What God's Word Can Do to Us

The wise King Solomon said, "To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion [to them] is wearisome to the flesh." (Ecclesiastes 12:12) This is true as regards the endless publication of books today, which would sometimes wear us down when we try to read many of them.

However, there is a book that is not only delightful and refreshing to read, but can also help us in every aspect of our lives. This book contains guidance, laws and principles that are not burdensome to follow at all but are a source of pleasure if we truly endeavor to apply them in our lives. 

God's Word is as refreshing as the raindrops

"The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul.
The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, 
making the inexperienced one wise.
The orders from Jehovah are upright, 
causing the heart to rejoice;
The commandment of Jehovah is clean, 
making the eyes shine.
The fear of Jehovah is pure, standing forever.
The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true;
they have proved altogether righteous.
They are more to be desired than gold, 
yes, than much refined gold;
And sweeter than honey and the flowing honey 
of the combs."
- Psalm 19:7-10

Yes, God's Word, the Bible, is not wearisome to read, but instead, it is a healing to the soul. Isn't it worth our time and effort to read it daily?

(NOTE: In quoting this Scripture, I employed the original rendition of the Hebrew Scriptures with regards  the use of God's personal name.)

Does God Really Care About Us?

Since we live in a world full of cruelty and injustice, many people feel that there is no God, or if there is, he doesn't care about us at all. Many religious leaders teach that the sufferings we experience are God's will, a teaching that turns people away from God and makes them more alienated from him, let alone hate him.

The truth is, God never causes wickedness and sufferings. Job 34:10 says, " Far be it from the true God to act wickedly, and the Almighty to act unjustly!" 

Actually, God has a loving purpose for humans. That is why Jesus taught us to pray: "Our Father in the heavens, let...your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." (Matthew 6:9,10) God cares so deeply about us that he has made arrangements to provide ways in order to fulfill his purpose. "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) The fact that Jesus has already given his life for us guarantees that soon, all wickedness and sufferings will be gone and that righteous mankind who put faith in God and Jesus will attain eternal life in the new world.

While waiting for the fulfillment of God's purpose, we can make our lives meaningful and satisfying right now, knowing that God cares about us. When we experience adversities or when the wickedness around us becomes too much to bear, this Scripture helps a lot: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;  while you throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6,7)

Loving Our Enemies

“I say to you who are listening, Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you.” 

- Luke 6:27,28

True followers of Jesus Christ, those who take his teachings to heart and imitate his paramount example in living a godly life, are often subject to ridicule, hatred, opposition and persecution, just as what Jesus himself experienced in the hands of his enemies. Their being set apart from worldly ways makes them "strangers" among mankind. Because of this, they are being misunderstood and misrepresented, which could eventually lead to their being hated, cursed, insulted and persecuted.

That is why their leader, Jesus Christ, told them the above statement.  He pointed out that his disciples should act lovingly toward those who show hostility to them. This includes doing good to those hating them by responding to their hostility with gracious actions, blessing those cursing them by speaking with them in a kind way, praying for those persecuting them with physical violence or other forms of insulting treatment.

By doing these things, they may be able to help their enemies or persecutors transform their hearts and attitudes to the effect that they will come to understand the standpoint and determination  of Jesus' followers and thus receive the favor and blessings of God himself. This is indeed a loving action toward one's enemies. 

Scriptural Principles to Help Reduce Stress

"Do not become righteous overmuch, nor show yourself excessively wise. Why should you cause desolation to yourself?"

 - Ecclesiastes 7:16

Application: Don't expect perfection of yourself and others.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"That YOU may make sure of the more important things, so that YOU may be flawless and not be stumbling others up to the day of Christ,  and may be filled with righteous fruit, which is through Jesus Christ, to God’s glory and praise."

 - Philippians 1:10,11

Application: Set appropriate priorities.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"For bodily training is beneficial for a little; but godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come."

 - 1 Timothy 4:8

Application: Get regular exercise.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"For you have made me rejoice, O Jehovah, 

because of your activity;

Because of the works of your hands I cry out joyfully.

How great your works are, O Jehovah!

Very deep your thoughts are." 

- Psalm 92:3,5

Application: Enjoy God's creation.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"Eventually, having sent the crowds away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. Though it became late, he was there alone." 

- Matthew 14:23

Application: Make some quiet time regularly.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"Better is a handful of rest than a double handful of hard work and striving after the wind."

 - Ecclesiastes 4:6

Application: Get sufficient relaxation and sleep.

photo by Charlene N.K.

Source: Awake magazine, June 2010

Facing Trials Joyfully

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith works out endurance. But let endurance have its work complete, that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything."

 - James 1:2-4

Each of us is being faced with trials in one way or another. Each of us has its own way of coping.  To some, trials may seem an insurmountable obstacle that get in their way, while to others, they are obstacles that can be conquered.

Running away from trials may be detrimental to one's self-worth and integrity. It may lead one to more troubles as he tries to veer to another direction in an attempt to avoid the difficult situation, or just chickens out and cowers in a corner, refusing to do anything to correct the situation or to just bravely accept it if there's no remedy at all. Such person will never develop qualities that are vital for success and survival. He will never learn to surmount trials and difficulties that keep coming his way, which are inevitable. He remains weak and cowardly, unable to go through life's dangerous waters.

On the other hand, one who braves trials squarely will have success in traversing  life's stormy waters. It may be hard at the onset, but as he keeps doing it, he will gain mastery over difficult situations, and it will be easier for him to tackle heavier trials that would besiege him later. On top of it, he will develop priceless qualities that enable him to move on to his life's journey and achieve self-fulfillment. The quality of his faith will have been tested, which would, in turn,  yield endurance. When he is able to endure everything,  "he will become complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything."

So then, we have reasons to be joyful when we encounter trials, knowing that such trials provide us an opportunity to prove our faith and our self-worth, and to develop a wealth of good qualities that will refine us and make us complete.

Doing Good Extraordinarily

If we love those who love us, what can we gain? We already have their love. On the other hand, if we love those who don't love us, chances are, we may gain more love from more people.  And we do something that others cannot do, something that puts us above the ordinary.

The Great Teacher eloquently expressed this principle in these picturesque words.

“And if YOU love those loving YOU, of what credit is it to YOU? For even the sinners love those loving them.  And if YOU do good to those doing good to YOU, really of what credit is it to YOU? Even the sinners do the same.  Also, if YOU lend [without interest] to those from whom YOU hope to receive, of what credit is it to YOU? Even sinners lend [without interest] to sinners that they may get back as much.  To the contrary, continue to love YOUR enemies and to do good and to lend [without interest], not hoping for anything back; and YOUR reward will be great, and YOU will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked.  Continue becoming merciful, just as YOUR Father is merciful."

-Luke 6:32-36

Preparing for the Future

Most people today have their minds set on acquiring much material things and make it big in the world. They spend most of their time and energy in working just to have it all or to be economically better off than their friends and neighbors. 

Sometimes, their being busy with such material endeavors leaves them no time for their spiritual needs, which is of paramount importance for a person to have a really meaningful and satisfying life. It's true that material things can do good for our survival, but these cannot give perfect health, extend our lives, keep us away from sickness and accidents, and the likes. 

On the other hand, spiritual riches can benefit us in so many ways even while we live in this wicked and suffering-infested world. They can make our lives truly worth-living and satisfying. Most of all, they can lead us to a future filled with all the things that our hearts desire; to a new paradisaic world where all people will be righteous and perfect and will live eternally just as our loving Creator has purposed it to be. 

It is therefore more important to work harder on acquiring spiritual riches first, that is, pursuing the will of God and abiding by it, than to acquire material things that cannot save us at all and that will be done away with. That means our future, a future that will last forever.

The Scripture below is worth-meditating on.

"For what benefit will it be to a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? " - Matthew 16:26

Refreshment for the Weary Ones

"Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down,

and I will refresh you.  Take my yoke upon you

and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly 

in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls.

  

For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” 

- Matthew 11:28-30

In this modern fast-paced world, where most people must work harder in order to survive, it is not easy to live a stress-free life. More often than not, we find ourselves drained of energy after performing our responsibilities. Our body wears down and our mind becomes too weary to think clearly. Because of physical exhaustion, we cannot do other things that we want to do. We feel frustrated. 

However, the Great Teacher extends to us the invitation above. He bids us to go to him so that we will be refreshed. We need to abide with him under his yoke, which is kindly and light. This means that we must keep following him and observing his Father's commandments which are not burdensome at all to follow. Far from adding more weight to our already existing loads, they give us more benefits in that they help lighten our burdens and refresh our spirits. 

We can only perfectly understand the significance of this invitation and truly experience remarkable refreshment if we hold dear what Jesus says and keep on doing it all our lives.

The Rulership That Brings Eternal Blessings

A music video about the reigning of a King who will bring endless blessings to mankind throughout eternity.

Fighting Evil With the Good

"Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends upon YOU, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.” But, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.” Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good." 
- Romans 12:17-21

There would be no hatred and contention in the world if everyone would apply this Bible passage. True, it's quite hard to pass over a hurt or offense because of the emotional damage that it has done to us, but it's harder to let it linger in us. It becomes a heavy burden to carry, and that is really uncomfortable. Further, it may lead us to doing something that we would regret later. It's easier to let the offense pass and forgive the offender. It clears our mind and heart of any vexations and leaves us in peace. And it spares us from any trouble that might arise if we do something rashly.

So instead of taking revenge, it's wiser to leave the matter to the authorities, and the vengeance to God, to whom it belongs. Anyway, he is a God of justice who doesn't allow any injustice to go on. For our part, let's just keep on doing good to our fellows, even those who have offended us. By doing so, we will "heap fiery coals upon their heads", that is, we can melt their hardheartedness by continuously lavishing them with good deeds. In that way, we conquer evil with good.

    

Different Races, One Family

All of us, despite our different races, make up one family. Because of this, we should view one another equally and avoid viewing certain races as inferior. It is well to imitate how our Creator and Father views all humans, as expressed in this Scripture:

“God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” - Acts 10:34,35 

If the Sovereign of the Universe himself accepts all kinds of races, shall we not also accept our own fellowmen? Shall we not love them the way God wants us to treat one another? Certainly, it is our duty to love one another. But if we hate certain races, then we are like the one mentioned in this following passage:

"Everyone who hates his brother is a manslayer, and YOU know that no manslayer has everlasting life remaining in him." 

- I John 3:15

More details regarding what both Science and the Bible say about this are found in this link:

http://www.watchtower.org/e/200911/article_01.htm

Natural Disasters - Is God Responsible?

"God is love." - 1 John 4:8

“The Rock, perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he.” - Deuteronomy 32:4

"Many view natural disasters as divine punishment. One columnist described a devastating hurricane as 'the fist of God.' In the United States, some religious leaders described events like Hurricane Katrina as 'God’s wrath' on 'sin cities.'"


Are such claims correct? Is God responsible for all these natural disasters? 

How can we reconcile such views with the Scriptures above concerning God's qualities?

To find out the answer, please follow this link:
Is God Responsible?

A Light To Guide Us

"Your word is a lamp to my foot,

And a light to my roadway."

-Psalm 119:105

This world is in  dismal state where people grope about in  darkness, not knowing whether there are predators that lurk in some hidden corners and suddenly prance at them. Or there may be some boulders along the way that may cause them to stumble and get hurt.

On this account, we need a lamp to light our road way. According to the aforementioned Scripture, "Your word", referring to the Word of God, is the light that guides us. God's written word, the Bible, is filled with divine guidance and principles that  help us to evaluate our situation and offer us the right course to take. In order to have this light, we must spend some time each day to examine God's Word, meditate on what we read and apply the principles in our lives. If we do this, we can protect ourselves from dangers, and we can walk straight on to success. 

A Promise of Refreshment

"For he has satisfied 

the dried-out soul;

And the hungry soul he has filled 

with good things."

-Psalm 107:9

Our constant daily struggles can make us weary. Pressures and anxieties lie on our shoulders like heavy loads, gradually sapping us of energy. We want to do other things that we truly enjoy but it may not be possible because of the numerous responsibilities that we should primarily accomplish. 

Added to our endeavors to make a living, we also encounter problems with our fellows which can be discouraging and can drain us of what strength is left in us. Our soul becomes "hungry" and "dried-out", as the Scripture says.

Nevertheless, our loving Father has this promise of saturating or fully satisfying us. He sees to it that we can maintain good spiritual and emotional health which are vital for us to keep our joy amid difficulties. Such godly joy prevents us from losing our power to go on living and succeed in whatever we do.

Again, we can see from this passage that God is interested in our feelings as individuals, and he assures us that he will refresh and satisfy us. But for us to benefit from this loving assurance, we must have full trust in him and run to him for assistance. Only then can we truly feel and understand the import of this promise.

A Treasure Worth More Than Gold and Silver

"Happy is the man that has found wisdom, and the man that gets discernment, for having it as gain is better than having silver as gain and having it as produce than gold itself.  It is more precious than corals, and all other delights of yours cannot be made equal to it. Length of days is in its right hand; in its left hand there are riches and glory. Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its roadways are peace. It is a tree of life to those taking hold of it, and those keeping fast hold of it are to be called happy."

- Proverbs 3:13-18

A man of wisdom possesses the kind of treasure that preserves his life not only now but throughout eternity. Unlike material treasures that may give a measure of protection but at the same time endangers the life of one who has them, wisdom is for all time a protection. It can direct one to the right path, away from the alluring and deceptive  byways and highways of this world where most people have been misled. A wise man knows that danger lurks in those ways and thus avoid them. He follows the way of wisdom from above, which is the perfect way. In doing so, he procures true riches and glory, peace and happiness. Most of all, he keeps walking in pleasantness as he moves on to his life's journey into the wonderful future that the Giver of such wisdom has prepared for him. And he will enjoy life to time indefinite.

The "Book of Creation" Reveals About God

"For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable." 

- Romans 1:20

One of the greatest evidences that there is God is natural creation. We may not see Him, but everything around us, from the heavens above to the depths of the sea, reveals that there is a Creator who designed all these things. Through them, we can "see" Him, along with His cardinal qualities: love, power, wisdom and justice. 

The book of creation highlights many of His qualities as the Universal Sovereign and Loving Father. Reading this book helps us see vividly his appealing personality, which in turn draws us ever closer to Him to the point that He will become our Best Friend who will never fail us.

For more detailed examination on this subject, please visit this link:

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20070815/article_02.htm

What Makes a Wise Person

True wisdom is clearly described in these short Scriptural passages:

"Who is wise and understanding among YOU? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom." - James 3:13

"But the wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical. Moreover, the fruit of righteousness has its seed sown under peaceful conditions for those who are making peace." - James 3:17,18

Such wisdom brings never-ending benefits and blessings to those who possess it.


For related topic, feel free to visit this link:
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20070615/article_02.htm

Wearing our Suit of Armor

In this world filled with wickedness,  it's not easy for one who strives to live a virtuous life to fight his way out of this jungle of a world that has turned dismal. Everywhere there are attacks of wicked forces in different forms, whether outright or subtle. The master enemy, Satan the Devil, is preoccupied with setting up schemes to get the virtuous ones veer from their godly course. Because he knows that his time is short, that soon he will be wiped out of existence, he's doing all he can, employing all means that he can think of, to drag all the righteous ones with him to destruction. He is especially aiming his assaults to those who keep their stand in God's side. He never stops until he succeeds in his evil intent.

Nevertheless, no matter how powerful he is and all his machinations, he can never get us if we wear a special suit of armor designed to fight against him and his destructively wicked missiles. Figuratively wearing this all the time can protect us from all his weapons of destruction. We can keep our ground and come out victorious.

The following is the suit of armor that we should put on:

"Stand firm, therefore, with YOUR loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness,  and with YOUR feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace.  Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which YOU will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles.  Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word,  while with every form of prayer and supplication YOU carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit." - Ephesians 6:14-18