02-23-2008, 09:09 PM
Good evening all ... hope you have been having a wonderful day!
Scripture for today is Ps. 34:11 ...
Come, you sons, listen to me; the fear of Jehovah is what I shall teach you.
Watchtower comments ...
''As a father, David was intent on passing on to his children a precious heritage --the genuine, balanced, wholesome fear of Jehovah, not as a demanding and fearsome God, ready to pounce on any infraction of His laws, but as a loving, caring and forgiving Father of His earthly children. ''Misteps who can keep track of?'' asked David. Then, indicating his confidence that Jehovah is not constantly scrutinizing our errors, he added: ''Hold me clear of unnoticed things!'' David was sure that if he put his best effort, his words and thoughts could be acceptable to Jehovah. (ps. 19:12,14, Byington) David stands as an excellent example for present day parents who want to instill in their children the proper fear of Jehovah.'' w06 8/1 2:15,16
My thoughts ...
(CEV) Come, my children, listen as I teach you to respect the LORD.
(GNB) Come, my young friends, and listen to me, and I will teach you to honor the LORD.
Just a wee bit of a reminder that the 'fear' we should for our God is a deep 'reverence' for Him and a fear of displeasing him or making him sad or even angry because of something we may do ... :giverose::read:
What does it mean to 'teach' ...?
The Hebrew word for teach is ...
lâmad law-mad'
A primitive root; properly to goad, that is, (by implication) to teach (the rod being an Oriental incentive): - [un-] accustomed, X diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach (-er, -ing).
I am tending to think that before 'we' can 'teach' or become a 'teacher' we ourselves have to be a 'student' and be willing to learn ... and since learning is ongoing process will we not always be 'learners' as well as 'teachers' ...?:thinking::read:
If we want to teach someone something then we need to be as 'expert' as we can on that subject, and if we are then others will see this in the way that we 'teach' ...
And HOW do we teach ...?
Is it 'just' with our 'words' ... or is it also our 'actions' ...?
For example a seamstress or a carpenter ...
If one teaches sewing or woodwork but never sews or builds anything ... then would that not call into question their 'skills' as teachers ...
So, if we want to teach others to have a 'fear or reverence' for our God, then would we not also have to have it ourselves and show it in how we live our lives?
People tend to follow by example more quickly sometimes than mere words ...and if people see how 'honoring' our God can IMPROVE their lives by seeing how it is ours ... by making them happier people, and giving them hope, then perhaps many will be willing to be 'taught' ... to become 'students' as are we!:thumbsup:
But if we don't 'practice what we preach' ... or are 'hypocritical' ... then will anyone one to be taught by us ...?
So, let us all show by our lives in the real world and here just how wonderful it really is to be taught the 'fear of God' ...!!
Well that's about it I guess ... anyone else with a thought or two ...? ;):whistle:
Luv to all as always ... BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:
Scripture for today is Ps. 34:11 ...
Come, you sons, listen to me; the fear of Jehovah is what I shall teach you.
Watchtower comments ...
''As a father, David was intent on passing on to his children a precious heritage --the genuine, balanced, wholesome fear of Jehovah, not as a demanding and fearsome God, ready to pounce on any infraction of His laws, but as a loving, caring and forgiving Father of His earthly children. ''Misteps who can keep track of?'' asked David. Then, indicating his confidence that Jehovah is not constantly scrutinizing our errors, he added: ''Hold me clear of unnoticed things!'' David was sure that if he put his best effort, his words and thoughts could be acceptable to Jehovah. (ps. 19:12,14, Byington) David stands as an excellent example for present day parents who want to instill in their children the proper fear of Jehovah.'' w06 8/1 2:15,16
My thoughts ...
(CEV) Come, my children, listen as I teach you to respect the LORD.
(GNB) Come, my young friends, and listen to me, and I will teach you to honor the LORD.
Just a wee bit of a reminder that the 'fear' we should for our God is a deep 'reverence' for Him and a fear of displeasing him or making him sad or even angry because of something we may do ... :giverose::read:
What does it mean to 'teach' ...?
The Hebrew word for teach is ...
lâmad law-mad'
A primitive root; properly to goad, that is, (by implication) to teach (the rod being an Oriental incentive): - [un-] accustomed, X diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach (-er, -ing).
I am tending to think that before 'we' can 'teach' or become a 'teacher' we ourselves have to be a 'student' and be willing to learn ... and since learning is ongoing process will we not always be 'learners' as well as 'teachers' ...?:thinking::read:
If we want to teach someone something then we need to be as 'expert' as we can on that subject, and if we are then others will see this in the way that we 'teach' ...
And HOW do we teach ...?
Is it 'just' with our 'words' ... or is it also our 'actions' ...?
For example a seamstress or a carpenter ...
If one teaches sewing or woodwork but never sews or builds anything ... then would that not call into question their 'skills' as teachers ...
So, if we want to teach others to have a 'fear or reverence' for our God, then would we not also have to have it ourselves and show it in how we live our lives?
People tend to follow by example more quickly sometimes than mere words ...and if people see how 'honoring' our God can IMPROVE their lives by seeing how it is ours ... by making them happier people, and giving them hope, then perhaps many will be willing to be 'taught' ... to become 'students' as are we!:thumbsup:
But if we don't 'practice what we preach' ... or are 'hypocritical' ... then will anyone one to be taught by us ...?
So, let us all show by our lives in the real world and here just how wonderful it really is to be taught the 'fear of God' ...!!
Well that's about it I guess ... anyone else with a thought or two ...? ;):whistle:
Luv to all as always ... BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts: