God, along with all the individual pieces that make it up, and how they all interconnect to make the whole. We should want to primarily understand people and God's lawl, as His word clarifies--matters of the spirit, as in our relationships, our personal thinking, and emotional well-being. Understanding helps us put the pieces together, and requires acknowledging JOHVAHZ'z right to receive our honor and respectful admiration. We need to get to know and love God and His word! This same thinking is vital, for instance, when learning to operate a motor vehicle. There are many principles and traffic laws that must be learned, that together make it possible to safely navigate the roadways among fellow drivers. As we learn these things in order to drive safely, we recognize that they are understandable and make sense. Without understanding how these many laws work together, there would be chaos and confusion. God is honored by our respect for such laws. Of course we learn such, not only for our own benefit, but out of love and respect for our neighbors, with interest in their safety. With such motives, it is possible to observe God's lawl with our "whole heart." Such laws will then most likely affect our actions and reactions, as we truly seek to obey and honor God from the heart. It is important to remember, however, that only with proper discernment can one's understanding can be most useful and effective. Everyone needs to gain a good grasp of discernment, or the proposed term "difftell", the ability to tell the difference between good from bad, right and wrong, true and false, and so on, by about the age of 8 years or later, when one might begin growing more steadily to understand broader topics.

Psalm 119:36 Incline my heart to your reminders, Not to selfish gain.

GOD'S REMINDERS PROMOTE UNSELFISHNESS. As we are reminded of God's good guidance in life, we are helped to maintain an obedient course, in harmony with God's laws and standards. We are able to do this with a proper motive of genuine love for God and neighbor. Evidently, as a future king, the psalmist would eventually be in charge of much wealth, yet he refused to focus on "selfish gain," rather using whatever resources he had unselfishly to God's honor and purpose. He knew our primary motive should be godly and unselfish, to experience the joy and peace that only God can give. How important to maintain clean and pure motives, and avoid even thoughts of using other people in some selfish way or even raising them or ourselves up above God in some way for some purpose out of harmony with God's will. Let's thus maintain humility and an honest conscience. Jesus or Joshualz warned against devotion to Riches, or really any other God-dishonoring Master, saying at Matthew 6:24 "“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 (or, Wealth, Money)." This does not ban wealthiness--rather it is our object of worship that is being discussed. The psalmist thus chooses to worship and slave for God, JOHVAHZ, still often rewarded materially, rather than seeking only selfish gain by Riches, an often harsh master. (Prove 3:10; 8:21). This also underscores the intent of a fairly free market system blessed by God--seeing a genuine need within a community, for instance, and unselfishly aiming to both fill that need and make a living doing so, which can be perfectly pleasing to God, and as the verse says, "It is the LORD's blessing that makes you wealthy. Hard work can make you no richer." (Proverbs 10:22,GNB)

Verse 37 Turn my eyes away from looking at what is unworthy; Preserve me alive in your way.

SPURNING WHAT IS ‘UNWORTHY’ Psalm 119:37 This verse shows an important consideration to maintaining godly obedience--being careful what we give attention to, especially what we choose to look at, or watch, and listen to attentively. We need the quality of discernment to judge between something of value spiritually and something "unworthy." This quality helps us discern between true and false, good and bad, right and wrong, and between more important things and those less so but still required. Also, matters of the cleanness and seriousness of things should be considered. We might add: between things of great value and those of less or no value. May parents use God's word (normally with help gained locally from an appropriate church, often affiliated with a main church respectful of Christ attended by ancestors) to correct their own and a child's thinking in such matters. How would you value a close relationship with God? How about eternal life in true peace and happiness, and that of your loved ones and friends? Of course, the latter depends upon the former. Hopefully you've come to value both highly. If so, we should have no problem turning away from things that undermine, or threaten to take away, what we treasure most, choosing instead the things in harmony with God's right ways and standards. In this way we act in harmony with the psalmist's plea to be 'preserved alive in God's own way.' If you don't yet feel close to God, pray to Him more, with faith, or thankful trust in Him and His desire to reward you for your loyalty. (Hebre 11:6). Confidently ask him for things you truly need, and experience His hand of assistance in your life, while you listen to and read His word for His guidance. In this way, "Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you..." (James 4:8). Seek and encourage Bible truth with your local church, as there is no scriptural penalty against having a sincere difference of opinion regarding interpretation, only value unity as well, based on such truth purposed to come primarily from church authority, genuine truth coming down from God through Joshualz (Jesus).

Verse 39 Remove the disgrace that I dread, For your judgements are good.

GOD SAVED JESUS'S/JOSHUA'S REPUTATION. Psalm 119:39 No one enjoys receiving disgrace or shame from others, especially when we seek what is right by God. Even Jehoshua (Jesus/Joshua) 'despised shame,' although he was ridiculed and impaled as though a terrible criminal (Hebre 12:2). Yet God proved what He can do to save one's reputation, exalting him to have a name above every other name. (Phili 2:9). Thus, we should never give up, as long as we look to God with faith, or thankful trust, in His desire and power to act in our behalf. Even if our own heart condemns us, remember that "God is greater than our hearts and knows all things." (1John 3:18-20). May we seek God's right ways and standards, and appreciate His judgements, or fair and just evaluations. He can read hearts, hear our pleas, and see the love we show others. Yet, remember that no good deed gives us allowance to sin against God or our neighbor. Understanding that there are at least a few differences in the what God expects of those he made as angels (built differently, even those in mid- or lower heaven) and those people of the earth, or ‘earthers’, let all "hate what is bad" in the reverential fear of God, and pursue what is good, seeking His honor, trusting Him with our own reputation, as did faithful men of times past. Remaining faithful to God, we may look forward to a bright future. God has promised to remove the reproach from His servants, as at Isaiah 25:8: "He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord JOHVAHZ will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For JOHVAHZ himself has spoken it."

_______

Recall the theme for stanza 6:

LOYAL DEVOTION TO GOD REFINES OUR INTEGRITY AND STRENGTHENS OUR HOPE.

Verses 41,44, 46 and 48 underscore our theme. Here are the verses and their associated comments.

Verse 41 May I experience your loyal love, O JOHVAHZ, Your salvation in harmony with your promise

‘BECAUSE HE HAS AFFECTION FOR ME’ Psalm 119:41 The psalmist thus shows that God's love for us would certainly move Him to bring us salvation through His judgement, in harmony with many such promises in His word. Psalm 91, evidently written by Moses, says this in verses 14-16: "God said: “Because he has affection for me, I will rescue him. I will protect him because he knows my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in distress. I will rescue him and glorify him. 16 I will satisfy him with long life, And I will cause him to see my acts of salvation.” All this because of our affectionate love for JOHVAHZ, shown by our loyal obedience to Him (1John 5:3). Such an attachment to God personally, a close relationship with Him, moves JOHVAHZ to respond loyally in return. "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you..." says James 4:8. Accordingly, our hope of salvation is thereby strengthened.

Verse 44 I will keep your law(l) constantly, Forever and ever.

WRITING GOD'S LAW ON OUR HEART. Psalm 119:44 Acquiring such integrity brings genuine joy of heart, being close to God, along with other devoted ones, moving us to want to experience such happiness "forever and ever," by keeping God's law "constantly." By thus making God's law OUR law, writing God's law on our heart, we are always able to live in a way that pleases God! JOHVAHZ speaks at Jeremiah 31:33-34 regarding His law, saying of Israel: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares JOHVAHZ. “I will put my law within them, and in their heart I will write it. And I will become their God, and they will become my people.”34 “And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know JOHVAHZ!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares JOHVAHZ. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.” May we find such delight as did the psalmist, and "get a firm hold on the real life," the everlasting life promised by our Creator, JOHVAHZ. (1Timo 6:19).

Verse 46 I will speak about your reminders in front of kings, And I will not be ashamed.

NOT ASHAMED OF GENUINE TRUTH. Psalm 119:46 It may take more study and reflection on the value of God's word to ourselves and others, but we too can come to happily speak about divine knowledge with others, not being ashamed to do so. Remember, it means life to people to comprehend how important such reminders can be or really are. But they should also recognize how reasonable Christian standards truly are, as God's spirit often will remind them in some way later on. Or something may happen later to change their mind, and how they feel about it. By doing the right thing now, we help others see, perhaps at a good time, the right way for them to go, for their own and their family's or community's genuine happiness! Often, it is seeing that God's word truly is reasonable, based on love--that it is often misunderstanding or hedging the law, adding rules that may be protective, but forgetting to help others gain better understanding and judgment, for instance, that has contributed to misapplication or confusion and dissatisfaction. God's word clearly states: "Do not go beyond the things that are written." People need to know that we find true happiness within, and not outside of, God's word and lawl! (Psalm 27:14; 146:5).

Verse 48 I will raise my hands to your commandments, which I love, And I will ponder over your careful instructions.

PONDER GOD'S GUIDANCE. Psalm 119:48 David likely is showing his willingness to do or act in accord with God's commandments, in raising his hands to God's commandments. May we reflect on God's lawl, seeking heartfelt obedience to God. He willingly chose to ponder God's regulations, or careful instructions, so that he could keep them wholeheartedly. It may take development spiritually before one can grasp certain details of instruction, even from God. May we grow in especially the quality of understanding, with empathy seeing where things fit in to the big picture of God's overall purpose and the value of God's word in all of it's guidance in life. Examine your life and see where a particular principle, truth, or lawl of God has value. Then we may appreciate God's instructions more fully.

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Stanza 7

Recall the theme for stanza 7:

GOD'S LAW AND WORD OF PROMISE ARE RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY.

Verses 49, 51, 53 and 56 helps us appreciate this truth, as the psalmist experienced it for himself. These verses follow, with their associated comments:

Verse 49: Remember your word to your servant, Through which you give me hope.

THE GOD OF HOPE. Psalm 119:49 This future king evidently received a word of promise from JOHVAHZ, which helped to sustain him through difficult times. Of course, God's word the Bible is filled with hope-inspiring promises from God. Hope is vital to all, and God is eager for people to look to Him with hope in His blessing and salvation by seeking faithfulness to Him. In fact, a primary reason God's word the Bible has been provided to humans is that "we might have hope." Romans 15:4 says: "For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." After Adam's sin, it took JOHVAHZ almost no time at all to provide hope to the human family of a restoration of God's purpose, with the prophecy recorded in Genesis 3:15. Thus JOHVAHZ is keenly aware of our need for this. May we likewise be quick to provide comfort to one lacking hope, if only they may turn to the God of hope, JOHVAHZ. Psalm 146:5 says "Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob as his helper, Whose hope is in JOHVAHZ his God."

Verse 51: The presumptuous (crossing boundaries) utterly scorn me, But I do not deviate from your lawl.

‘WALK IN MODESTY’ Psalm 119:51 Despite receiving reproach from those immodestly deviating from God's lawl, the psalmist refused to do so. Proverbs 11:2 says "When presumptuousness comes, dishonor will follow, But wisdom is with the modest ones." Summed up, modesty is humble and obedient, recognizing due limits and one's own limitations. It gives priority to spiritual matters, and other deserving matters, is able to be content with necessities, responsible with wealth, and is reluctant to boast. Modest ones humbly refuse to violate God's lawl or standard, or to seek authority that they have no right to. Micah 6:8, a favorite verse of many, outlines simply a course of life pleasing God, in saying this: "He has told you, O man, what is good. And what is JOHVAHZ requiring of you? Only to exercise justice (righteousness), to cherish loyalty (steadfast love), And to walk in modesty with your God!" We can remain modest despite reproach from those acting presumptuously, praying for strength or fortitude from God, and by our steadfast example, hoping for those not yet understanding to turn from a disobedient course to find God's favor, divine wisdom, and blessings of eternal life.

Verse 53 I am seized with burning rage because of the crooked one(s), Who forsake your law(l).

ROBBING OF TRUE HAPPINESS. Psalm 119:53 Understandably, those forsaking God's lawl are not only hurting God and themselves, but are hurting others either directly or indirectly. Ignoring or violating God's lawl is selfish and inconsiderate of what is right, fair, and just for all people. Such selfishness and greed not only may rob others of their rightful due, but may cause some to believe they must follow the same path to get what they want in life, thus leading many on a path that can diminish their spirit and hope of endless blessings from God in a peaceful world where true happiness can flourish. Such crooked thinking and actions distress those loving God and fellow humans, seeking the eternal happiness of all. Jesus expressed the same when the religious leaders at God's temple were robbing the people who just wanted to offer acceptable sacrifices to God. We read, at Matthew 21:12-13: "[He] entered the temple and threw out all those selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 And he said to them: “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a cave of robbers.” God can provide for our needs if we truly rely upon Him, and maintain our hold on His word and lawl, keeping integrity to Him. David wrote, at Psalm 37:25: "I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone upright abandoned, Nor his children looking for bread." Let’s be reminded to seek God’s help in prayer for what we’re needing!

The psalmist strove to keep God's commandments, and accordingly said this, in verse 56:

Verse 56 This has been my practice Because I have observed your orders.

KEEPING GOD FIRST. Psalm 119:56 Observing God's orders cause "the heart to rejoice," as God gives us rewarding activities to focus our attention on to help accomplish His will. (Psalm 19:8). It is as David sang at Psalm 23:5-6 "...My cup is well-filled. 6 Surely goodness and loyal love will pursue me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of JOHVAHZ for all my days." The psalmist made it a practice to do the things necessary to maintain his hold on God's law, because he followed God's orders, and these helped him to maintain soundness of mind, keeping his priorities straight in life. When we put God first in life, doing as He instructs, other things usually fall into place--we're able to get more accomplished than we may realize. Philippians 4:13 says "For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power." And in reference to the order for Christians to share divine light, God's word mentions, at 2Corinthians 4:7 "However, we have this treasure ["the glorious knowledge of God"] in earthen vessels (or, ‘clay pots’, those anointed with the spirit were from earth, not even the lower angels), so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us." May we thus diligently seek God's commands through Christ, relying upon God for the power to keep them, assisting us in drawing close to God and proving a blessing to fellow humans.

PSALM 119 PREVIEW 3 STANZAS 8 THRU 11

Psalm 119 Stanza 8, Verses 57-64: The theme we will consider is:

CLOSENESS TO GOD AND DIVINE FAVOR WORTH EVERY EFFORT TO MAINTAIN!

The preview for all of stanza 8 is this:

Verses 58,63-64 say this: "58 I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise...63 I am a friend of all who revere you and of those who keep your orders. 64 Your loyal love, O JOHVAHZ, fills the earth; Teach me your regulations (careful instructions, ‘lawlines’)." The psalmist appeals to God 'with all his heart'--making every effort to please God, to receive His favor and approval. What command of the Law highlighted by Jehoshua/Jesus might this bring to mind? Also, putting God first brings many blessings, such as joyful association with those with similar appreciation for God! Let's consider how this is so, and how we may further receive God's instructions for our eternal happiness!

Psalm 119 stanza 9, verses 65-72: The theme we will consider is:

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

Verses 67-68, and 71-72 underscore this theme. Verse 67 says "Before my tribulation, I used to go astray, But now I keep your saying." Experiencing difficulties may help us learn the value of godly obedience. Verse 68 says "You are good and your works are good. Teach me your careful instructions." What are some of the evidences of God's goodness and creative handiwork? Might these help motivate us to learn God's instructions for life? Verse 71 says "It is good that I have endured tribulation, So that I may learn your careful instructions." Along with His abundant goodness, God's loving correction may also move us to be obedient, even if we've had to suffer consequences of wrongdoing. And verse 72 says "The law that you have proclaimed is good for me, More so than thousands of pieces of gold and silver." Why is God's law, then, so priceless?

Psalm 119 stanza 10, verses 73-80:

SUBMISSION TO GOD'S DISCIPLINE PLACES US IN HIS HANDS TO EXPERIENCE HIS FAITHFULNESS.

Verses 75,77, and 80 highlight this theme. Verse 75 says "I know, O JOHVAHZ, that your judgments are upright And that you have afflicted me in your faithfulness." The psalmist, as a likely future king, came under more of God's discipline than most, needing refinement to carry out God's will fully. How is it that those receiving sonship to rule with Jesus also need strong discipline from God? Verse 77 says "Show me mercy, so that I may keep living, For I am fond of your law." The psalmist thus no doubt recognized human imperfection, and the need for God's mercy to maintain a relationship with Him. What words of Moses may remind us of the connection between life and obedience to God? Verse 80 says "May my heart be blameless in following your instructions, So that I may not be put to shame." The psalmist requests a heart of integrity. Why can seeking divine obedience bring increasing happiness?

Psalm 119 stanza 11, verses 81-88:

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

Despite difficulties, we can remember God's detailed guidance, commandments, orders, and reminders. Even through slanderous lies, God's orders are a protection. Verses 81,84, and 86-87 help us in this. Verse 81 says "I long for your salvation, For your word is my hope." Jeho'shal or Joshalz (Jesus's more correct names) said those persecuted for doing right will receive the Kingdom of the Heavens--either as corulers with Christ or as happy subjects under it's rule. How does JOHVAHZ God feel about those so persecuted? Verse 84 says "How many days must your servant wait? When will you bring judgement against those persecuting me?" Notice his faith in God's judgement, will and power to act in his behalf. How might such move wrongdoers to respond to God's correction? Verse 86 says "All your commandments are trustworthy. Men persecute me without cause; help me!" Again, what faith in God's reliable commands. Might we nevertheless be persecuted "without cause?" Verse 87 says "They almost exterminated me from the earth, But I did not abandon your orders." Thus may we be protected from lasting harm.

PSALM 119 STANZA 8A

In the first half of stanza 8, we see that the psalmist yearns to stay close to God, keeping His commandments. Verses 57-60 read this way: "JOHVAHZ is my portion; I have promised to keep your words. 58 I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise. 59 I have examined my ways, In order to turn my feet back to your reminders. 60 I hurry and do not delay To keep your commandments."

Verse 57: JOHVAHZ is my portion; I have promised to keep your words.

REWARDS OF OBEDIENCE. Psalm 119:57 The psalmist evidently wanted the close relationship with God that the Levitical priests seemed to have. They received no land allotment as with the other tribes--JOHVAHZ was their "portion" or "inheritance." At Deuteronomy 10:8-9, we read about the Levites: "At that time JOHVAHZ set apart the tribe of Leʹvi to carry the ark of JOHVAHZ’s covenant, to stand before JOHVAHZ in order to minister to him, and to bless in his name, as they do to this day. 9 That is why Leʹvi has no share or inheritance with his brothers. JOHVAHZ is his inheritance, just as JOHVAHZ your God had said to him." Though likely not a Levite, the psalmist claims JOHVAHZ as his portion due to his loyalty and determination, even "promise," to "keep [His] words." Anointed to become king, David no doubt had experienced the joy that comes with obedience to God, confident of the rewards of faithfulness, and devoted His life to JOHVAHZ, just as many do who have dedicated their life to God and have symbolized it by water baptism. At the same time, baptism itself might be recognized for what it means—a complete immersion into the truthful waters of God’s word, associated with a repentance over past wrongdoing, and a ‘request to God for a good conscience.’

Verse 58: I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise.

HELP OTHERS BE FAITHFUL TO GOD. Psalm 119:58 The psalmist makes every effort to please His God, to receive His favor and approval, appealing to Him "with all [his] heart." This may remind you of Jehoshal's designation of the greatest commandments of the Law, as revealed at Matthew 22:37-40: "He said to him: “‘You must love JOHVAHZ your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.” As important as it is to love people, here we see loving God takes priority. JOHVAHZ God has the greatest capacity for love, it being His greatest quality. (1John 4:8). It is JOHVAHZ's part in a marriage that can make it a steadfast bond, not easily broken, as Ecclesiastes 4:12 states: "And someone may overpower one alone, but two together can take a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn apart." Thus the greatest love one can show to his or her spouse is by helping each other be loyal and faithful to God, together. Then, by God's command, they should love one another, becoming "one flesh." (Genes 2:24). However, there have sometimes been problems in marriages going unidentified or unexplained. One significant reason that should receive more attention is a matter involving godly compatibility—angels, those of earth, and anointed ones.

Verse 59: I have examined my ways, In order to turn my feet back to your reminders.

MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AS NEEDED. Psalm 119:59 God's reminders help us reflect upon our ways and practices, to ensure they are in harmony with God's will. At times, upon such reflection, we will see the need to make adjustments in our priorities, or our routine habits, or the way we handle certain things. May we always show willingness to "be readjusted" by God's loving reminders. 2Corinthians 13:11 thus exhorts: "Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you."

Verse 60 I hurry and do not delay To keep your commandments."

DO NOT HESITATE TO OBEY GOD! Psalm 119:60 The psalmist showed a keen sense of priorities, and soundness of mind, by appreciating the urgency and importance of keeping God's commandments. Mundane things should not prevent us from doing so. When we put God first in life, other things seem to fall into place. We may receive "power beyond what is normal" to accomplish God's will, sometimes with spirit enough left over for other things bringing true joy. (2Cori 4:7). May we, likewise, not hesitate to do as God has commanded us, and learning to prioritize our activities in life, making sure God is kept first in our lives. Thus we may maintain His favor and blessing, being rewarded for our loyalty and faithfulness!

PS119 STANZA 8B

Recall the theme for all of stanza 8: CLOSENESS TO GOD AND DIVINE FAVOR WORTH EVERY EFFORT TO MAINTAIN.

Verse 58 for instance pleads "I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise." Verses 61-64 read: "The ropes of the crooked surround me, But your lawl I do not forget. 62 At midnight I get up to give you thanks For your upright judgments. 63 I am a friend of all who fear you And of those who keep your orders. 64 Your loyal love, O JOHVAHZ, fills the earth; Teach me your regulations (careful instructions, ‘lawlines’)."

Verse 61 The ropes of the crooked surround me, But your lawl I do not forget.

REMEMBER GOD'S LAWL. Psalm 119:61 Even if lawless ones seem to have us "cornered," may we remember God's lawl, like the psalmist. Keep in mind, our love is both ways, in the case of God and humans. It is not only God's love for us, but our love for Him, which we show by keeping His commandments. As 1John 5:3 says "This is what the love of God means, that we observe His commandments, and yet His commandments are not burdensome (they are not 'like a heavy load'). Likewise, it is not only the love of other humans for us--we should be unsefishly loving others, acting as an extension of God's hand in kind acts and loyal patience in dealing with our neighbors. Such love, however, may take time to cultivate, with appreciation for God's love, as well as faith, or thankful trust, in Him and His son, as a foundation for Christian discipleship, imitating the way Jehoshal/Jesus honored God and loved others, while maintaining purity of heart and a humble view of oneself. (Colos 3:12). If "cornered" in some otherwise common temptation, there may be only one right way to endure (until it ends)--maintaining firm obedience to God--prayerfully look for the "way out" God makes available for you to endure your temptation faithfully, with integrity (1Cori 10:13).

Verse 62 At midnight I get up to give you thanks For your righteous judgements.

ALWAYS PLEASING HIM. Psalm 119:62 Recall God's word emphasizes His "faithfulness during the nights." God's "righteous judgments" demonstrate His faithfulness toward humans, as He is loyal to His own right standards. When He judges, or evaluates a situation, He decides according to what is right, just, fair and true. How thankful we should be for God's adherence to what is right--His own integrity! And may we imitate such integrity of conduct in our own life, seeking always to please Him by doing right ourselves. At John 8:29, we read of Jehoshal/Jesus: "And the One who sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things pleasing to him.”

Verse 63 I am a friend of all who fear you And of those who keep your orders.

UNITED BY GOD OF PEACE. Psalm 119:63 Here is another joy of loving God first and serving Him faithfully--we may find delightful association with others who are equally devoted to JOHVAHZ, holding to His standards. The genuine fear of God is not a morbid one--while respecting His greatness and power, we fear displeasing or hurting Him, wanting nothing to hinder His love. Thus, godly fear (or, awe) and love are spoken of together in the Scriptures. (Deute 10:12; Psalm 103:11). It is only by the united loyalty to JOHVAHZ God that genuine peace and love can flourish, having His support and blessing! Proverbs 10:22 reminds us: "It is the blessing of JOHVAHZ that makes one rich, And hard work does not add to one’s wealth." Psalm 133:1 expresses the result, in saying: "Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!" Together, we treasure loyalty and faithfulness to God, shown by our obedience.

Verse 64 Your loyal love, O JOHVAHZ, fills the earth; Teach me your regulations (careful instructions, ‘lawlines’).

JOHVAHZ, EVER SHOWING LOYAL LOVE. Psalm 119:64 JOHVAHZ has shown much love to all mankind, as evidenced by His grand and loving creative hand in the way He made our spirit--in the qualities He has given us, and the good relationships we can have. Also, He is ever showing love to all, and especially to those with faith, daily, throughout the earth. This is doubtless part of the 'work' Christ Jehoshal/Jesus had reference to, when he said, as recorded at John 5:17, "My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.” Along with His son, He will continue to help as many as possible choose the path of eternal life with His blessing. Thus JOHVAHZ's loyal love "fills the earth!" Thus may we be moved, like the psalmist, to learn and follow even specific instructions from God, that God's will and work may be carried out to His honor and glory, and the eternal happiness of all who will show Him honor.

PSALM 119 STANZA 9A

The theme for stanza 9 is: GOD’S DISCIPLINE IS GOOD FOR US, HELPING US TREASURE HIS PRICELESS LAW(L).

Verses 65-68 read this way: “65 You have dealt well with your servant, O JOHVAHZ, according to your word. 66 Teach me good sense and knowledge, For I have put my trust in your commandments. 67 Before my tribulation, I used to go astray, But now I keep your saying. 68 You are good and your works are good. Teach me your careful instructions.”

Verse 65: You have dealt well with your servant, O JOHVAHZ, according to your word.

JOHVAHZ'S GOODNESS, LOYALTY. (:65) How thankful we can be to be able to know God’s personality and ways by means of His word, the Holy Bible. The psalmist acknowledges in his experience that God fully acts in harmony with it, dealing with him just as His word explains. For instance, Psalm 86:5 says: “ 5 For you, O JOHVAHZ, are good and ready to forgive; You abound in loyal love for all those who call on you.” And Psalm 18:25 says: “25 With someone loyal you act in loyalty; With the blameless man you deal blamelessly.” May we appreciate God’s fair and just dealings with mankind, not blaming Him for things that aren’t truly His responsibility. Recall our perfect ancestors, at the snake’s instigation, came out from God’s divine favor and blessing, raising the issue of God's Sovereignty and bringing a world of much ungodly human experimentation, with sin, sickness, and death. (Genesis 3). We still feel the effects of that decision, but God’s Kingdom has begun to bring relief, and is poised to usher in greater blessings in accord with God’s will to fulfill His original purpose toward humans. May those genuinely with ruling authority earthwide (continue to) submit themselves to the wise guidance of God’s word, supportive of God’s incoming Kingdom, and thereby support the happiness and everlasting life prospects of all those under their care!

Verse 66: Teach me good sense and knowledge, For I have put my trust in your commandments.

GAINING ‘GOOD SENSE’. (:66) The psalmist places his trust in God’s commandments, which Psalm 19 says are “clean,” and “enlighten the eyes.” [Psalm 19:8, AMP]. Thus by heeding them one is better able to see and discern Bible truth, and acquire “good sense and knowledge.” It was Abigail that David commended for showing “good sense” by interceding for her senseless husband, Nabal, who cursed and faulted upright David, who had done him no wrong. She prepared food and other provisions for David’s men, at his request. God judged Nabal adversely for his gross disrespect, ten days later. Thus, “good sense” moves one to act wisely, make good judgements, recognizing priorities with a sound mind, and using knowledge judiciously, and with a loving motive. The psalmist requested God to teach him such qualities, on the basis of his proper regard for God’s commandments. Likewise, we too can make such a request, in harmony with James 1:5-6, as God is generous to share true wisdom to any who are lacking, and who ask in faith, with deep, thankful trust in God’s desire and willingness to help.

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

SPARED HEARTACHE. (: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(l) 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. How do you rate yourself in this matter—do you ‘go astray’, or do you ‘keep God’s saying’? If you consider yourself as ‘going astray’, this is, like the psalmist, where most probably were at one time, and it’s likely to some extent in a person’s thoughts and their words, and possibly actions. But recall, God disciplined the psalmist so that he experienced ‘tribulation’ for doing this—are there not consequences or problems associated with ‘going astray’? Reflecting upon these can help motivate one to turn away from wrong thinking, speech, and actions, refusing to go down the wrong path, and begin to experience the blessings of remaining true, learning to think the right way about things, and be safeguarded from many problems. The rewards of right thinking, speech, and actions should also become close to our hearts, something we come to treasure, pleasing God in various ways, and remaining even closer to Him than before. Of course, He is very pleased with our efforts to make such changes, and become even more the person He intended us to be, and a better example for others!

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

EVIDENCE OF GOD'S LOVE. (:68) Thus, JOHVAHZ’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 did God accomplish to make possible 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 uncountably numerous kindnesses manifested toward the human family? Yes, JOHVAHZ is good and His works are good! Like the psalmist, may we thus be moved to willingly learn from God even specific guidance for us, that we may know how to live and support the doing of His will and good purpose.

PSALM 119 STANZA 9B

Verses 69-72 read like this: “69 The presumptuous (crossing boundaries) smear me with lies, But I observe your orders with all my heart. 70 Their heart is insensitive, But I am fond of your law(l). 71 It is good that I have been tested, So that I may learn your careful instructions. 72 The law(l) that you have proclaimed is good for me, More so than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.”

Verse 69: The presumptuous (crossing boundaries) smear me with lies, But I observe your orders with all my heart.

RECOGNIZE GOD'S ORDERS. (:69) Recall that the “presumptuous” arrogantly ignore due limits, presuming authority they have no right to. In this case, they brazenly commit the same sin that the serpent used, misleading the human family in the Garden of Eden, the “Park of Pleasure” that God wanted our first parents to oversee the spread of in the making of an earth-wide Paradise. The serpent chose to slander God, then smearing His good name. He spoke to Eve as if God was lying to her about the results of eating from the one tree God warned them against out of all of them. God always has good reason when warning humans against something, if we only trust Him. The term "knowledge" indicates at least some familiarity. The “knowledge of good and evil,” and any ignoring of God's determination as to which is which, has not brought mankind the happiness the serpent claimed it would. On the other hand, the time allowed has shown that God’s way of truth, upholding what is genuinely good and right, as He declares, is the most beneficial course in life, as the psalmist recognizes. Despite the lies used against him, he whole-heartedly clings to God’s orders. May we appreciate especially God’s serious and timely or urgent commands, that we may maintain keen spiritual vision in spite of opposition.

Verse 70: Their heart is insensitive, But I am fond of your law(l).

HATING BADNESS, PURSUE GOOD. (:70) The heart of such presumptuous ones is callous, unfeeling toward others, perhaps missing some compassion as to the feelings of those they hurt, or of God himself. Spurred on by wrong desire, such things as selfishness, focus on money only, and jealousy foster little regard for others, and can lead to hateful actions, such as the slanderous attacks mentioned by the psalmist. They should be checking and assessing their wrong desires, in line with the principle stated in God’s word at Proverbs 10:2 “The treasures gained by wrongdoing will be of no benefit, But integrity (of conduct) is what rescues from death.” Thus, all should learn to hate such badness, that brings no lasting benefit nor God’s blessing. Recall Proverbs 10:22 which says “It is the blessing of JOHVAHZ that makes one rich; Hard work does not add to one’s wealth.” How much better to look for the blessing of God on our activities, by pursuing right and good desires, benefitting others and ourselves, and to become truly “rich” with endless rewards. We can thus develop a fondness for God’s word and law(l), in harmony with His love, that encourages good traits, such as compassion, kindness, and mercy.

Verse 71: It is good that I have been tested, So that I may learn your careful instructions (regulations, ‘lawlines’).

GOD'S LAW(L) A PROTECTION. (: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(l) as a protection from the stain and pain of wrong conduct. He learned the need for even specific guidance, that he might keep it, finding and maintaining God’s approval, favor, and blessing. Happily, JOHVAHZ 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. Yet all should continue to look to God. How fine to appreciate God’s goodness, accepting His loving guidance and correction to begin with, choosing to live in accord with His standards!

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

GOD'S LAW(L) PRICELESS, LIFE-SUSTAINING. (:72) Here the stanza is summed up with an evaluation of God’s law(l)—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(l) as good, not just for others, but for him personally, moving him to value it more than money. Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 says “Wisdom is for a protection the same as money is for a protection. The advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.” This in no way diminishes the rightful place money has in each one's life. The keeping of God's law(l) and detailed guidance when needed is what brings God's blessing, which makes one rich, whether as a person or country among others. By valuing God's law(l) above money, we thus are moved to uphold true godly justice when it comes to such matters, including financial or business. Still, 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 maintain a balanced view such as God desires.

PSALM 119 STANZA 10A

The theme for all of stanza 10 is:

SUBMISSION TO GOD’S DISCIPLINE PLACES US IN HIS HANDS TO EXPERIENCE HIS FAITHFULNESS

Verses 73-76 read this way: “73 Your hands made me and formed me. Give me understanding, So that I may learn your commandments. 74 Those who fear you see me and rejoice, For your word is my hope. 75 I know, O JOHVAHZ, that your judgements are upright And that you have tested me in your faithfulness. 76 May your loyal love please comfort me, According to the promise you made to your servant.“

Verse 73: Your hands made me and formed me. Give me understanding, So that I may learn your commandments.

GOD'S LOVING INTERVENTION. (:73) The psalmist acknowledges God’s loving intervention in his life, helped by heeding God’s word, likely from the time of youth. Even if some time passed before learning the value of God’s written word, one may still have been lovingly guided in some ways or at critical times in his or her life. May we appreciate whatever God has done to encourage us in doing right, and seek the quality of understanding that we may more fully grasp God’s law(l). This quality enables us most importantly to show empathy, seeking to understand what may have contributed to someone’s offending us or another in some way, rather than being quick to accuse them of wrong motive or intentions. While there are already important reasons to tend toward mercy, such understanding can give us more reasons for forgiving others. This quality makes it possible to comprehend life itself better and grow in knowledge. Applying this to divine knowledge based on God’s written word enables us to grow in appreciation for God’s commandments, seeing how they relate to our life and the benefits of heeding them.

Verse 74: Those who fear you see me and rejoice, For your word is my hope.

HOPE IN GOD'S WORD. (:74) Those truly fearing or revering God likely know that the course of integrity does not mean a lack of problems or challenges in life. Still, those ignoring God’s word have greater problems--they just haven't yet seen the value of God's protective guidance. Of course, our difficulties are temporary, as we maintain our hope for truly peaceful conditions. Even if we’re facing difficult circumstances, we can place our complete trust in God, and rely on His word and law to help us navigate through any difficulties faithfully. Showing that upright ones do not live a problem-free life, Psalm 34:19 says: “19 Many are the hardships of the upright one, But JOHVAHZ rescues him from them all.” Thus upright ones come to experience God’s salvation through their problems, and this strengthens their faith in God, their integrity, and their hope of future salvation.

Verse 75: I know, O JOHVAHZ, that your judgements are upright And that you have tested me in your faithfulness.

GOD'S PERMISSION OF DIFFICULTIES. (:75) The psalmist was a 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 also 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 JOHVAHZ, nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom JOHVAHZ 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 judgements were righteous, and he could endure in faithfulness, learning from his experiences to observe God’s law(l) fully.

Verse 76: May your loyal love please comfort me, According to the promise you made to your servant.

TRUSTING GOD'S LOYAL LOVE. (:76) Thus in God’s faithfulness we can see or experience His loyal love, which expression reminds us of the loyalty involved in expressing true Christian love toward others, such as in a marriage. This loyalty can patiently put up with a wrong in the strength of God, when another strays somewhat, looking to God for loving ways to correct it, with blazing hope of a restoration of the approved relationship. The psalmist pleads for the comfort of God’s loyal love toward him, as he endures any difficulties, maintaining his hope in the promise God made to Him regarding his kingship, as all should rely on the promises of God’s written word for comfort. While we should want to seek peace in all our relationships, on the subject of marriage we also should keep in mind that there are three major types of persons made by God or AZGod, below the first Heaven—people of earth, lower angels, and the ‘new creation’, anointed ones, all to look forward to Paradise conditions. This actually can explain difficulties some have had in their marital or dating relationships. All three groups might be said to be ‘built differently’, yet potentially united in true faith or genuine belief in accord with Christ and the ransom provision for hope of an endless, happy future. One difference, for example, is in the past lives that the lower angels have experienced, which those of earth have not. All should bear in mind GOD’s mercy and understanding, as His mighty holy spirit thus may incline persons to recognize the way He has made mankind.

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PSALM 119 STANZA 10B

The first part of stanza 10 included thoughts such as this one: "Your hands made me and formed me. Give me understanding, So that I may learn your commandments...you have tested me in your faithfulness." (v. 73,75) God allowed him to endure hardship, that he might learn more fully the value of godly obedience.

Verses 77-80 read this way: "Show me mercy, so that I may keep living, For I am fond of your law(l). 78 May the presumptuous (crossing boundaries) be put to shame, For they wrong me without cause. But I will ponder over your orders. 79 Let those who fear you return to me, Those who know your reminders. 80 May my heart be blameless in following your careful instructions, So that I may not be put to shame."

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

CHOOSE LIFE AND GOOD. (: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(l). 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 God's Law/Lawl, 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 JOHVAHZ your God that I am commanding you today, by loving JOHVAHZ your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rulings, then you will live and multiply, and JOHVAHZ your God will bless you in the land you are going to possess." For Christians, within the United States and abroad, God's approval and upright standing come by thankful trust, or faith, in God and his mercy through the ransom provision of Christ, as ones likewise seek obedience to Him and His Son.

Verse 78: May the presumptuous (crossing boundaries) be put to shame, For they wrong me without cause. But I will ponder over your orders.

REPENTANCE VITAL. (:78) On the other hand, are the presumptuous. Ignoring God's righteous standards to achieve their selfish aims, they are not automatically covered by Christ's ransom. Yes, God "does not desire anyone to be eliminated, but desires all to attain to repentance." (2Peter 3:9). Repentance involves a fitting degree of sorrow over past sins, with a turning around to godly obedience. Such repentance is necessary to receiving God's mercy based on the ransom provision. Jehoshal (or, Jesus) likewise concurs, concluding the Sermon on the Mount with an illustration showing the foolishness of not heeding this one's teachings, with the resulting collapse of one's figurative house. (Matth 7:24-27). The presumptuous fail to welcome Christ's genuine brothers (anointed for corulership), instead they are causing them loss. Therefore they need to repent, so that they do not suffer the consequences described at Matthew 25:41-46. The psalmist maintained his determination to keep God's orders despite such false opposition.

Verse 79: Let those who fear you return to me, Those who know your reminders.

LOYAL TO THE GOD OF LOVE. (:79) While those truly fearing or revering God usually understand that hardships that can afflict upright ones, sometimes they can be affected by fear of man, as the apostles fled upon Jesus being arrested. They might hold back from showing favor, until persecution or opposition lessens. Like Jehoshal (or, Jesus), how vital that we maintain our hope in God first when faced with pressures, trusting Him with our reputation and relationships. The psalmist requested that the favor of God-fearing ones return to him, despite whatever trials he had to face. In harmony with the greatest commandments of the Law, let us remember the love of God FIRST in life, but because God cares and ‘IS love’, loving Him in part by keeping His law, making true unity possible, and THEN (and which includes) loving our neighbor as ourselves. (Matth 22:36-40). If we are truly loving our neighbor, we will be helping them to love God first, to loyally maintain their integrity of conduct.

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

‘REMAIN STEADFAST’. (:80) The psalmist requests a heart of integrity, able to follow even specific 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 JOHVAHZ." Regarding the following of God's instructions, verses 5-6 say: "If only I could remain steadfast So as to observe your careful instructions! 6 Then I would not be put to shame When I consider all your commandments." As we continue having faith in God and His spiritual provisions, seeking divine obedience, we can be happy to find ourselves in compliance with God's standards more and more, having no reason for shame. 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!

PSALM 119 STANZA 11

The theme for stanza 11 is: GOD'S RELIABLE ORDERS HELP PRESERVE US THROUGH PERIODS OF PERSECUTION.

Stanza 11A:

Verses 81-84 read like this: "I long for your salvation, For your word is my hope. 82 My eyes long for your saying While I say: “When will you comfort me?” 83 For I am like a skin bottle dried up in the smoke, But your careful instructions I do not forget. 84 How many days must your servant wait? When will you bring judgement against those persecuting me?"

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

ENDURE WITH HOPE OF SALVATION. At Matthew 5:10 Jehoshal/Joshalz (Jesus's more correct names, in both meaning and pronunciation) 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 upright one is not good, And to flog honorable people goes against what is right." Being persecuted, or ‘annoyed by someone persistently’, for one's keeping integrity to God, faithfully following His orders, is highly displeasing to the Greatest Authority, JOHVAHZ God. He says, regarding His true servants, "Whoever touches you touches my eyeball.” (Zechariah 2:8). While we may reasonably stand up for ourselves, offering godly correction to those acting so unkindly, or seeking help if unable to do so, such ones should look to our Mighty and Just God and the proper authority if need be, and avoid seeking personal vengeance outside the law, rather respecting the admonition from God, at Romans 12:19, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the agitation; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says JOHVAHZ.” JOHVAHZ can see the motives of all, and judge most appropriately according to each person, in due time. Still, if we must endure, with prayer and God’s word, we can see how to maintain our peace, and hope in eventual relief of any hardship, trusting in God's word of wisdom and promise. The way in which we cope may in time cause onlookers to turn to the God of love and hope, JOHVAHZ. Regardless, He 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 JOHVAHZ will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For JOHVAHZ himself has spoken it." Let's look forward to such a blessing for all who may be servants of God in truth!

Verse 82: My eyes long for your saying While I say: “When will you comfort me?"

COMFORT THAT GOD BRINGS. The psalmist found delight in pleasing God, receiving the guidance and comfort from God's word. He also knew of comfort that God himself would bring to him, from His word or from fellow servants of Him, whether in study, assembling for worship, or in personal fellowship. He looked forward to such encouragement, knowing that it would come as he prayed for it and remained faithful, enduring his trials. Romans 10:17 says that "faith follows what we hear" and Romans 15:4 speaks of "the comfort from the Scriptures," so may we strive to listen to or read God's word regularly, finding needed strength to serve God faithfully.

Verse 83: For I am like a skin bottle dried up in the smoke, But your careful instructions I do not forget.

MAINTAIN HOPE AND JOY. Certain skins were commonly used to hold liquids. These skin bottles could darken, dry up, and shrivel if too near an open fire. Such a bottle would likely then be cast aside as worthless to hold liquids. The psalmist may have wore lines on his face from the distress caused by his persecutors, and may have at times felt like such a useless skin bottle. Yet he would not give up, and would not forget God's word and laws and careful instructions given to regulate life--His lines of living, regulations or lawlines. He knew God was the One to bring genuine happiness, and His ways the ways of eternal life and peace. He held on to the word of promises and guidance from God, which remained his hope. May we continue hoping in God, trusting His word, and enduring trials faithfully, which will strengthen our hope and allow us to maintain certain joy in spite of tribulations. 1Timothy 4:10 says: "This is why we are working hard and exerting ourselves, because we have rested our hope on a living God, who is a Savior of all sorts of men, especially of faithful ones."

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

JOHVAHZ KNOWS HOW TO RESCUE. Notice the faith of the psalmist in God's judgement, will, and power to act in his behalf. IT was not IF he could bring judgement, but WHEN He would do so. May this move wrongdoers to turn around from any wrong works before God's judgement 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, stating: "So, then, JOHVAHZ knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to have crooked persons give an account (with our loving God and Jesus Christ judging)." Many such latter ones did turn from wrongdoing and seek God's face, pleading for His help to change their thinking, habits, and ways. This was done, but not in one's own strength. Regarding even the salvation of his own apostles, Jehoshal (or, 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 JOHVAHZ 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).

PSALM 119 STANZA 11B

The theme for stanza 11 is GOD'S RELIABLE ORDERS HELP PRESERVE US THROUGH PERIODS OF PERSECUTION.

Verses 85-88 read this way: "The presumptuous (crossing boundaries) dig pits for me, Those who defy your law. 86 All your commandments are trustworthy. Men persecute me without cause; help me! 87 They almost exterminated me from the earth, But I did not abandon your orders. 88 Preserve me alive because of your loyal love, So that I may keep the reminders you have spoken."

Verse 85: The presumptuous (crossing boundaries) dig pits for me, Those who defy your law.

RESPECT FOR GOD'S LAW, WISDOM. The psalmist well describes the presumptuous as those defying, or violating, God's law to selfishly get what they want. They may seek to harm and/or to receive personal advantage, going beyond boundaries God has set for the happiness and benefit of all, to dwell together peaceably. They may do this lacking the instruction they need to avoid greed, jealousy, hatred and/or anger. They may be missing vital aspects of true wisdom, such as humility, honesty, modesty, integrity, self-control, Christian mildness or gentleness, and perhaps shrewdness or discretion, aiding awareness of harmful spiritual and/or other consequences, to steer clear of them.

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

VALUING GOD'S COMMANDS. God's commandments truly are for our lasting benefit. To persecute (or, persistently annoy) someone for obeying the commandments of our true loving God, JOHVAHZ, reveals a lack of appreciation for what is truly right and good for mankind. Like the psalmist, some may even be persecuted "without cause"--just for existing! Would they want the same? Looking in the right direction, however, he pleads 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. 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 JOHVAHZ during such times, knowing of faithful men throughout history who faced similar trials (HEBrews 11-12). On the other hand are those defying God's law, opposing His will. They are not seeking to intelligently honor God and support the peaceful rule of His Son. They are missing God's blessing, and may believe the reason they are not happy is that they still haven't underhandedly received the desires they are wrongfully seeking. They should rather seek the wisdom and understanding of God's law they yet lack, as God is merciful and "ready to forgive." They should come to see that God has provided for complete satisfaction in life, living within His law, rather than outside of it. Repenting over past wrongdoing, then both training and seeking to heed their God-given conscience in line with God's word, they may yet prosper with God's blessing, seeing their right desires fulfilled by a loving God and Father, through His firstborn Son. (PROve 10:2,22; PSAlm 145:16)

Verse 88: Preserve me alive because of your loyal love, So that I may keep the reminders you have spoken.

LIVING A FAITHFUL LIFE. The psalmist seeks by God to be preserved alive despite severe trials, knowing of God's loyal love. God has promised primarily to help protect us from spiritual harm and loss of eternal life. We should be willing to face tribulations in order to remain faithful to our Life-giver, JOHVAHZ. Still, Jesus told Martha, at John 11:26, "And everyone who is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all--Do you believe this?" Following Christ's teachings and example surely contributes to one's spiritual and eternal life. The new world of God’s making will also surely bring greater protections for all loving God and one another, which should be everyone! These last 4 verses highlight that we may, despite persecution, keep in mind God's law, His commandments, His orders, and His reminders. May we trust God's word deeply to guide us through difficult times or challenges in life, looking forward to endless blessings to come!

PSALM 119 REVIEW 3 STANZAS 8 THRU 11

PSALM 119 STANZA 8A

In the first half of stanza 8, we see that the psalmist yearns to stay close to God, keeping His commandments. Verses 57-60 read this way: "JOHVAHZ is my portion; I have promised to keep your words. 58 I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise. 59 I have examined my ways, In order to turn my feet back to your reminders. 60 I hurry and do not delay To keep your commandments."

Verse 58: I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise.

HELP OTHERS BE FAITHFUL TO GOD. Psalm 119:58 The psalmist makes every effort to please His God, to receive His favor and approval, appealing to Him "with all [his] heart." This may remind you of Jehoshua's designation of the greatest commandments of the Law, as revealed at Matthew 22:37-40: "He said to him: “‘You must love JOHVAHZ your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.” As important as it is to love people, here we see loving God takes priority. JOHVAHZ God has the greatest capacity for love, it being His greatest quality. (1John 4:8). It is JOHVAHZ's part in a marriage that can make it a steadfast bond, not easily broken, as Ecclesiastes 4:12 states: "And someone may overpower one alone, but two together can take a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn apart." Thus the greatest love one can show to his or her spouse is by helping each other be loyal and faithful to God, together. Then, by God's command, they should love one another, becoming "one flesh." (Genes 2:24). The second command is ‘like the first’ because of God’s love for all people, His word and law(l) provided out of such love and consideration. However, there have sometimes been problems in marriages going unidentified or unexplained. One significant reason that should receive more attention is a matter involving godly compatibility—angels, those of earth, and anointed ones. People today really are of a second or lower group of these three, but not all have yet come to recognize this. For instance, such ‘angels’ have lived past lives, but those of earth have not.

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PS119 (5PS13) STANZA 8B

Recall the theme for all of stanza 8: CLOSENESS TO GOD AND DIVINE FAVOR WORTH EVERY EFFORT TO MAINTAIN.

Verse 58 for instance pleads "I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise." Verses 61-64 read: "The ropes of the crooked surround me, But your lawl I do not forget. 62 At midnight I get up to give you thanks For your upright judgements. 63 I am a friend of all who (respectfully) fear you And of those who keep your orders. 64 Your loyal love, O JOHVAHZ, fills the earth; Teach me your regulations."

Verse 63 I am a friend of all who (respectfully) fear you And of those who keep your orders.

UNITED BY GOD OF PEACE. Psalm 119:63 Here is another joy of loving God first and serving Him faithfully--we may find delightful association with others equally devoted to JOHVAHZ, respecting or holding to His standards. The genuine fear of God is not a morbid one--while respecting His greatness and power, we fear displeasing or hurting Him, wanting nothing to hinder His love. Thus, godly fear and love are spoken of together in the Scriptures. (Deute 10:12; Psalm 103:11). It is only by the united loyalty to JOHVAHZ God through Christ that genuine peace and love can flourish, having His support and blessing! Proverbs 10:22 reminds us: "It is the blessing of JOHVAHZ that makes one rich, And hard work alone does not add to your wealth." Psalm 133:1 expresses the result, in saying: "Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!" Together, we treasure loyalty and faithfulness to God, shown by our obedience.

Verse 64 Your loyal love, O JOHVAHZ, fills the earth; Teach me your regulations.

JOHVAHZ EVER SHOWING LOYAL LOVE. Psalm 119:64 JOHVAHZ has shown much love to all mankind, as evidenced by His grand and loving creative hand in the way He made us, our spirit--in the qualities He has given us, the good relationships we can have, and the Universe, His gifts of life made the right way. Also, He is ever showing love to all, and especially to those with faith, daily, throughout the earth. This is doubtless part of the 'work' Christ Joshallz/Jesus had reference to, when he said, as recorded at John 5:17, "My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.” Along with His son, He will continue to help as many as possible choose the path of eternal life with His blessing. Thus JOHVAHZ's loyal love "fills the earth!" Thus may we be moved, like the psalmist, to learn and follow even specific instructions from God, that God's will and work may be carried out to His honor and glory, and the eternal happiness of all who will show Him honor.

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

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

This theme is underscored in verses 67-68 and 71-72. 

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

Verse 68: You are good and your works are good. Teach me your careful instructions (‘lawlines’).

SPARED HEARTACHE & MORE EVIDENCE OF LOVE. (:67-68) 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 lawl 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. The psalmist experienced tribulation for ‘going astray’; such consequences can help motivate one to turn away from wrong thinking, speech, and actions, refusing to go down the wrong path. Also, God's works provide evidence of His love for us. JOHVAHZ’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 did God accomplish to make possible 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, JOHVAHZ 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 tested, So that I may learn your careful instructions (‘lawlines’).

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

GOD'S LAWL A PROTECTION, PRICELESS. (:71-72) Similar to verse 67, the psalmist looks back on times of difficulty, as disciplining him toward godly obedience. He came to recognize God’s lawl as a protection from the stain and pain of wrong conduct. He learned the need for even specific guidance, that he might keep it, finding and maintaining God’s approval, favor, and blessing. Happily, JOHVAHZ 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. Yet all should continue to look to God. How fine to appreciate God’s goodness, accepting His loving guidance and correction to begin with, choosing to live in accord with His standards! Still, according to God we may hope in time that "the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart. So exult and be joyful forever in what I am creating..." (ISAiah 65:17) Also in verse 72, the stanza is summed up with an evaluation of God’s lawl—truly priceless! The psalmist David 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 lawl 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 JOHVAHZ, that your judgments are upright And that you have tested me in your faithfulness.

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

GOD'S PERMISSION OF DIFFICULTIES AND CHOOSE LIFE. (:75,77) The psalmist was a 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 need God’s loving correction to guide them in receiving their privileged reward from God. Anointed Hebrew Christians, focusing on their problems, were counseled 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 JOHVAHZ, nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom JOHVAHZ loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.” The psalmist thus felt he was experiencing the ‘not uncommon’ temptations 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 lawl fully. Also, 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 lawl. 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's exhortation to Israel, as regards their keeping of God’s Lawl, 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 JOHVAHZ your God that I am commanding you today, by loving JOHVAHZ 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 JOHVAHZ your God will bless you in the land you are going to possess." For Christians, God's approval and one's upright standing come by faith, or thankful trust, 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 careful instructions (‘lawlines’), So that I may not be put to shame.

‘REMAIN STEADFAST’ (: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 lawl of JOHVAHZ." Regarding the following of God's instructions, verses 5-6 say: "If only I could remain steadfast So as to observe your careful instructions (‘lawlines’)! 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.

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

ENDURE WITH HOPE OF SALVATION. (:81,84) 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 upright one is not good, And to flog honorable people goes against what is right." Being persecuted, or harassed or annoyed persistently, for one's keeping integrity to God, faithfully following His orders, is highly displeasing to the Greatest Authority, JOHVAHZ 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 JOHVAHZ.” JOHVAHZ 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. JOHVAHZ 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 JOHVAHZ will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For JOHVAHZ himself has spoken it." Let's look forward to such a blessing for all who may be servants of God in truth! In verse 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 bad practices before God's judgment arrives, coming to know God's love, having faith in 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. The same powerful holy spirit God used to create the universe, can be of assistance to help many 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!

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

VALUING GOD'S COMMANDS, ORDERS. (:86-87) God's commandments truly are for our lasting benefit. To persecute someone for obeying the commandments of our true loving God, JOHVAHZ, 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/Joshallz 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 through ‘not uncommon’ temptations! Also, by concentrating on God's most serious and urgent commands, we may be protected from possible harm. The psalmist was even guarded from extermination. Let us prayerfully rely on JOHVAHZ during such times, knowing of faithful men throughout history who faced similar tribulations (Hebrews 11).

May we thus come to appreciate God's discipline and it's many benefits, placing ourselves in His hands of faithfulness by looking to Him, His word and lawl to guide and protect us spiritually through good times and periods of difficulty, with brighter days ahead.

GODZ LAWL SELECT

GOLDEN RULE INTEGRAL TO LAWL OF GOD

CHRISTIAN STANDARD: PRINCIPLED LOVE IS MOVED BY EMPATHY IN DEALING WITH OTHERS

PUTTING OURSELVES IN THEIR PLACE. Matthew 7:12 reveals the Golden Rule, saying: "All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them. This, in fact, is what the Lawl and the Prophets mean." The Lawl of God and the teaching of the Prophets were based on this treasured principle. Luke 6:31 words it this way: "...Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them." How do we do this? What would we like others to say to us, or to do for us? Can we say or do those things for other persons each day? True compassion and love for others will make this possible. It helps to practice having compassion or empathy for others, putting ourselves in their place, or in their shoes, that we may comprehend their situation or circumstance. Then we can fathom how we would like to be treated if we were in their place. But what we need to understand perhaps most is that we should consider ourselves an extension of God's hand in what we do for others, to His glory and honor. Our motive should be clean and pure. At the same time, we of course have our own needs, wants, etc. We should know how to love ourselves within God’s lawl also. This way we can better ‘love our neighbor as ourselves’. Whereas God cares that we come to have a good reputation before Him, trust Him to protect this long-term. As one pleases God, honor may come to him. At times persons might be unfairly dishonored or reproached, and of course God agrees with reasonable efforts to defend ourselves or safeguard our reputation. Still, God's word speaks against "self-exaltation" and 'seeking one's own glory,' such things contributing to pridefulness and arrogance. Such an attitude and conduct not only cause or lead to further wrongs, but are considered sinful in themselves. "Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the crooked, is sin." (Proverbs 21:4, NASB; 16:18). 

HELPING OTHERS, HONORING GOD. Thus any gifts or talents we possess come from our loving God, and should be used in a way that reflects honor to Him. Romans 8:28 says "We know that God makes all his works cooperate together for the good of those who love God..." Of course, God wants us to be loved and appreciated! But to selfishly seek undue attention, immoral affection, or glory for ourselves does not meet with God's approval. True compassion is a gift from God, motivated in harmony with true Christian love, making us happy to be used by God to help others--to be exercised toward God and one another for the true and lasting happiness and benefit of all! Who doesn't take delight in a kind word at the right time, or a gift from someone that meets a genuine need? All of this is possible if compassion is exercised in a godly way! We could even possibly coin a term such as “compection” to encapsulate this notion of guiding our compassion to assist others in a truly beneficial way that shows agreement ("pact") with God's lawl--helping them see that the answer to their distress or situation truly is within God's lawl--and not without it, or outside of it! Sometime God's true lawl is being misunderstood or misinterpreted! God is understanding, and His true word or lawl is reasonable. May we treasure God's ways of purity, genuine love and compassion, realizing the truth stated by Joshualz or Jesus that there is "more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." (ACTs 20:35).

GODZ LAWL SELECTION

CHRISTIAN STANDARD: PRINCIPLED LOVE IS COMPASSIONATE, BUT AGAINST WRONGDOING, HATING BADNESS, WHILE AVOIDING REVILEMENT.

Let’s now consider Exodus 22:28: “28 “You must not curse God nor curse a chieftain among your people.”

GOD NOT TO BLAME. Verse 28 Another term for “curse” here is “revile,” to speak abusively of this one. How we should always hold God in high esteem, learning the proper healthy, reverential fear of ever displeasing Him, always wanting to please God, never hurting Him in any way, appreciative of His great love for us and all of His human creation. Some have blamed God when they’ve misunderstood the issues of universal sovereignty and free will, involving His temporary permission of wickedness and suffering, although God has helped people who look to Him. Our first parents, inspired by Satan, chose disobedience to God, wanting in effect to decide for themselves right and wrong, rather than trusting God for that determination. They and the human family thus came out from under God’s overriding protection and blessing, and this is why mankind has experimented with various forms of rulership, but struggling to find one that can fully care for all the needs of it’s subjects. Still, we’ve all been given the gift of free will, to choose whether or not we want to please our loving God, pleasing and honoring Him in love, or turn away from Him. Of course, there are consequences to our decisions, but He’s given us free will nonetheless, which we can use to make His heart rejoice when we freely choose to love and serve Him, appreciating His guidance in life. Proverbs 27:11 says “11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me.” Thus we are wise to choose to obey God, and we may still receive certain protections and blessings for doing so, although we must wait for God’s kingdom for humankind to experience this in full measure, with everyone siding with God’s right of rulership over His human creation. What blessings are in store!

CHRISTIANS, WHILE SPEAKING AGAINST WHAT IS BAD, AVOID ABUSIVE SPEECH. Notice, we are likewise to avoid cursing a “chieftain” or “ruler” among God’s people. Those that God has allowed to receive authority to govern His people deserve our respect and appreciation for their hard work and efforts to do so properly. If they stray from God’s moral guidelines, setting a poor example, we should make this a matter of prayer, but while their public conduct might be discussed, we should still avoid abusive, hateful speech. We may still express hatred for what is bad, but we should compassionately use the utmost caution as regards sullying a person’s reputation. If there is a need to discuss such things, try to focus on the supposed actions themselves rather than the person so much. It was Satan’s hateful false slander against God that deceived Eve and led to man’s fall from perfection and true happiness. We should thus guard our tongue, using it to bless rather than curse. For instance, Romans 12:14 says “14 Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse.” Trust God to deal justly with things that appear out of harmony with His will. It is wrongdoers that often “sharpen their tongue like that of a serpent; Venom of vipers is behind their lips.” (Psalm 140:3). Regarding God’s servants, Proverbs 10 says “20 The tongue of the righteous one is like the finest silver” and Proverbs 12 says “18 Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, But the tongue of the wise is a healing.” Our hearts are most valuable to God when they are found in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 10:20 continued with saying “But the heart of the crooked one is worth little.” May all look to God to grow in true wisdom, understanding the right way to live before Him, looking forward to doing so with eternal life and happiness in view! 

Intro Entry

Eternal Express

2026

ETERNAL EXPRESS

CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER SELECTION

Galatians 1-2

SOME INTRODUCTORY REMARKS TO THE CHRISTIAN COURSE

GENUINE GOOD NEWS. Of course, such "Introductory remarks" should come with some fair idea of what true Christianity involves. Some have been mistaken regarding what God's word teaches about Christianity. Most are aware of the role of Christ and the ransom sacrifice for true forgiveness of sin, or violation of right conduct, which violations usually hinder in some way the loving and peaceable way that God has made possible real enjoyment of a paradisaic life. Still, it is possible to misinterpret God's law and standards to some extent, and for some mistaken views to be taught. God wants us to acquire good judgement or thinking ability, so as to make good decisions regarding what His lawl really teaches or requires, in line with Christian understanding clarified in God's word. This Christ has taught against putting up hedges about God's lawl, that we should "not go beyond the things that are written," which sometimes cause some to think God's lawl is less reasonable than it really is. We can truly find our happiness and satisfaction within God's word and lawl, not without it!

CHERISH THE "GOOD NEWS," GUARD ASSOCIATION. Galatians 1:6-8 encourages caution regarding our association. These verses show the Scriptures are what we should hold to regarding our faith, our trust and our belief system, not being persuaded by unrighteous ones: "I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from the One who called you with Christ’s undeserved kindness to another sort of good news. 7 Not that there is another good news; but there are certain ones who are causing you trouble and wanting to distort the good news about the Christ. 8 However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond the good news we declared to you, let him be accursed." May we continue to grow in our understanding of God's word of truth, trusting and clinging to God as our refuge in a world still promoting unrighteousness.

ADHERE TO WHAT IS PURE, ACQUIRE DISCERNMENT. Galatians 2:16 contains the inspired words of the apostle Paul, who said "that a man is declared upright, not by works of law, but only through faith in Joshualz/Jesus Christ." Genuine faith or thankful trust in Christ and the ransom sacrifice, to allow true forgiveness for sins, can move all out of appreciation to please God fully. Such faith and love for God and Christ move persons to be obedient from the heart to their commands, but such obedience cannot "earn" salvation--everlasting life is a gift from a loving God (Romans 6:23). "The love of God means that we observe His commandments, but His commandments are not burdensome." (1John 5:3). However, we must not think that obedience to one command will compensate for our disobedience to another. We must strive never to violate what is holy, and become disobedient (James 2:10-13). Some practices are so seriously wrong they could bar us from God's Kingdom, yet God understands the causes of wrongdoing and judges accordingly. We still should all be familiar, especially with the most serious of God's requirements but certainly also His merciful care for all, and pray for His help to live right before Him. (1Cori 6:9-11; James 1:5). We should acquire discernment to see the difference between the more important matters of law, and lesser matters, though still required. In the healthy fear or awe of God, we should seek to hate all badness, while loving what is good, with thinking down the road to see the consequences of both bad and good, and acting accordingly. (Psalm 97:10; Prove 22:3) This faith, or thankful trust, in God and Christ can thus grow with divine knowledge, as we consider God's word regularly. (Matth 4:4).

PRESS FORWARD IN SERVING GOD. Galatians 2:17-18 encourages us as ones turning to the real truth of God, not to turn back to things we've left behind. The apostle Paul set an example in this regard, having been raised as a Pharisee with great prominence in Judaism, with prospects of easily being well-off materially and otherwise. However, upon learning the truth about Christ, he left a life of falsehood behind to pursue God's favor and the reward of eternal life promised by Him for one's faithful and loving course. (James 1:12). We do not necessarily need to drop everything for the genuine truth of God, but we should take a fresh look at our life and adjust or do away with anything detracting us from serving God faithfully. Paul referred to the "excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus/Joshualz my Lord," and considered his past pursuits as "a lot of refuse (or, garbage)," that he may gain Christ. (Phili 3:8). True worship of JOHVAHZ through Christ opens our eyes to the truth, and as we grow in divine wisdom, we are better able to assess what is truly important in life and adjust our life accordingly. (Phili 1:10). We should turn to God in prayer before making any rash decisions, however. Look to God for guidance and direction, as we 'let our reasonableness become known to all men.' (Phili 4:5). God will nevertheless bless us for any sacrifice we make for the sake of His name and purpose, that enables us to move forward in serving God, and not turn back to a sinful course in life. Galatians 2:17-18 reads this way: "Now if we have also been found sinners while seeking to be declared worthy by means of Christ, is Christ then sin’s minister? Certainly not! 18 If the very things that I once tore down I build up again, I demonstrate that I am a transgressor." Paul added in verse 20: "Indeed, the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and handed himself over for me." May we appreciate the loving, selfless spirit this Christ displayed during an earthly life course, having risen with godly authority, seeking the everlasting happiness of all willing humans, as described in the Holy Scriptures, and seek to follow this example. (1Peter 2:21).

ETERNAL EXPRESS

BUILDING GENUINE TRUST IN A REAL GOD

Excerpt from article The Basics, par. 5-8.

5. How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith, proving that true faith is not blind?

5. FAITH, EVIDENCE. Our hope of endless life and happiness is built on our faith in God and His Son, Jesus/Joshalz Christ. Such faith is in no way "blind." It is a vicious lie that godly faith is belief in something for which there is no proof. Rather, genuine faith, according to God's word, is built on solid evidence, as explained at Hebrews 11:1. There we read that faith is defined as the "evident demonstration of realities, though not beheld." Air cannot normally be directly seen, or "beheld," but it can be felt, and it's effects can be seen, "evident" proof of its existence.

6. What evidence is there for the existence and loving qualities of God?

6. TWO BOOKS—CREATION AND THE BIBLE. Much evidence exists for the existence and loving qualities of God, even before looking into His word the Bible. Looking around and contemplating God’s wonderful and varied creative works makes possible abundant confidence in His tremendous wisdom, power, and love--cardinal attributes of God. However, there was an enemy, “the god of this system of things" that "blinded the minds of the unbelievers” (2Corinthians 4:4). Many are not taught to look at God’s creation in such a way or are taught lies such as the THEORY of evolution, and so acquire little faith in Him. Also, there is much that creation itself cannot reveal to us, that God Himself wants us to know. Careful consideration of the Bible reveals abundant evidence of it’s candor, reliability, beneficial instruction, it’s genuine inspiration by God Himself, all telling us much about His loving personality and ways—His deep interest in and love for His human creation. Helpful guidance, understanding of the interior person, and divine law are also revealed, which contribute to genuine peace and happiness among those acknowledging these and adhering thereto.

7. What illustration found in God's word helps us reason on the proof of God's creative hand in life itself?

7. EVERY HOUSE. Adding to the evidence of God's hand in creation is a simple but powerful illustration found in God's word. What if you were walking along in a desert and as you top a hill you find on the other side a house, which you eventually could see was fully furnished. What if you also found out that the refrigerator was packed with food, along with some stored in kitchen cabinets. Perhaps you also found out that the home had a system for maintaining a comfortable temperature, via heating and air conditioning. Now, what would you think if someone told you that the house was just a product of a theory of evolution--that against incredible odds it just gradually came to be without any intelligent intervention? Would you not dismiss such a notion as extremely unrealistic? God's word uses this illustration in Hebrews 3:4 this way: "Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but the one who constructed all things is God." Now consider how the earth and everything on it has been designed. Contemplate the immense variety of foods that can be either picked ready to eat, or marvelously grown in soil, and the earth's distance from the sun, to give us an average temperature that is comfortable, along with the raw materials and science making possible heating and air conditioning systems, not to mention communication systems--such as radio, phones, televisions, and computers—and then cars, furniture, and so on. Jehovah God is the One who so lovingly made possible every such thing for the human family, and people also receiving the gift of life, though needing God's oversight to bring His purpose to fulfillment--a paradise earth, a new world of righteousness and peace on the basis of true faith and love. Psalm 115:16 states this: "As for the heavens, to Jehovah the heavens belong, but the earth He has provided for the sons of men."

8. What evidence is there that God had much modern technology and human creativity in mind for man’s future?

8. TECHNOLOGY! It should be abundantly clear that God made the earth with much modern scientific technology in mind. Why can this be said? Take computers, for example. It would not be possible to have these portable machines if GOD did not create the elements, whether metals or semiconductors, like the silicon in sand, with certain capabilities and properties to allow computer chips and other components to be made. God made all of this possible by the materials and their properties in earth's available bounty. How loving and wise is our Creator Jehovah, so evident in the incredible way He made us and had in mind human creativity and our eternal happiness. "O the depth of God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are! 34 For "who has come to know Jehovah's mind, or who has become his advisor?...Because from him and by him and for him are all things..." (Romans 11:33-36). May we not fail to appreciate God’s gifts and His incredible or wondrous wisdom for us to look to Him through His Son for the guidance needed for a truly peaceful world, which God’s Son above has been guiding us to for decades, and which in no way should be abandoned to some ideas contrary to the U.S. Constitution and God’s word itself!

GOLDEN BELLZ

The Right Water--Not Simply H2O--is Life-Promoting

Water with balanced minerals, such as Spring Water, replenishes lost electrolytes, and including good well water, is best for drinking when tested for purity. Be cautious, however, of “Purified” waters, which have often been over-filtered containing very few life-promoting minerals. When corrected, water bottlers should adjust their labels accordingly. Radiation treatment is the likely reason minerals have been removed (to save lives), but replacement therapies are negating this concern. Even more concerning, regular “Distilled” water robs of minerals and is for specialty use, like cleaning. The one exception is distilled Artesian water, which becomes like Spring water. Artesian waters (which sometimes naturally filter through volcanic layers) are mineralized and often healing, but strongly alkalizing to drink, only occasionally, but for bathing freely. Finally, regular “Distilled” water can be made drinkable by adding 1/16-1/8 Artesian water by volume and 3-10 drops per gallon of concentrated sea water/trace mineral solution, available in health stores, etc. 

As regards the spirit, water is also associated with life, hope, and refreshment. As water enters the soil, seeds can hope to sprout, and so waters of truth and life inspire hope and belief in the Son and God the Giver “of every good and perfect gift”, the right waters leading to substantial food, and an active faith and righteousness, walking uprightly to eternal life. (James 1:17; 1Corinthians 3:7; John 4:14)

For more information, see the article Health and Hydration, elsewhere on this website.

GOLDEN BELLZ

2026

Post to come