Hi again shikinah, i posted twice but they didn't register so I will try again. you have done so well, think of what you have achieved. helping that poor elder, the person you contacted after a lapse of some years who is now attending meetings, also that hurt inactive sister. so what if you miss some meeting due to ill health. im sure Jah is very very pleased with you extending yourself so much even with your illness. besides you would not have been able to help that nurse if you were not sick. So even in stresses times you have reached out to another hurting one. Im very sure Jah is using you sis. I sure hope there is something in the air. we are losing two of our elders, thus leaving two for our cong of about 80. we have lost two MS and another two young ones are moving to greener pastures. many don't go to meetings. This month me included. our next town has only one elder down from five . it has a huge new hall and apparently only a few rows are filled. two smaller country towns have closed down their congs. so interesting times indeed. as you say it makes it easier to look at the big picture, yes sis we may be a bit down and out at times but we are still in that race and enduring while this old system pants on to the end. Sis thinking
Hello Sister, Thank you for the encouragement, I forgot I posted about that inactive nurse. I wonder why they are building new congregations when only a few rows are filled? Perhaps it's wishful thinking. I was talking with a few people I know who are struggling in the truth they have drug habits, and not mild we are talking about crack. Why is there no support groups set up by recovered brothers for this sort of thing? In London drugs has become a big problem as it has become as cheap as alcohol. I think the J.W "charity" work should cover these areas, because just preaching and pushing major problems under the carpet is not charitable. Jesus didn't just preach, he was also concerned about the welfare of those who wanted to know the truth. He made sure people were provided for both spiritually and physically. The watchtower only provides spiritually but a person needs to be physically ready to gain full benefits of the spiritual food. I understand why JIG gets annoyed at times, if there was a more caring and giving attitude toward charity i.e lone parents, alcohol abuse, elderly etc from the top this would filter down to the brothers and sisters and create a more Christian attitude, there's more to Christianity than just preaching it also involves action and the demonstration of love..Yes preaching is vital but hours are counted and titles are given. But to give out of the goodness of your heart to help those who are struggling is also vital. With congregations closing down and buildings being sold, it makes you wonder what they do with the money? Sisterly Love Shikinah
Doubts, endurance Hey there guys. I hope all are doing well. I would like to request your prayers for my family and I. That we continue to endure until the end. My meeting attendence is still shaky. Im starting to question if I should even strive to attend them. Im also very leary of just about anything thats watchtower/ organization oriented. I know that this can become a very slippery slope because I've seen how others, on various forums have been effected by the same feelings I have now. They begin to look for the truth elsewhere and all they end up with is a bag of lies. Then they turn bitter...and eventually end up hatting God himself. I know the duration of my disfellowshipment has lead to many deep wounds and reasons for being bitter in itself. So now...here comes the doubts. What exactly am I doubting? If the organization is even worth supportng at this time. Im doubting if my family and I are even remotely bennifiting from attendng the meetings with all the trouble we go through to be there, and in the end....still leave feeling no more better or worse then we did before we attended. Everything that comes from the platform I view with a skeptical eye. And lets not even talk about the Magazines. I dont even bother as to even so much as glance at the front cover anymore. A far cry from where I used to be. There were days I would go to my Grandmother's house and steal her litterature like they were butter milk cookies in a cookie jar. (Im being serious here) The only time I stoped doing so was when she called me up one day because she had had enough. I crossed the line when I ran off with her Magazine that was already studied and prepared for the next sunday meeting along with her 10 commandments movie with the charles H. guy.. She threatend to call the authorites on me if I didnt return it immediately. (She really would've done it) I dont know if I'm losing faith, or if Im experiancng a lack of trust.Whatever.... I pray that I never EVER come to the point that I doubt God himself or his Son. I may doubt everything else, But God please....dont allow me to become so dark and wicked to where I doubt or hate you or your Son. If that should every happen I would hope someone would just treat me like a sick horse and put me out of my missery. I suppose Im just dont understand how its counted as faithful to 'Brother Tough It Out' to remain [ within/ under ] a corrupt leadership as opposed to 'Brother Cant Take It Anymore" who decides enough is enough and that its better to just stay home and read his bible. O'well...questions, questions, questions. If you guys dont mind sending up a prayer or two, I would be deeply thankful. Thanks.
Hi Gabe, yes I will mention you both in my prayers..off course! It is hard isn't it...I too think of staying home and just studying the bible and live by his commands. I guess I have more incentive than you, I still have a son and his family trying to go and do their best and perhaps..they are waking up just a little bit to the tatt....just a little. I just ponder on ones like the prophetess Anna, who percervered when it must have been just awfull going to the temple. yet she was rewarded for it....that has to mean something or indicate something to us. Jesus still preached in the temple as did the apostles....that also indicates something to us. Remember there is still wheat among the weeds.......I'm not big on reading the mags like you but I do push (sometimes)myself and find a few gems there. It would seem things are happening ( not fast enough for me mind) in Jahs house as to it being cleansed. the lawsuits are happening now, over here in Australia we are waiting to see what will happen. with the Royal Commision into sexual abuses, I'm hoping that will open up the flood gates and more discipline and cleansing will take place. I have never known so many changes to be happening with in the org. It is happening Gabe and we are probably only seeing just a little bit of it coming out. It's just that it seems to be taking sooo long and we are so very tired and dis en heartened with what is about us. what else is going to come out that we know nothing about as of now? Its not even like we take pleasure in seeing Jah s house being shamed, I certainly don't but it's just that we know once it is the end is near. At least gabe know that others are finding it like you, sure these words might sound encouraging. yet I still am unable to get out of bed for days at a time sometimes, it seems as Tho i am just drowning in greif. I also rant to Jehovah that this is just too much, it's just too cruel. how can he expect me to go on, so fustrated knowing he has the power to bring him back in a nano second and yet I have to wait!!!! then ( probably with his help) I think nothing is going to change at this time. there are others that depend on me, such is the responsibility of knowing the truth about the truth. ones like us can not hide away Gabe, we have been blessed and with that blessing comes responsibility. your stuck like me..you have your sons and wife...you no doubt have other family members also. you have responsibilities......you can not give up....you have to keep enduring...this is yours and mine Testing time. jehovah is watching us to see how our characters are building in a time of pressure. to see wether we really are worthy of him. this system isn't finished yet, the goats and sheep are still to be judged . so therefore your sons still have time...don't give up on them Gabe.......Jehovah hasn't given up on you and me....they need to be shown that mercy too...from you Gabe. You know gabe...what helps me. I imagine seeing my son coming towards me saying Hey mum what's going on?....so what do you want to see in the New system....imagine gabe, really really bring it to life. Like you could just reach out and touch it.... dont give up little brother, we need you!!!!!!! heaps of Love Sis Thinking xx
Im either a big softy or youre extremely skilled with making a guy like me helpless fighting back a tear jerker . I feel like an idiot when I think about what you've gone through, my beautiful sister. We all have our trials and many have loads heavier than our own to carry. Your strength gives me strength. Funny how that works, isn't it? I will keep you in my prayers as well, Thinking. I have no doubt that Jehovah is sustaining you because there are many who would've caved after going through what you yourself is currently enduring....with power beyond what is normal, Im sure. I pray that I too can do the same with Fathers help and blessing.
Your a big softy! And yeah we really do need each other, and Jehovah is using each and every one of us to up build the other, I guess it's called being a family. Xx
Hi Gabriel I'll be keeping you and Mrs Gabriel in my prayers also. You have a beautiful heart. I am amazed and encouraged by the faith and endurance that everyone shows here. And I'm encouraged too, by the way they keep on persevering despite trials. May Jehovah continue to support all of us. Gabriel, I'm sending HUGE bear hugs to you and your wife, along with a good ol' Aussie "blokey" slap on the shoulder. Wallflower
Haha! Thanks Wildflower. I can feel the bear Hug and slap on the shoulder way over here!! I will keep you in my prayers also. You've always been so generous with your words of encouragement and support. I trust that our lord Jesus Christ will repay the love you've shown for others more than what anyone can count
Gabriel, Brother your not alone..I actually feel as if I am having to drag myself..and like sister Thinking I find myself in bed for several days every month..I'm not too well and have missed quite a few meetings, but even when I'm feeling better I find myself inventing excuses which is terrible. I just brows the mags then put them down, on a good day I may find the effort to study it, but that's when I get a reminder from my study. You'd think I'd be glad to get out of the house, considering I'm housebound at present. I dread seeing the hypocritical smiles and the "how are you's" which just confirm why I prefer to stay at home. But like thinking I have a grandson I study with, and a son who believes the truth, which gives me the incentive not to throw the towel in. I'm from a large family, and have noticed at least once a month satan will cause trouble perhaps three events in a row, which will knock me for six, and I never see it coming. But if I was out of the truth I often wonder how would I cope, would Jehovah's spirit still help me cope when times get hard? And the longer you leave off going the harder it is. All you can both do, is pray and ask Jehovah for the strength to cope with how you are feeling. I found this definition of endurance.. bite the bullet To suffer pain without expressing fear; to grit one’s teeth and do what has to be done. This phrase derives from the supposed practice of giving a wounded soldier a bullet to bite on to channel his reaction to intense pain. This practice preceded the first use of anesthesia (in the U.S.) in 1844. By 1891, the phrase was used figuratively. So if your content and finding it easy attending meetings, then this isn't endurance this isn't biting the bullet to redirect your attention from the pain. If your not affected by the lack of spiritual food, disturbing court cases and lack of love then you must like it that way. "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" 2 Corithians 4:16-18 I will pray for you Gabriel, rome wasn't built in a day. Just hold on in there and don't let go, especially now that we are seeing such changes both in and out of the congregation we haven't got long now. All the best Shikinah
Hi Gabriel, if we are not having trouble enduring then we are not in the truth, if you liked things the way they are you would have a problem, but because of your love of righteousness and your fear of losing your love for Jehovah, shows that your heart is in the right place. One thing I do is pray before going to the meeting, and ask Jehovah if he would help me see the good amongst the bad, we are living in a time in history where we could be part of a group that may be able to help those wheat among the weeds, this just may be what Jehovah can use us for as we approach the end. the very fact that all these things are being exposed shows that we are close to Christs authentic return. It is all in his hands, and all we can do is try and remain faithful, sure we will miss meetings as its so hard to go at times, but hang on because your deliverance is near. My prayers are with you and your wife as they are with all the board members here. My problem is similar to yours trust, mainly of people in the KH. but there are good ones there and Jehovah knows their hearts, and there is still good food in the mags and coming from the platform, I take this away with me and try to ignore the bad as I know its coming from the MOL, which was prophecied to occur in the final days before Christs return. It is hard but if we were having it easy then that would be the problem, these trials help us to rely on Jehovah for endurance, and in turn the blessing that this endurance will help us when the GT starts, we are really in a more favorable possition for what we do know, as many b/s will have to make a choice the org with the leaders the GB or Jehovah and his Son, Satan has done a good job turning the faith into an idol, and many are blinded to it, but Jehovah is revealing this through their own publications, hopefully the wheat will see. Obedience is still the key. Love panda
8/17/13 Jesus returns only once, and that is when he comes in kingdom glory; at which time he will accomplish everything in connection with his presence. (Matt. 25:31-33; Heb. 9:28) Jesus told his disciples: “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour and a moment when you do not anticipate it.†(Luke 12:40; AB) Why would his own disciples not anticipate the hour of his return, and be caught off guard, although having been given ample signs to help them stay awake? (Matt. 24:44; 25:13) One way in which Jesus might come upon his disciples "at an hour that you do not think likely," could well be on account of them having false expectations and being "dead," that is, having neither his nor his Father's approval. That was the case of the congregation in Sardis, to whom Jesus wrote: "I know your deeds, that you have the name that you are alive, but you are dead. Become watchful, and strengthen the things remaining that were ready to die, for I have not found your deeds fully performed before my God. Therefore, continue mindful of how you have received and how you heard, and go on keeping it, and repent. Certainly unless you wake up, I shall come as a thief, and you will not know at all what hour I shall come upon you." (Rev. 3:1-3) Clearly, any congregation that resembles anything like the one in Sardis, will not anticipate Jesus' unexpected return. Take our organization as a whole for example: We have been taught for over a hundred years that Jesus returned back in 1914, and has been "present" [his parousia] ever since; pointing to the signs since then as evidence. But according to Jesus' own words, the signs he gave regarding his future presence would be prove, not that he is now here, already present—but of the nearness of his presence. (Matt. 24:32,33; Luke 21:29-31) Being mistaken about 1914 means that we are also mistaken in our expectations about Christ's return; for we are not in expectation of things that we believe have already occurred. Can you see how Jesus will come "at a time you do not think to be it," or "not likely," upon the majority of us? It should be noted, however, that those of God's people who are taught by holy spirit, and who have refused to put their trust in the shifting teachings of men, will not be caught unawares. That is why Paul wrote: "But you, brothers, you are not in darkness, so that that day should overtake you as it would thieves, for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We belong neither to night nor to darkness." (1 Thess. 5:4,5; Psalms 146:3,5; 1 Cor. 2:10) Not just Jesus, but also other Bible writers foretold many events in connection with the time leading up to Jesus' presence that would have drastic consequences on God's people within his temple, his household. These prophecies we are now seeing undergoing fulfillment, and they should help keep us awake. (1 Cor. 3:16,17; 1 Tim. 3:15) http://perimeno.ca/FoodforThought.htm
Thank you Panda, I always find Perimeno's words so up building and comforting. God's people are God's temple today! (1 Cor. 3:16) Do you ever stop and meditate on what that really means for you — the blessings, and the responsibility that are included; and how it touches your everyday life? Just think: You belong to God, no, not because you dedicated yourself to him, but rather because he purchased you at great cost to himself. (Rom. 14:8; 1 Cor. 6:19,20; 1 Peter 1:18,19) God's spirit dwells in you! That indicates that you are someone precious to Jehovah, for he does not give his holy spirit to just anyone. (Matt. 7:6) He takes a personal interest in you and the things you do, because everything that involves you also involves his temple. Paul explains to what extent Jehovah is concerned about you: "If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you people are." (1 Cor. 3:17; Zech. 2:8; Psalms 105:14,15) Therefore, Jehovah is alert to listen to your prayers, and he will come to your assistance because you, along with your fellow worshipers, are “being built up together into a place for God to inhabit by spirit.†(Prov. 15:8; Eph. 2:21,22) It is God's holy spirit that gives you the power to succeed in making adjustments in your personality that you are struggling with, thereby reflecting more closely the glory of your heavenly Father. Every day you become more like him, in the same way that Jesus reflected God's glory in his personality. And others will be able to notice these changes in you. (John 14:9; Eph. 4:20-24; Gal. 5:22,23; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 1:3) It is God's holy spirit that teaches you and enables you to know the truth; and also helps you to discern between the "inspired expression of error" as taught by the foretold false prophets, and the "inspired expression of truth" that originates with God, which no fleshly minded person can receive. (John 14:26; Luke 10:21; 1 Cor. 2:10, 14; 1 John 4:1, 6) Yes, God’s temple is holy, “which temple you people areâ€! That is why Jehovah is not ashamed to be identified with you, calling you his son or daughter. (2 Cor. 6:17,18; Gal. 3:26; Heb. 11:16) For all these reasons your precious relationship with your heavenly Father ., for only you have the power to destroy it. (Rom. 8:31-39; Jude 21) I've listed a few points below which helps us to understand why we are under so much pressure from satan, and why the man of lawlessness, deliberately tones down how "special" we are to Jehovah, and how we are constantly reminded about the "undeserved kindness". If you continually told an adopted child that he didn't deserve the care you were giving him, slowly over time he would start to feel that everything he did for you was in vain and your love was unattainable. This is how I often feel, when I hear the constant reminders of how sinful we are and how undeserving Christ's gift is, this fact is very true but below are listed the reasons, why Jehovah see's us as special and as a crown of beauty in his hand. We individually are a spiritual stone, while Jesus is the corner stone, we are being prepared and polished to reflect Jehovah's glory of true light through his Holy spirit, it's almost like a metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly, but with us, it's a slow tough transition, where we are battling a spiritual storm, when all the while the inner spiritual person is being moulded and shaped, tried & tested and finally prepared for completion of this beautiful temple which no literal stone temple could ever compare as this will be a literal reflection of Jehovah brought about by the sacrifice of his anointed son Christ Jesus. So anytime we feel down, unworthy, or feel like giving up, just remember Jehovah purchased us at the greatest cost because he loves us. 1.purchased you at great cost to himself 2.God's spirit dwells in you 3.He takes a personal interest in you 4.which temple you people are 5.he will come to your assistance 6.being built up together into a place for God to inhabit by spirit.†7.Every day you become more like him 8.It is God's holy spirit that teaches you and enables you to know the truth; 9.is worth safe guarding at all cost 10. for only you have the power to destroy it.
That was very touching, sister Thinking. Thanks for your heartfelt post. We all have our own wounds and Satan knows where to hit so it hurts the most. Even though our respective situations and burdens may be different, we're all in the same boat and all need encouragements and strength to cope with them. Gabe, you are in my prayers too and I'm sure that Jehovah will help you to find a way out of this situation and give you back joy and satisfaction in his service for him. At first, it may not be what we expected but in the long run, we'll realize Jehovah's solution for us was the most lasting and wisest possible. We all have our share of worries and troubles and also moments when it's harder to cope with them. I do too, especially next week which is gonna be tough for me. Jehovah knows what you're going through, understands your feelings and your worries. You have the luck to have beautiful children and a wife on whom you can count on. They are a priceless gift and your concerns are understandable. Please, never give up leaning on Him no matter what ! and on us whenever you need it !
Next week is going to be tough for you.? ........must be getting married hey no ..jokes aside..whatever it is I hope you will be okay Utuna!!!!!!!
thank you Shikinah for relaying this experience Even though its shocking - the situation, the handling of the situation and the outright neglect of the WT. it's encouraging to me to see an elder showing disgust and exposing the wrongs going on in the organisation. Because for me I'm dumbfounded how the b+s do not speak out about these deplorable acts and lack of handling these matters in a loving and just way. Good to see some of them have a conscience.
Indeed! Lol. The wifie and I still have a long way to go....getting ourselves up to spiritual health. Its all a process ya know. But at least now we can focus on that without the additional burden of ostracism. Thank you guys so much for your support. Utuna perhaps someday when I get the nerve to fly again I can visit you in Paris and we can enjoy some cheese and crackers! Of course I would have to brush up on my french....