Faithfully Obey in What is Least

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Why are they encouraging tick tock etc? I think I must have missed that.

Me on a bad day …..

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Why are they encouraging tick tock etc? I think I must have missed that.

I think the people running the org now are apostates and they've set up tick tock and Instagram accounts in order to put articles on for the general public, government authorities, journalists and researchers to learn about the org. I forget which way round it is but one of them has nearly a million followers now, they can't all be journalists and researchers can they? They surely must be brothers and sisters.. once the algorithm sees you like jws then it sends loadsa JW stuff your way, it doesn't differentiate between jws and exjws, so more and more brothers and sisters are going to be exposed to "apostates" and "negative reports" This is the whole reason the Watchtower always gave when advising the brothers and sisters to not join social media. Satan's responsible for it all I tell ya!!

 

[Spoilmerotten]

I agree. And youre 100% correct- They're grooming the rank and file to take the mark of the beast. Bottom line


"The Watchtower is leading the brothers and sisters down the road to the mark of the beast, and with speech like this video, they're going to be taking that mark believing that even though their conscience is telling them it's wrong, Jehovah will want them to go along with it.

The machinations of the Devil.."

I can’t remember all the details of who in the government is doing this but they (government) are asking religious leaders to document their congregants addresses and phone numbers.I thought then it was for the purpose of turning their flock over to the Beast System. There is a reason they are not talking about Revelation 13. They know 1914 is wrong because I heard a Bethel foreign missionary talk about one of them telling him they knew but couldn’t change it. Just the same they know this Beast System is being set up and it will serve as the 8th King. If the brothers are looking at the GB for guidance instead of God’s Word they will go into the pit. That’s why they constantly want you focusing on the literature only and don’t want you reading the Bible for yourself. Then there would be to many questions for them to answer. Those that are well studied in God word and truth will stand up for what’s right and will not follow the GB no matter what! At that time all of Jehovah’s people remaining that have not left will separate themselves from the Watchtower. Daniel 11:32 “And those that act wickedly against the covenant, he will lead into apostasy by means of smooth words. But the people who know their God will prevail and act effectively.”

And just to embellish on your thought, Brooks, the Israelites had the audacity to proclaim their idolatrous "calf worship" to be a "Festival to Jehovah".

They directly violated a command that they had agreed to obey just a few weeks earlier.
(Exodus 20:4) . . .“You must not make for yourself a carved image. . ."

The Israelites fell into a trap by attempting to intermingle the worship of Jehovah with idolatry.
Have some of the R&F fell into a similar trap by means of their "idolization" of the GB?

2 Corinthians 6:16a...."What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols?” (BSB)

"Celebrity Pastor Culture"
When congregation members shift their faith from the core teachings of their religion to the specific group/person delivering them, it creates a dangerous dynamic for both the followers and the leaders. [1, 2, 3]

The Dynamics of the Trap:
When churchgoers idolize a religious leader, they often fall into a predictable psychological and spiritual cycle:

• Blind Trust: Followers overlook obvious character flaws or teaching errors because they believe the leader possesses superior spiritual insights.
• The "Touch Not My Anointed" Weapon: Leaders or protective inner circles often misuse scripture to insulate the leader from any form of criticism or accountability.
• Enabling Misbehavior: When bad or toxic behavior is recognized, it is often excused by the congregation because "the church is growing" or "lives are being changed".
• Vicarious Identity: Churchgoers tie their own spiritual worth, social status, and security directly to their association with the high-profile leader.

Excellent example Jerry &Phyllis about intermingling “calf worship” to be a “festival to Jehovah.” They probably said, “Jehovah will understand.” So when the “Mark” comes along, the GB will probably say:”It’s a provision from Jehovah to keep us in the land of the living so we can have food and health care during the Great Tribulation, all we have to do is swipe our hand over the chip! Isn’t that a wonderful provision?” Clap Clap Clap!

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

are asking religious leaders to document their congregants addresses and phone numbers.I

And they get money according to how many "active" members they've got. When I found that out I stopped filling in the halfway meeting "poll" and stopped sending in my ministry "time" I don't want to be a statistic that causes money to be gotten from the government. I talk about Jehovah to people and I certainly don't want to be paid for it, the org ought to feel exactly the same.. but doesn't...

 

[Ana]

Ni los ex Testigos de Jehová ni los Testigos de Jehová lo entienden. Aunque Jesús habló claramente al respecto, nadie parece comprender que la venida de Cristo como ladrón en la noche tiene un solo objetivo: pedir cuentas a sus siervos. No sé por qué es tan difícil de entender. Quizás sea porque la Watchtower nunca lo ha explicado con claridad.

El privilegio de comprender va de la mano con el hecho de servir a Jehová de manera exclusiva. El que busca ídolos terrestres no ha comprendido el significado de la verdad.
Que mantengamos esa característica siempre!

 

[Melinda Riling]

El privilegio de comprender va de la mano con el hecho de servir a Jehová de manera exclusiva. El que busca ídolos terrestres no ha comprendido el significado de la verdad.
Que mantengamos esa característica siempre!

Translation
The privilege of understanding goes hand in hand with serving Jehovah exclusively. He who seeks earthly idols has not understood the meaning of the truth.

May we always keep that feature!

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I agree. And youre 100% correct- They're grooming the rank and file to take the mark of the beast. Bottom line


"The Watchtower is leading the brothers and sisters down the road to the mark of the beast, and with speech like this video, they're going to be taking that mark believing that even though their conscience is telling them it's wrong, Jehovah will want them to go along with it.

The machinations of the Devil.."

I do not think we need worry too much about the watchtowers efforts to draw the faithful off their path. The instrument of faith is based upon rock - it is the fundamental thinking of the one searching for Jehovah that will lead them to Him. That fundamental foundation of the Creator requires only the love of it for it to be recognised as true. We see this in the every day response of nature. Everything in its place. Every animal knows its course and follows it as night follows day. Every tree gives of its fruit, every watercourse of nature flows downhill. Every planet follows its course.

This is not a day dream, but the fundamental law of Jehovah. The righteous person seeking their creator will not be fooled or fulfilled by the chaos of material pursuit offered by satan. It is hollow, like the empty vessel described in the Bible. Watchtower is a sieve. Plain and simple. As the bible says, “….they will know my voice and come out….” (They will know my voice and drop out?!) And watchtower is powerless to stop that. As illustrated by the comments here, the watchtower is digging its own grave, daily widening the gap between reality and dreams of glory. The answer given by the disciples to the illustration of Jesus to ‘eat of his flesh and drink of his blood’ is a picture of what is being offered to the brethren today. And the reply is the same:

They did not understand what Jesus had said in its fullness, just as the Bible says, but they knew in their inner core through their simple faith alone, that there was harmony within the spirit in what Jesus said because it centred upon the message Christ was giving. Its essence, maybe not understood in its full meaning, still rang true with the disciples because it was and still is, founded in truth. “My sheep know my voice….”. (It is therefore not always necessary to understand its full application. It “rings true” - is of Spirit).

Thus it remains true that though we do not have full understanding of the Word as it is spoken, we recognise what is holy because what understanding we do have, is seated comfortably within our heart. It’s contextual in faith, message and outcomes. The brethren inside watchtower have this, but as yet are still blinded as to its outcome. The physical outcome of watchtower will be seen for what it is. Those whom understand the essence of the Word will stay true to it. What would be the point of Jehovah exposing watchtower were this not the case? Where would the message in it be seen and understood? The question is a simple one - watchtower made a song about it. “To whom do you belong?” The sheep know the voice.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

the watchtower is digging its own grave,

%

 

[Spoilmerotten]

I do not think we need worry too much about the watchtowers efforts to draw the faithful off their path. The instrument of faith is based upon rock - it is the fundamental thinking of the one searching for Jehovah that will lead them to Him. That fundamental foundation of the Creator requires only the love of it for it to be recognised as true. We see this in the every day response of nature. Everything in its place. Every animal knows its course and follows it as night follows day. Every tree gives of its fruit, every watercourse of nature flows downhill. Every planet follows its course.

This is not a day dream, but the fundamental law of Jehovah. The righteous person seeking their creator will not be fooled or fulfilled by the chaos of material pursuit offered by satan. It is hollow, like the empty vessel described in the Bible. Watchtower is a sieve. Plain and simple. As the bible says, “….they will know my voice and come out….” (They will know my voice and drop out?!) And watchtower is powerless to stop that. As illustrated by the comments here, the watchtower is digging its own grave, daily widening the gap between reality and dreams of glory. The answer given by the disciples to the illustration of Jesus to ‘eat of his flesh and drink of his blood’ is a picture of what is being offered to the brethren today. And the reply is the same:

They did not understand what Jesus had said in its fullness, just as the Bible says, but they knew in their inner core through their simple faith alone, that there was harmony within the spirit in what Jesus said because it centred upon the message Christ was giving. Its essence, maybe not understood in its full meaning, still rang true with the disciples because it was and still is, founded in truth. “My sheep know my voice….”. (It is therefore not always necessary to understand its full application. It “rings true” - is of Spirit).

Thus it remains true that though we do not have full understanding of the Word as it is spoken, we recognise what is holy because what understanding we do have, is seated comfortably within our heart. It’s contextual in faith, message and outcomes. The brethren inside watchtower have this, but as yet are still blinded as to its outcome. The physical outcome of watchtower will be seen for what it is. Those whom understand the essence of the Word will stay true to it. What would be the point of Jehovah exposing watchtower were this not the case? Where would the message in it be seen and understood? The question is a simple one - watchtower made a song about it. “To whom do you belong?” The sheep know the voice.

100 percent agreed! Anyone searching and looking for more truth, let’s all pray “Jehovah Has Become King” gets into the right hands of the brothers as we continue sending out Bro.Kings book. I’m sure the famine in Gods house is multiplying. John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” This book is another life line sent by Jehovah. It’s a warning and at the same time it’s a life preserver. Hosea 4:6 Jehovah is saying my people perish from lack of knowledge. It’s our responsibility now to share what we have learned and keep learning, especially with the elders of our congregations. That song you are talking about,”To whom do you belong?” Those next words,”which God will you obey?” We will soon be in the shoes of the 3 Hebrew boys! Won’t it feel wonderful to stand up for Jehovah and prove Satan a lier to the whole world?!!

 

[Spoilmerotten]

Or the authorities have planned our "life saving instructions" and the GB are just waiting for the go ahead to issue them..

Let’s hope not, but with what the Bible says happens at the time the “abomination of desolation”is put into place, some of them will turn.

 

[Spoilmerotten]

I expect it has more to do with selecting a Judas, or as we know it, the ‘fall guy’ whom they will blame when this all goes wrong for them. I’m sure there are some to choose from.

There will be more than one.

 

[Spoilmerotten]

I just sent this video “faithfully obey to what is least” from JW.org to a former elder and circuit overseer. I titled the video The GB have now sat down in the seat of misses. The following was his response

Will there be a person or some group that would be used by God to disseminate any instructions?

How would y’all respond.?

That would be a long reply for me! But the answer is Jesus! And the instructions are in the Bible. A lot of documentation of scripture’s pointing to Jesus instructions for the time of the end and of course understanding that Jesus did not come in 1914 so they would have to understand when the cry for “Peace and Security” is announced, Jesus will be ruling and Satan will have been thrown down.They will need to look to Jehovah for faith and follow Jesus command for all those in Judea to flee when you catch sight of the “Disgusting Thing” standing in a holy place. (use discernment )Matthew 24:15 They would also have to know they will be persecuted as Jesus was in various ways even being killed . Revelation 13:10 “If anyone is meant for captivity, he will go into captivity. If anyone will kill with the sword, he must be killed with the sword. This is where it calls for endurance and faith on the part of the holy ones.” It is meant for us to be refined by persecution. This where they will have to call out to Jehovah and know He Alone is the one to look to .The Go Bags they have prepared are great and may be used but in a time of war, our homes may have collapsed to the ground where we can’t even get our car keys or food. We’ll have to look to Jehovah to provide in some way if it’s his will. Ask them if you send them the book will they read it or just mail it to them if you have their address or gift them Bro. Kings Patreon account.I don’t know anyone’s emails to do that so I’m sending books to Kingdom Halls each month in various places hoping the spirit will move someone to stick it in their briefcase and read it. You can see why Jehovah is coming with his Tempest. This idolatry of man has got to stop and Jehovah himself will become King!

 

[Rette]

I watched some of this video myself. I feel that during these last six months or so watchtower has stepped over the mark. It’s no longer an issue of persuasion through the “do more” tactic, but has instead become one of covetous control. There is no longer a message of coming to understand Jehovah or to fulfil spiritual obligations to one another, but has become a dictator to and of, the allegiance of the flock for possession by the gb. We see the same in politics and freemasonry. First you agree, then become a ‘doer’ then given a position, then a position of authority, then governance over few, then over many, followed by administrative authority and eventual control.

If you listen to this chap in one of his other videos, he discusses the 18 year old ministerial servants and 21 year old elders. This is the pattern we see. I do not feel this chap has a working knowledge of Jehovah. You’re right in that. He observes well all that is wrong with the org yet does not exhibit any understanding of Jehovah. One wonders what he was at for 40 years - but is that not so of many other of the brethren that throw the baby out with the bath water? How is the temperature up norf? It’s a trifle warm down here.

all these institutions wether religous or political are pyramids with a small group of men at the top running things down to the bottom where the common people live and ususally have no idea of the corruption going on at the top - reminds me of George Orwells book "Animal Farm" a parable of how power over others develops by manipulation and mind control - i remember way back going to an Amway meeting (company supposedly selling cleaning products) and was quite eery as it felt like i was at a WT meeting - it was more about converting people to the program than the products haha

 

[Rette]

You tell him, "yes, the Chosen Ones AFTER they have been sealed and Jesus has "come along side" in other words when the authentic Parousia begins...(maybe leave the last part out though )...oh, and they will be like Moses and Elijah, and be able to display the Power of Jehovah...OK, maybe you have to leave that part out too....what else...although maybe ask him, "why did Moses ask Jehovah to give him "proof" to provide the Israelites that Jehovah had sent him, and why hasn't the GB done that? Maybe because Jehovah has not appeared to them...maybe start there, and then ask, so why should we listen to them, when the Bible clearly laid out the standard in Moses "the meekest man of the earth" that that humble man demanded of Jehovah to provide him proof Jehovah was sending him. And keep in mind Moses concern was providing proof to the Israelites NOT to Pharaoh, why do you think that is?

"Moses "the meekest man of the earth" that that humble man demanded of Jehovah to provide him proof Jehovah was sending him. And keep in mind Moses concern was providing proof to the Israelites NOT to Pharaoh," that is such an excellent point and if that was the case to release the Isrealits from Egypt with Egypt still allowed to exist how much more so when the symbolic Egypt, Satans world system is totally brought down and true believers are released as we have been warned not to follow false prophets who have no credentials

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

I agree. And youre 100% correct- They're grooming the rank and file to take the mark of the beast. Bottom line


"The Watchtower is leading the brothers and sisters down the road to the mark of the beast, and with speech like this video, they're going to be taking that mark believing that even though their conscience is telling them it's wrong, Jehovah will want them to go along with it.

The machinations of the Devil.."

I have been thinking the same thing Goldie.

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

I watched some of this video myself. I feel that during these last six months or so watchtower has stepped over the mark. It’s no longer an issue of persuasion through the “do more” tactic, but has instead become one of covetous control. There is no longer a message of coming to understand Jehovah or to fulfil spiritual obligations to one another, but has become a dictator to and of, the allegiance of the flock for possession by the gb. We see the same in politics and freemasonry. First you agree, then become a ‘doer’ then given a position, then a position of authority, then governance over few, then over many, followed by administrative authority and eventual control.

If you listen to this chap in one of his other videos, he discusses the 18 year old ministerial servants and 21 year old elders. This is the pattern we see. I do not feel this chap has a working knowledge of Jehovah. You’re right in that. He observes well all that is wrong with the org yet does not exhibit any understanding of Jehovah. One wonders what he was at for 40 years - but is that not so of many other of the brethren that throw the baby out with the bath water? How is the temperature up norf? It’s a trifle warm down here.

I believe many of the witnesses like this chap, ex jw analyzer, did not make the truth his own, the real truth. He did not learn or get to know Jehovah personally nor his son, Christ Jesus. I could see that myself when I went on Bible Studies with elders they were in the dark when it came to using the scriptures. I was dumbfounded when one of them told me, “don’t get me to lying.” I was embarrassed for him.
And that’s the way it is for so many like this chap. The organization have them so dependent on them they can’t tell the difference between Jehovah and the GB. Even when you come away from the organization that same thinking or mentality is still with you for a while.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

all these institutions wether religous or political are pyramids with a small group of men at the top running things down to the bottom where the common people live and ususally have no idea of the corruption going on at the top - reminds me of George Orwells book "Animal Farm" a parable of how power over others develops by manipulation and mind control - i remember way back going to an Amway meeting (company supposedly selling cleaning products) and was quite eery as it felt like i was at a WT meeting - it was more about converting people to the program than the products haha

AMWAY!! Now THERE'S a blast from the past!! I went to one of them too in the late 80's!

 

[Ana]

Lucas 18:8-De seguro, entonces, ¿no hará Dios que se haga justicia a sus escogidos que claman a él día y noche, aun cuando es sufrido para con ellos? 8 Les digo: Él hará que se les haga justicia rápidamente. Sin embargo, cuando llegue el Hijo del hombre, ¿verdaderamente hallará la fe sobre la tierra?”. 9 Pero habló esta ilustración también a algunos que confiaban en sí mismos como justos, y que consideraban como nada a los demás: 10 “Dos hombres subieron al templo a orar, el uno fariseo y el otro recaudador de impuestos. 11 El fariseo se puso de pie y oraba para sí estas cosas: ‘Oh Dios, te doy gracias de que no soy como los demás hombres, dados a extorsión, injustos, adúlteros, ni siquiera como este recaudador de impuestos. 12 Ayuno dos veces a la semana, doy el décimo de todas las cosas que adquiero’. 13 Pero el recaudador de impuestos, estando de pie a la distancia, no quería ni siquiera alzar los ojos hacia el cielo, sino que se golpeaba el pecho, y decía: ‘Oh Dios, sé benévolo para conmigo, que soy pecador’. 14 Les digo: Este hombre bajó a su casa probado más justo que aquel; porque todo el que se ensalza será humillado, pero el que se humilla será ensalzado.

 

[Rette]

Lucas 18:8-De seguro, entonces, ¿no hará Dios que se haga justicia a sus escogidos que claman a él día y noche, aun cuando es sufrido para con ellos? 8 Les digo: Él hará que se les haga justicia rápidamente. Sin embargo, cuando llegue el Hijo del hombre, ¿verdaderamente hallará la fe sobre la tierra?”. 9 Pero habló esta ilustración también a algunos que confiaban en sí mismos como justos, y que consideraban como nada a los demás: 10 “Dos hombres subieron al templo a orar, el uno fariseo y el otro recaudador de impuestos. 11 El fariseo se puso de pie y oraba para sí estas cosas: ‘Oh Dios, te doy gracias de que no soy como los demás hombres, dados a extorsión, injustos, adúlteros, ni siquiera como este recaudador de impuestos. 12 Ayuno dos veces a la semana, doy el décimo de todas las cosas que adquiero’. 13 Pero el recaudador de impuestos, estando de pie a la distancia, no quería ni siquiera alzar los ojos hacia el cielo, sino que se golpeaba el pecho, y decía: ‘Oh Dios, sé benévolo para conmigo, que soy pecador’. 14 Les digo: Este hombre bajó a su casa probado más justo que aquel; porque todo el que se ensalza será humillado, pero el que se humilla será ensalzado.

Luke 18:8-Surely, then will not God make justice done to his elect who cry out to him day and night, even when he is suffered with them? 8 I say to you, He will do them justice quickly. However, when the Son of man comes, will he truly find faith on earth?” 9 But he also spoke this illustration to some who trusted in themselves as righteous, and who regarded the others as nothing: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, the one Pharisee and the other tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed for himself these things: ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like other men, given to extortion, unjust, adulterers, not even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, I give the tenth of all things I acquire.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing in the distance, did not even want to lift his eyes to heaven, but he would strike his breast, and say, O God, be kind to me, that I am a sinner. 14 I say to you, This man went down to his home more tried, just than he; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.

 

[a believer]

all these institutions wether religous or political are pyramids

When it comes to any organization of Man, my mind always goes back to...

Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.” —Genesis 11:4 New Living Translation

—Timothy,
a believer.

 

[Deborah]

Totally agree with you Barns. Especially This statement you made:

"Thus the gb in their luxury marble mansion CUT OFF FROM REALITY DREAM that somehow they can ISSUE
life saving instruction world wide".

They have really gone off the
DEEP END.

I believe many of the witnesses like this chap, ex jw analyzer, did not make the truth his own, the real truth. He did not learn or get to know Jehovah personally nor his son, Christ Jesus. I could see that myself when I went on Bible Studies with elders they were in the dark when it came to using the scriptures. I was dumbfounded when one of them told me, “don’t get me to lying.” I was embarrassed for him.
And that’s the way it is for so many like this chap. The organization have them so dependent on them they can’t tell the difference between Jehovah and the GB. Even when you come away from the organization that same thinking or mentality is still with you for a while.

Lady Blue what you say is so true. I know that was the case for me. I BELIEVED WHAT I WAS TOLD TO BELIEVE. I didn't understand the difference until years Later. I thought if I followed all the gb rules as they interpreted scriptures etc. "I WOULD BE SAVED" (so to speak)


But early on 1914 and all that type anti type, and seeing crazy stuff in org from 1950 's as a kid thru 70's(75) made me go hmmmmm. Especially when I would ask questions and get
nonsense answers.

BUT I do believe if we are sincere in wanting truth Jehovah will make sure we get it.

It was not until YEARS AND YEARS LATER did I understand I was not
spiritually nuts.

In 2004 I found Robert's forum called Paradise Cafe. I was at work and I asked my supervisor how to pull up something. Cannot remember what.
He said is this it. It was Robert's site. I Iooked at it and said NO.

But later at home I remembered that site and said lemme just look at this and see what this is all about. I had just bought a computer (remember those big ole things ) the info I read blew my mind.

I remembered printing so much stuff.
That is when I began to get an understanding of separating org from Jehovah.

There is much more I can say but buttom line is Jehovah will not let sincere ones wander around in spiritual darkness and just stay stuck and lost. We all know scriptures here about his loyal ones.

So I try hard to keep those still believing what they are told to believe in prayer.

It's not easy navigating through all the mess we had to spiritually get rid of and focus on truth. It does leave scars.

But once we understand ...it is a beautiful thing to know Jehovah and his purpose without crazy unscriptural rules and interpretations from gb.

Wanted to add LB your post was kinda emotional for me as I remembered all I personally went through and those I know who left and did not make out so good and those still in.

 

[Nomex]

@Deborah I loved that thanks for sharing.

 

[PJ54]

Lady Blue what you say is so true. I know that was the case for me. I BELIEVED WHAT I WAS TOLD TO BELIEVE. I didn't understand the difference until years Later. I thought if I followed all the gb rules as they interpreted scriptures etc. "I WOULD BE SAVED" (so to speak)

This is the kind of thing you would see in Christendom and other religions. It's sad that the org is going down the same path. From what I've noticed, it's that people who search for God by themselves are the ones who develop faith that can endure. There was a discussion I remember having with my bible teacher backwhen I was studying "What does the Bible teach" book and IIRC, the idea of being rooted in the faith was brought up. Now my grandma would tell me that you have to "bend with the breeze" so to speak. Observing nature, you see how stiff trees (even big strong ones) would snap from a nasty storm. They were rooted but likely died from the damage. However, I have also noticed the palm trees that did bend from the storms would be uprooted and die anyways. When talking to my teacher it was brought up with the kinds of trees that held and those did not. The pine tree often held up for being deeply rooted and was flexible enough to endure a horrible storm. He was impressed at that and agreed. Point is we need to be rooted in principle, firm, and flexible at the same time with all the changes happening as we speak. It's what keeps us spiritually alive.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

This is the kind of thing you would see in Christendom and other religions. It's sad that the org is going down the same path. From what I've noticed, it's that people who search for God by themselves are the ones who develop faith that can endure. There was a discussion I remember having with my bible teacher backwhen I was studying "What does the Bible teach" book and IIRC, the idea of being rooted in the faith was brought up. Now my grandma would tell me that you have to "bend with the breeze" so to speak. Observing nature, you see how stiff trees (even big strong ones) would snap from a nasty storm. They were rooted but likely died from the damage. However, I have also noticed the palm trees that did bend from the storms would be uprooted and die anyways. When talking to my teacher it was brought up with the kinds of trees that held and those did not. The pine tree often held up for being deeply rooted and was flexible enough to endure a horrible storm. He was impressed at that and agreed. Point is we need to be rooted in principle, firm, and flexible at the same time with all the changes happening as we speak. It's what keeps us spiritually alive.

That is all so true PJ, your grandma was very wise do you think she meant we have to be flexible and bendy because of the persecution we have to endure rather than bending to all the challenges and new rules? For instance, I could never act upon the new stance on getting injected to save ours and others () lives, or the new stance on receiving a blood transfusion (if it's our own blood), or the new found freedom to start "cheersing" or even encouraging my kids to go to university if they were still young enough. I know we're all different and choose for ourselves what we will do in our. I always thought that us bending like trees meant we need to be able to withstand the pressure of serving Jehovah which pushes us to the limit sometimes but then we bend right back again and stand upright once more..

 

[PJ54]

That is all so true PJ, your grandma was very wise do you think she meant we have to be flexible and bendy because of the persecution we have to endure rather than bending to all the challenges and new rules? For instance, I could never act upon the new stance on getting injected to save ours and others () lives, or the new stance on receiving a blood transfusion (if it's our own blood), or the new found freedom to start "cheersing" or even encouraging my kids to go to university if they were still young enough. I know we're all different and choose for ourselves what we will do in our. I always thought that us bending like trees meant we need to be able to withstand the pressure of serving Jehovah which pushes us to the limit sometimes but then we bend right back again and stand upright once more..

Well my grandma isn't a Witness. None of the family is. I am the only one that became one. She does have a lot of experience in life though.