Well I was going to post next week but I couldn't help but share our joy with you all.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Joshua Gilbert Rivera
Well I was going to post next week but I couldn't help but share our joy with you all.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday/Friday
Today July 30th Joshua Gilbert Rivera was born. I will do my best to upload pictures tomorrow.
This labor was so different than the last. It was long. We arrived at the hospital around 5am this morning.
The baby arrived between 5:30 & 6:00pm that day.
I finally arrived home at 10:15 so I can cook for the family and yes I can cook. LOL
Joshua is indeed a blessing. My wife is such a gift. What else can a man ask for.
She has given me my children whom I would do anything for. Seeing my wife go through so much pain was a reminder.
It wasn't meant to be this way. In the book of Genesis we find out why Woman have pain with giving birth.
I will take tomorrow off from posting and enjoy my new son. Thank you Jehovah. Thank you....
This labor was so different than the last. It was long. We arrived at the hospital around 5am this morning.
The baby arrived between 5:30 & 6:00pm that day.
I finally arrived home at 10:15 so I can cook for the family and yes I can cook. LOL
Joshua is indeed a blessing. My wife is such a gift. What else can a man ask for.
She has given me my children whom I would do anything for. Seeing my wife go through so much pain was a reminder.
It wasn't meant to be this way. In the book of Genesis we find out why Woman have pain with giving birth.
I will take tomorrow off from posting and enjoy my new son. Thank you Jehovah. Thank you....
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday
Well still no baby. I had trouble sleeping thinking that the baby was going to arrive this morning but nothing yet. My wife has been feeling the pressure and had some pain but nothing to major.
I'm the kind of person who expects the worst and hopes for the best. When my wife was 2 months pregnant, I expected her to lose the baby. Only because we lost one before and we were both depressed for some time.
When our youngest daughter came it was a blessing but we both felt something was missing. In truth, we cannot replace what we lost. There will always be a hole in our hearts for that one child we lost. Because Jehovah knows this its possible that in the new system, we will see that baby. Nothing is impossible with Jehovah, everything is possible.
I recall a brother telling me that there is no limits in the new system. Meaning that Jehovah will give us so much. The fact that we will have everlasting life is amazing. But we have to get there first. We have to make sure that we stay spiritually strong to make it there.
Like a child who asks a parent on a road trip, Are we there yet? no
Are we there yet? no
Are we there yet? no
Well we are not there yet but we are close to the end of this system of things. I just hope that my wife is going to be ok during delivery. I've read about woman who died right there in the hospital during delivery. I was asked what I would do if I lost her. Well it's simple. I would wait till the new system to see her again.
I love her very much. I love her more than myself. She has given me everything and I'm sure that most husbands feel this exact way about their better half and its true.
Anyway, I will update as soon as we have the baby. I'm hoping to post some pics of the baby once he's here.
P.S. I thank you for reading my post where I was talking about vaccinations. I posted what they put in the flu shots and if you wish, please do research on it. You will find that all of the vaccinations out there today hurt us. I was also asked to trust our Government. I responded " Are you kidding me, aren't these the same people who said Iraq had WMD's and it's been proven that they lied? "
Then I said, who has gone to jail over it? Nobody but many have been promoted. So to expect me to trust in those who have always lied is a bit weird. I have spoken to brothers who feel the same way while others didn't know the Flu shot contained Anti-Freeze.
I will write up an entire thing about it later on but it's a very interesting question.
I'm the kind of person who expects the worst and hopes for the best. When my wife was 2 months pregnant, I expected her to lose the baby. Only because we lost one before and we were both depressed for some time.
When our youngest daughter came it was a blessing but we both felt something was missing. In truth, we cannot replace what we lost. There will always be a hole in our hearts for that one child we lost. Because Jehovah knows this its possible that in the new system, we will see that baby. Nothing is impossible with Jehovah, everything is possible.
I recall a brother telling me that there is no limits in the new system. Meaning that Jehovah will give us so much. The fact that we will have everlasting life is amazing. But we have to get there first. We have to make sure that we stay spiritually strong to make it there.
Like a child who asks a parent on a road trip, Are we there yet? no
Are we there yet? no
Are we there yet? no
Well we are not there yet but we are close to the end of this system of things. I just hope that my wife is going to be ok during delivery. I've read about woman who died right there in the hospital during delivery. I was asked what I would do if I lost her. Well it's simple. I would wait till the new system to see her again.
I love her very much. I love her more than myself. She has given me everything and I'm sure that most husbands feel this exact way about their better half and its true.
Anyway, I will update as soon as we have the baby. I'm hoping to post some pics of the baby once he's here.
P.S. I thank you for reading my post where I was talking about vaccinations. I posted what they put in the flu shots and if you wish, please do research on it. You will find that all of the vaccinations out there today hurt us. I was also asked to trust our Government. I responded " Are you kidding me, aren't these the same people who said Iraq had WMD's and it's been proven that they lied? "
Then I said, who has gone to jail over it? Nobody but many have been promoted. So to expect me to trust in those who have always lied is a bit weird. I have spoken to brothers who feel the same way while others didn't know the Flu shot contained Anti-Freeze.
I will write up an entire thing about it later on but it's a very interesting question.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Just to Add
I was thinking of the struggles of some to maintain their spiritual health while others want to learn. Of course I can't say their names because they do read this blog. Let's just say they know who they are.
First I want to say I know how hard this system of things can be. Although I write these blogs and update them daily and cover mainly spiritual topics. We all have our issues and struggles. Some are more than most. I learned early on that prayer to Jehovah and help from the Elders can go along way. Also help from those who are spiritually strong can also help.
One of my struggles was smoking. Although I did give it up just like that, cold turkey there were times I thought about it and one time I came close to going to the store and purchasing some. I had to pray really hard. I felt that Jehovah was always with me to help me. I knew that there wasn't anything that I couldn't do without his holy spirit.
Satan will not make it easy. Not for you and not for anyone in Jehovah's organization. Not for those who are looking to become Witnesses. He will use what works and as long as Satan see's that what he is doing is keeping you away from spiritual growth, then he will make sure you are busy in the world to prevent you from becoming a witness and if you are a witness he will continue to throw things at you like he did Job, like he did Jesus to prevent you from becoming or maintaining your spiritual goals.
One brother said that if we aren't tested, if everything in a witnesses life is good then its possible something is wrong and that's because we expect Satan to attack us. In truth, there is nothing he can do that we can't overcome. We have the backing of Jehovah. He will make a way out of us.
Although many may go through pain now, it's only temporary. Look ahead to the future. Look to a time where we won't have to worry about death, where we won't have to worry about sickness. That time is soon and yes we are in the end of this system of things. The end of it. Let's all help each other to maintain our spiritual goals and continue like Jesus to make Jehovah's heart rejoice.
We can do this. There is nothing we cannot do without Jehovah's help. Thanks for listening....
First I want to say I know how hard this system of things can be. Although I write these blogs and update them daily and cover mainly spiritual topics. We all have our issues and struggles. Some are more than most. I learned early on that prayer to Jehovah and help from the Elders can go along way. Also help from those who are spiritually strong can also help.
One of my struggles was smoking. Although I did give it up just like that, cold turkey there were times I thought about it and one time I came close to going to the store and purchasing some. I had to pray really hard. I felt that Jehovah was always with me to help me. I knew that there wasn't anything that I couldn't do without his holy spirit.
Satan will not make it easy. Not for you and not for anyone in Jehovah's organization. Not for those who are looking to become Witnesses. He will use what works and as long as Satan see's that what he is doing is keeping you away from spiritual growth, then he will make sure you are busy in the world to prevent you from becoming a witness and if you are a witness he will continue to throw things at you like he did Job, like he did Jesus to prevent you from becoming or maintaining your spiritual goals.
One brother said that if we aren't tested, if everything in a witnesses life is good then its possible something is wrong and that's because we expect Satan to attack us. In truth, there is nothing he can do that we can't overcome. We have the backing of Jehovah. He will make a way out of us.
Although many may go through pain now, it's only temporary. Look ahead to the future. Look to a time where we won't have to worry about death, where we won't have to worry about sickness. That time is soon and yes we are in the end of this system of things. The end of it. Let's all help each other to maintain our spiritual goals and continue like Jesus to make Jehovah's heart rejoice.
We can do this. There is nothing we cannot do without Jehovah's help. Thanks for listening....
Tuesday
And the count down begins. Joshua is expected to arrive tomorrow, anytime tomorrow really. Its hard to say though because you never know when a woman is going to give birth. The baby will tell you when he or she is ready.
The blessing of birth is amazing and I've been very humbled by the experience. When my first child was born I thanked Jehovah of course and I also thought of my mother. Woman already deserve respect but after watching them give birth, the respect is on another level.
I will update the site with pictures as soon as I can. A family is a great thing to have. A spiritual family is also a great thing to have. One sister just gave us some newborn diapers. All the brothers and sisters ask how my wife is doing and call our home to check to make sure everything is well.
When I think of their actions I think of the coming paradise. In reality witnesses live in somewhat of a paradise now. There is unity and love. We care for each other but of course that is just one way that Jesus said would be the mark of true worship. We often pray for our brothers and sisters who are united in worship in different lands. We pray for their safety. We pray that they stay strong in the faith while at the same time looking in the mirror to make sure we are strong in the faith.
I have been blessed with a loving family and a loving spiritual family. To those reading who have issues in life, issues in this system. Keep going forward and don't look back. Keep trying, keep praying, keep doing your best. That's all any of us can do and that's all that is expected of us.
Till tomorrow.
The blessing of birth is amazing and I've been very humbled by the experience. When my first child was born I thanked Jehovah of course and I also thought of my mother. Woman already deserve respect but after watching them give birth, the respect is on another level.
I will update the site with pictures as soon as I can. A family is a great thing to have. A spiritual family is also a great thing to have. One sister just gave us some newborn diapers. All the brothers and sisters ask how my wife is doing and call our home to check to make sure everything is well.
When I think of their actions I think of the coming paradise. In reality witnesses live in somewhat of a paradise now. There is unity and love. We care for each other but of course that is just one way that Jesus said would be the mark of true worship. We often pray for our brothers and sisters who are united in worship in different lands. We pray for their safety. We pray that they stay strong in the faith while at the same time looking in the mirror to make sure we are strong in the faith.
I have been blessed with a loving family and a loving spiritual family. To those reading who have issues in life, issues in this system. Keep going forward and don't look back. Keep trying, keep praying, keep doing your best. That's all any of us can do and that's all that is expected of us.
Till tomorrow.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday
The one picture of myself is slightly before I came into the truth. I believe I was 16 if I'm not mistaken. The other pictures are old as well. Jesse is taller and did lose weight. Anyway, that's it for today. I will post more when I have a bit more time.
Joshua is expected to arrive this Wednesday if all goes well. Have a great day.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday
Process of elimination. Jesus said that the true religion would be evident in the lives of the people who practice it. Jesus stated “By their fruits you will recognize them, Every good tree produces fine fruit.” Matthew 7:16, 17. In other words, those who practice the true religion would be recognized by their beliefs and their conduct. Although they are not perfect and they make mistakes, true worshipers as a group seek to do God’s will.
God’s servants base their teachings on the Bible. I've heard many times from those in the world that Witnesses, all they do is have their faces in the bible. They study to much. The Bible itself says: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man or woman of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
The apostle Paul wrote: “When you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.” Hence, beliefs and practices of the true religion are not based on human views or tradition. They originate in God’s inspired Word, the Bible.
Those who practice the true religion worship only Jehovah and make his name known. Jesus declared: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” Matthew 4:10. Thus, God’s servants worship no one other than Jehovah. This worship includes letting people know what the name of the true God is and what he is like. Psalm 83:18 states: “You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” Jesus set the pattern in helping others to get to know God, as he said in prayer: “I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world.” John 17:6. Similarly, true worshipers today teach others about God’s name, his purposes, and his qualities.
God’s people show genuine, unselfish love for one another. Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” John 13:35 The early Christians had such love for one another. Godly love overcomes racial, social, and national barriers and draws people together in an unbreakable bond of true brotherhood. Members of false religions do not have such a loving brotherhood.
How do we know that? How can we make such a bold statement. Well, they kill one another because of national or ethnic differences. True Christians do not take up weapons to kill their Christian brothers or anyone else. The Bible states: “The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Everyone who does not carry on righteousness does not originate with God, neither does he who does not love his brother. We should have love for one another; not like Cain, who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother. Makes sense?
Of course, genuine love means more than not killing others. True Christians unselfishly use their time, energy, and resources to help and encourage one another. They help one another in times of distress, and they deal honestly with others. In fact, they apply in their lives the Bible counsel to work what is good toward all.
True Christians accept Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation. The Bible says: “There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.” Jesus gave his life as a ransom for obedient humans. In addition, Jesus is God’s appointed King in the heavenly Kingdom that will rule the entire earth. And God requires that we obey Jesus and apply his teachings if we want everlasting life. That is why the Bible states: “He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life.” Found at John 3:36. Exercises means we must exercise our faith.
True worshipers are no part of the world. Jesus said: “My kingdom is no part of this world.” No matter what country they live in, Jesus’ true followers are subjects of his heavenly Kingdom and thus maintain strict neutrality in the world’s political affairs. They take no part in its conflicts. However, Jehovah’s worshipers do not interfere with what others choose to do about joining a political party, running for office, or voting.
While God’s true worshipers are neutral regarding politics, they are law-abiding. Why? Because God’s Word commands them to “be in subjection” to the governmental “superior authorities.” Where there is a conflict between what God requires and what a political system requires, true worshipers follow the example of the apostles, who said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”
Jesus’ true followers preach that God’s Kingdom is mankind’s only hope. Jesus foretold: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” found at Matthew 24:14. Instead of encouraging people to look to human rulers to solve their problems, true followers of Jesus Christ proclaim God’s heavenly Kingdom as the only hope for mankind.
Jesus taught us to pray for that perfect government when he said: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” God’s Word foretold that this heavenly Kingdom “will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms now existing, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”
On the basis of what we have just considered the last few days, ask yourself: ‘What religious group bases all its teachings on the Bible and makes known Jehovah’s name? What group practices godly love, exercises faith in Jesus, is no part of the world, and proclaims that God’s Kingdom is the only real hope for mankind? Of all the religious groups on earth, which one meets all these requirements?’ The facts clearly show who it is.
Simply believing in God is not enough to please him. After all, the Bible says that even the demons believe that God exists. Obviously, though, they do not do God’s will and do not have his approval. To be approved by God, not only must we believe in his existence but we must also do his will. We must also break free from false religion and embrace true worship.
The last few days I covered some eye opening topics. I posted information to help you to see that maybe what you were taught was false. Look in the mirror and before you start your day, ask yourself. What I do today, would God approve of it?
We are witnesses 24hrs a day. From the moment we wake to the moment we sleep,we worship. It's not just a Sunday thing or in front of people. We are a 24hr a day Monday though Sunday organization that loves Jehovah very much. We watch our conduct and where we make mistakes we do our best to improve. We do our best to spread the word of God. We do our best because that's what God what's us to do and to give, our best. Jesus said his food was to do the will of God. That's our focus. To do what pleases God.
Till Monday, have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!
God’s servants base their teachings on the Bible. I've heard many times from those in the world that Witnesses, all they do is have their faces in the bible. They study to much. The Bible itself says: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man or woman of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
The apostle Paul wrote: “When you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.” Hence, beliefs and practices of the true religion are not based on human views or tradition. They originate in God’s inspired Word, the Bible.
Those who practice the true religion worship only Jehovah and make his name known. Jesus declared: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” Matthew 4:10. Thus, God’s servants worship no one other than Jehovah. This worship includes letting people know what the name of the true God is and what he is like. Psalm 83:18 states: “You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” Jesus set the pattern in helping others to get to know God, as he said in prayer: “I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world.” John 17:6. Similarly, true worshipers today teach others about God’s name, his purposes, and his qualities.
God’s people show genuine, unselfish love for one another. Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” John 13:35 The early Christians had such love for one another. Godly love overcomes racial, social, and national barriers and draws people together in an unbreakable bond of true brotherhood. Members of false religions do not have such a loving brotherhood.
How do we know that? How can we make such a bold statement. Well, they kill one another because of national or ethnic differences. True Christians do not take up weapons to kill their Christian brothers or anyone else. The Bible states: “The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Everyone who does not carry on righteousness does not originate with God, neither does he who does not love his brother. We should have love for one another; not like Cain, who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother. Makes sense?
Of course, genuine love means more than not killing others. True Christians unselfishly use their time, energy, and resources to help and encourage one another. They help one another in times of distress, and they deal honestly with others. In fact, they apply in their lives the Bible counsel to work what is good toward all.
True Christians accept Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation. The Bible says: “There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.” Jesus gave his life as a ransom for obedient humans. In addition, Jesus is God’s appointed King in the heavenly Kingdom that will rule the entire earth. And God requires that we obey Jesus and apply his teachings if we want everlasting life. That is why the Bible states: “He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life.” Found at John 3:36. Exercises means we must exercise our faith.
True worshipers are no part of the world. Jesus said: “My kingdom is no part of this world.” No matter what country they live in, Jesus’ true followers are subjects of his heavenly Kingdom and thus maintain strict neutrality in the world’s political affairs. They take no part in its conflicts. However, Jehovah’s worshipers do not interfere with what others choose to do about joining a political party, running for office, or voting.
While God’s true worshipers are neutral regarding politics, they are law-abiding. Why? Because God’s Word commands them to “be in subjection” to the governmental “superior authorities.” Where there is a conflict between what God requires and what a political system requires, true worshipers follow the example of the apostles, who said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”
Jesus’ true followers preach that God’s Kingdom is mankind’s only hope. Jesus foretold: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” found at Matthew 24:14. Instead of encouraging people to look to human rulers to solve their problems, true followers of Jesus Christ proclaim God’s heavenly Kingdom as the only hope for mankind.
Jesus taught us to pray for that perfect government when he said: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” God’s Word foretold that this heavenly Kingdom “will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms now existing, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”
On the basis of what we have just considered the last few days, ask yourself: ‘What religious group bases all its teachings on the Bible and makes known Jehovah’s name? What group practices godly love, exercises faith in Jesus, is no part of the world, and proclaims that God’s Kingdom is the only real hope for mankind? Of all the religious groups on earth, which one meets all these requirements?’ The facts clearly show who it is.
Simply believing in God is not enough to please him. After all, the Bible says that even the demons believe that God exists. Obviously, though, they do not do God’s will and do not have his approval. To be approved by God, not only must we believe in his existence but we must also do his will. We must also break free from false religion and embrace true worship.
The last few days I covered some eye opening topics. I posted information to help you to see that maybe what you were taught was false. Look in the mirror and before you start your day, ask yourself. What I do today, would God approve of it?
We are witnesses 24hrs a day. From the moment we wake to the moment we sleep,we worship. It's not just a Sunday thing or in front of people. We are a 24hr a day Monday though Sunday organization that loves Jehovah very much. We watch our conduct and where we make mistakes we do our best to improve. We do our best to spread the word of God. We do our best because that's what God what's us to do and to give, our best. Jesus said his food was to do the will of God. That's our focus. To do what pleases God.
Till Monday, have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday
Yesterday I spoke of Idol worship. Today I will touch on another subject. Again by process of elimination. What exactly does the bible teach about death? What does the bible say about the resurrection? Where do we go when we die? In the book of John chapter 5 verse 28 it states: Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice
Notice that it does not say all those in Heaven or all those in hell. Take a look at Genesis 3:19 and it states: In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return.
Again John 5:28, I do suggest reading that again but to understand the condition of the dead read Ecclesiastes chapter 9 verse 5 and verse ten. It states: “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” This means that the dead cannot do anything and cannot feel anything. They cannot say anything.
Many religious organizations teach that the wicked are tormented endlessly in a hellfire. But is this belief taught in God’s Word? You may know the meaning that your own particular church organization gives to “hell,” but have you ever investigated to see the meaning given it in the Scriptures? What is hell according to the Bible?
In the Hebrew Scriptures of the Bible the word “hell” is translated from the Hebrew word sheol′. This word occurs 65 times in all. The King James Version of the Bible, however, translates sheol′ 31 times as “hell,” 31 times as “grave,” and 3 times as “pit.” The Catholic Douay Version of the Bible translates sheol′ as “hell” 63 times and as “pit” once and as “death” once. In the Christian Greek Scriptures the word “hell” is sometimes translated from the Greek word hádes. Both the King James and Douay versions translate hádes as “hell” in each of its ten occurrences.
As further proof of this, consider the case of Job, a righteous servant of God who suffered much. He prayed to God: “Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in hell, and hide me till thy wrath pass, and appoint me a time when thou wilt remember me?” How unreasonable to think that Job desired protection in hell if it is a fiery-hot place! Clearly, this “hell” is simply the grave, and Job desired to go there so that his sufferings might end. Good people as well as bad people go to the Bible “hell,” the common grave of all mankind.
Also note, The Bible teaching on the true condition of the dead relieves one’s mind of much unnecessary fear and worry regarding those who have died. To know that such ones are not suffering helps us to appreciate far more God’s love, and his justice. Yet, one may still wonder, If a man dies and simply goes to the grave, what hope is there for the dead? The Bible reveals that there is a wonderful hope, the hope of living again.
During his earthly ministry Jesus Christ showed his power over death, actually bringing dead persons back to human life. He thus provided a preview of what he will do on a grand scale in God’s new system of things. The heartwarming prospect is that then hell, mankind’s common grave, will be emptied of its unconscious dead. Some receive a resurrection to heavenly glory as spirit creatures, even as did Jesus Christ.
However, the vast majority of mankind will be brought back to enjoy life on a restored earthly paradise. In God’s new system the resurrected dead, if they carry out God’s righteous laws, will never need to die again. Certainly this grand provision for blessing mankind is reason for us to take in more knowledge of Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ. Think about this for just a second. Show me in the bible where Lazarus talked about him coming back from Heaven?
Show me in the bible where Lazarus talked about hell? Sure he would have explained something if he seen something but you know what? He didn't explain anything because there was nothing to explain. Death is like a deep sleep, a sleep that is so deep that the person does not even dream. In death people do not feel or suffer anything. That is why Jesus said that Lazarus was sleeping when Lazarus really was dead. Jesus didn't say that Lazarus was in Heaven or in hell. He was sleeping. Jesus knew that the dead Lazarus was unconscious, as the Bible says: The dead are conscious of nothing at all.
So again by process of elimination who teaches that we go to heaven and hell? Let me ask if I may, when was the last time you went to a funeral and you heard the priest say " This man is going to hell " I never heard it. We were promised that there would be a resurrection of the dead.
MILLIONS now dead will live again, but is it realistic? What would it take to convince you? To believe in a promise, you would need to be sure that the one making the promise is both willing and able to fulfill it. Who, then, is it that promises that millions now dead will live again?
In the spring of 31 C.E., Jesus boldly stated that he had been empowered by Jehovah God to resurrect the dead. Jesus promised: “Just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to. Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus’) voice and come out.” Jesus promised that millions now dead will live again on this earth and have the prospect of remaining on it forever.
Adam and Eve were meant to live forever. We were meant to live forever. Since Jesus made the promise, it is safe to assume that he is willing to fulfill it. The story of Lazarus is just one example of Jesus bringing back someone who died. Imagine those who we love, those who we miss, those who once were in our arms, those we cried with, those we laughed with, those who we played with, those who we knocked on doors with, those who we ate with, those who we sang songs to Jehovah with, our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, etc.. returning to earth to be in our arms again. Isn't it worth fighting against this system? Isn't it worth it?
I miss my father very much and I can't wait till I can jump in his arms again. The last time I had my father in my arms was when I pulled him out of the coffin in front of my entire family because I wanted him in my arms. He will be in my arms again because this is what was promised. The scriptures don't lie folks. I have full confidence that the creator of Heaven, the creator of Earth can do this. He has given the power to Jesus to do it on a smaller scale. It will be done on a global scale.
Thank you and have a great day.
Notice that it does not say all those in Heaven or all those in hell. Take a look at Genesis 3:19 and it states: In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return.
Again John 5:28, I do suggest reading that again but to understand the condition of the dead read Ecclesiastes chapter 9 verse 5 and verse ten. It states: “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” This means that the dead cannot do anything and cannot feel anything. They cannot say anything.
Many religious organizations teach that the wicked are tormented endlessly in a hellfire. But is this belief taught in God’s Word? You may know the meaning that your own particular church organization gives to “hell,” but have you ever investigated to see the meaning given it in the Scriptures? What is hell according to the Bible?
In the Hebrew Scriptures of the Bible the word “hell” is translated from the Hebrew word sheol′. This word occurs 65 times in all. The King James Version of the Bible, however, translates sheol′ 31 times as “hell,” 31 times as “grave,” and 3 times as “pit.” The Catholic Douay Version of the Bible translates sheol′ as “hell” 63 times and as “pit” once and as “death” once. In the Christian Greek Scriptures the word “hell” is sometimes translated from the Greek word hádes. Both the King James and Douay versions translate hádes as “hell” in each of its ten occurrences.
As further proof of this, consider the case of Job, a righteous servant of God who suffered much. He prayed to God: “Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in hell, and hide me till thy wrath pass, and appoint me a time when thou wilt remember me?” How unreasonable to think that Job desired protection in hell if it is a fiery-hot place! Clearly, this “hell” is simply the grave, and Job desired to go there so that his sufferings might end. Good people as well as bad people go to the Bible “hell,” the common grave of all mankind.
Also note, The Bible teaching on the true condition of the dead relieves one’s mind of much unnecessary fear and worry regarding those who have died. To know that such ones are not suffering helps us to appreciate far more God’s love, and his justice. Yet, one may still wonder, If a man dies and simply goes to the grave, what hope is there for the dead? The Bible reveals that there is a wonderful hope, the hope of living again.
During his earthly ministry Jesus Christ showed his power over death, actually bringing dead persons back to human life. He thus provided a preview of what he will do on a grand scale in God’s new system of things. The heartwarming prospect is that then hell, mankind’s common grave, will be emptied of its unconscious dead. Some receive a resurrection to heavenly glory as spirit creatures, even as did Jesus Christ.
However, the vast majority of mankind will be brought back to enjoy life on a restored earthly paradise. In God’s new system the resurrected dead, if they carry out God’s righteous laws, will never need to die again. Certainly this grand provision for blessing mankind is reason for us to take in more knowledge of Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ. Think about this for just a second. Show me in the bible where Lazarus talked about him coming back from Heaven?
Show me in the bible where Lazarus talked about hell? Sure he would have explained something if he seen something but you know what? He didn't explain anything because there was nothing to explain. Death is like a deep sleep, a sleep that is so deep that the person does not even dream. In death people do not feel or suffer anything. That is why Jesus said that Lazarus was sleeping when Lazarus really was dead. Jesus didn't say that Lazarus was in Heaven or in hell. He was sleeping. Jesus knew that the dead Lazarus was unconscious, as the Bible says: The dead are conscious of nothing at all.
So again by process of elimination who teaches that we go to heaven and hell? Let me ask if I may, when was the last time you went to a funeral and you heard the priest say " This man is going to hell " I never heard it. We were promised that there would be a resurrection of the dead.
MILLIONS now dead will live again, but is it realistic? What would it take to convince you? To believe in a promise, you would need to be sure that the one making the promise is both willing and able to fulfill it. Who, then, is it that promises that millions now dead will live again?
In the spring of 31 C.E., Jesus boldly stated that he had been empowered by Jehovah God to resurrect the dead. Jesus promised: “Just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to. Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus’) voice and come out.” Jesus promised that millions now dead will live again on this earth and have the prospect of remaining on it forever.
Adam and Eve were meant to live forever. We were meant to live forever. Since Jesus made the promise, it is safe to assume that he is willing to fulfill it. The story of Lazarus is just one example of Jesus bringing back someone who died. Imagine those who we love, those who we miss, those who once were in our arms, those we cried with, those we laughed with, those who we played with, those who we knocked on doors with, those who we ate with, those who we sang songs to Jehovah with, our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, etc.. returning to earth to be in our arms again. Isn't it worth fighting against this system? Isn't it worth it?
I miss my father very much and I can't wait till I can jump in his arms again. The last time I had my father in my arms was when I pulled him out of the coffin in front of my entire family because I wanted him in my arms. He will be in my arms again because this is what was promised. The scriptures don't lie folks. I have full confidence that the creator of Heaven, the creator of Earth can do this. He has given the power to Jesus to do it on a smaller scale. It will be done on a global scale.
Thank you and have a great day.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Positive Teachings
I want to thank those who have emailed me about the many things about Jehovah's witnesses. Some have been positive and of course some negative. As mentioned in previous posts, most of the negative come from those who were once part of the organization and of course some who are not.
We have said many things in terms of this being the truth and have backed it up with scripture. Take for example Idol's. Generally, idolatry involves a ceremony or a ritual. Idolatry is the veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol. And what is an idol? It is an image, a representation of something, or a symbol, that is an object of devotion. Usually, idolatry is directed toward a real or supposed higher power believed to have animate existence (a human, an animal, or an organization). But idolatry can also be practiced with regard to things inanimate (a force or a lifeless object of nature).
Not all images are idols. God himself told the Israelites to make two golden cherubs for the ark of the covenant and to embroider representations of such spirit creatures on the inner covering of ten tent cloths for the tabernacle and on the curtain separating the Holy from the Most Holy. Only officiating priests saw these representations that served primarily as a picture of the heavenly cherubs. It is evident that the tabernacle representations of cherubs were not to be venerated, since righteous angels themselves would not accept worship.
Servants of Jehovah guard against idolatry because he is against all idolatrous practices. God commanded the Israelites not to form images as objects of veneration and worship them. Among the Ten Commandments are found these words: “You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them, because I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation, in the case of those who hate me; but exercising loving-kindness toward the thousandth generation in the case of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Why is Jehovah opposed to all idolatry? Principally because he exacts exclusive devotion, as shown above in the second of the Ten Commandments. Moreover, he said through his prophet Isaiah: “I am Jehovah. That is my name; and to no one else shall I give my own glory, neither my praise to graven images.” - Isaiah 42:8. At one time, idolatry ensnared the Israelites to such an extent that “they would sacrifice their sons and their daughters to demons.” Idolaters not only deny that Jehovah is the true God but also serve the interests of his chief Adversary, Satan, together with the demons.
Yet that is what many do so by process of elimination you really can eliminate many religions. Any religion that uses Idol's in their worship well is false religion. Bold statement isn't it. Think about this though. When Jesus was on Earth, it's safe to say what he was teaching was the truth right? Notice what Jesus said to those in his day.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men; for you yourselves do not go in, neither do you permit those on their way in to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you traverse sea and dry land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one you make him a subject for Gehenna twice as much so as yourselves. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you build the graves of the prophets and decorate the memorial tombs of the righteous ones, and you say, ‘If we had been in the days of our forefathers, we would not have been sharers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Therefore you are bearing witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.Serpents, offspring of vipers, how are you to flee from the judgment of Gehenna?
Thus those religious persons who were subjects for Gehenna and who were liable to the judgment of Gehenna were the unrepentant Jewish scribes and Pharisees and their proselytes. They were persons who were unrepentant and who refused to enter into the kingdom of the heavens.
Jesus showed this by next saying: “For this reason, here I am sending forth to you prophets and wise men and public instructors. Some of them you will kill and impale, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city; that there may come upon you all the righteous blood spilled on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I say to you, All these things will come upon this generation. Some Pharisees did repent and quit shutting up the kingdom of the heavens, like Saul of Tarsus who became the Christian apostle Paul.
The point is this. False religion was around when Jesus walked the Earth. False religion was around before Jesus walked the Earth. So then its safe to say that false religion would be here today. Do all religions please God? Well you be the judge of that. If Jehovah says no idols in worship and you use idols, can you really say that the religion you are in is the truth?
Idol worship is just a part of proving a religion is false. If all religions please God then Jesus wouldn't make this statement " Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name? And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness. Read that scripture. It's found at Matt. 7:22, 23,
Jesus himself said Not everyone. He also said the one doing the will of his father. Question is, what exactly is the will of his father. Notice this in that scripture alone that Jesus said that Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name? By that statement we can tell that many religions are performing powerful works in his name but he says get away from me. The fact that they ask the question tells me that they are not aware of what they are doing, that they think they are doing the right thing but again their lives show that they slave for another master.
Get away from me. This scripture alone should tell you that not all religions please God. Yes you have your modern day Scribes and Pharisees and it's witnesses who this time are saying Woe to you through the pages of the bible. I didn't say it. Jesus said it. So we are clear that Idol worship is bad. We are clear that Jehovah is against Idol worship. Question is this then. Why do many religions use Idols?
I will touch on another subject tomorrow. Have a great day!
For those new to this, please don't give up learning. Continue your studies. If you don't keep your mind spiritually strong, Satan will make sure you mind stays spiritually dead.
We have said many things in terms of this being the truth and have backed it up with scripture. Take for example Idol's. Generally, idolatry involves a ceremony or a ritual. Idolatry is the veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol. And what is an idol? It is an image, a representation of something, or a symbol, that is an object of devotion. Usually, idolatry is directed toward a real or supposed higher power believed to have animate existence (a human, an animal, or an organization). But idolatry can also be practiced with regard to things inanimate (a force or a lifeless object of nature).
Not all images are idols. God himself told the Israelites to make two golden cherubs for the ark of the covenant and to embroider representations of such spirit creatures on the inner covering of ten tent cloths for the tabernacle and on the curtain separating the Holy from the Most Holy. Only officiating priests saw these representations that served primarily as a picture of the heavenly cherubs. It is evident that the tabernacle representations of cherubs were not to be venerated, since righteous angels themselves would not accept worship.
Servants of Jehovah guard against idolatry because he is against all idolatrous practices. God commanded the Israelites not to form images as objects of veneration and worship them. Among the Ten Commandments are found these words: “You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them, because I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation, in the case of those who hate me; but exercising loving-kindness toward the thousandth generation in the case of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Why is Jehovah opposed to all idolatry? Principally because he exacts exclusive devotion, as shown above in the second of the Ten Commandments. Moreover, he said through his prophet Isaiah: “I am Jehovah. That is my name; and to no one else shall I give my own glory, neither my praise to graven images.” - Isaiah 42:8. At one time, idolatry ensnared the Israelites to such an extent that “they would sacrifice their sons and their daughters to demons.” Idolaters not only deny that Jehovah is the true God but also serve the interests of his chief Adversary, Satan, together with the demons.
Yet that is what many do so by process of elimination you really can eliminate many religions. Any religion that uses Idol's in their worship well is false religion. Bold statement isn't it. Think about this though. When Jesus was on Earth, it's safe to say what he was teaching was the truth right? Notice what Jesus said to those in his day.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men; for you yourselves do not go in, neither do you permit those on their way in to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you traverse sea and dry land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one you make him a subject for Gehenna twice as much so as yourselves. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you build the graves of the prophets and decorate the memorial tombs of the righteous ones, and you say, ‘If we had been in the days of our forefathers, we would not have been sharers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Therefore you are bearing witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.Serpents, offspring of vipers, how are you to flee from the judgment of Gehenna?
Thus those religious persons who were subjects for Gehenna and who were liable to the judgment of Gehenna were the unrepentant Jewish scribes and Pharisees and their proselytes. They were persons who were unrepentant and who refused to enter into the kingdom of the heavens.
Jesus showed this by next saying: “For this reason, here I am sending forth to you prophets and wise men and public instructors. Some of them you will kill and impale, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city; that there may come upon you all the righteous blood spilled on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I say to you, All these things will come upon this generation. Some Pharisees did repent and quit shutting up the kingdom of the heavens, like Saul of Tarsus who became the Christian apostle Paul.
The point is this. False religion was around when Jesus walked the Earth. False religion was around before Jesus walked the Earth. So then its safe to say that false religion would be here today. Do all religions please God? Well you be the judge of that. If Jehovah says no idols in worship and you use idols, can you really say that the religion you are in is the truth?
Idol worship is just a part of proving a religion is false. If all religions please God then Jesus wouldn't make this statement " Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name? And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness. Read that scripture. It's found at Matt. 7:22, 23,
Jesus himself said Not everyone. He also said the one doing the will of his father. Question is, what exactly is the will of his father. Notice this in that scripture alone that Jesus said that Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name? By that statement we can tell that many religions are performing powerful works in his name but he says get away from me. The fact that they ask the question tells me that they are not aware of what they are doing, that they think they are doing the right thing but again their lives show that they slave for another master.
Get away from me. This scripture alone should tell you that not all religions please God. Yes you have your modern day Scribes and Pharisees and it's witnesses who this time are saying Woe to you through the pages of the bible. I didn't say it. Jesus said it. So we are clear that Idol worship is bad. We are clear that Jehovah is against Idol worship. Question is this then. Why do many religions use Idols?
I will touch on another subject tomorrow. Have a great day!
For those new to this, please don't give up learning. Continue your studies. If you don't keep your mind spiritually strong, Satan will make sure you mind stays spiritually dead.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Part 2
I had to talk about this before I forget. Yes I could have typed it later but it was very important to me that I felt I needed to type it today. My wife made a new friend with a woman from Ebay. They were very close and have been for months.
My wife would even preach to her and everything was great until the woman showed her true colors as my wife calls it. Now, there is two sides to every story so I had to see email exchanges back and forth to see what was said before I said anything to my wife. Based on the email exchanges I saw that my wife was correct and reminder her to be kind which she was but at times when people are upset, they said say things they don't mean so I reminded her to make sure she reads what she types before she responds.
I guess I didn't have to say that because my wife was trying to reason on the issue and responded in kind words. Although it didn't help the other woman stood her ground. My wife then said " I guess she showed her true colors "
She brought up friends that I've had back in the day and how they always said they loved me. We were brothers but simple disagreements often cause that friendship to go down the drain. I lost most if not all of my friends because I would not budge on what I believe in. I just won't. Put it this way and this is a simple test to see if they are you friends.
If you can talk to them about Jehovah and they will listen, he or she might turn out to be a good friend. If they talk bad about Jehovah well can you really call them your friend? Put it this way if you had a friend and you start to talk about your mother or father and your friend says " Man you always talk about them, I hate it already " If you heard them say that about your parents would you really consider them your friends? Isn't Jehovah our father? Still with me?
I lost all my friends for the most part because I couldn't talk about my father. Picture myself and one of my old friends walking down the street. I see Jesus who is dear to me a close friend. I go over to see him with my friend. Jesus starts to talk about his father. If my friend said " Man not him to, he is talking about the same person you're talking about, I hate it" Wouldn't you feel shame that you brought this person around Jesus and this person said that?
Can't Jesus see us now????????
So who really is our friend? Can it be with anyone in the world. Can it? What does light have in common with day? What does evil have in common with good? Scriptures tell us that you cannot slave for two masters. You just can't. You are a slave to Jehovah or you are a slave to Satan. There is no middle. Your actions determine who you slave for. Again there is no middle. Your conduct determines who you slave for. Again there is no middle.
Which team do you play for? Which side are you on? What you do in your personal life and who you select as friends shows which side you are on. How can that be? Like I said if you cannot talk about Jehovah well is that a side I want to be on? If I know my friends smoke weed and I go over there all the time do you think that's a place Jehovah would approve of?
If I go to my friends house and my friends always get drunk, is that a place Jehovah would approve of? If I go to my friends house and all my friends so is use foul language all the time, is that a place Jehovah would approve of?
Don't fool yourselves. Bad association spoils what? It spoils useful habits. There is a chance that because I am around the weed, around the alcohol, around the foul language, that it will and can rub off on me. It will. It's been proven that it has. How so?
Think of anyone that may speak a certain way or use a phrase often. You will start to say the same thing because you are around it likewise negative association will make you negative. We are not immune to anything in this system of things. So when wife said those things about her friend. I just told her " What do you expect "
Anyway, thx for listening to this short part 2 version. Have a great day.
My wife would even preach to her and everything was great until the woman showed her true colors as my wife calls it. Now, there is two sides to every story so I had to see email exchanges back and forth to see what was said before I said anything to my wife. Based on the email exchanges I saw that my wife was correct and reminder her to be kind which she was but at times when people are upset, they said say things they don't mean so I reminded her to make sure she reads what she types before she responds.
I guess I didn't have to say that because my wife was trying to reason on the issue and responded in kind words. Although it didn't help the other woman stood her ground. My wife then said " I guess she showed her true colors "
She brought up friends that I've had back in the day and how they always said they loved me. We were brothers but simple disagreements often cause that friendship to go down the drain. I lost most if not all of my friends because I would not budge on what I believe in. I just won't. Put it this way and this is a simple test to see if they are you friends.
If you can talk to them about Jehovah and they will listen, he or she might turn out to be a good friend. If they talk bad about Jehovah well can you really call them your friend? Put it this way if you had a friend and you start to talk about your mother or father and your friend says " Man you always talk about them, I hate it already " If you heard them say that about your parents would you really consider them your friends? Isn't Jehovah our father? Still with me?
I lost all my friends for the most part because I couldn't talk about my father. Picture myself and one of my old friends walking down the street. I see Jesus who is dear to me a close friend. I go over to see him with my friend. Jesus starts to talk about his father. If my friend said " Man not him to, he is talking about the same person you're talking about, I hate it" Wouldn't you feel shame that you brought this person around Jesus and this person said that?
Can't Jesus see us now????????
So who really is our friend? Can it be with anyone in the world. Can it? What does light have in common with day? What does evil have in common with good? Scriptures tell us that you cannot slave for two masters. You just can't. You are a slave to Jehovah or you are a slave to Satan. There is no middle. Your actions determine who you slave for. Again there is no middle. Your conduct determines who you slave for. Again there is no middle.
Which team do you play for? Which side are you on? What you do in your personal life and who you select as friends shows which side you are on. How can that be? Like I said if you cannot talk about Jehovah well is that a side I want to be on? If I know my friends smoke weed and I go over there all the time do you think that's a place Jehovah would approve of?
If I go to my friends house and my friends always get drunk, is that a place Jehovah would approve of? If I go to my friends house and all my friends so is use foul language all the time, is that a place Jehovah would approve of?
Don't fool yourselves. Bad association spoils what? It spoils useful habits. There is a chance that because I am around the weed, around the alcohol, around the foul language, that it will and can rub off on me. It will. It's been proven that it has. How so?
Think of anyone that may speak a certain way or use a phrase often. You will start to say the same thing because you are around it likewise negative association will make you negative. We are not immune to anything in this system of things. So when wife said those things about her friend. I just told her " What do you expect "
Anyway, thx for listening to this short part 2 version. Have a great day.
What is our habits
We all have good or bad habits. I would say my bad habit is my eating habits. At times I could eat very healthy but then I get into a habit of eating Chocolate. For example last month alone, I ate M&M's every day for a month. I couldn't help it but I stop and changed it once I realized that I was headed down the wrong path in terms of my health.
Perhaps you have had the experience of relapsing into a bad habit you very much wanted to overcome. If that is the case, you may begin to doubt your ability to abandon the unwanted practice permanently. And unwanted practices may be many: overeating, “addiction” to sweets, overdrinking, impulse buying, habitual lateness, gambling, smoking, and a host of other habits.
Since the temptation to return to bad habits may be especially strong when you are under pressure, can you adjust some of the circumstances in your life to lessen the pressure? Even when certain problems cannot be avoided, you can learn to control your emotions so as not to feel overwhelmed with discouragement.
The power of discouragement is often underestimated. “The spirit of a man can put up with his health malady; but as for a stricken spirit, who can bear it?” Proverbs 18:14. Often it is not the problem but the resulting discouragement that weakens us.
Another Bible proverb puts it this way: “Have you shown yourself discouraged in the day of distress? Your power will be scanty.” Proverbs 24:10. Uncontrolled negative emotions will weaken you. They will make you vulnerable to relapse, perhaps pressuring you to return to a bad habit for relief. How vital, then, to fight discouragement!
If you are teenagers, pressure from parents or school can cause someone to get back into a bad habit. The fight against a bad habit, then, goes beyond enduring the initial period of painful withdrawal. It involves living through disappointments without permanently reverting to the bad habit.
Difficult? Yes, but entirely possible. The strategy that helped you break the habit in the first place will, if continued, help prevent or overcome relapses. The greatest benefit? Self-respect—a worthwhile reward in itself. And likely you will also be more highly esteemed by those who know you. Note these steps:
1. Recognize and admit bad habits. Ask yourself, ‘Do I really benefit from this habit? Is it annoying to others? Does it affect my health, financial status, well-being, family, or peace of mind? How much better off would I be without it?
2. Replace the bad habit with something positive. For example, do you spend too much time on the Internet, perhaps looking at unwholesome material? Then schedule that time for wholesome reading, study, or exercise.
3. Monitor your progress. Each day reflect for a few minutes on your progress. If you have a relapse, determine what circumstances led up to the problem.
4. Enlist the help of others. Tell friends and family that you are attempting to break this habit, and ask them to remind you when you seem about to fall back into it. Talk to others who have successfully beaten the same habit.—Proverbs 11:14.
5. Be balanced and realistic. Do not expect immediate success. Some habits that took years to develop may die hard.
6. Pray to God. With God’s help you can break any bad habit.—Psalm 55:22; Luke 18:27
Till tomorrow, have a great day.
Perhaps you have had the experience of relapsing into a bad habit you very much wanted to overcome. If that is the case, you may begin to doubt your ability to abandon the unwanted practice permanently. And unwanted practices may be many: overeating, “addiction” to sweets, overdrinking, impulse buying, habitual lateness, gambling, smoking, and a host of other habits.
Since the temptation to return to bad habits may be especially strong when you are under pressure, can you adjust some of the circumstances in your life to lessen the pressure? Even when certain problems cannot be avoided, you can learn to control your emotions so as not to feel overwhelmed with discouragement.
The power of discouragement is often underestimated. “The spirit of a man can put up with his health malady; but as for a stricken spirit, who can bear it?” Proverbs 18:14. Often it is not the problem but the resulting discouragement that weakens us.
Another Bible proverb puts it this way: “Have you shown yourself discouraged in the day of distress? Your power will be scanty.” Proverbs 24:10. Uncontrolled negative emotions will weaken you. They will make you vulnerable to relapse, perhaps pressuring you to return to a bad habit for relief. How vital, then, to fight discouragement!
If you are teenagers, pressure from parents or school can cause someone to get back into a bad habit. The fight against a bad habit, then, goes beyond enduring the initial period of painful withdrawal. It involves living through disappointments without permanently reverting to the bad habit.
Difficult? Yes, but entirely possible. The strategy that helped you break the habit in the first place will, if continued, help prevent or overcome relapses. The greatest benefit? Self-respect—a worthwhile reward in itself. And likely you will also be more highly esteemed by those who know you. Note these steps:
1. Recognize and admit bad habits. Ask yourself, ‘Do I really benefit from this habit? Is it annoying to others? Does it affect my health, financial status, well-being, family, or peace of mind? How much better off would I be without it?
2. Replace the bad habit with something positive. For example, do you spend too much time on the Internet, perhaps looking at unwholesome material? Then schedule that time for wholesome reading, study, or exercise.
3. Monitor your progress. Each day reflect for a few minutes on your progress. If you have a relapse, determine what circumstances led up to the problem.
4. Enlist the help of others. Tell friends and family that you are attempting to break this habit, and ask them to remind you when you seem about to fall back into it. Talk to others who have successfully beaten the same habit.—Proverbs 11:14.
5. Be balanced and realistic. Do not expect immediate success. Some habits that took years to develop may die hard.
6. Pray to God. With God’s help you can break any bad habit.—Psalm 55:22; Luke 18:27
Till tomorrow, have a great day.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday
Happy Monday All,
Well the convention was just as I thought. Very very encouraging. One of the things that a brother mentioned was that all the signs of the prophecy that Jesus gave about the signs are all complete on a global scale. When you think of his prophecy and think of what's going, it really is an eye opener.
The amount of those baptized was amazing. I don't recall seeing that many at one time. I saw video of course but every convention I've been, there hasn't been that many. I was very pleased. Because my wife is due any minute, any hour, any second, I didn't make it to yesterday's convention. I missed the Drama which is a play based on the bible. I do have some video that I will try and post tomorrow. One thing that I should mention because I was asked this. How do I keep moving forward?
It's easy to move backward folks. It's easy to go back to the world. Satan will welcome you with open arms and stab you in the back at the end of it. Its easy to get caught up with things in the world. It could be a new TV that you purchased but couldn't really afford. Could be the same with a car a house. It's really hard to say and there isn't anything wrong with having nice things but they must have it's place and shouldn't be number 1 in your life.
Till tomorrow. Have a great day.
Well the convention was just as I thought. Very very encouraging. One of the things that a brother mentioned was that all the signs of the prophecy that Jesus gave about the signs are all complete on a global scale. When you think of his prophecy and think of what's going, it really is an eye opener.
The amount of those baptized was amazing. I don't recall seeing that many at one time. I saw video of course but every convention I've been, there hasn't been that many. I was very pleased. Because my wife is due any minute, any hour, any second, I didn't make it to yesterday's convention. I missed the Drama which is a play based on the bible. I do have some video that I will try and post tomorrow. One thing that I should mention because I was asked this. How do I keep moving forward?
It's easy to move backward folks. It's easy to go back to the world. Satan will welcome you with open arms and stab you in the back at the end of it. Its easy to get caught up with things in the world. It could be a new TV that you purchased but couldn't really afford. Could be the same with a car a house. It's really hard to say and there isn't anything wrong with having nice things but they must have it's place and shouldn't be number 1 in your life.
Till tomorrow. Have a great day.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday
Not much to add but I will update and try to even add video of the convention. Stay tuned!!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday
I once mentioned this before that many will leave the truth for whatever reasons. At the same time many return. A lie can never expose the Truth. The Truth will always expose a lie. When a brother or sister leaves it's common that they will say something against the truth. They normally do.
When I left the truth years ago I did the same thing. I am an example of those who left. What did I do when I left? I started smoking again. I hid my smoking from my family. Tic Tacs became very expensive. I start to drink to get drunk. I used foul language. I started to listen to music that I wouldn't even play around my kids.
And of course I started to speak against the truth. Why can't we do this, Why can't we do that. We should be free to do whatever we want. Those are the things plus others that I started to say. Because I stopped going to meetings it had the domino effect on my family. My wife stopped going and my son stopped going.
I can see the hurt in her eyes. When my wife stopped it wasn't sudden like me. It was over time. When Jesse stopped going it wasn't sudden like me it was over time but it was Jesse who went back. It was Jesse who became the strong one and went back. It was Jesse who encouraged my wife to go back. It was Jesse who tried to talk sense into me.
I gave every excuse on to why I wasn't going to return. I needed to be free. That freedom came with a price. I didn't think of the cost. I left the truth but what I read in the bible with my own eyes did not leave me. I tried to expose the truth with lies but I couldn't. The truth exposes a lie.
I knew there wasn't no Hell. I knew that God didn't create such a place. I knew that Hell was nothing more than our grave. Who was teaching that? I knew the condition of the dead while others were teaching we go to heaven or hell. I knew the true condition. Who is teaching that? I knew about the fact that we were created to live and not die. Common sense tells you that if Adam or Eve never ate they would be here today and that the reason we die is because of their actions. I knew this. I knew the reason why Jesus had to come to Earth. I knew of the first Prophecy in the bible. This Sacred Secret. I knew this. Who was teaching it?
These things I knew and because I have and did look into other religions told me one thing and one thing only. I needed to return home. I needed to return to Jehovah. I felt I was not worthy enough to approach him. I felt that I had done to much to even pray to him.
The day I prayed I cried. I prayed for hours. I asked for forgiveness. I knew that it was Satan who wants me to feel as if I couldn't pray to Jehovah. I knew it was Satan that wanted me to remain away from Jehovah. I knew this. I knew I needed to go home and I did. I did. I did.
I returned home and never looked back. The thoughts I had to try and expose the truth only lead me to believe in it more. A lie can never expose the truth and the truth shall what? Set you free and it did. Thank you Jehovah for helping me open my eyes. It's been years now but I recall everything and I'm glad I returned.
This may not be for everyone. Someone brought up Latoya Jackson and how she left the truth and posted information on her book where she talks about her time in the truth. Well, my view on her book is I guess it's a good fictional book. If you can't see that Latoya will say anything to make money then you should think twice. An interview that she gave about her Brother Michael days after he died where she stated that he was murdered. She gave that interview under the condition that she would get paid. Just like her book. It's possible that everything in her book is true but when a person motivation is money, they will say and do whatever in order to get that all mighty dollar.
I believe it was the Ojays who had a hit with " For the love of Money " and what people will do for it. Isn't it interesting that Latoya was one who said Micheal touched that boy and isn't it interesting that the same boy said Michael didn't touch him. The father of the boy made him say all that. Money and what people will do for it is amazing. So is Latoya telling the truth? I don't know so until its proven true it's a great fictional book.
Anyway, have a great day. I hope my day goes quick. I've been working out getting my body into shape for what is coming......
When I left the truth years ago I did the same thing. I am an example of those who left. What did I do when I left? I started smoking again. I hid my smoking from my family. Tic Tacs became very expensive. I start to drink to get drunk. I used foul language. I started to listen to music that I wouldn't even play around my kids.
And of course I started to speak against the truth. Why can't we do this, Why can't we do that. We should be free to do whatever we want. Those are the things plus others that I started to say. Because I stopped going to meetings it had the domino effect on my family. My wife stopped going and my son stopped going.
I can see the hurt in her eyes. When my wife stopped it wasn't sudden like me. It was over time. When Jesse stopped going it wasn't sudden like me it was over time but it was Jesse who went back. It was Jesse who became the strong one and went back. It was Jesse who encouraged my wife to go back. It was Jesse who tried to talk sense into me.
I gave every excuse on to why I wasn't going to return. I needed to be free. That freedom came with a price. I didn't think of the cost. I left the truth but what I read in the bible with my own eyes did not leave me. I tried to expose the truth with lies but I couldn't. The truth exposes a lie.
I knew there wasn't no Hell. I knew that God didn't create such a place. I knew that Hell was nothing more than our grave. Who was teaching that? I knew the condition of the dead while others were teaching we go to heaven or hell. I knew the true condition. Who is teaching that? I knew about the fact that we were created to live and not die. Common sense tells you that if Adam or Eve never ate they would be here today and that the reason we die is because of their actions. I knew this. I knew the reason why Jesus had to come to Earth. I knew of the first Prophecy in the bible. This Sacred Secret. I knew this. Who was teaching it?
These things I knew and because I have and did look into other religions told me one thing and one thing only. I needed to return home. I needed to return to Jehovah. I felt I was not worthy enough to approach him. I felt that I had done to much to even pray to him.
The day I prayed I cried. I prayed for hours. I asked for forgiveness. I knew that it was Satan who wants me to feel as if I couldn't pray to Jehovah. I knew it was Satan that wanted me to remain away from Jehovah. I knew this. I knew I needed to go home and I did. I did. I did.
I returned home and never looked back. The thoughts I had to try and expose the truth only lead me to believe in it more. A lie can never expose the truth and the truth shall what? Set you free and it did. Thank you Jehovah for helping me open my eyes. It's been years now but I recall everything and I'm glad I returned.
This may not be for everyone. Someone brought up Latoya Jackson and how she left the truth and posted information on her book where she talks about her time in the truth. Well, my view on her book is I guess it's a good fictional book. If you can't see that Latoya will say anything to make money then you should think twice. An interview that she gave about her Brother Michael days after he died where she stated that he was murdered. She gave that interview under the condition that she would get paid. Just like her book. It's possible that everything in her book is true but when a person motivation is money, they will say and do whatever in order to get that all mighty dollar.
I believe it was the Ojays who had a hit with " For the love of Money " and what people will do for it. Isn't it interesting that Latoya was one who said Micheal touched that boy and isn't it interesting that the same boy said Michael didn't touch him. The father of the boy made him say all that. Money and what people will do for it is amazing. So is Latoya telling the truth? I don't know so until its proven true it's a great fictional book.
Anyway, have a great day. I hope my day goes quick. I've been working out getting my body into shape for what is coming......
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday
I hope that video helped many who smoke and see what damage it can do. When I saw that video for the first time I cried. My mother smokes and is an addict. I feel so bad for her and stuck at the same time because she won't quit.
Above is a picture of Michael Jacksons Kids. I read a story about Michael Jackson's Kids in connection with Jehovah's Witnesses and that Michael wanted them to become witnesses. Here is a picture of them holding a song book and it's being reported that they are now going to a Kingdom Hall.
Deep down it would appear as if Michael always knew this was the truth thus wanting his children to learn. I'm not sure why Michael left the truth. Jehovah is very forgiving and he can read the heart. When brothers or sisters leave the truth they may engage in things that they may feel like it's to late for them. They may say to themselves " How can Jehovah forgive me"
This is perhaps how Michael felt. I don't know what he did in his personal life. I did not know him on a personal level. I have read many stories about brothers and sisters who left the truth and did so many things. One sister got pregnant. After the baby was born an empty feeling in her heart. She missed Jehovah.
She missed him very much. She would cry and did not feel worthy enough to pray to him. It was very sad. This sister ran into another sister who was doing street work. They didn't know each other but the sister took the magazine. I don't recall what magazine it was but whatever it was touched the sisters heart.
The very next Sunday she walked into her hall. The brothers and sisters were so happy to see her. A few sisters cried and hugged her. It was very touching. This one brother I knew on a personal level. It was interesting because even when he was in the truth at times when around me I would hear him say bad words. I told him that he needed to clean up his act. I moved to another Hall and he stayed in his.
A few months later I was told that he left the truth and that nobody has seen him. They didn't know what was going on with him. Well it was funny because I ran into him. He happened to work right across the street from where I work. We spoke a bit and before I could say anything else. He told me he left and the reason why he did.
He said a brother came up to him because he didn't something that was spiritually wrong. He told the brother that he needed to see and Elder to get help. To get spiritually corrected. Instead of talking to an Elder he left and didn't return. Then he told me that he had some issues and I told him think about things before it was to late.
Sadly he never returned. His life continued down hill from what I was told. I do have a few other stories. I'll talk about that later. As for Michael's Kids. Its good to see them going to at least learn. I'm sure this isn't the first time they heard of it. It's possible that Michael spoke to them about the truth but like that sister may have felt that he couldn't go or approach. Hard to say. Anyway, have a great day. See ya tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday
My apologies for the late post. I had to give my laptop to a client so he can use it till his laptop is complete. Last week I posted information about the swine/spanish flu virus.
I had many questions on it which I hope many read the 134 page PDF that I posted which should have answered all the questions you may have had. We do live in scary times. We live in times that we need not only to depend on each other but throw all our burdens on Jehovah.
Throw all of our worries, all of our issues, problems we face in this system - throw them on Jehovah. We cannot get through this system without doing so. We need him. We can't do this alone.
This system is so wicked so horrible that it's scary just walking out side. You can walk outside and get hit by a car, get shot by a gun, get killed by a virus. This system is to wicked. I can only imagine what Jehovah must be feeling. Tomorrow when I'm back on my machine, I will post some info. Till tomorrow have a great day.
I had many questions on it which I hope many read the 134 page PDF that I posted which should have answered all the questions you may have had. We do live in scary times. We live in times that we need not only to depend on each other but throw all our burdens on Jehovah.
Throw all of our worries, all of our issues, problems we face in this system - throw them on Jehovah. We cannot get through this system without doing so. We need him. We can't do this alone.
This system is so wicked so horrible that it's scary just walking out side. You can walk outside and get hit by a car, get shot by a gun, get killed by a virus. This system is to wicked. I can only imagine what Jehovah must be feeling. Tomorrow when I'm back on my machine, I will post some info. Till tomorrow have a great day.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday
This week has gone by so fast. I really hope I didn't scare anyone. That wasn't my goal. My goal was again to open eyes. That everything isn't as it seems. I was once told along time ago that in order to know what's going on in the United States that you have to look outside the United States.
The Media is controlled and needs approval before anything goes on air. So you do have to look outside to know what's going on inside. Also when a celebrity dies like Anna Nicole or Micheal Jackson. It's hard to find what's going on unless you do look out.
It happens all the time. When I talked about the Swine flu being the Spanish Flu I wasn't joking. I mentioned several posts ago maybe last year that scientists were recreating the Spanish Flu from a body found frozen in Alaska. I wasn't joking about that.
I was asked what I thought about the swine flu when it was first released. I said that it was Government. I will take a line from Kung Fu Panda when what's his face said there are no Accidents and in this case that is true. Everything that has happened, happens for a reason.
Despite the fact that swine flu has killed far fewer people globally than the common flu virus since it was first discovered in April, media scare stories about H1N1 “epidemics” are becoming more and more frequent.
As with every flu virus, the particular strain of swine flu currently circulating the globe will inevitably mutate and change, and indeed there is evidence to suggest that this is already taking place – so how on earth could vaccines be a fix all cure unless multiple vaccines produced on an annual basis were distributed?
Notice this Article in the USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-07-09-swine-flu-summit_N.htm?csp=34&POE=click-refer
Notice this Article in Florida: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090710/BREAKINGNEWS/90710006/1086/rss07
So where does this all lead to. As in my previous post. You see the Endgame. Here is a document which provides Evidence that shows what's going to happen. Who, UN, and even the President was sued because of what they are allowing. Why didn't you hear about this on the news? Well.......................Read the Document.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17260675/Evidence-of-the-Use-of-Pandemic-Flu-to-Depopulate-USA
I just wanted to update this part in case you don't know what's in the flu shot
Egg proteins: including avian contaminant viruses
Gelatin: known to cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are usually
associated with sensitivity to egg or gelatin
Polysorbate 80 (Tween80™): can cause severe allergic reactions,
including anaphylaxis
Formaldehyde: known carcinogen
Triton X100: a strong detergent
Sucrose: table sugar
Resin: known to cause allergic reactions
Gentamycin: an antibiotic
Thimerosal: mercury is still in multidose vials
I would google what all of this is. You will be surprised.
The Media is controlled and needs approval before anything goes on air. So you do have to look outside to know what's going on inside. Also when a celebrity dies like Anna Nicole or Micheal Jackson. It's hard to find what's going on unless you do look out.
It happens all the time. When I talked about the Swine flu being the Spanish Flu I wasn't joking. I mentioned several posts ago maybe last year that scientists were recreating the Spanish Flu from a body found frozen in Alaska. I wasn't joking about that.
I was asked what I thought about the swine flu when it was first released. I said that it was Government. I will take a line from Kung Fu Panda when what's his face said there are no Accidents and in this case that is true. Everything that has happened, happens for a reason.
Despite the fact that swine flu has killed far fewer people globally than the common flu virus since it was first discovered in April, media scare stories about H1N1 “epidemics” are becoming more and more frequent.
As with every flu virus, the particular strain of swine flu currently circulating the globe will inevitably mutate and change, and indeed there is evidence to suggest that this is already taking place – so how on earth could vaccines be a fix all cure unless multiple vaccines produced on an annual basis were distributed?
Notice this Article in the USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-07-09-swine-flu-summit_N.htm?csp=34&POE=click-refer
Notice this Article in Florida: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090710/BREAKINGNEWS/90710006/1086/rss07
So where does this all lead to. As in my previous post. You see the Endgame. Here is a document which provides Evidence that shows what's going to happen. Who, UN, and even the President was sued because of what they are allowing. Why didn't you hear about this on the news? Well.......................Read the Document.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17260675/Evidence-of-the-Use-of-Pandemic-Flu-to-Depopulate-USA
I just wanted to update this part in case you don't know what's in the flu shot
Egg proteins: including avian contaminant viruses
Gelatin: known to cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are usually
associated with sensitivity to egg or gelatin
Polysorbate 80 (Tween80™): can cause severe allergic reactions,
including anaphylaxis
Formaldehyde: known carcinogen
Triton X100: a strong detergent
Sucrose: table sugar
Resin: known to cause allergic reactions
Gentamycin: an antibiotic
Thimerosal: mercury is still in multidose vials
I would google what all of this is. You will be surprised.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday
Scary isn't it? If makes you wonder doesn't it. I've read some crazy things as well as some interesting things that makes you wonder. The Debate if vaccinations are good for you are on going. If it causes Autism are interesting. I've read many things. Like this interview which talked about the shots
Not one shot but three. Noticed it was asked if she received her shots and she said NO but paused and said she will. That kind of stuff makes me wonder. I recall speaking to a Doctor who said he doesn't get flu shots so I why he changed the subject. Yesterday I was told by a friend that the swine flu that is out there now is not the swine flu that it is in fact the spanish flu that killed millions back in 1918. She happens to work for the Department of Defense. Because we have known each other for sometime, she can trust me with that information and I trust what she is telling me.
I noticed this video sometime ago.
So if you put the puzzle together. You have Pandemic, then you have mass death, and preparation for bodies in these coffins. Makes sense doesn't it. Question is when will it happen and if it isn't going to happen why all of the coffins? What are those coffins for and who are they for. What are you expecting? What are you not telling us.
When I think of what people may do and have done in terms of killing people it's no shocker. Could this be all in my head? If so I ask again, why all the coffins? Trust me they are coffins. This is where you have to put complete faith in Jehovah and that he will take care of things no matter what.
I hope that this post doesn't scare you. I hope what it does shows you what may happen and to prepare you. Our convention is called Keep on the Watch. If you are in the bay area or are going to travel to San Francisco our Convention dates are July 17, 18, and 19. Hope to see you there.
Not one shot but three. Noticed it was asked if she received her shots and she said NO but paused and said she will. That kind of stuff makes me wonder. I recall speaking to a Doctor who said he doesn't get flu shots so I why he changed the subject. Yesterday I was told by a friend that the swine flu that is out there now is not the swine flu that it is in fact the spanish flu that killed millions back in 1918. She happens to work for the Department of Defense. Because we have known each other for sometime, she can trust me with that information and I trust what she is telling me.
I noticed this video sometime ago.
So if you put the puzzle together. You have Pandemic, then you have mass death, and preparation for bodies in these coffins. Makes sense doesn't it. Question is when will it happen and if it isn't going to happen why all of the coffins? What are those coffins for and who are they for. What are you expecting? What are you not telling us.
When I think of what people may do and have done in terms of killing people it's no shocker. Could this be all in my head? If so I ask again, why all the coffins? Trust me they are coffins. This is where you have to put complete faith in Jehovah and that he will take care of things no matter what.
I hope that this post doesn't scare you. I hope what it does shows you what may happen and to prepare you. Our convention is called Keep on the Watch. If you are in the bay area or are going to travel to San Francisco our Convention dates are July 17, 18, and 19. Hope to see you there.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Mark of the Beast
I was reading this article about a club in spain who implanted chips into people in order to get them into the VIP area's. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag Pratt well, Spencer didn't say it but Heidi did. Both of these people are Celebrities even though I didn't know who they were I'm sure someone does. Anyway, this is what Heidi said in connection with chipping people and I quote " This is very serious. It says in the Bible this is the mark of the beast, and that is a sign of worshipping the Devil. So over my dead body would I ever get a chip in my body," she says. "My body belongs to Jesus Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus, and I will speak out to Christians....this chip is the end of humanity." End Quote
For those who don't know the story may have to go back to last year or the year before when I posted about a company called Verichip who wanted to implant Humans for tracking. Some of the tracking makes sense while others reasons to track humans doesn't. Read this Article:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090702_Bill_banning_forced_identity-chip_implants_clears_House.html
............
Now back to the question because I've heard it many times about chipping and the mark of the beast. In the Scriptures, certain numbers have symbolic significance. The number seven, for example, is often used to symbolize that which is complete, or perfect, in God’s eyes. For instance, God’s creative week comprises seven ‘days,’ or extended time periods, during which God completely accomplishes his creative purpose regarding the earth.
God’s “sayings” are like silver that has been “clarified seven times,” thus perfectly refined. The leper Naaman was told to bathe seven times in the Jordan River, after which he was completely healed.
Six is one short of seven. Would it not be a fitting symbol of something imperfect, or defective, in God’s eyes? Yes, indeed! (1 Chronicles 20:6, 7) Moreover, six repeated three times, as 666, powerfully stresses that imperfection. That this is the correct view is supported by the fact that 666 is “a human number,”. Thus, the beast’s record, its “human number,” and the number 666 itself all point to one unmistakable conclusion—gross shortcoming and failure in the eyes of Jehovah.
The portrayal of the beast’s deficiencies calls to mind what was said about King Belshazzar of ancient Babylon. Through Daniel, Jehovah said to that ruler: “You have been weighed in the balances and have been found deficient.” That very night Belshazzar was killed, and the mighty Babylonian Empire fell.
Likewise, God’s judgment of the political beast and of those with its mark spells the end of that entity and its supporters. In this instance, however, God will eradicate not just one political system but every vestige of human rule. How important, therefore, that we avoid having the deadly mark of the beast!
Immediately after disclosing the number 666, Revelation mentions 144,000 followers of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who have his name and the name of his Father, Jehovah, written on their foreheads. These names identify the bearers as belonging to Jehovah and to his Son, about whom they proudly bear witness. Likewise, those having the mark of the beast proclaim their servitude to the beast.
Thus, the mark, whether on the right hand or on the forehead, figuratively speaking, is a symbol that identifies its bearer as one who gives worshipful support to the beastlike political systems of the world. Those having the mark give to “Caesar” that which rightly belongs to God. How? By giving worshipful honor to the political state, its symbols, and its military might, to which they look for hope and salvation. Any worship that they render the true God is merely lip service.
So Again - Six is one short of the Biblically complete number seven, just as six days would come one day short of a complete week. It pictures incompleteness, imperfection. The number is a “man’s number.” So it stands for fallen man’s imperfections and shortcomings. God uses six to the third (emphatic) degree in the wild beast’s name (6 + 60 + 600), emphasizing powerfully the inadequacy, imperfection and deficiency of the human political organization and how foolish it is to put any hope and trust in it for man’s everlasting welfare.
How can you avoid the mark of the beast? As the Bible seriously warns, it takes courage and endurance. Those who refuse it must be men of principle. It is much easier to receive the mark than to resist it, for force is used by men who wish to plant the mark on the forehead and hand of those who do not willingly receive it. It takes spiritual strength, which can be obtained only from God through a study of his Word. Jesus said: “Pay attention to what you are hearing,” and, “Pay attention to how you listen.” Listen to what God’s Word tells you; give attention to the message that is being proclaimed regarding this very thing now.
There is no middle ground. Witnesses know this, and they know that they must keep their spirituality at a high level by watching their course of action every day. From 1919 onward they have refused to join in this international worship of the political State and the League of Nations and its successor the United Nations. They have observed the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”—Matt. 4:8-11.
True, it means a continuing test of endurance for the holy ones, the remnant of the 144,000 of Christ’s spiritual brothers on earth and for their companions who hope to live forever on earth under God’s kingdom.
But it means that they avoid drinking the cup of God’s wrath and of suffering permanent destruction that comes upon all worshipers of the beast and its image. And the rich reward is God’s favor that leads to life. Do you wish to avoid being with the fighters against God and suffering their fate? Turn NOW to God’s Word.
Witnesses, who have put into your hands this copy of The Watchtower, are glad to help you, free of charge, to learn of God’s provision for delivering those who endure so as not to receive the mark and for saving them to everlasting life in his righteous new order. Because six falls short of God’s perfect number seven, it is called a man’s number and attaches to the visible organization of men under Satan, the god of this world, and which organization is symbolized by the wild beast. So it is with this meaning in mind that this number of the wild beast is said to be “a man’s number.” It is not God’s perfect number of spiritual completeness.
For those who don't know the story may have to go back to last year or the year before when I posted about a company called Verichip who wanted to implant Humans for tracking. Some of the tracking makes sense while others reasons to track humans doesn't. Read this Article:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090702_Bill_banning_forced_identity-chip_implants_clears_House.html
............
Now back to the question because I've heard it many times about chipping and the mark of the beast. In the Scriptures, certain numbers have symbolic significance. The number seven, for example, is often used to symbolize that which is complete, or perfect, in God’s eyes. For instance, God’s creative week comprises seven ‘days,’ or extended time periods, during which God completely accomplishes his creative purpose regarding the earth.
God’s “sayings” are like silver that has been “clarified seven times,” thus perfectly refined. The leper Naaman was told to bathe seven times in the Jordan River, after which he was completely healed.
Six is one short of seven. Would it not be a fitting symbol of something imperfect, or defective, in God’s eyes? Yes, indeed! (1 Chronicles 20:6, 7) Moreover, six repeated three times, as 666, powerfully stresses that imperfection. That this is the correct view is supported by the fact that 666 is “a human number,”. Thus, the beast’s record, its “human number,” and the number 666 itself all point to one unmistakable conclusion—gross shortcoming and failure in the eyes of Jehovah.
The portrayal of the beast’s deficiencies calls to mind what was said about King Belshazzar of ancient Babylon. Through Daniel, Jehovah said to that ruler: “You have been weighed in the balances and have been found deficient.” That very night Belshazzar was killed, and the mighty Babylonian Empire fell.
Likewise, God’s judgment of the political beast and of those with its mark spells the end of that entity and its supporters. In this instance, however, God will eradicate not just one political system but every vestige of human rule. How important, therefore, that we avoid having the deadly mark of the beast!
Immediately after disclosing the number 666, Revelation mentions 144,000 followers of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who have his name and the name of his Father, Jehovah, written on their foreheads. These names identify the bearers as belonging to Jehovah and to his Son, about whom they proudly bear witness. Likewise, those having the mark of the beast proclaim their servitude to the beast.
Thus, the mark, whether on the right hand or on the forehead, figuratively speaking, is a symbol that identifies its bearer as one who gives worshipful support to the beastlike political systems of the world. Those having the mark give to “Caesar” that which rightly belongs to God. How? By giving worshipful honor to the political state, its symbols, and its military might, to which they look for hope and salvation. Any worship that they render the true God is merely lip service.
So Again - Six is one short of the Biblically complete number seven, just as six days would come one day short of a complete week. It pictures incompleteness, imperfection. The number is a “man’s number.” So it stands for fallen man’s imperfections and shortcomings. God uses six to the third (emphatic) degree in the wild beast’s name (6 + 60 + 600), emphasizing powerfully the inadequacy, imperfection and deficiency of the human political organization and how foolish it is to put any hope and trust in it for man’s everlasting welfare.
How can you avoid the mark of the beast? As the Bible seriously warns, it takes courage and endurance. Those who refuse it must be men of principle. It is much easier to receive the mark than to resist it, for force is used by men who wish to plant the mark on the forehead and hand of those who do not willingly receive it. It takes spiritual strength, which can be obtained only from God through a study of his Word. Jesus said: “Pay attention to what you are hearing,” and, “Pay attention to how you listen.” Listen to what God’s Word tells you; give attention to the message that is being proclaimed regarding this very thing now.
There is no middle ground. Witnesses know this, and they know that they must keep their spirituality at a high level by watching their course of action every day. From 1919 onward they have refused to join in this international worship of the political State and the League of Nations and its successor the United Nations. They have observed the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”—Matt. 4:8-11.
True, it means a continuing test of endurance for the holy ones, the remnant of the 144,000 of Christ’s spiritual brothers on earth and for their companions who hope to live forever on earth under God’s kingdom.
But it means that they avoid drinking the cup of God’s wrath and of suffering permanent destruction that comes upon all worshipers of the beast and its image. And the rich reward is God’s favor that leads to life. Do you wish to avoid being with the fighters against God and suffering their fate? Turn NOW to God’s Word.
Witnesses, who have put into your hands this copy of The Watchtower, are glad to help you, free of charge, to learn of God’s provision for delivering those who endure so as not to receive the mark and for saving them to everlasting life in his righteous new order. Because six falls short of God’s perfect number seven, it is called a man’s number and attaches to the visible organization of men under Satan, the god of this world, and which organization is symbolized by the wild beast. So it is with this meaning in mind that this number of the wild beast is said to be “a man’s number.” It is not God’s perfect number of spiritual completeness.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday
I hope that everyone has had a wonderful and safe weekend. I stayed home and worked on getting my house prepared for Joshua. It was funny because I started at 11:30pm and ended at 8:30 in the morning. I was very sleepy but got it done.
Yesterday I got my slip on which talk I'm going to have. It's the week of August 24th which is Where to find comfort. I already started working on it. This is what I got so far. I haven't timed it so I don't know the time so its a work in progress
........................................................................................
Everyone has days when they feel they can't cope. Sometimes there's a specific reason - money worries, difficulties with health or problems at work - sometimes it's harder to put your finger on the cause. We may feel sad or lonely. We may wonder if anyone loves us. It's all too easy to get caught in a spiral of unhappiness, and feel there's no escape. Where can we find comfort?
Open your bibles to Psalm chapter 27:10. Notice what is mentioned there. That’s Psalm chapter 27 and verse 10 – and it reads: In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, Even Jehovah himself would take me up.
No matter what happens Jehovah himself would take us up. Question is, do we pray to Jehovah for comfort? Do we pray for his holy spirit? Do we forget that he is there to listen to us when we have these problems? Isaiah chapter 49 verse 15 states that Jehovah will not forget us so let’s not forget Jehovah.
In this system of things Satan will make trouble for us. We will be tested. Jesus himself was tested. At Matthew chapter 27 verse 46 Jesus cried out to Jehovah asking “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Even though Jesus was suffering, he knew that Jehovah loved him. He knew that Jehovah allows his servants to be tested. It’s the same with us today, which is why we need to rely on Jehovah.
Let’s not get lost in this system of things with all its issues. Reminds me of a story that Jesus told, A story about a shepherd who had a hundred sheep but, one of them got lost. It’s possible that it wanted to see what was on the other side of the hill. So off the sheep went but because it wondered off, the sheep was now lost. Imagine how that sheep felt when it realized that it was all alone.
What did the shepherd do? Let’s read that account, please open your bibles to Matthew 18:12-14 and notice what it mentioned there. That’s Matthew chapter 18 verse 12 through 14 and it reads: What do YOU think? If a certain man comes to have a hundred sheep and one of them gets strayed, will he not leave the ninety-nine upon the mountains and set out on a search for the one that is straying? 13 And if he happens to find it, I certainly tell YOU, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that have not strayed. 14 Likewise it is not a desirable thing with my Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.
Who is that shepherd in this story? Jesus said it was Jehovah. Jehovah is the great shepherd who cares for his people. He knows what we need and he knows we need help. If we ever find ourselves sad or alone, what can we do? We can talk to Jehovah. We can let him know what we are going through. When children have problems they talk to their parents don’t they? When a husband or wife has problems they talk to each other don’t they? We can talk to Jehovah just like we talk to each other. He wants us to talk to him. We need to talk to him. We cannot get through this system of things without him.
Doesn’t it give you great comfort in knowing that the creator of all things loves us and that he wants us to follow him? He wants us to be one of his sheep? In this system we will always have issues. Problems will come and go and some may remain. Notice what Psalm chapter 55 verse 22 says, turn with me there. That’s Psalm chapter 55 verse 22 and it reads: Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, And he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.
So rely on Jehovah, pray to Jehovah, trust in Jehovah, don't rely on this system of things, throw your burdens upon Jehovah, and that’s where you will find true comfort.
.....................................................................................
Well that's about it. I like it so far, some words I may change but the source material is from the LR book chapter 31. I'll try and record it if possible. Also Jesse has a talk or bible reading. Can't remember.
And Finally, we have finished the complete name of our new baby. We had the name Joshua already for the first name and Rivera of course being the last name but we were missing a middle name. I picked Gilbert as the middle name since my name is Gilbert. So Joshua Gilbert Rivera is what the baby will be called. It will be the last baby so it made sense or at least the last baby in this system of things. Joshua is expected to arrive on the 29th of July so we are just a few weeks away from him making arrival.
Joshua Gilbert Rivera has a nice ring to it. Anyway, have a great day. Remember to pray and be safe.
Yesterday I got my slip on which talk I'm going to have. It's the week of August 24th which is Where to find comfort. I already started working on it. This is what I got so far. I haven't timed it so I don't know the time so its a work in progress
........................................................................................
Everyone has days when they feel they can't cope. Sometimes there's a specific reason - money worries, difficulties with health or problems at work - sometimes it's harder to put your finger on the cause. We may feel sad or lonely. We may wonder if anyone loves us. It's all too easy to get caught in a spiral of unhappiness, and feel there's no escape. Where can we find comfort?
Open your bibles to Psalm chapter 27:10. Notice what is mentioned there. That’s Psalm chapter 27 and verse 10 – and it reads: In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, Even Jehovah himself would take me up.
No matter what happens Jehovah himself would take us up. Question is, do we pray to Jehovah for comfort? Do we pray for his holy spirit? Do we forget that he is there to listen to us when we have these problems? Isaiah chapter 49 verse 15 states that Jehovah will not forget us so let’s not forget Jehovah.
In this system of things Satan will make trouble for us. We will be tested. Jesus himself was tested. At Matthew chapter 27 verse 46 Jesus cried out to Jehovah asking “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Even though Jesus was suffering, he knew that Jehovah loved him. He knew that Jehovah allows his servants to be tested. It’s the same with us today, which is why we need to rely on Jehovah.
Let’s not get lost in this system of things with all its issues. Reminds me of a story that Jesus told, A story about a shepherd who had a hundred sheep but, one of them got lost. It’s possible that it wanted to see what was on the other side of the hill. So off the sheep went but because it wondered off, the sheep was now lost. Imagine how that sheep felt when it realized that it was all alone.
What did the shepherd do? Let’s read that account, please open your bibles to Matthew 18:12-14 and notice what it mentioned there. That’s Matthew chapter 18 verse 12 through 14 and it reads: What do YOU think? If a certain man comes to have a hundred sheep and one of them gets strayed, will he not leave the ninety-nine upon the mountains and set out on a search for the one that is straying? 13 And if he happens to find it, I certainly tell YOU, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that have not strayed. 14 Likewise it is not a desirable thing with my Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.
Who is that shepherd in this story? Jesus said it was Jehovah. Jehovah is the great shepherd who cares for his people. He knows what we need and he knows we need help. If we ever find ourselves sad or alone, what can we do? We can talk to Jehovah. We can let him know what we are going through. When children have problems they talk to their parents don’t they? When a husband or wife has problems they talk to each other don’t they? We can talk to Jehovah just like we talk to each other. He wants us to talk to him. We need to talk to him. We cannot get through this system of things without him.
Doesn’t it give you great comfort in knowing that the creator of all things loves us and that he wants us to follow him? He wants us to be one of his sheep? In this system we will always have issues. Problems will come and go and some may remain. Notice what Psalm chapter 55 verse 22 says, turn with me there. That’s Psalm chapter 55 verse 22 and it reads: Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, And he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.
So rely on Jehovah, pray to Jehovah, trust in Jehovah, don't rely on this system of things, throw your burdens upon Jehovah, and that’s where you will find true comfort.
.....................................................................................
Well that's about it. I like it so far, some words I may change but the source material is from the LR book chapter 31. I'll try and record it if possible. Also Jesse has a talk or bible reading. Can't remember.
And Finally, we have finished the complete name of our new baby. We had the name Joshua already for the first name and Rivera of course being the last name but we were missing a middle name. I picked Gilbert as the middle name since my name is Gilbert. So Joshua Gilbert Rivera is what the baby will be called. It will be the last baby so it made sense or at least the last baby in this system of things. Joshua is expected to arrive on the 29th of July so we are just a few weeks away from him making arrival.
Joshua Gilbert Rivera has a nice ring to it. Anyway, have a great day. Remember to pray and be safe.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday
To many emotions at the moment. I woke up around 2:30 and had trouble sleeping. I kept thinking about my mother. She's been in the hospital for sometime now and I'm hoping she gets better. I miss my father. I miss him very much.
I wish he never took drugs. He would still be alive today if it wasn't for drugs. I know that in the future he will return and that I will see him again but it's times like this that I wish I just had his shoulder.
I talked about depression and how many things can lead one to become depressed. I have mixed emotions which drives me crazy sometimes. I can be sad one minute, angry the next, and happy the next.
There are things that I am thankful for. I'm so happy that I can turn my wife and kids. I am happy that I can turn to my brothers and sisters. Of course, Jehovah who I know listens because he is the hearer of prayers. I'm so glad we can turn to him and we should even if its to say " Thank you for showing me mercy " or " Thank you for listening to my heartfelt prayer " It can be anything but you can't pray to win the lotto. You can't pray to win on a slot machine.
Prayer helps you to stop and think when making decisions. Remember, Jesus spent a whole night in prayer prior to choosing his apostles. Daily you are faced with decisions that affect yourself, your family, your brothers and your relation to God. It is appropriate to ask for direction to do God’s will. Then when you know what is pleasing to him, act decisively and with confidence that you are doing what is right.
Never hesitate to pray to keep spiritually alive. Our expressing ourselves in this vein will keep us alert to ways to maintain our spirituality. You are aware of your physical needs such as food, sleep, work and recreation. However, the spiritual needs can easily be neglected, such as the need to pray, to study God’s Word and to share it with others.
Pray for holy spirit. Jesus recommended doing just that: “How much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” Pray for it, rely on it, work for the fruitage of the spirit, for it will motivate you to preach the Kingdom good news. Just think what would be accomplished by a free flow of the holy spirit in each one’s life, helping one to grow in love, goodness and righteousness, and protecting one from being infected with the spirit of the world.
This world is sick. This world is infected with sin and there is no man made cure that can solve it. I hate what Adam and Eve has caused. Because of them, my mother sits in a hospital. We would all be healthy today if it wasn't for them. We wouldn't have to worry about death if it wasn't for them. All Eve had to do was say NO!!! " Jehovah said not to eat.
Kinda like " Don't push the red button " Why do we push? Just listen. Eve should have listened. Adam should have listened. Thank Jehovah each day that he sent his son to die for us. He made a way out. This is the part where I'm happy because at least if something does happen to her, she will be alive in the new system. She will be healthy.
Folks Have a Great Long Weekend. Please remember to be safe. Please use wisdom and remember that you can be hurt by others. Be Safe........
I wish he never took drugs. He would still be alive today if it wasn't for drugs. I know that in the future he will return and that I will see him again but it's times like this that I wish I just had his shoulder.
I talked about depression and how many things can lead one to become depressed. I have mixed emotions which drives me crazy sometimes. I can be sad one minute, angry the next, and happy the next.
There are things that I am thankful for. I'm so happy that I can turn my wife and kids. I am happy that I can turn to my brothers and sisters. Of course, Jehovah who I know listens because he is the hearer of prayers. I'm so glad we can turn to him and we should even if its to say " Thank you for showing me mercy " or " Thank you for listening to my heartfelt prayer " It can be anything but you can't pray to win the lotto. You can't pray to win on a slot machine.
Prayer helps you to stop and think when making decisions. Remember, Jesus spent a whole night in prayer prior to choosing his apostles. Daily you are faced with decisions that affect yourself, your family, your brothers and your relation to God. It is appropriate to ask for direction to do God’s will. Then when you know what is pleasing to him, act decisively and with confidence that you are doing what is right.
Never hesitate to pray to keep spiritually alive. Our expressing ourselves in this vein will keep us alert to ways to maintain our spirituality. You are aware of your physical needs such as food, sleep, work and recreation. However, the spiritual needs can easily be neglected, such as the need to pray, to study God’s Word and to share it with others.
Pray for holy spirit. Jesus recommended doing just that: “How much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” Pray for it, rely on it, work for the fruitage of the spirit, for it will motivate you to preach the Kingdom good news. Just think what would be accomplished by a free flow of the holy spirit in each one’s life, helping one to grow in love, goodness and righteousness, and protecting one from being infected with the spirit of the world.
This world is sick. This world is infected with sin and there is no man made cure that can solve it. I hate what Adam and Eve has caused. Because of them, my mother sits in a hospital. We would all be healthy today if it wasn't for them. We wouldn't have to worry about death if it wasn't for them. All Eve had to do was say NO!!! " Jehovah said not to eat.
Kinda like " Don't push the red button " Why do we push? Just listen. Eve should have listened. Adam should have listened. Thank Jehovah each day that he sent his son to die for us. He made a way out. This is the part where I'm happy because at least if something does happen to her, she will be alive in the new system. She will be healthy.
Folks Have a Great Long Weekend. Please remember to be safe. Please use wisdom and remember that you can be hurt by others. Be Safe........
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)