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.)

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

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

Guarding Against Unbridled Rage

 "Be wrathful, and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with YOU in a provoked state,  neither allow place for the Devil." - Ephesians 4:28,27

 It's only natural to be angry, and our anger may be justifiable. But remaining in an angry or wrathful state will only do us harm. Aside from its ill effects on our physical health, it can also put us in a position where the Devil can easily prey on us and induce us to do something evil against our fellows and against God. 

So if we feel that rage is brewing in us, it's best to pray immediately and ask God to help us be "cool of spirit" and have self control so that we can avoid acting in a harmful way. If our rage is caused by some disputes with our fellows, we must settle them peacefully as soon as possible. We should not allow ourselves to remain in a provoked state and be a victim of the Devil's malicious designs to destroy us.

Oh The Beauty of Our Creator's Law!

One reason why I love to read God's Word and share its message to others is  that of the wonderful benefits that it brings to me personally. It gives me joy that can help me cope with adversities. It makes my life beautiful amidst all the ugly things in the world that invade our lives. It gives light to my path and brightens up my days as I strive to follow its wise instructions. It makes my life meaningful and entirely satisfying.

If God's Word does wonderful things to me, I'm sure that it also works beneficially for others who truly desire to be guided by the best Instructor in the whole Universe.

"How I do love your law!
All day long it is my concern.

Wiser than my enemies your commandment makes me,
Because to time indefinite it is mine.

More insight than all my teachers I have come to have,
Because your reminders are a concern to me.

With more understanding than older men I behave,
Because I have observed your own orders.

From every bad path I have restrained my feet,
For the purpose that I may keep your word.

From your judicial decisions I have not turned aside,
For you yourself have instructed me.

How smooth to my palate your sayings have been,
More so than honey to my mouth!

Owing to your orders I behave with understanding.
That is why I have hated every false path."

- Psalms 119:97-104

When Wickedness Will be Gone

Peace-loving ones long for the time when the wicked ones will no longer exist to make troubles in this world. Considering the endless reports worldwide about some crimes and violence, it looks like the wicked ones are flourishing and their acts of lawlessness are unstoppable. Is there hope that such wicked acts will be eliminated? The following Scripture assures us that someday, we will enjoy living in peace without any interruption.

"Just a little while longer,
and the wicked one will be no more;
And you will certainly give attention to his place,

and he will not be.

But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth,

And they will indeed find their exquisite delight
in the abundance of peace."

- Psalms 37:10,11

For more information and details, please visit this site:

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20080801/article_01.htm

The Most Valuable Friendship in the World

We are blessed if we have friends who can stand by us no matter what happens.  Each time we need them, they are always there, ready to support us. They make us feel secure and well-cared for. They are happy when they see us happy. They feel for us and comfort us when we are in difficult situation. They bring sunshine to our lives by their unfading thoughtfulness and loving-kindness. 

Is there someone whom we can call a perfect friend? There is, and He's genuinely interested in our personal welfare. He welcomes us to be a guest in His tent. But we must meet certain qualifications in order to deserve that most precious friendship of all. In the following quote, a famous king outlined these requirements.

A Melody of King David :

"O Jehovah, who will be a guest in your tent?
Who will reside in your holy mountain?

He who is walking faultlessly and practicing righteousness
And speaking the truth in his heart.

He has not slandered with his tongue.
To his companion he has done nothing bad,
And no reproach has he taken up against his intimate acquaintance.

In his eyes anyone contemptible is certainly rejected,
But those fearing Jehovah he honors.
He has sworn to what is bad for himself, and yet he does not alter.

His money he has not given out on interest,
And a bribe against the innocent one he has not taken.
He that is doing these things will never be made to totter."

-Psalms 15

Yes, friendship with the Most High keeps us strong and secure, and it will also give us eternal benefits, which He promised to those who remain loyal to their friendship with Him.
 

Quotes to Inspire Us

 Here are some inspirational sayings that will uplift our spirits if we take them to heart and apply them in our lives. They are printed on beautiful photos of nature. Follow this link:

www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/47151/quotes_to_uplift_our_hearts.html