If you are of some age, and have developed talents, what is your gift? Writing, researching , accuracy, free-thinker, imaginative, creative, enthusiastic, solemn and deep-thinking, quiet and observing, outgoing to a fault....thinker,tinker,candlestick maker...carpenter, demolisher, cook or dishwasher? Somewhere, in some way...you have gifts from God. You may not have thought about that much...but Jesus Christ knows them, as he and his Father designed you (as well as everyone), and our DNA blueprint is well known to them. How can you use them to benefit others here, and in your personal life? Don't be shy, go out and speak, write, encourage, give your thoughts, opinions, experiences, and joys. Read God's word, and share your reflections. We all have them, and we all can learn...no...we all must learn from each other. That is how the body of Christ works. "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to have a life worthy of the calling you received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and in all, and through all. "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says, "When he ascended on high he took many captives and gave gifts to his people." Ps. 68:18 Share your life and work talents and time with others, to God's glory and the happiness of others. This is Jesus' way; "There is more happiness in giving , than receiving." Acts 20:35
Hmm....let's see. Analyst - detail oriented. Almost photographic memory - can recite lengthy lists of items which I haven't looked at in several years, due to a change in occupation. Yet I have to search for car keys and lipsticks on an almost daily basis. (How does that work?)
one of the things as said "It really chaps my hide" is the WT direction to change ones profession to the usual mold dictated by the society ..(unless of course one has loads of cash to contribute , as do those in very public professions) as those who remain in the profession in which the Lord finds them has more opportunity to connect with others and to teach within those spheres .. 1Cor 7 Concerning Change of Status 17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing.Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. 21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person;similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave do not become slaves of human beings.24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Why change to just knock on doors to houses when you have a whole profession or field of endeavor where one can "spread" the table of the kingdom transformation is of the mind and heart not field of work where one is able to both earn a living and made useful for Kingdom interests (as it appears Paul was a tent maker by trade as the trades of others are also mentioned) one can use any field wherein one works as also a useful field for planting .
Yes it aggravates me to no end that a common person is held under thumb by the rules of your local kingdom Hall elders but if you have money you can sing nasty sexual lyrics gyrate your pelvis and horndog all night as long as you dump money on the watchtower men's laps! And still not be disfellowshiped! But let me tell a local elder go jump in the lake and I'd be in a judicial meeting quick
Hiya John, thankyou so much for your encouraging post, I write a fair bit as I find it easier to express what I want to say or put across, unfortunately I have been criticized for doing so, criticized for sharing my writing although it is all scripturally backed, I was told that I am not a teacher & shouldn't be sharing my posts. This had really upset me to the point of nearly stumbling me. I have never professed to be a teacher or pretended to be, far from it, I am not worthy of such a position, of any position, all I am is just an imperfect man, a sinner who is trying to find his way. I have a great & deep love for God & His Son & the desire to share what I have learned from them. They have been with me throughout my journey, through my ups & downs, to the point where I was at my lowest, yet they never abandoned me & I strongly believe that they want me to think freely, to learn freely & not to be a slave of men, not to be like a robot taking orders without question, we are told to check out all things all inspired teachings are we not. I answer only to God & Christ, I share what understanding I am graciously given. We are all learning gaining knowledge & understanding but we are not all at the same level, some are more advanced than others but it is not a crime to be a spiritual babe or less advanced & one should not be criticized for it, I always try my best to always encourage anyone whatever level they may be at who reads my posts either on the forums or on my facebook page (The Father, The Son & The Holy Spirit), always encouraging them to research what I have written, read the scriptures that I quote & any other related ones. I write because I want to & feel the need to as I want to give something back to my Father in heaven & to Christ for all they have done forme, for us, I only wish to glorify them, I certainly do not wish to gain any kind of status for myself, praise or a following, on the contrary, all I want to do is help give encouragement & help bring people closer to God & His son, did not Christ instruct to share God's word? By doing so does that make us teachers? (Mark 16:15, Matthew 24:14, Psalms 96:3, Matthew 28:19-20) Anyway thankyou once again John for your kind post.
Thankyou very much for your excellent post, this is so relevant to my experiences, wow! Excellent scriptural examples! Thankyou once again!
Ecclesiastes 2:24 We only have a few productive years to make a contribution to men. And when we are raising children, then it is less time for that , as so much effort is required to raise them. We are now in a generation that is wise in its own eyes, and shuns wisdom of the elderly. The 'chip' age...and 'chipsters'...are not as smart as they think, either. Until they learn to be still and listen to the more experienced, they will never learn much anyway....most of them. But, I don't worry, because in the end, mankind will get a whole new start, and have a lot of help via the New Heavens coming to remodel them. Don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't do, because that is slavery. If you are free, pursue life and the interests you are born with. You may become wealthy, even in this video-game world we are in...or you may go hungry as an artist or a struggling minstrel. But at least you will attain fulfillment in doing what you were designed to do. I am currently gone back to work at a place I quit a month ago. I'm having heart issues right now, as it is night work, and management doesn't want me there. I tried to find something in my line of work,but didn't; had to go back to this other. We can pray for suitable , and peaceful work, regardless what it is, as long as it's honest, and pays the bills. And we can rejoice in the salary when it comes, and try not to think too much about what we have to put up with in the meantime. This is all temporary, and will be washed away by time, and power soon. Hang in there brothers and sisters...it's all temporary, and soon the long-time epoch of eternal life will pick us up and save us from this present messed-up satanic scene.