Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-03-04A WT Study (Abbreviated)

by blondie 9 Replies latest watchtower bible

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  blondie

  Comments You Will Not Hear at the SUNDAY 10-03-04a WT Study (August 15, 2004 issue) ABBREVIATED

  Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()

  WT quotes

  will be in red and quotes ""

  Quotes from other sources

  will be in blue

  TIRED BUT NOT TIRING OUT

  "Jehovah, the Creator of the extremities of the earth?is giving to the tired one power; and to the one without dynamic energy he makes full might about.?Isaiah 40:28,29

  www.biblegateway.com /cgi-bin/bible

  Opening Comments

  I guess I am tired folks. This is the real article and will be abbreviated. All WT Study conductors do this once in awhile.

  START OF ARTICLE

  Paragraphs 1-4

  Christians (buzzword which means only JWs) are also offered "seasons of refreshing."

  Refreshing effects of learning Bible truths (really WT "truths" that flipflop), having a bright hope for the future (not being one of the 6 billion people including babies scheduled for destruction in the NEAR FUTURE), and applying Jehovah?s principles in your life (really written and unwritten WT rules).

  Some may feel that their Christian (JW) responsibilities have become a burden rather than a refreshing load?such negative feelings may pose a serious danger to a Christian?s relationship with Jehovah (this really means that too many JWs are not attending meetings).

  Tragic events?followed by a rash of persecution?cause them to lose their trust in Jehovah (translation: lose their trust in the WTS).

  We may become emotionally and spiritually paralyzed, even lose our desire to worship Jehovah.

  Translation: Lose our desire to attend 5 meetings weekly and go door to door 10 hours monthly calling on people who aren?t at home.

  Christianity is Not Oppressive

  Paragraphs 5-7

  Being a Christian (JW) requires vigorous exertion.

  What better cause could there be than that of sharing wonderful Bible truths (WT publications and interpretations) with our neighbors (that we are told to avoid associating with otherwise).

  *** w01 8/15 p. 19 Abraham?An Example of Faith ***

  By keeping on the move and establishing himself as a worshiper of Jehovah in each new location, Abram and his household "publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land." (Hebrews 11:13) All the while, they avoided getting too close to their pagan neighbors. Christians today must likewise remain "no part of the world." (John 17:16) While we are kind and courteous to our neighbors and work associates, we are careful not to get entangled in behavior that reflects the spirit of the world alienated from God.?Ephesians 2:2, 3.

  *** w94 2/15 p. 24 Keep Your Distance When Danger Threatens ***

  We must also be on guard against extended association with worldly people. Perhaps it is a neighbor, a school friend, a workmate, or a business associate. We may reason, ?He respects the Witnesses, he leads a clean life, and we do talk about the truth occasionally.? Yet, the experience of others proves that in time we may even find ourselves preferring such worldly company to that of a spiritual brother or sister.

  Compared with the spiritual darkness of those who remain under the yoke of false religion (any religion except JWs).

  God has tender love for us and does not place unreasonable demands on us (but the WTS does?no beards for men, determining the proper length of a sister?s skirt, who can be in your wedding, where your wedding can be, what color the public speaker?s shirt can be, )

  True Christianity (JWs only)?is not oppressive. Clearly our form of worship does not cause weariness and discouragement.

  Yes, the burdens of the WTS are not causing people to tire out and leave!!!

  "Put Off Every Weight"

  Paragraphs 8-11

  Any spiritual tiredness we experience is often the result of the added weight placed on us by this corrupt system of things.

  Negatives forces?nonessentials can complicate and disturb our Christian (JW) routine.

  And what could those negative forces be?

  The world?s preoccupation with prominence, money, entertainment, travel for pleasure, and other material pursuits can influence our thinking.

  What are the topics for conversation at the KH? Elders and MS jockeying for "special privileges," business deals and products promoted to fellow JWs, the latest movie, video game, new restaurant, etc., the last cruise someone took (definitely not a trip to Bethel), trips to DisneyWorld, new houses and cars, new clothes, hairdos, etc, etc. The first R-rated movie I ever saw was at an elder?s house.

  When we feel tired and discouraged in our service to God, could it be because the pursuit of material things is smothering our spirituality?

  Could it be all the WT lies we are discovering on the Internet?

  Sometimes what complicates our lives is, not the pursuit of more things, but what we do with the things we already have.

  Some may experience emotional fatigue as a result of challenging health problems, the loss of loved ones, or other distressing problems.

  One married couple decided to eliminate some of their hobbies and nonessential projects and literally packed all the materials?and put them out of sight.

  (The picture shows an 18 x 18 x 18" box?a few videos, her scrapbooking stuff, what would fit in a box that small. Why didn?t they toss it? Are they going to get it out later when they find some spare time?!)

  *** w83 11/1 p. 26 Duties or Pleasures?Which Do You Put First? ***

  We may derive much pleasure from pursuing some hobby. But here, too, we must exercise self-control and put first things first. What if our hobby puts us in the bad company of people who smoke and use profane language? Or what if our hobby is too costly, is injurious to our health or works a hardship on our family? If this is the case, would it not be appropriate to change to another hobby?

  But even if our hobby or pastime has no objectionable features, we should be careful to keep it in its place. A married man may be fond of bowling. But if his family cannot enjoy bowling with him, it would be wise and loving if he curtailed this activity. Nor would he want to go to a bowling tournament if that would mean neglecting attendance at a Christian assembly. What is true of bowling, of course, applies with equal force to other leisure activities such as hiking, swimming or boating.

  Reasonableness and Modesty Essential

  Paragraphs 12-15

  Our own errors, even in small matters, can gradually complicate our lives.

  Some have felt under pressure to keep pace with what others do in the Christian ministry.

  Who makes comparisons? The individual or the WTS?

  True, the good example of fellow Christians can encourage us to serve Jehovah wholeheartedly, but practical wisdom and reasonableness will help us to set realistic goals according to our own circumstances.

  Remember these statements?

  w87 2/1 p. 15 Doing Our Utmost to Declare the Good News ***

  "A FEW years ago, many of us thought that only those with special circumstances could pioneer," wrote a pioneer, or full-time minister, in Japan. "It seems we were wrong. We are learning that only those with special circumstances cannot pioneer."

  km 2/90 p. 3 Showing Trust in Jehovah by Pioneering ***

  The Watchtower of November 15, 1982, encouraged each one of us to ask: "Can I really justify before Jehovah the fact that I am not a pioneer?"

  Develop balanced habits?.

  Go to bead about the same time every night?.

  Exercise regularly

  Regularly eat wholesome meals

  Now an example to compare you with a sister with cancer yet she is a full-time minister. What is her secret?

  Be alone and totally quiet?calm solitude?read and rest

  See not going to the meetings is a good thing.

  Jehovah God Energizes

  Paragraphs 16-18

  We may get physically tired, but never will we tire of worshiping him..

  We just can?t do it at the KH where the worship/obedience to the WTS outweighs obeying God.

  A missionary?for 43 years?rise early?spend time in prayer to Jehovah and read his Word (and WTS publications).

  This is especially helpful to those who feel discouraged because of advancing age and ill health (not all of us with ill health are advanced in age!)

  Compare themselves with what they once were?

  Good works that we have already done are indelibly recorded in God?s memory?

  Works = salvation in WTS docitrine.

  What we have done in the past is of no consequence if you make a mistake just before the finishing line according to the WTS.

  Do Not Give Up

  Paragraphs 19-22

  Many believe that vigorous physical activity on a regular basis can alleviate tiredness.

  Who are the many? Source?.

  Similarly, regular spiritual activities (meeting attendance, door to door work) can help relieve any feelings of emotional or spiritual exhaustion.

  What if meeting attendance and door the door work at the cause?

  Doing good things for others?.

  Association and activities with people who disregard God?s laws can become a tiring burden .

  God?s laws or WT rules?

  We do well to avoid the company of those who dwell on negative thoughts

  Such as those at the meetings where everyone but JWs are spoken of as doomed to destruction, that non-JWs are "corpses"?

  Prone to find fault and criticize others

  Judging, gossiping, condemning non-JWs are sexually loose and perverted when the WTS hides and protects pedophiles and punishes the victims for speaking out.

  www.silentlambs.com

  Christian meetings?can infuse us with spiritual energy

  Encourage one another with refreshing instruction and association

  Strive to be upbuilding when commenting

  Counsel should be refreshing

  Worshiping Jehovah in this time of the end involves work

  Concluding Comments

  Sorry for doing the wrong article.

  I guess I should have been at the meetings then I wouldn?t be tired.

  The WTS is once again blaming the publishers for being tired and discouraged not taking responsibility for loading up these people and discouraging them with the unloving acts they experience and see in the congregation.

  I can remember trying to get help and being told I was the problem. That if I was truly doing things God?s ways I would have no problems.

  What about you?

  Blondie
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  Elsewhere

  True Christianity (JWs only)?is not oppressive. Clearly our form of worship does not cause weariness and discouragement.

  Translation: Any burdens you are experiencing are NOT from the WTS. It's not our fault your life sucks! Oh, but you better keep doing everything we are telling you to do!
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  ezekiel3

  You are the best WT conductor I've ever had, even if you make me study two at a time!

  I started a topic on the "Hobby" picture when this WT was first released: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/12/74723/1.ashx

  It is the WT studies (and the general JW feeding program) are the direct cause "of tiring out". There is nothing exciting or enthralling about being a JW today. What do you expect a group of people who have given up thier lives for broken promises to do?

  Ooo! Ooo! I know: Put your hobbies in box so that you can spend your time leaving magazines in laudromats because no one else will take them.

  Give me a break.
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  cyber-sista

  We do well to avoid the company of those who dwell on negative thoughts

  (Such as those at the meetings where everyone but JWs are spoken of as doomed to destruction, that non-JWs are "corpses")?

  EXACTLY!!! The longer I am away from JW thinking (and seeing a therapist--who by the way is quite shocked by many of the JW teachings) I realize how much of the thinking that I was indoctrinated with were extremely negative.

  JWs view everything outside of the Org as negative or as of little use. About the time this magazine about the hobbies came out I got a very sad email from a sister who has always been seriously depression. She had boxed up many of her hobbies and things as she felt as if they were preventing her from fully serving Jehovah and because of her health and depression she never could and felt terribly guilty about it, but obviously she wasn't happy about getting rid of these few little things that brought some joy into her life. She said she was sitting there in her empty living room feeling totally numb not knowing what to do next. (Now I wonder if she had just received this magazine).

  JWs are taught to view everything with suspicion and even hatred and paranoia--books, magazines, movies, people who are not JW. It creates such an atmosphere of nevativity in ones life no surprise many JWs suffer from depression as their whole view of the world is depressed.

  Go to bead about the same time every night?.

  Blondie certainly this is a typo. I had visions of JWs sitting around a table making strands of love beads at night. I wonder what would happen to those few ultra obeidient JWs if the WT ever made a typo like this?....
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  garybuss

  
  
  These articles are really upbeat. I see why Witnesses are flocking to Kingdom Halls in record numbers to run through this happy article and others recently like it. They have become their own worst enemy.
  
  I am happy to report I will be home watching football, a not too atypical ex Witness activity I am told:-)
  
  
  
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  heathen

  Another great WT study ..... The old guilt trip has taken another ride . Don't even think about enjoying time with your family but spend all your time thinking about how much more you can do for the ORG..... I don't think I've ever seen a congregation BBQ or anything that can be considered recreation organized . So people are prone to like bowling but I think the WTBTS is looking at it like well if you have the money to do that you need to support the world preaching work , in a roundabout way that's the message I'm receiving on my end . It still disgusts me the demands they are putting on women as far as dr2dr work . IMO there is no demand in the bible for women to participate in the public preaching work at all . They are in serious error and are too stupid to see it .
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  yesidid

  Thanks Blondie, You have made the Watchtower "readable". Your work and insights are really appreciated yesidid
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  4JWY

  A married man may be fond of bowling. But if his family cannot enjoy bowling with him, it would be wise and loving if he curtailed this activity.

  What a bunch of BS!

  I gladly accept that my husband has his own individual interests/hobbies and goes off and rides his bicycle for hours at a time if he wants to! Being happily married for 25 years, I feel that is" wise and loving" to allow him the freedom to do what is so meaningful to him, and what keeps him healthy mentally and physically. I wouldn't dream of expecting that I should try to keep up with him on my bicycle or insist that he give up riding to stay home with me.
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  Flash

  We do well to avoid the company of those who dwell on negative thoughts... Prone to find fault and criticize others

  Translation - Stay away from anyone who scrutinizes and is vocal about their disagreements with the GB's decisions or viewpoints. No one is to ever 'make sure' the GB is positions are correct, every member of the congregation is to accept 'without question' all of their positions as if they came from GOD HIMSELF!!

  I can remember trying to get help and being told I was the problem. That if I was truly doing things God?s ways I would have no problems. What about you?

  Blondie

  I haven't been told that personaly, though I've heard that regularly from the platform and WT's during my time with the WTS. NEVER have I heard from the GB that their ALL CONSUMING 'spiritual program' was any part of the problem!
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  blondie

  Elsewhere, isn?t that the "truth."

  Translation: Any burdens you are experiencing are NOT from the WTS. It's not our fault your life sucks! Oh, but you better keep doing everything we are telling you to do!

  Whenever I went to an elder with a problem, it was always "well, what did you do? If you were a better Christian, you wouldn?t have this problem"

  Ezekiel3,

  started a topic on the "Hobby" picture when this WT was first released:

  I remembered that. You get the magazines before I do. I like to wait until the week of because it is takes enough endurance to comment on it once.

  I still wonder why they didn?t give away the hobbies. They were never going to have any extra spare time in the future.

  Cyber-sista,

  What a sad experience.

  About the time this magazine about the hobbies came out I got a very sad email from a sister who has always been seriously depression. She had boxed up many of her hobbies and things as she felt as if they were preventing her from fully serving Jehovah and because of her health and depression she never could and felt terribly guilty about it, but obviously she wasn't happy about getting rid of these few little things that brought some joy into her life. She said she was sitting there in her empty living room feeling totally numb not knowing what to do next.

  You can bet that the elders and their wives and their children didn?t box up any of their "hobbies." They went out and bought more. And she was probably still looked down upon in the congregation and these people were held up as paragons.

  Gary,

  Yes, it is called the guilt and shame brigade.

  I am happy to report I will be home watching football, a not too atypical ex Witness activity I am told:-)

  I know quite a few brothers that "missed" the meetings on big game days, including the elders. One elder used to schedule out of town jobs and watched the games in his hotel room, and say he went to the meetings. He started hanging out at the sports bars and met a "honey" that he left his wife for. Look what football can lead to.

  Heathen

  , I surprised they haven?t found a way to ban sex between spouses.

  So people are prone to like bowling

  They bring up that the people are "worldly" and smoke, drink and swear. (Not like at sports bars**see above)

  It still disgusts me the demands they are putting on women as far as dr2dr work . IMO there is no demand in the bible for women to participate in the public preaching work at all . They are in serious error and are too stupid to see it .

  Heathen, if the women didn?t do it, it wouldn?t get done. The numbers would zoom into the toilet.

  Thanks, yesidid,

  Your work and insights are really appreciated yesidid

  I enjoy your comments as someone still on the inside. Don?t be shy.

  4JWY

  I gladly accept that my husband has his own individual interests/hobbies and goes off and rides his bicycle for hours at a time if he wants to! Being happily married for 25 years, I feel that is" wise and loving" to allow him the freedom to do what is so meaningful to him, and what keeps him healthy mentally and physically. I wouldn't dream of expecting that I should try to keep up with him on my bicycle or insist that he give up riding to stay home with me.

  Good points, and I?m sure you have a healthy marriage. Irreverent and I have personal time on our own too.

  Very good point, Flash,

  every member of the congregation is to accept 'without question' all of their positions as if they came from GOD HIMSELF

  !All excellent insights, everyone.