Greetings again Josheb,
I need to apologise for being too harsh and personal rather than simply discussing the matter. I was unsettled on Monday, as I was facing a serious problem and I was frustrated in not being able to solve or help the situation. Joyce has to some extent helped in the meantime, taking a little bit at a time, rather than trying to move a mountain.
We had a study weekend consisting of 5 studies and fellowship. I met again after one year a brother who has had a stroke, and I was uncertain if he could communicate, but did notice that he seemed to be able to talk. I had a brief conversation with him with some difficulty on his part. I stated that I have been looking at Psalm 1 and that I had remembered his talks some years ago. He mentioned a few things about Psalm 1 including the fact that it is a very fitting introduction to the Book of Psalms. I am the librarian and have recorded and collected all our talks since 2006. I loaded his mp3 talks on my Walkman this morning and listened to his exhort on Psalm 1 in 2007, his exhort on Psalm 119 in 2006 and his exhort at another meeting on Psalm 1 in 2011, I found the first of these three to be exceptional, almost worth a full transcript.
In the first talk he not only suggested that Psalm 1 is a good introduction to all the Psalms, he also linked Psalm 1 with Matthew 7. He also suggested that the following is similar:
Revelation 22:1–2 (KJV): 1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 22:14 (KJV): Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
In the third talk, also on Psalm 1 he mentioned that the word "Blessed" occurs 26 times in the Psalms. He also stated that the following are connected to Psalm 1:
Psalm 32:1–2 (KJV): 1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Psalm 37:11 (KJV): 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
I'll address the rest of Post 46 separately. As far as the above content goes, 1) let me encourage you NEVER to use your own personal experience as an
appeal to authority or expertise and/or 2) think that second or third-hand anecdotal report is any better than a fallacious appeal to authority because as far as the readers in an internet forum goes, it's just hearsay. I recently confronted another poster who used his education to suggest his comments were valid and veracious because he has an education in a given subject. Were I to tell you I have multiple doctorates would that impress you? If I said I
own a library, would you suddenly humble yourself to my words and treat everything I post as the measure of your every thought?
I
HOPE
NOT
That being said, your friend has my sympathy and I empathize with your relationship. I also note there has been very little disagreement between us. I posted differently. I did not post oppositionally.
So please use your experience wisely. There is nothing inherently wrong with personal experience. It's a gift from God that creates diversity in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom when used correctly (I recommend reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "
Life Together" to better understand this condition).
I need to apologise for being too harsh and personal rather than simply discussing the matter. I was unsettled....
I accept the apology because apologies are the social convention. However, they are not biblical. The only time you will find anyone in the New Testament expressing an apology or anything similar is pagans apologizing to Christians after they abuse the Christians. Therefore, let me suggest a more scriptural approach.
Briefly, In God's kingdom we acknowledge our wrongdoing. In Christianese this is called "confession." Along with confessing the wrongdoing we then express a willingness and purpose to change, to turn away from the wrong thinking or wrong behavior and do a healthier, more scriptural alternative. We then endeavor to make amends, provide restitution or repair the damage that occurred by the wrongdoing. There is usually a price to be paid one way or another, so we pay the price and we do so gladly, generously, kind-heartedly with proper motive of heart. After these things we seek and give forgiveness, first with God, then ourselves, and then with those wronged. Notice I said "
wronged," NOT "
offended." Just because a person does wrong to us does not mean we need to "feel" offended. I am not offended by Post #40. It's just bad form, and the injury is chiefly to yourself. I simply want a more functional and efficacious conversation and Post #40 does not make that happen. Neither does the first half of Post 44. So understand you were forgiven before you ask and I don't care whether you like what I post or whether my forgiveness is wanted. It exists. God may wait on the confession and repentance, but I need not. Lastly, and this is where most people stop short, in my experience
, the final step is reconciliation - at least as far as such things depend on you. So, the goal is to clear out the obstacles between us and not simply return to the way things were, but to
improve upon them so that the discussion and whatever relationship exist between two strangers in cyberspace
is stronger, less vulnerable to the conditions causing the problem in the first place.
God's standards are not apologies, but...
- forgiveness
- repentance
- restitution
- penalty (where applicable)
- forgiveness
- restitution
and the one condition that transcends those standards is grace and/or mercy. Living life practicing grace is liberating so I encourage you to take my word when I tell you no ill will is taken from the last two or three posts and none is intended.
Now, let me illustrate what I have said with the problem to be solved. I teach these things. I'm a retired professional counselor who has worked in the mental health field and the Church for forty+ years. I'm retired now and continue to help others as a ministry, not "professionally." I have been used by God to help HUNDREDS of individuals live their lives better and helped repair just short of ONE THOUSAND marriages. I do also own a library (it's a small one, but for this lifetime I am its steward
).
Does that mean what I wrote above is correct, valid, or veracious?
NO!!!!!
My profession, education, and/or experience does not make me an expert and it does NOT give me authority over anyone in the forum. What makes what I posted correct is scripture and the authority of God. So, if you're interested, I can provide you with the scripture supporting the "confession, repentance.....," model. It makes for a good Bible Study. I have found it life-changing.
Otherwise.....
Let's get back on topic and discuss "A Few Thoughts on Psalm 1". Yes?
