Comments You Will Not Hear at the May 29, 2005 WT Study (April 15, 2005 issue) Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes from todays WT
will be in red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources
will be in blueLET GODS WORD LIGHT YOUR ROADWAY
"Your word is ... a light to my roadway."-PSALM 119:105.
By your words I can see where Im going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.?Psalm 119:105 (The Message Bible)
www.biblegateway.com /cgi-bin/bible
Opening Comments
As the foremost person in the Bible who let Gods Word light his roadway, where is Jesus in this article?
How can the average JW study the Bible when they are required to study so many WTS publications. Even now the Keep on the Watch brochure is being studied at the book study and many JWs tell me that they are insulted at the simplistic level of the material. How can they advance past the elementary things of the Bible?
START OF ARTICLE
JEHOVAHS word
will light our roadway if we allow that to happen. To enjoysuch spiritual light, we must be diligent students of Gods written Word and
apply its counsel. Only then can we share the psalmists sentiments: "Your
word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway."-Psalm 119:105.
Remember from last week
Jehovahs word (small w) means his message
Jehovahs Word (large w) means the Bible
Must be diligent students
Most JWs barely have time to glance at the information assigned each week for them to read let alone do any in-depth research.
20 to 22 paragraphs in the Watchtower
15 paragraphs in the book study
3 to 4 chapters of the Bible
Another WT article for the instruction talk
Material for the #3 and #4 talks
Prepare and conduct the family study
Prepare for field service on Saturday (read articles in 2 magazines)
And if you are an elder, prepare and conduct the book study, perhaps also the WTS, besides preparing one public talk a month
2 Let us now consider Psalm 119:89-176. What a wealth of information is
contained in these verses, arranged in 11 stanzas! They can help us to stay
on the road to everlasting life
.-Matthew 7:13,14.CARROT Can help us to stay on the road to everlasting lifeWhy Be Fond of Gods Word? 3 Fondness for Jehovahs word results in spiritual stability. (Psalm 119:89-96) The psalmist sang: "To time indefinite, O Jehovah, your word is stationed in the heavens. . . . You have solidly fixed the earth, that it may keep standing." (Psalm 119:89, 90) By Gods word--his "statutes of the heavens"--the celestial bodies move flawlessly in their orbits and the earth is solidly fixed forever. (Job 38:31-33; Psalm 104:5) We can depend on every word going forth from Jehovahs mouth; what God says will have "certain success" in the fulfillment of his purpose.-Isaiah 55:8-11.Blurb on page 16: Gods word is a source of spiritual light Please notice how often the WTS either uses a snippet or strings snippets of scriptures to make a point. Notice little application is made to daily life or practical examples given. 4 The psalmist would have perished in his affliction if he had not been fond of Gods law. (Psalm 119:92) He was not being afflicted by foreigners; it was Israelite lawbreakers who hated him. (Leviticus 19:17) But this did not overwhelm him, for he loved Gods sustaining law. At Corinth, the apostle Paul was "in dangers among false brothers," perhaps including "superfine apostles" seeking an accusation against him. (2 Corinthians 11:5,12-14, 26) Yet, Paul survived spiritually because he was fond of Gods word. Since we are fond of Jehovahs written Word and apply what it says, we love our brothers. (1 John 3:15) Even the worlds hatred does not make us forget any of Gods instructions. We keep doing his will in loving unitywith our brothers as we look forward to an eternity of joyous service to Jehovah.-Psalm 119:93. Would have perished in his affliction is he had not been fond of Gods law Paul survived spiritually because he was fond of Gods wordRemind of you of when the elders say your problems would go away if you read the Bible more?False brothers w89 10/15 p. 19 How Harmful Gossip Can Be Crushed ***Since love endures all things and never fails, it also helps us to remain loyal to Gods organization even if "false brothers" or others speak against it or its members.?Galatians 2:4. But should a loyal Christian not speak out against lies and untruth? A real brother will tell you the truth even if it is difficult. Does our loyalty belong to God or an organization?Superfine apostlesWho set themselves up as superior to the rank and file? Does a persons authority derive from his/her position or from the Bible?Love our brothersRemember actions speak louder than words? Who pays attention to the elderly in your congregation, the poor materially, those from single parent families, when is the last time you helped any of these people, had them over to your home?Worlds hatredThe world really does not care; actually most people barely know who JWs are let alone what they preach.Loving unityThe WTS has rules to unite them. Dress and grooming; no beards on men, no pants on women at the KH or in the ministry, all without biblical basis. Seat saving regulations at conventions What out does the WTS give themselves and the elders? w77 6/15 p. 382 The Influential Pharisees ***In view of what the Pharisees did, elders in the congregations of Gods people will do well to remember that they have no authority to make rules that go beyond what is clearly stated in the Bible. True, at times certain arrangements must be made for orderliness in mattersw88 9/15 p. 29 Christians?Firm yet Flexible ***Most Christians have little trouble submitting to clearly defined Bible laws. But Christians are told: "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you." (Hebrews 13:17) Congregation elders may designate specific times for the congregation to meet for field service. Or they may specify that Kingdom Hall equipment should be used in a certain way. True, no Bible text spells out how a thermostat should be adjusted or who should do such adjusting. Yet, when the elders make such decisions, is it not a fine thing to cooperate? w95 3/1 p. 7 Lessons From the Miracles of Jesus ***Those in authority in the congregation refrain from burdening others with excessive man-made rules and policies. And is the Bible the only basis for these rules? w75 8/1 p. 474 Elders Presiding in a Fine Way ***If the Bible and the publications of the "faithful and discreet slave" do not clearly outline a course, the elders should not impose their personal likes and dislikes, as if these were rules to be followed by the others5 Expressing our devotion to Jehovah, we might pray: "I am yours. O save me, because I have searched for your own orders." (Psalm 119:94) King Asa searched for God and rooted out apostasy in Judah. At a great assembly in the 15th year of Asas reign (963 B.C.E.), Judahs inhabitants "entered into a covenant to search for Jehovah." God "let himself be found by them" and "continued to give them rest all around." (2 Chronicles 15:10-15) This example should encourage a renewed search for God by any who have drifted away from the Christian congregation. He will bless and protect those who resume active association with his people. Rooted out apostasyThis example should encourage a renewed search for God by any who have drifted away from the Christian congregationActually they mean drifted away from the JW congregation; many people still love God and never left him but have realized that he could no longer be found at the KH of JWs. Also, notice how they combine the thought of apostasy with drifting away.He will bless and protect those who resume active association with his people.That goes along with the following statement that only JWs are true Christians and only they will be protected by God when he destroys the wicked. Survival book chap. 12 pp. 92-93 Identified for Destruction or Survival? ***It would be a serious mistake to conclude that if a person tries to lead a "good" life and if he shuns religions that are doing things clearly condemned in Gods Word, nothing more is required of him. All who hope to survive into the "new earth" must also be unmistakably identified as worshipers of Jehovah. (Revelation 14:6, 7; Psalm 37:34; Joel 2:32)6 Jehovahs word imparts wisdom that can protect us from spiritual harm. (Psalm 119:97-104) Gods commandments make us wiser than our enemies. Heeding his reminders gives us insight, and observing his orders enables us to behave with more understanding than older men. (Psalm 119:98-100) If Jehovahs sayings are smoother to our palate than honey to our mouth, we will hate and avoid "every false path." (Psalm 119:103,104) This will serve as a protection from spiritual harm as we encounter haughty, fierce, ungodly people in these last days.-2 Timothy 3:1-5. Protect us from spiritual harmTruly studying the Bible and not WT publications, a person will see the twisting of the scriptures. Before 1929, the WTS taught that the superior authorities (Romans 13) were the secular governments, from 1929 to 1962, that they were Jesus and God, and from 1962 to now that they are the secular authorities. Wiser than our enemiesThe only way to combat the doctrines of the WTS is through the scriptures and their own flipflopping words.Behave with more understanding than older menDo you feel that way since being on JWD you are better equipped to deal with the carefully crafted statements of the WTS?Hate and avoid every false pathPer the WTS, they are the only true path, channel. w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible?A Book Meant to Be Understood ***Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovahs channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.?John 6:68. Protection from spiritual harmAs we encounter haughty, fierce, ungodly peopleBy implication they mean anyone not part of the WTS.A Lamp to Our Foot 7 Gods word is a source of unfailing spiritual light. (Psalm 119:105-112) Whether we are anointed Christians or we are their companions of the "other sheep," we declare: "Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway." (John 10:16; Psalm 119:105) Gods word is like a lamp lighting our way, so that we do not stumble and fall spiritually. (Proverbs 6:23) Yet, we must personally let Jehovahs word be a lamp to our foot.Blurb on page 17: If we love Jehovahs reminders, he will never regard us as "scummy dross" Gods word is a source of unfailing spiritual light.But only as interpreted/explained by the WTS (see above).Anointed Christians only JWs who expect to go to heaven when they dieTheir companions All the other JWs who are told that the plane is fullMust personally let Jehovahs word be a lamp to our footPersonally let? No, only after it is been filtered through WT publications. 8 We need to be as resolute as the composer of Psalm 119. He was determined not to wander from Gods orders. "I have made a sworn statement," he said, "and I will carry it out, to keep your [Jehovahs] righteous judicial decisions." (Psalm 119:106) Let us never underestimate the value of regular Bible study and participation in Christian meetings. Not to wander from Gods ordersNot to wander from the organizations directions w03 3/15 p. 25 The Early Christians and the Mosaic Law ***When Jehovah provides direction by means of his Word, his spirit, and his earthly organization, let us listen carefully.w02 10/1 p. 12 Jehovah Blesses and Protects Those Who Are Obedient ***However, if we stay close to God and respond swiftly to the direction we receive through his Word and organization, we can be assured of his protective care.w01 6/15 p. 26 Be Joyful With the Kingdom Hope! ***Brother Lösch concluded by saying: "In order to remain spiritually protected, we must remain under the wings of Jehovah. This means that we must not develop a spirit of independence. Let us always stay close to Jehovah and his motherlike organization, not separating ourselves from their direction and loving counsel."Never underestimate the value of regular Bible study and participation in Christian meetingsDo JWs study the Bible or the WT publications? How many times do you see someone crack open a Bible and read from it to support a statement at a meeting? How many read the partially quoted or snippet scripture from the paragraph? How many elders, MS, pioneers and their families comment at the meetings?
9 The psalmist did not wander from Gods orders, but that can happen to a person dedicated to Jehovah. (Psalm 119:110) King Solomon wandered, although he was a member of a nation dedicated to Jehovah and had originally acted in harmony with God-given wisdom. "Even him the foreign wives caused to sin" by inducing him to worship false gods.-Nehemiah 13:26; 1 Kings 11:1-6. Wander from Gods ordersWander from Gods orders or the WTS orders?
Can happen to a person dedicated to JehovahTranslation; there are too many JWs becoming inactive
King Solomon wanderedOriginally acted in harmony with God-given wisdomTranslation; there are too many JWs no longer acting in harmony with WTS-given wisdom
His foreign wives caused him to sinCan all these inactive JWs been influenced by non-JW spouses?
10 "The birdcatcher," Satan, sets many traps. (Psalm 91:3) For instance, a former associate may try to induce us to wander off the pathway of spiritual light into the darkness of apostasy. Among Christians at Thya-tira, there was "that woman Jezebel," possibly a group of women teaching others to practice idolatry and commit fornication. Jesus did not tolerate such evils, and neither should we. (Revelation 2:18-22; Jude 3, 4) Let us therefore pray for Jehovahs help so that we do not wander from his orders but remain in divine light.-Psalm 119:111, 112. Satan set many trapsA former associate may try to induce us to wander off the pathway of spiritual light into the darkness of apostasy.Oooh, demonize any JW no longer attending meetings.
If someone points out the emperor has no clothes
But among the crowds a little child suddenly gasped out, "But he hasn't got anything on." And the people began to whisper to one another what the child had said. "He hasn't got anything on." "There's a little child saying he hasn't got anything on." Till everyone was saying, "But he hasn't got anything on." The Emperor himself had the uncomfortable feeling that what they were whispering was only too true. "But I will have to go through with the procession," he said to himself.http://www.mindfully.org/Reform/Emperors-New-Clothes.htm
If someone points out the man behind the curtain
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain
Jezebel; possibly a group of women teaching others to practice idolatry and commit fornicationHow many JWs understand that child molesters have committed fornication and/or adultery? Is it women in the congregation that through their policies make the JW congregation an ideal place for molesters; requiring 2 eyewitnesses before the elders will act to protect the congregation?
Who has committed idolatry by requiring their members to go through the faithful and discreet slave (represented by the governing body of JWs) to get to Jesus.
w01 1/15 p. 16 Overseers and Ministerial Servants Theocratically Appointed Theocratic appointments come from Jehovah through his Son and Gods visible earthly channel, "the faithful and discreet slave" and its Governing Body. (Matthew 24:45-47)God (1 st )
Jesus (2 nd )
FDS/GB (3 rd )
All others
w01 3/1 p. 16 Rejoicing for Those Who Walk in the Light ***
Through "the faithful and discreet slave," we are given everything we could ever need in a spiritual sense.Do not wander from his orders but remain in divine light.Translation; remaining at the KH equals remaining in divine light.
Sustained by Gods Word11 If we never stray from his regulations, God will sustain us. (Psalm 119:113-120) We do not approve of "halfhearted ones," even as Jesus disapproves of lukewarm professing Christians today. (Psalm 119:113; Revelation 3:16) Because we wholeheartedly serve Jehovah, he is our place of concealment and will sustain us. He will toss away all those straying from his regulations by resorting to trickiness and falsehood. (Psalm 119:114, 117,118; Proverbs 3:32) He views such wicked ones as "scummy dross"--impurities removed from such valuable metals as silver and gold. (Psalm 119:119; Proverbs 17:3) May we always display love for Gods reminders, for we surely do not want to join the wicked on the slag heap of destruction! Stray from his regulationsStray from WTS regulations
We do not approve of halfhearted onesHalfhearted ones; inactive, irregular, under 5 hour publishersJesus disapproves of lukewarm professing Christians todayLukewarm; under 5 hour publishers; elders/MS under 10 hoursProfessing Christians; non-JWsJesus disapproves; the WTS disapproves, self-proclaimed only true representatives of Jesus on earthWholeheartedly serve JehovahWholeheartedly do what the WTS says
Toss away all those straying from his regulationsAre the inactive to be tossed away because they no longer follow the command at Hebrews 10:24,25? Only time will tell; but can the WTS afford to hemorrhage any more?
By resorting to trickiness and falsehoodFalsehoods such as:
Bloody policy
Child abuse
UN involvement
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
607 and 1914
http://www.geocities.com/osarsif/gentile1.htm?200522
False prophecies of WTS past
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2919/dates.html
Such wicked ones; scummy drossAccording to the WTS, everyone not a JW is a wicked one; doomed to eternal destruction in the near future.
Do not want to join the wicked on the slag heap of destructionSo according to the WTS, the wicked are already on the slag heap?
12 "From the dread of you [Jehovah] my flesh has had a creepy feeling," said the psalmist. (Psalm 119:120) Our having a wholesome dread of God, manifested by avoiding what he disapproves, is vital if he is to sustain us as his servants. Reverential fear of Jehovah caused Job to live a righteous life. (Job 1:1; 23:15) Godly fear can enable us to persevere in a divinely favored course regardless of what we must endure. Endurance, though, calls for earnest prayers said in faith.-James 5:15.Blurb on page 18: If we read the Bible daily, helpful passages may readily come to mind when we pray Wholesome dread of God; of the WTSAvoiding what he disapproves; what the WTS disapprovesFear of Jehovah caused Job to live a righteous lifeNot love?
Pray in Faith 13 We can pray in faith that God will act in our behalf. (Psalm 119:121-128) Like the psalmist, we are sure that our prayers will be answered. Why? Because we love divine commandments "more than gold, even refined gold." Moreover, we consider all of Gods orders regarding all things to be right-Psalm 119:127,128. We are sure that our prayers will be answeredOnly if we do what the WTS says
14 Jehovah hears our petitions because we pray in faith and also carefully comply with his orders. (Psalm 65:2) But what if we sometimes have such bewildering problems that we do not know what to say in prayer? Then "the spirit itself pleads for us with groanings unuttered." (Romans 8:26, 27) At such times, God accepts expressions found in his Word as prayers covering our needs. Jehovah hears our petitions becauseCarefully comply with his ordersDoes God listen to the prayers of non-JWs then?
15 The Scriptures are full of prayers and thoughts that would tie in with our unuttered groanings. For example, consider Psalm 119:121-128. The way things are expressed here may fit our circumstances. If we fear being defrauded, for instance, we might ask for Gods help in the way the psalmist did. (Verses 121-123) Suppose we need to make a very difficult decision. Then we might pray that Jehovahs spirit help us to recall and apply his reminders. (Verses 124, 125) Although we hate every false path, we may need to ask God to act in our behalf so that we do not succumb to some temptation to break his law. (Verses 126-128) If we read the Bible daily, such helpful passages may come to mind when we supplicate Jehovah. Fear being defraudedThe elders will tell you to eat the loss, especially if another elder is at fault. It is not Christian to be taking your brother to court, the elder body can handle it. Moral of the story; never do business with a JW if you are a JW.
Make a very difficult decision w01 4/15 p. 28 You Can Succeed Regardless of Your Upbringing ***Malinda too seeks the advice of the elders when making important decisions in her life. Read the Bible dailyRead the so-called bible-based WTS publications daily. After all, by January 2006, many JWs will have one less Awake to read a month.
Helped by Jehovahs Reminders 16 To be heard in prayer and to enjoy divine favor, we must heed Gods reminders. (Psalm 119:129-136) Since we are forgetful, we need Jehovahs wonderful reminders that bring his instruction and commandments back to our minds. Of course, we appreciate the spiritual light shed by every new disclosure of Gods words. (Psalm 119:129, 130) We are also grateful that Jehovah has made his face shine upon us in approval, although streams of water run from our eyes because others violate his law.-Psalm 119: 135,136; Numbers 6:25.To be heard Enjoy divine favor Heed Gods reminders
WTS reminders; otherwise you will not be heard and will not enjoy divine favor
Since we are forgetful, we need Jehovahs wonderful reminders w00 12/1 p. 16 Do You Love Jehovahs Reminders Exceedingly? ***Our need for Gods reminders is met in part at Christian meetings, where instruction is provided by appointed brothers. w99 8/15 p. 28 Benefiting From "the Grain of Heaven" *** Attendance at all Christian meetings reflects our appreciation for Jehovahs reminders17 We are sure to have Gods continued favor if we comply with his righteous reminders. (Psalm 119:137-144) As Jehovahs servants, we acknowledge that it is right for him to bring his righteous reminders to our attention and placethem upon us as commandments that we should obey. (Psalm 119:138) Since the psalmist obeyed Gods commandments, why did he say: "I am insignificant and contemptible"? (Psalm 119: 141) Apparently, he was alluding to the way his enemies viewed him. If we maintain an uncompromising stand for righteousness, others may look down on us. Yet, what really matters is that Jehovah looks on us with favor because we live in accord with his righteous reminders. Gods continued favorOnly if you do what the WTS says
Comply with his righteous standards (as interpreted by the WTS)Right for him to bring his righteous reminders to our attentionRight for God or right for the WTS?
Really what matters is that Jehovah looks on us with favorYes, it is only what God and Jesus think of us that matters; not the WTS, not the elders, not other JWs, not your JW family.
Secure and at Peace18 Observing Gods reminders keeps us close to him. (Psalm 119:145-152) Because we pay attention to Jehovahs reminders, we feel free to call upon him with our whole heart, and we can expect to be heard. We may awaken "early in the morning twilight" and cry for help. What a fine time to pray! (Psalm 119:145-147) God is also near us because we avoid loose conduct and view his word as truth, even as Jesus did. (Psalm 119: 150, 151; John 17:17) Our relationship with Jehovah sustains us in this troubled world and will carry us through his great war of Armageddon.-Revelation 7:9,14; 16:13-16. Pay attention to Gods reminders; we can expect to be heardIf we dont pay attention to the WTS reminders, are our prayers blocked? Do prayers go through Jesus or the WTS?
Avoid loose conductDid you know you could be DFd for loose conduct and not have done anything sexual?
Insight book Volume 2 p. 264 Loose Conduct ***Acts that reflect a brazen attitude, an attitude betraying disrespect, even contempt for law and authority.http://dbhome.dk/carlo/unit5a.htm
Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock Unit 5(a) Loose conduct. Term not restricted to sexual immorality.(Gal. 5:19, Ref.. Bi., ftn.; 2 Pet. 2:7, Ref.. Bi., ftn.; w83
3/15 p. 31; w73 9/15 pp. 574-6; it-2 p. 264)19 Because of our deep regard for Gods word, we enjoy true security. (Psalm 119:153-160) Unlike the wicked, we have not deviated from Jehovahs reminders. We love Gods orders and therefore are secure in his loving-kindness. (Psalm 119:157-159) Jehovahs reminders stimulate our memory so that we remember what he requires of us in specific situations. Gods orders, on the other hand, are directives, and we readily acknowledge our Creators right to direct us. Aware that the substance of Gods word is truth and that we cannot direct our own steps independently, we gladly accept divine direction.-Psalm 119:160; Jeremiah 10:23. True security
Only in the congregations of JWs
w01 3/1 p. 21 Salvation for Those Who Choose the Light ***Regarding that dangerous time, Jehovah warns us: "Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over. For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him, and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones." (Isaiah 26:20, 21; Zephaniah 1:14) This warning showed the Jews how to survive the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C.E. Those who heeded it would have stayed in their houses, safe from the conquering soldiers out in the streets.Today, the "interior rooms" of the prophecy likely have to do with the tens of thousands of congregations of Jehovahs people around the world. Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers, under the loving care of the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25) This is especially true in view of the nearness of the end of this system of things when survival will depend on obedience.?Zephaniah 2:3. Unlike the wicked, we have not deviatedhttp://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
Remember what he requires of us in specific situationsDoes a sister scream or not scream if she is being raped, has she committed fornication if she doesnt scream?
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/rape_is_fornication.htm
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/rape_not_fornication.htm
20 Our love for Jehovahs law brings us abundant peace. (Psalm 119:161-168) Persecution does not rob us of the incomparable "peace of God." (Philippians 4:6, 7) So much do we appreciate Jehovahs judicial decisions that we praise him for them often --"seven times in the day." (Psalm 119:161-164) "Abundant peace belongs to those loving your law," sang the psalmist, "and for them there is no stumbling block." (Psalm 119:165) If we as individuals love and keep Jehovahs law, we will not be stumbled spiritually by what someone else does or by any other matter. If we as individuals love and keep Jehovahs law We will not be stumbled spiritually by what someone else does or by any other matter.Jesus kept Gods law perfectly. He wasnt stumbled spiritually when he say the actions and words of the religious leaders of his time; it did not stop him from pointing out how Gods word had been made invalid or publicly acknowledging that those who were doing that were offspring of vipers and from their father the Devil.
Translation; evidently the news on the Internet regard child abuse, the WTS association with the UN, the evolving blood doctrine and compromise with countries like Bulgaria, is yielding results, besides the WTS own hypocrisy. 21 Many individuals of Bible record did not let anything be a lasting stumbling block for them. For instance, the Christian man Gaius was not stumbled but went on walking in the truth despite the ungodly conduct of Diotrephes. (3 John 1-3, 9,10) Paul exhorted the Christian women Euodia and Syntyche "to be of the same mind in the Lord," likely because difficulties had arisen between them. Apparently, they were helped to resolve their problem, and they continued to serve Jehovah faithfully. (Philippians 4:2, 3) So we need not stumble if difficulties of some sort arise in the congregation. Let us concentrate on keeping Jehovahs orders, remembering that all our ways are in front of him. (Psalm 119:168; Proverbs 15:3) Then nothing will permanently rob us of "abundant peace." GaiusNotice though that Diotrephes was revealed and corrected publicly by John. Has the WTS ever admitted to any wrongdoing or misinformation let alone been publicly rebuked?
Have they apologized for the JWs who died between 1967 and 1980 when organ transplants were a Dfing offense?
http://watchtower.observer.org/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040321/JWANDMEDICINE4/10702008
Need not stumble if difficulties of some sort arise in the congregationAn confessed child molester is reinstated after only 8 months; an adulterous sister is reinstated only after 8 years.
Elders reveal confidential material about people unless it involves a child molester in the midst of the congregation and then they zip their lips; only the elders and their families are protected.
But all these things go back to the organization and their policies. The problems are not in the congregation but in the central administration of the WTS.
22 If we always obey Jehovah, we will be privileged to keep on praising him. (Psalm 119:169-176) By living in harmony with Gods regulations, not only do we enjoy spiritual security but our lips continue to bubble forth Jehovahs praise. (Psalm 119:169-171, 174) This is the greatest privilege we could have in these last days. The psalmist wanted to keep living and praising Jehovah, but in some undisclosed way, he had wandered like a lost sheep. (Psalm 119:175,176) Some who have wandered away from the Christian congregation may still love God and may want to praise him. Let us therefore do all we can to help them so that they may again find spiritual security and experience the joy of praising Jehovah with his people. -Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 5:6, 7. If we always obey JehovahIf we always obey the WTS
Wandered like a lost sheep Some who have wandered away from the Christian congregation may still love God and may want to praise him. Let us therefore do all we can to help them so that they may again find spiritual security and experience the joy of praising Jehovah with his people Wandered away from the Christian congregationReally, only left the JW organization because no spiritual security was found there and they could no longer praise God in an organization that did not display the love of the Christ.
Lasting Light for Our Roadway 23 Psalm 119 can benefit us in various ways. For instance, it can make us more reliant on God, for it shows that true happiness results from "walking in the law of Jehovah." (Psalm 119:1) The psalmist reminds us that the substance of Gods word is truth. (Psalm 119:160) This surely ought to enhance our appreciation for the entire written Word of God. Meditating on Psalm 119 should move us to study the Scriptures diligently. The psalmist repeatedly petitioned God: "Teach me your regulations." (Psalm 119:12, 68, 135) He also pleaded: "Teach me goodness, sensibleness and knowledge themselves, for in your commandments I have exercised faith." (Psalm 119:66) We do well to pray in a similar way. More reliant on GodMore reliant on the WTS
Substance of Gods word is truth Enhance our appreciation for the entire written Word of God Study the Scriptures diligentlyNever just accept something because the WTS says it. Open your Bible, read the context, check other places in the Bible, what has the WTS said in the past (use your CD). Pray to God but not those canned prayers you hear at the KH.
24 Divine teaching makes possible a close relationship with Jehovah. The psalmist repeatedly calls himself Gods servant. In fact, he addresses Jehovah with the touching words: "I am yours." (Psalm 119:17, 65, 94, 122,125; Romans 14:8) What a privilege it is to serve and praise Jehovah as one of his Witnesses! (Psalm 119:7) Are you serving God joyfully as a Kingdom proclaimer? If so, be assured that Jehovah will continue to support and bless you in this privileged activity if you always trust in his word and let it light your roadway. Makes possibleThe WTS never lets you feel secure in your relationship with God or Jesus. Possible, probably, likely, maybe.
Praise Jehovah as one of his witnessesOr as one of Jesus witnesses (Acts 1:8)?
Concluding CommentsMan, I felt like I just got off a rollercoaster ride and need to vomit.
Where was Jesus in this? Was your relationship with Jesus enhanced?
If JWs actually read the Bible and studied it without the filter of WTS publications, they would be surprised. If they actually read and contemplated the history of the WTS, they would run not walk out the KH door.
Love, Blondie (who did not drift or wander but left with intelligent thought)Questions:1, 2. Under what circumstances will Jehovahs word light our roadway? 3. How does Psalm 119:89, 90 show that we can depend on Gods word? 4. What does fondness for Gods word do for his servants who suffer affliction? 5. How did King Asa search for Jehovah? 6. What course will protect us from spiritual harm? 7, 8. In keeping with Psalm 119:105, what do we need to do? 9, 10. How do we know that individuals dedicated to Jehovah can wander from his orders/ but how can this be avoided? 11. According to Psalm 119:119, how does God view the wicked? 12. Why is fear of Jehovah important? 13-15. (a) Why can we have faith that our prayers will be answered? (b) What can happen if we do not know what to say in prayer? (c) Illustrate how Psalm 119:121-128 might tie in with our unuttered groanings in prayer. 16, 17. (a) Why do we need Gods reminders, and how should we view them? (b) How may others look upon us, but what really matters? 18, 19. What results from our observing Gods reminders? 20. Why do we have "abundant peace"? 21. What Scriptural examples show that we need not stumble if difficulties arise in the congregation? 22. (a) If we obey God, what privilege can we enjoy? (b) How should we view some who have wandered away from the Christian congregation? 23, 24. What benefits have you drawn from Psalm 119? How Would You Answer? Why should we be fond of Gods word? How are we sustained by Gods word? In what ways are we helped by Jehovahs reminders? Why are Jehovahs people secure and at peace?