Do the Stars Affect Your Life?

Do you turn to the stars to learn about your future or about yourself? Are they really written in the stars?

Here are some quotes worth-pondering on:

"I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction, and you must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring." 

(Deuteronomy 30:19)

"Do not be misled. God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap."

(Galatians 6:7)

"...the One telling from the beginning the finale, and from long ago the things that have not been done:  the One saying, 'My counsel will stand, and everything that is my delight I shall do."

(Isaiah 46:10)

Find out the significance of these verses and a deeper understanding of this subject by following this link:

Do the Stars Affect Your Life?

Doomsday May Not Be What You Think

Is Doomsday a thing of the future that scares you?

Would it completely destroy the inhabited earth and finally put mankind to extinction?

Would it take place the way the movies portray it?

Well. it may not be what you think nor imagine. The following link will show an in-depth analysis regarding doomsday. It will also show what's really in store for humans.

Doomsday May Not Be What You Think

A United World - Is it Possible?

Is there any hope that our world will ever be united? Frankly, yes! But the source of true unity is not man  or man-made religions.

"The Bible contains God's promise that the world will be unified but not by man's efforts. The Creator, who purposed that mankind would live in peace worldwide, will accomplish what man cannot. To some, all of that might seem far-fetched. Yet, God's purpose from the very beginning has been for mankind to live in peace and harmony. Many Scriptures in the Bible give evidence that bringing the human race into a unified condition is still God's purpose. Consider just a few examples:

"Come, you people, behold the activities of Jehovah, how he has set astonishing events on the earth. He is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; the wagons he burns in the fire." - Psalm 46:8,9

"They will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain;  because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea." - Isaiah 11:9

"He will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces. And the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for Jehovah himself has spoken it." - Isaiah 25:8

"There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell." - 2 Peter 3:13

"He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." - Revelation 21:4

Are these promises reliable? How can we make sure? Find out by following this link:

People Worldwide Are Being United - How?

Can You Control Your Destiny?

What controls your future? Here are two opposing statements regarding this.

"Humans can no more be masters of their destiny than any other animal." - John Gray, evolutionist

"Man is not an animal, and is therefore always in control of his own destiny." - Shmuley Boteach, author of the book An Intelligent Person's Guide to Judaism

Many people believe that blind forces of nature control the destiny of the human family. Others thinks that  man is a creation of God equipped with the  ability to have control over his future.

Some feel that their future is controlled by powerful human forces. Others throughout history have felt helpless because they thought that supernatural forces controlled their destiny.

What about you? What do you believe? Has your destiny already been fixed by forces completely beyond your control?  Or is there some truth in Shakespeare's words, "Men at some time are masters of their fates"?

The link below gives an in-depth examination of this subject. Please follow and read on.

Can You Control Your Destiny?

What Are the Last Days?

"But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here."

- 2 Timothy 3:1 

What are these last days? Does it have something to do with the "end of the world"?

No doubt, you  have been wondering what the future holds for you and your loved ones. You might be following the news to find out world events that would give a clue to what will ultimately happen to the world. 

The Bible gives us the best insight concerning this. It has long ago foretold not only the current state of affairs but also what is yet to come.

The following link will clearly show what the last days are and what will take place beyond that. 

What Are The Last Days?

Why Read the Bible

Some people think that the Bible is just like all other ancient books that are being treasured as literary masterpieces. True, the Bible is a very old book, but unlike other books that are esteemed for their literary values, the Bible has retained its power to touch lives through the ages. Hence, the Bible is a living book. This is not surprising because countless evidences prove that it is the Word of God, which God himself imparted to men who put it down in writing for the benefit of mankind's generations that are yet to come.

There are so many reasons why we should read the Bible, but I will only mention four of them by quoting the Bible itself.

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is alive and exerts power, and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart."

2 Timothy 3:16,17

"All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work."

Romans 15:4

"For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope."

John 17:3

"This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ."

These are what God's Word can do for us personally. We can see how beneficial it is for us, not only now but also throughout eternity.

If we think that the Bible is not reliable, or that it's not really God's Word, it only shows that we haven't really read the entire Bible yet and that we haven't carefully examined it yet in conjunction with world events and scientific facts. And this is one more reason why we should read the Bible.

Those who have read it and followed its teachings have experienced remarkable changes in their lives and their outlook regarding world condition and the future. They have been experiencing true happiness and satisfaction, along with a bright hope that keeps them energized as they move on their journey into the new world which the Almighty himself has prepared for righteous mankind.

Are Better Times Just Ahead?

In the near future, will conditions on earth improve, stay the same or become worse?

Some people keep a positive outlook regarding the future, which is beneficial for their mental and physical health. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 7:22)

Others find it hard to be cheerful and optimistic because of the dire predictions of the world's scientific experts  regarding the future.

In the following link, we can find out the answer to the question posed at the onset, and how a positive outlook can benefit us. 

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

It also expounds on the topics A Planet in Peril and  A Reason for Optimism. The succeeding articles also discuss about the Critical Times Now and what is Just Ahead of us.

What Is Your Life Worth?

“Since man is made in the image of God, then the taking of a man’s life is the destruction of the most precious and the most holy thing in the world.”—The Plain Man’s Guide to Ethics, by William Barclay.

Sadly, many people don't realize how precious life is, which is one reason why some snuff out life without compunction at all while others just waste their lives in harmful activities.

Millions of people also feel totally worthless and desperate - that no one really cares whether they live or die. Because of wars, injustices, the ravages of draught, famine, disease, bereavement and countless other things that plague mankind, they wonder if life is worth living at all.

The wise King Solomon also observed concerning life in this world:

"All things are wearisome; no one is able to speak of it. The eye is not satisfied at seeing, neither is the ear filled from hearing....I saw all the works that were done under the sun, and, look! everything was vanity and a striving after wind." (Ecclesiastes 1:8,14)

In view of the aforementioned situations, it is vital to ask the question

How precious is our life?

The link below will give us enlightenment that fosters our sense of self-worth, leaving us with renewed hope and zest for life.

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050201/article_01.htm

Will Our Home Planet Continue to Be Ruined?

The whole world expresses concern about the recent oil spill that has brought extensive destruction to our planet. Many are still not aware how enormous and grotesque the effect has become. Some are apprehensive about how much more damages it may yet bring in the future.

It's not only the oil spills that have caused alarm to humans, but also the other exploitations of our natural resources in the name of money. The earth is being made sick by stripping it of its precious elements. In turn, humans are also forced  into a predicament where there seems to be no way out for them. They are unsure of what the future may bring. Will unscrupulous humans continue to wreck their own home planet?

The world's greatest and most reliable book of prophecy reassures us that the Almighty God and Creator will "bring to ruin those ruining the earth." -Revelation 11:18

He wants this precious planet to be restored to its original condition just as He purposed it to be. It will again become a pristine and peaceful habitation for all righteous mankind who submit to His Sovereignty. Everyone will take good care of this home planet and preserve its natural beauty forever.

Evildoers Will Not Prevail

"Do not show yourself heated up because of the evildoers.

Do not be envious of those doing unrighteousness.

For like grass they will speedily wither,

And like green new grass they will fade away."

- Psalms 37:1,2

Throughout the world, wickedness and lawlessness prevail, which cause the peace-loving and righteous ones to be troubled at heart. They wish that evildoers would be eliminated. Others develop hatred for such persons, willing them to go to death.

On the other hand, there are also those who have become rich or prosperous by engaging in some illegal money-making activities (unrighteousness). It looks like those who engage in such questionable practices are more blessed.

But not really, because the Scriptures above shows that such persons will speedily wither and fade like the grass. They will not prevail forever to ruin the peace of the righteous ones. They may be here now in this world, but in the near future, they will be gone forever.

Food for the Heart

Here's another promise upon which we can set our heart. The world's wasteland and desert plains will flourish with delightful and life-giving vegetation. It will certainly be fulfilled because our Creator promised us about this in countless different ways and hundreds of times.

"The wilderness and the waterless region will exult, and the desert plain will be joyful and blossom as the saffron. Without fail it will blossom, and it will really be joyful with joyousness and with glad crying out." - Isaiah 35:1,2

All mankind will also exult and cry out with joy throughout eternity!

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.
 

The Truly Happy People

In this world filled with troubles, people often find themselves unhappy. Some who may be happy eventually realize that their happiness is shallow and short-lived. 

However, there are people who feel deep and lasting happiness despite all the adversities that they are subjected to. They are happy because they know that all sufferings and problems on earth will vanish. They have confidence their Father's promise to put an end to all these bad things that are taking place in the world.  To them, this world and everything in it will soon pass away, and real life will be in that wonderful future that God has prepared for them. 

Hence, they are a happy people. Their Father has chosen a marvelous inheritance for them: eternal life in Paradise...soon!

"Happy is the nation whose God is Jehovah,
The people whom he has chosen as his inheritance."
-Psalm 33:12

When the Whole Earth is a Garden

I never expected that I would come across this tulip garden in the picture. It's like a dream come true for me to be with my dream flowers. In the past, I just looked at them in the pictures, magazines and movies. Now, I'm face to face with them. I can touch them, smell them and drink in their fresh and exquisite beauty. Walking in such a garden transports me to paradise.

This is truly a gift from above. "Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, for it comes down from the Father of the [celestial] lights, and with him there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow." - James 1:17

What if the whole earth will be a garden full of colorful lovely flowers? Not a remote possibility. The Giver of such gifts is so generous and He will give us the desires of our hearts. In fact, he is now very close to the point of fulfilling His promise that this whole earth will be turned to Paradise. Soon, righteous mankind who put faith in our Creator's promise will walk forever in a much lovelier garden.

God's Kingdom - The Government That We Need

An Unbelievable Promise Will Be Fulfilled

We have seen many promises broken, even the simple ones that can easily be kept. Sometimes, we stop believing in any promises because we don't trust them anymore. However, there is a promise to us by Someone who has always kept His words. Most of His written promises have been fulfilled, and we are now awaiting for the grand fulfillment of one promise that sounds impossible to us. It is our Creator's promise to restore the original beauty and purity of our home planet where righteous mankind will dwell eternally in perfection. (Psalm 37:10,11,29)

The certainly of the fulfillment of this promise is underscored in the Scripture quoted below, and illustrated by these three pictures that I have taken in winter and spring.

"For just as the pouring rain descends, and the snow, from the heavens and does not return to that place, unless it actually saturates the earth and makes it produce and sprout, and seed is actually given to the sower and bread to the eater,  so my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it." - Isaiah 55:10,11

Yes, from the beginning, our Creator had it in His heart to create humans and  for them to enjoy living forever in perfection on a paradise earth without any disturbance. However, that purpose was interrupted by the rebellion of some individuals, but which will be corrected soon. Just like what the Scripture above says, He had said it, and so He will fulfill it; it is His delight, and it must succeed. It's like the rain and the snow that has melted, making it possible for the vegetation to grow.  We can also place our full confidence in this promise because Titus 1:2 says that God cannot lie in His promise to give us everlasting life.

Imagining Tomorrow

I made this 3d image trying to depict what life will look like in the future. It is my imaginary rendition of the paradise that will replace this fast-decaying and suffering-infested world. I know real Paradise will be much more wonderful than this, in fact, it's beyond our imperfect imagination.

I strongly believe that the future will be as wonderful as what our Creator promised us. Keeping this hope bright in my heart helps me cope with all the troubles in this world and makes me live a happy and meaningful life now. (Psalm 37:10,11,29,34)

Today's Calamities Lead to Tomorrow's Blessings

These past few months, we have seen and experienced many calamities that sent the world in unprecedented apprehension. Just imagine all the earthquakes, typhoons, floods, volcano eruptions, and many other natural disasters that went striking in succession,  snuffing out thousands of lives and tearing down millions of homes. 

We also hear about economic crises, outbreak of new diseases that turned pandemic, wars between nations, poverty, violence, etc. Things are happening in an epic proportion.

People throughout the world become frantic and many of them have been living in fear. They fear that they may be the next victim; they fear what will come next and where this world is going; they fear what will become of life on earth. 

But then, the situation will not go on like this. In fact, all these events should happen if we are to live a better life in the future. An ancient prophecy mentions about the final part of the days. "You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars; see that you are not terrified. For these things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress." (Matthew 24:6-8) We're now living in the darkest part of history, which should ironically keep us in high spirits. Why? "But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke 21:28)

It's also like what the saying goes, "The darkest part of the night is before the dawn." We are now in the darkest part of the night, and soon, dawn will come. It is the dawn of a new era, a wonderful new world that is in store for those who seek peace and righteousness. It is a promise of a loving Creator who doesn't want to see us suffer and die. It is His desire and purpose for us to live happily forever. (Revelation 21:3,4)

So we must take heart. There's hope! We only need to heed these divine words: "For everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved." (Romans 10:13) We must also put faith and have confidence in all His promises. After all, most of His promises have been fulfilled. Only a few are left to be realized, and yet, we can now see signs of their fulfillment.

To Succeed in Everything

I have found this Scripture greatly practical and beneficial  even in these days. By putting it to practice, millions of people worldwide have also been helped to succeed in their efforts to do the right thing. 

"Happy is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked ones,

And in the way of sinners has not stood,

And in the seat of ridiculers has not sat.

But his delight is in the law of Jehovah,

And in his law he reads in an undertone day and night.

And he will certainly become like a tree planted by streams of water,

That gives its own fruit in its season

And the foliage of which does not wither,

And everything he does will succeed." - Psalms 1:1-3

How refreshing and rejuvenating it must be for a tree that is growing by streams of water! It gets the perfect amount of nourishment it needs. Wouldn't it be wonderful too if we become like that tree? Our well-being is perfectly nourished, making us fit to live a happy and satisfying life amid all the troubles in this world.

We only need to delight in the law of our Creator found in the greatest book ever written, the Bible.  It's definitely worth our time and effort to examine it, for it will mean so much for us now and in the future.

Lighting Our Paths

Each rising of the sun heralds a new beginning that brings along with it its promises of hope and a wonderful day. 

A hope that may lie dormant in our hearts is rekindled and will keep shining ever brighter as the day moves on.

A hope that gives real meaning to our lives now will keep burning in our hearts until its full realization is achieved. 

As the sunlight begins like a dim light and shines on to its full intensity as the day advances, so is our hope and understanding of the whole truth and meaning of our existence.

"But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established."   - Proverbs 4:18