Time to Cleanse the Bible of the Evil of Condoning Slavery

“Let slaves who are under yoke account their masters deserving of all honor, that the name of the Lord and His Teachings be not blasphemed. And when they have masters who are believers, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but let them serve them all the more because they who receive their services are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”—1 Timothy 6:1-2

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”—Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

“All persons shall be entitled to be free, at any establishment or place, from discrimination or segregation of any kind on the ground of race, color, religion, or national origin, if such discrimination or segregation is or purports to be required by any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, rule, or order of a State or any agency or political subdivision thereof.”—Civil Rights Act of 1964

“Slavery is an abomination of human civilization. While an evil present in the past there is no place for it in any society today or in the future. Let no Christian hold another human being under yoke otherwise the Name of the Lord and His Teachings will be blasphemed. All men and women are created equal by God their Creator with the innate right of liberty. Discrimination or segregation of any kind on the ground of race or color is also an abomination of human civilization. May all human beings be believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”—1 Timothy 6:1-2 (CORRECTED)

“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”—Genesis 1:26-27

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”—Galatians 3:28

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”—Romans 3:23

“For God so loved the World that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have Eternal Life.”

—John 3:16

 

Read and inspired by the New Testament, The First Epistle of Saint Paul to Timothy, Chapters 5–6 (END); Time to Cleanse the Bible of the Evil of Condoning Slavery!

Bible Notes:

Timothy was a convert of Saint Paul and Bishop of Ephesus. In this letter Paul instructs him on the duties of his office: preaching, public prayer, an exemplary private and public life, and care for all the members of his flock.

CORRECTION for The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

ADDITION to The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

 

First Timothy Chapter 5: Duties of a Bishop toward All Classes; Toward Widows; Toward Presbyters.

Duties of a Bishop toward All Classes:

Do not rebuke an elderly man, but exhort him as you would a father, and young men as brothers, elderly women as mothers, younger women as sisters in all chastity.

Toward Widows:

Honor widows that are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let these first learn to provide for their own household and make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing to God.

But if anyone does not take care of his own, and especially of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

But refuse younger widows. For when they have wantonly turned away from Christ, they wish to marry, and are to be condemned because they have broken their first troth.

I desire therefore that younger widows marry, bear children, rule their households, and give the adversary no occasion for abusing us. For already some have turned aside after Satan. If any believing woman has widowed relatives, let her provide for them and do not let the Church be burdened, in order that there may be enough for those who are truly widows.

Toward Presbyters:

Let the presbyters who rule well be held worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

Do not listen to an accusation against a presbyter unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. When they sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, that the rest may also have fear. I charge thee before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels that thou observe these things impartially, in no way favoring either side.

CORRECTION for The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

“Do not listen to an accusation against a presbyter unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. When they sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, that the rest may also have fear. I charge thee before God the Father, The Spirit of Holiness, Christ Jesus and the elect angels that thou observe these things impartially, in no way favoring either side.”—1 Timothy 5:19-21

Do not lay hands hastily upon anyone, and do not be a partner in other men’s sins, Keep thyself chaste. Stop drinking water only, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thy frequent infirmities.

Some men’s sins are manifest even before investigation, other men’s sins only afterwards. In like manner also the good works are manifest, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

 

First Timothy Chapter 6: Toward Slaves; Lying Teachers; Final Plea; The Rich; Exhortation and Greeting.

Toward Slaves:

Let slaves who are under yoke account their masters deserving of all honor, that the name of the Lord and His Teachings be not blasphemed. And when they have masters who are believers, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but let them serve them all the more because they who receive their services are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

CORRECTION for The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

“Slavery is an abomination of human civilization. While an evil present in the past there is no place for it in any society today or in the future. Let no Christian hold another human being under yoke otherwise the Name of the Lord and His Teachings will be blasphemed. All men and women are created equal by God their Creator with the innate right of liberty. Discrimination or segregation of any kind on the ground of race or color is also an abomination of human civilization. May all human beings be believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”—1 Timothy 6:1-2

Lying Teachers:

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about controversies and disputes of words. From these arise envies, quarrels, blasphemies, base suspicions, the wranglings of men corrupt in mind and bereft of truth, supposing godliness to be gain.

And godliness with contentment is indeed great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and certainly we can take nothing out; but having food and sufficient clothing, with these let us be content.

But those who seek to become rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many useless and harmful desires, which plunge men into destruction and damnation. For covetousness is the root of all evils, and some in their eagerness to get rich have strayed from the faith and have involved themselves in many troubles.

Final Plea:

But thou. O Man of God, flee these things; but pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness. Fight the Good Fight of the Faith, lay hold on the life eternal, to which thou hast been called, and hast made the good confession before many witnesses.

I charge thee in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who bore witness before Pontius Pilate to the good confession, that thou keep the commandment without stain, blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This coming He in His own time will make manifest, who is Blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords; who alone has immortality and dwells in light inaccessible, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting dominion. Amen

CORRECTION for The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

“I charge thee Timothy in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, in the presence of The Spirit of Holiness who empowers one’s Spirit, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who bore witness before Pontius Pilate to the Good Confession, that thou keep The Commandments without stain, blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Timothy 6:13-14

The Rich:

Charge the rich of this world not to be proud, or to trust in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who provides all things in abundance for our enjoyment.

Let them do good and be rich in good works, giving readily, sharing with others, and thus providing for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, in order that they may lay hold on the True Life.

ADDITION to The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

“Charge the rich of this world not to be proud, or to trust in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who provides all things in abundance for our enjoyment.”—1 Timothy 6:17

“Let them do good and be rich in good works, giving readily, sharing with others, and thus providing for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, in order that they may lay hold on the True Life.”—1 Timothy 6:17

Exhortation and Greeting:

O Timothy, guard the trust and keep free from profane novelties in speech and the contradictions of so-called knowledge, which some have professed and have fallen away from the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

 

The Book of Psalms. The Book of Psalms, or Psalter, is a collection of religious songs, traditionally listed as 150…

The present collection is divided into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five Books of the Pentateuch…

In form and subject matter the psalms are most varied. Some were composed for liturgical use in the temple; others, for private reading. In some psalms the singer is an individual; in others, the community. One of the most common types is that of supplication to God for His help in various spiritual and temporal needs. But hymns of thanksgiving and of praise are also numerous. Less frequent are poems written primarily to discuss some problem or to teach some lesson…

About half the psalms are attributed in these “titles” to David…

BOLD are direct from The Bible, my family bible; other words are my thoughts, interpretations, and perspectives…

We all want peace and quiet, don’t we? To be in control of all situations and victim of no situation. To be with the Lord as closely as we can be in this life and inseparable in Eternal Life. Is that possible, is it reasonable to expect given the world we live in today?

Here are three psalms/prayers against oppressors, evil tongues, and persecutors… yet contentment in the presence of the Lord comes from the inside-out; how one lives one’s life and ultimately how one’s life is judged by God.

In Psalm 14–The Guest of God—King David asks some very important questions—who indeed will be with God and God with them? Who will be content and not disturbed?

He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart and slanders not with his tongue; who harms not his fellow man, not takes up a reproach against his neighbor; by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the Lord; who, though it be to his loss, changes not his pledged word; who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be disturbed.

In Psalm 15–God the Supreme Good—we know there is no good separate from God.

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; I say to the Lord, “My Lord are you. Apart from you I have no good.

O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. For me the measuring lines have fallen on pleasant sites; fair to me indeed is my inheritance.

I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence…

You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights of your right hand forever.

David prays… but I in justice shall behold your face; on waking, I shall be content in your presence.

Apart from God I know there will be no good… and now I know how to never be disturbed by this world we live in…

Bible Notes:

The Book of Psalms. The Book of Psalms, or Psalter, is a collection of religious songs, traditionally listed as 150…

The present collection is divided into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five Books of the Pentateuch…

In form and subject matter the psalms are most varied. Some were composed for liturgical use in the temple; others, for private reading. In some psalms the singer is an individual; in others, the community. One of the most common types is that of supplication to God for His help in various spiritual and temporal needs. But hymns of thanksgiving and of praise are also numerous. Less frequent are poems written primarily to discuss some problem or to teach some lesson…

About half the psalms are attributed in these “titles” to David…

Psalm 9B: Prayer for Help against Oppressors

Proudly the wicked harass the afflicted, who are caught in the devices the wicked have contrived. For the wicked man glories in his greed… The wicked man boasts, “He (God) will not avenge it;” “There is no God,” sums up his thoughts. His ways are secure at all times; your judgments are far from his mind… He says in his heart, “I shall not be disturbed; from age to age I shall be without misfortune”… he catches the afflicted and drags them off in his net… He says in his heart, “God had forgotten;; he hides his face, he never sees.”

You do see, for you behold misery and sorrow, taking them in your hands… Break the strength of the wicked and of the evildoer; punish their wickedness; let them not survive.

Psalm 10: Unshaken Confidence in God (For the leader, of David.)

In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to me, “Flee to the mountain like a bird!”

The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. Hus eyes behold, his searching glance is on mankind. The Lord searches the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. He rains upon the wicked fiery coals and brimstone; a burning blast is their allotted cup. For the Lord is just and he loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face.

Psalm 11: Prayer against Evil Tongues (For the leader, “upon the eighth.” A Psalm of David.)

Help, O Lord! For no one is dutiful; faithfulness has vanished from among men. Everyone speaks falsehood to his neighbor; with smooth lips they speak, and double heart. May the Lord destroy all smooth lips, every boastful tongue…

“I will grant safety to him who longs for it…” The promises of the Lord are sure… You, O’Lord, will keep us and preserve us always from this generation.

Psalm 12: Prayer of One in Sorrow (For the leader. A Psalm of David.)

How long shall I harbor sorrow in my soul, grief in my heart day after day?

Give light to my eyes that I may not sleep in death… Let my heart rejoice in your salvation; let me sing of the Lord, “He has been good to me.”

Psalm 13: A Lament over Widespread Corruption (For the leader. Of David.)

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there be one who is wise and seeks God.

They have not called upon the Lord; then they shall be in great fear, for God is with the just generation.

Oh that out of Sion would come the salvation of Israel! When the Lord restores the well-being of his people, then shall Jacob exult and Israel be glad.

Psalm 14: The Guest of God (For the leader. Of David.)

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy mountain?

Sojourn—to stay for a time in a place; live temporarily—a temporary stay.

He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart and slanders not with his tongue; who harms not his fellow man, not takes up a reproach against his neighbor; by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the Lord; who, though it be to his loss, changes not his pledged word; who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent.

Reproach—to find fault with (a person, group, etc.); blame; censure—to upbraid–to be a cause of blame or discredit to.

Reprobate—a depraved, unprincipled, or wicked person—a person rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation.

Usury—the lending or practice of lending money at an exorbitant interest.

He who does these things shall never be disturbed.

Psalm 15: God the Supreme Good (A Miktam of David.)

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; I say to the Lord, “My Lord are you. Apart from you I have no good.

They multiple their sorrows who court other gods.

O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. For me the measuring lines have fallen on pleasant sites; fair to me indeed is my inheritance.

I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices my body, too, abides in confidence…

You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights of your right hand forever.

Psalm 16: Prayer against Persecutors (A Prayer of David.)

From you let my judgment come; your eyes behold what is right. Though you test my heart, searching it in the night, though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me. My mouth has not transgressed after the manner of man; according to the words of your lips I have kept the ways of the law. My steps have been steadfast in your paths, my feet have not faltered.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O Lord; incline your ear to me; hear my word. Show your wondrous kindness, O Savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who use violence against me.

Rise, O Lord, confront them and cast them down; rescue me by your sword from the wicked, by your hand, O Lord, from mortal men: From mortal men whose portion in life is in this world, where with your treasures you fill their bellies. Their sons are enriched and bequeath their abundance to their little ones. But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking, I shall be content in your presence.

Paul’s Farewell Letter to Timothy & All Christians!

Paul is dying and working diligently to pass along his personal inspired knowledge of Christ Jesus to Timothy, Luke and others before passing on and being resurrected with God The Father, The Spirit of Holiness, and Christ Jesus in Heaven Eternally!

“As for me, I am already being poured out in sacrifice, and the time of my deliverance is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the Faith. For the rest, there is laid up for me a Crown of Justice, which the Lord, the Just Judge, will give to me in that day; yet not to me only, but also to those who love His Coming.”—2 Timothy 4:5

“The Lord will deliver me from every work of Evil, and will preserve me for His Heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the Glory forever and ever. Amen.”

—2 Timothy 4:18

He shares his wisdom for the time ahead—stick to the Bible and Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ:

“Hold to the form of sound teaching which thou hast heard from me, in the Faith and Love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard the Good Trust through The Holy Spirit, who dwells in us.”—2 Timothy 1:13-14

He shares his wisdom for the time ahead—remember, we are Spiritual Beings of Christ first, citizens of Planet Earth second:

“Conduct thyself in work as a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as God’s Soldier entangles himself in worldly affairs, that he may please Him whose approval he has secured.”—2 Timothy 2:3-4

He shares his wisdom for the time ahead—Jesus’s love for us is not bound, it is limitless:

“If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we disown Him, He also will disown us; if we are faithless, He remains Faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”

He shares his wisdom for the time ahead—Jesus is the Way to Salvation:

“Let everyone depart from iniquity who names the Name of the Lord.”

—2 Timothy 2:15

“If anyone, therefore, has cleansed himself from these, he will be a vessel for honorable use, sanctified and useful to the Lord, ready for every good work.”—2 Timothy 2:15

“Flee from the cravings of youth and pursue Justice, Faith, Charity and Peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”—2 Timothy 2:22

He shares his wisdom for the time ahead—Everyone who believes is a Disciple of GOD; Everyone’s Ministry needs to be fulfilled:

“I CHARGE thee, in Sight of God The Father, The Spirit of Holiness, and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead by His Coming and by His Kingdom, preach the Word, be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke with all patience and teaching.”—2 Timothy 4:1-2

“For there will come a time when they will not endure the Sound Doctrine; nut having itching ears, will heap up to themselves teachers according to their own lusts, and they will turn away from the Truth.”—2 Timothy 4:3–4

“But do thou be watchful in all things, bear with tribulation patiently, work as a Preacher of the Gospel, fulfill thy Ministry.”—2 Timothy 4:5

Farewell Apostle Paul!

Amen. Alleluia!

Read and inspired by the New Testament, The Second Epistle of Saint Paul to Timothy, Chapters 1-4 (END); Paul’s Farewell Letter to Timothy, Luke, & All Christians!

Bible Notes:

Saint Paul wrote this letter to Timothy from his Roman imprisonment. Realizing that his death was near, Paul penned this last letter of encouragement and direction to his spiritual son. At the end of the letter there is a touching appeal for Timothy to come to Rome to be with Paul.

 

CORRECTION for The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

ADDITION to The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

 

Second Timothy Chapter 1: Greeting; Thanksgiving and Prayer; Paul’s Example; Loyalty and Defections.

Greeting:

Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the Will of God, in accordance with the Promise of Life in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, Mercy and Peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord.

CORRECTION for The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

“Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the Will of God, in accordance with the Promise of Life in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, Mercy and Peace from God The Father, The Spirit of Holiness, and from Jesus Christ Our Lord.”—2 Timothy 1:1-2

 

Thanksgiving and Prayer:

Recalling thy tears, I long to see thee that I may be filled with joy.

Paul’s Example:

For this reason I admonish thee to stir up the Grace of God which is in thee by the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us the Spirit of Fear, but of Power and of Love and Prudence. Do not, therefore, be ashamed of Testimony for Our Lord…

Hold to the form of sound teaching which thou hast heard from me, in the Faith and Love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard the Good Trust through The Holy Spirit, who dwells in us.

ADDITION to The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

“Hold to the form of sound teaching which thou hast heard from me, in the Faith and Love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard the Good Trust through The Holy Spirit, who dwells in us.”—2 Timothy 1:13-14

Loyalty and Defections:

This thou knowest that all in the province of Asia have turned away from me, among them, Phigelus and Hermogenes.

 

 

Second Timothy Chapter 2: Devotion to His Office; The Thought of Christ; False Teachers; The Faithful Servant.

Devotion to His Office:

Conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as God’s Soldier entangles himself in worldly affairs, that he may please Him whose approval he has secured.

ADDITION to The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

“Conduct thyself in work as a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as God’s Soldier entangles himself in worldly affairs, that he may please Him whose approval he has secured.”—2 Timothy 2:3-4

The Thought of Christ:

“The Word of God is not bound.”—2 Timothy 2:9

“If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we disown Him, He also will disown us; if we are faithless, He remains Faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”

—2 Timothy 2:11-13

False Teachers:

“Use all care to present thyself to God as a man approved, a worker that cannot be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth.”—2 Timothy 2:15

The Faithful Servant:

“Let everyone depart from iniquity who names the Name of the Lord.”

—2 Timothy 2:15

“If anyone, therefore, has cleansed himself from these, he will be a vessel for honorable use, sanctified and useful to the Lord, ready for every good work.”—2 Timothy 2:15

“Flee from the cravings of youth and pursue Justice, Faith, Charity and Peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”—2 Timothy 2:22

Second Timothy Chapter 3: Against New Teachers; Paul’s Example and Doctrine.

Against New Teachers:

“Men will be lovers of self, covetous, haughty proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, criminal, heartless, faithless, slanderers, incontinent, merciless, unkind, treacherous, stubborn, puffed up with pride, loving pleasure more than God, having a semblance of piety, but disowning its power. Avoid these.”—2 Timothy 3:2-5

Paul’s Example and Doctrine:

But thou hast closely followed my doctrine, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my long-suffering, my love, my patience, my persecutions, my afflictions… such persecutions as I have suffered, and out of them all the Lord delivered me.

“And all who want to live piously in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

—2 Timothy 3:12

 

“For from thy infancy thou hast known the Sacred Writings, which are able to instruct thee unto Salvation by their Faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproving, for correcting, for instructing in justice; that the Man of God may be perfect, equipped for every Good Work.”—2 Timothy 3:15-17

 

Second Timothy Chapter 4: Preach Sound Doctrine; Reward; Paul’s Loneliness; His Trial; Greetings.

Preach Sound Doctrine:

I CHARGE thee, in Sight of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead by His Coming and by His Kingdom, preach the Word, be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke with all patience and teaching.

CORRECTION for The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness

“I CHARGE thee, in Sight of God The Father, The Spirit of Holiness, and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead by His Coming and by His Kingdom, preach the Word, be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke with all patience and teaching.”—2 Timothy 4:1-2

“For there will come a time when they will not endure the Sound Doctrine; nut having itching ears, will heap up to themselves teachers according to their own lusts, and they will turn away from the Truth.”—2 Timothy 4:3–4

“But do thou be watchful in all things, bear with tribulation patiently, work as a Preacher of the Gospel, fulfill thy Ministry.”—2 Timothy 4:5

Reward:

“As for me, I am already being poured out in sacrifice, and the time of my deliverance is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the Faith. For the rest, there is laid up for me a Crown of Justice, which the Lord, the Just Judge, will give to me in that day; yet not to me only, but also to those who love His Coming.”—2 Timothy 4:5

 

Paul’s Loneliness:

Luke only is with me.

His Trial:

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the Preaching of the Gospel might be completed, and that all the Gentiles might hear, and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth.

 

“The Lord will deliver me from every work of Evil, and will preserve me for His Heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the Glory forever and ever. Amen.”—2 Timothy 4:18

 

Greetings:

Hasten to come before winter… The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy Spirit. Grace be with you. Amen

Day 195: OT Psalms 17–21; Declaring the Glory of GOD From Birth to Death and Beyond!

The Book of Psalms. The Book of Psalms, or Psalter, is a collection of religious songs, traditionally listed as 150…

The present collection is divided into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five Books of the Pentateuch…

In form and subject matter the psalms are most varied. Some were composed for liturgical use in the temple; others, for private reading. In some psalms the singer is an individual; in others, the community. One of the most common types is that of supplication to God for His help in various spiritual and temporal needs. But hymns of thanksgiving and of praise are also numerous. Less frequent are poems written primarily to discuss some problem or to teach some lesson…

About half the psalms are attributed in these “titles” to David…

BOLD are direct quotations from The Bible, my family bible; the other words are my thoughts, interpretations, and perspectives…

Celebrating the birth of Jesus in the place and time where Jesus was born, Psalm 18 was read during the mass… with joy and gratitude my declarations are the same as written…

Psalm 18: 1-3, 5, 7-11: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge… through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.”

“He has pitched a tent there for the sun, which come forth… like a giant, joyfully runs its course. At one end of the heavens it comes forth, and its course is to their other end; nothing escapes its heat.”

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul;

The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye;

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;

The ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just;

They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold;

Sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb.”

Out of denial…

Psalm 18: 12-15: “Though your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them, yet who can detect failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults! From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant; let it not rule over me. Then shall I become blameless and innocent of serious sin. Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O Lord, my rock and redeemer.”

The SSS Arrows sourced from the Splendid Spiritual Foursome SSS are ‘put to flight’ as Eagle’s Wings and we escape from Evil over the Freedom Bridge above the Free Will Trough…

Psalm 17: 15, 18-20: “He sent forth his arrows to put them to flight, with frequent lightnings he routed them… He rescued me from my mighty enemy and from my foes, who were too powerful for me. They attacked me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord came to my support. He set me free in the open, and rescued me, because he loves me.”

From birth, You O God are my birthright. The source and destination of my trust, the beginning without end of my faith in You O God! Amen! Alleluia!

Psalm 21:5-11: “In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried, and they escaped; in you they trusted, and they were not put to shame. But I am a worm, not a man; the scorn of men, despised by the people. All who see me scoff at me; they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads: “He relied on the Lord; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, if he loves him.” You have been my guide since I was first formed, my security at my mother’s breast. To you I was committed at birth, from my mother’s womb you are my God.”

May the length of my days be blessed forever and ever with joy and gratitude!

Psalm 20: 5-7: “He asked life of you; you gave him length of days forever and ever. Great is his glory in your victory; majesty and splendor you conferred upon him. For you made him a blessing forever; you gladdened him with joy of your presence.”

Amen. Al-lel-lu-ia!!!

Day 195: Reading The Bible with a TROML Perspective; Declaring the Glory of GOD From Birth to Death and Beyond!

Read and inspired by the Old Testament, The Psalms 17-21.

Bible Notes:

The Book of Psalms. The Book of Psalms, or Psalter, is a collection of religious songs, traditionally listed as 150…

The present collection is divided into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five Books of the Pentateuch…

In form and subject matter the psalms are most varied. Some were composed for liturgical use in the temple; others, for private reading. In some psalms the singer is an individual; in others, the community. One of the most common types is that of supplication to God for His help in various spiritual and temporal needs. But hymns of thanksgiving and of praise are also numerous. Less frequent are poems written primarily to discuss some problem or to teach some lesson…

About half the psalms are attributed in these “titles” to David…

Psalm 17: Thanksgiving for Help and Victory (For the Leader. Of David, the servant of the Lord, who sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord had rescued him from the grasp of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.)

I love you, O Lord, my strength, O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold! Praised be the Lord, I exclaim, and I am safe from my enemies.

In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried out to my God; From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

That kindles coals in to flames… borne on the wings of the wind,,, from the brightness of his presence coals were kindled to flame.

Psalm 17: 15, 18-20: “He sent forth his arrows to put them to flight, with frequent lightnings he routed them… He rescued me from my mighty enemy and from my foes, who were too powerful for me. They attacked me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord came to my support. He set me free in the open, and rescued me, because he loves me.”

For I kept the ways of the Lord and was not disloyal to my God; for his ordinances were all present to me, and his statues I put not from me, but I was wholehearted toward him, and I was on my guard against guilt.

Toward the faithful you are faithful, toward the wholehearted you are wholehearted, toward the sincere you are sincere, but toward the crooked you are astute; for lowly people you save but haughty eyes you bring low; you indeed, O Lord, give light to my lamp; O my God, you brighten the darkness abut me… God’s way is unerring, the promise of the Lord is fire-tried; he is a shield to all who take refuge in him.

For who is God except the Lord? Who is a rock, saver our God?

…and you have stooped to make me great.

The Lord live! And blessed be my Rock! Extolled be God my savior.

Therefore will I proclaim you, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing praise to your name, you who have great victories to your king and showed kindness to your anointed, to David and his posterity forever.

Psalm 18: God’s Glory in the Heavens and in the Law (For the Leader. A Psalm of David.)

Psalm 18: 1-3, 5, 7-11: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge… through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.”

“He has pitched a tent there for the sun, which come forth… like a giant, joyfully runs its course. At one end of the heavens it comes forth, and its course is to their other end; nothing escapes its heat.”

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul;

The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye;

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;

The ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just;

They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold;

Sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb.”

Psalm 18: 12-15: “Though your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them, yet who can detect failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults! From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant; let it not rule over me. Then shall I become blameless and innocent of serious sin. Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O Lord, my rock and redeemer.”

Psalm 19: Prayer for the King in Time of War (For the Leader. A Psalm of David.)

May he grant you what is in your heart and fulfill your every plan. May we shout for joy at your victory and raise the standards in the name of our God. The Lord grant all your requests!

Some are strong in chariots; some, in horses; but we are strong in the name of the Lord, our God. Though they bow down and fall, yet we stand erect and firm. O Lord, grant victory to the king, and answer us when we call upon you.

Psalm 20: Thanksgiving and Prayers for the King (For the Leader. A Psalm of David.)

O Lord, in your strength the king is glad; in your victory how greatly he rejoices! You have granted him his heart’s desire; you refused not the wish of his lips. For you welcomed him with goodly blessings, you placed on his head a crown of pure gold.

Psalm 20: 5-7: “He asked life of you; you gave him length of days forever and ever. Great is his glory in your victory; majesty and splendor you conferred upon him. For you made him a blessing forever; you gladdened him with joy of your presence.”

For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the kindness of the Most High he stands unshaken.

Be extolled. O Lord, in your strength! We will sing, chant the praise of your might.

Psalm 21: Passion and Triumph of the Messias (For the Leader; according to “The hind of the dawn.” A Psalm of David.)

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me, far from my prayer, from the words of my cry?

Psalm 21:5-11: “In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried, and they escaped; in you they trusted, and they were not put to shame. But I am a worm, not a man; the scorn of men, despised by the people. All who see me scoff at me; they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads: “He relied on the Lord; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, if he loves him.” You have been my guide since I was first formed, my security at my mother’s breast. To you I was committed at birth, from my mother’s womb you are my God.”

Be not far from me, for I am in distress; be near, for I have no one to help me… they have pierced my hands and my feet… they divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.

Rescue my soul from the sword…

I will proclaim your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you: “You who fear the Lord, praise him… give glory to him; revere him…

The lowly shall eat their fill; they who seek the Lord shall praise him: “May your hearts be ever merry!”

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; all the families of the nations shall bow down before him. For dominion is the Lord’s, and he rules the nations. To him alone shall bow down all who sleep in the earth; before him shall bend all who go down into the dust. And to him my soul shall live; my descendants shall serve him. Let the coming generation be told of the Lord that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born the justice he has shown.

Day 196: NT Titus C1-3 (END); Simple yet All-Encompassing; Paul’s Short Letter to Titus!

Short but sweet would be the modern translation of the short epistle of Saint Paul to Titus—only 3 chapters!

“For we ourselves also were once unwise, unbelieving, going astray, slaves to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the Goodness and Kindness of God our Savior appeared, then not by reason of Good Works that we did ourselves, but according to His Mercy, He saved us through the Bath of Regeneration and Renewal by The Holy Spirit’ Whom He has abundantly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, in order that, justified by His Grace, we may be Heirs in the Hope of Life Everlasting. This saying is True, and concerning these things I desire thee to insist, that they who believe in God may be careful to excel in Good Works. These things are good and useful to men.”—Titus 3:3-8

Salvation by the Goodness, Kindness, and Mercy of God Our Father, Our Savior; through Jesus Christ Our Savior, by the Power of The Spirit of Holiness! Justified by His Grace, the Kingdom of Heaven, Life Everlasting is ours in Truth!

“For the clean all things are clean, but for the defiled and unbelieving nothing is clean; for both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their works they disown Him, being abominable and unbelieving and worthless for any good work.”—Titus 1:15-16

“Grace, Peace, and Power from God the Father, The Spirit of Holiness, and from Christ Jesus our Savior.”—Titus 1:4

TROML Baby (an Exclamation of Gratitude and Joy)! Amen, Alleluia! That says it all!

But let’s not be silly; Good Works are essential to our well-being and carrying out the Will of God:

“Let our people also learn to excel in Good Works, in order to meet cases of necessity, that they may not be unfruitful.”—Titus 3:14

This Book of the Bible sets expectations for the conduct of many—the elderly man, the elderly woman, the younger man, and by omission the younger woman too—all of us in the various Seasons of our Lives for the Grace of God has appeared to all people!

A perfect message with one exception…

Exhort slaves to obey their masters… NOT!

An “inspired correction”, rather “an inspired rewrite” based on overlaying the predominate Salvation and Freedom of the New Testament:

“Slavery is an abomination of human civilization. While an evil present in the past there is no place for it in any society today or in the future. Let no Christian hold another human being under yoke otherwise the Name of the Lord and His Teachings will be blasphemed. All men and women are created equal by God their Creator with the innate right of Liberty. Discrimination or segregation of any kind on the ground of race or color is also an abomination of human civilization. May all human beings be believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”—1 Timothy 6:1-2

“Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and quarrels and disputes about the Law; for they are useless and futile.”—Titus 3:9

“Greet those who love us in the faith. The Grace of God be with you all. Amen.”—Titus 3:15

 

Read and inspired by the New Testament, The Epistle of Saint Paul to Titus, Chapters 1-3 (END); Simple yet All-Encompassing; Paul’s Short Letter to Titus!

Bible Notes:

Titus was the Bishop of Crete. In this letter Saint Paul reminds him of some of his duties, e.g., to choose only worthy candidates for the priest-hood, and to preach to all Christians about their obligations.

Titus Chapter 1: Greeting; Titus’Mission; Special Needs in Crete.

Greeting:

Paul, a Servant of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ, in accordance with the Faith of God’s Elect and the full knowledge of the Truth which is according to Piety…

God’s Elect—God unconditionally elects certain people even though they are sinful as an act of His Saving Grace apart from the Shortcomings or Will of Man. Those chosen have done nothing to deserve this Grace.

Piety—Reverence for God or Devout Fulfillment of Religious Obligations

CORRECTION for The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness:

“Grace, Peace, and Power from God the Father, The Spirit of Holiness, and from Christ Jesus our Savior.”—Titus 1:4

Titus’ Mission:

Presbyters must be blameless, married but once, having believing children who are not accused of impunity or disobedience.

“For a bishop must be blameless as being the Steward of God, not proud, or ill-tempered, or a drinker, or a brawler, or greedy for base gain; but hospitable, gentle, reserved, just, holy, continent; holding fast the Faithful Word which is accordance with the Teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound Doctrine and to confute opponents.”—Titus 7-9

Special Needs in Crete:

…for the sake of base gain.

Base Gain—which means base or sordid—implying the motivation for monetary profit is an inappropriate, greedy one

a prophet of their own…

“For the clean all things are clean, but for the defiled and unbelieving nothing is clean; for both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their works they disown Him, being abominable and unbelieving and worthless for any good work.”—Titus 1:15-16

 

Titus Chapter 2: Duties of Various Classes; Life Changed by the Grace of Christ.

Duties of Various Classes:

That elderly men be reserved, honorable, prudent, sound in faith, in love, in patience; that elderly women, in like manner, be marked by holiness of behavior, not slanderers, nor enslaved to much wine; teaching what is right, that they may train the younger women to be wise, to love their husbands and their children, to be discreet, chaste, domestic, gentle, obedient to their husbands, so that the Word of God be not reviled.

Exhort the younger men, in like manner, to be self-controlled. Show thyself in all things an example of good works, in teaching, in integrity and dignity; let thy speech be sound and blameless, so that anyone opposing may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say of us.

Exhort slaves to obey their masters, pleasing them in all things and not opposing them; not pilfering, but showing faithfulness in all things, so as to adorn in all things the Teaching of God our Savior.

CORRECTION for The Last Testament: The Spirit of Holiness:

“Slavery is an abomination of human civilization. While an evil present in the past there is no place for it in any society today or in the future. Let no Christian hold another human being under yoke otherwise the Name of the Lord and His Teachings will be blasphemed. All men and women are created equal by God their Creator with the innate right of Liberty. Discrimination or segregation of any kind on the ground of race or color is also an abomination of human civilization. May all human beings be believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.”—1 Timothy 6:1-2

Life Changed by the Grace of Christ:

For the Grace of God our Savior has appeared to all men, instructing us, in order that, rejecting ungodliness and worldly lusts, we may live temperately and justly and piously in this world; looking for the Blessed Hope and Glorious Coming of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and cleanse for Himself an acceptable people, pursuing good works. Thus speak, and exhort, and rebuke, with all authority. Let no one despise thee.

 

Titus Chapter 3: Summary Exhortations; Good Works and Truth; Closing Messages; Greeting.

Summary Exhortations:

“For we ourselves also were once unwise, unbelieving, going astray, slaves to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the Goodness and Kindness of God our Savior appeared, then not by reason of Good Works that we did ourselves, but according to His Mercy, He saved us through the Bath of Regeneration and Renewal by The Holy Spirit’ Whom He has abundantly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, in order that, justified by His Grace, we may be Heirs in the Hope of Life Everlasting. This saying is True, and concerning these things I desire thee to insist, that they who believe in God may be careful to excel in Good Works. These things are good and useful to men.”—Titus 3:3-8

Good Works and Truth:

“Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and quarrels and disputes about the Law; for they are useless and futile.”—Titus 3:9

Closing Messages:

“Let our people also learn to excel in Good Works, in order to meet cases of necessity, that they may not be unfruitful.”—Titus 3:14

Greeting:

“Greet those who love us in the faith. The Grace of God be with you all. Amen.”—Titus 3:15