DakotaRed

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Posts by DakotaRed

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  14

  There's something in the sink looking at me.

  by joelbear in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  its down in the drain and i can barely make it out but it's definitely showing signs that it is attracted to me.. how should i respond?.

  joel

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  DakotaRed

  Don't worry about in the sink. Joel. But, when things start looking at you from the toilet, time to flush, my friend.

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
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  20

  $300,000,000 - Percentage YOU Would Donate To WTS?

  by Derrick in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  you buy a state lottery ticket with a motherlode of a jackpot similar to one in california recently.. lo and behold you alone win the $300,000,000.. before and after the next meeting you share your joy with the brothers and sisters.

  some are naturally curious to know what percentage you plan on donating to the world wide preaching work and local congregation?.

  how do you respond?.

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  DakotaRed

  *** w89 7/15 30 Questions From Readers ***
  Questions From Readers
  õ Is it appropriate for a Christian to buy lottery tickets as mere entertainment if the proceeds go to a charity?

  The Bible certainly does not discourage fitting entertainment, for Jehovah is “the happy God.” (1 Timothy 1:11) His people can enjoy music, modest dancing, moderate eating or drinking, and balanced sports and games. (Psalm 150:4; Ecclesiastes 2:24) However, gambling clearly conflicts with God’s wise counsel, and this is true of sharing in lotteries.

  Exactly what is a lottery? It involves buying tickets to have a chance to win prizes. Winners are determined by a drawing or some random way of choosing a number. Often there is one huge prize, perhaps amounting to millions of dollars, pesos, or pounds. The appeal of such an enormous prize is so great that lotteries have become “the most widespread form of gambling.” (The World Book Encyclopedia) Hundreds of millions of people gamble by means of lotteries.

  Some people have reasoned that being involved in a lottery is not wrong or bad because the cost of a ticket (chance) may be small, because those participating do so willingly, and because some of the proceeds may be used for a charitable purpose, such as helping the poor. How valid is such reasoning?

  While some claim that buying a lottery ticket is simple, low-cost entertainment, there is no denying the greed factor. People buy lottery tickets hoping to win a lot of money. This certainly runs in the face of divine counsel against greediness, which can be such a serious vice that it can prevent a person from ‘inheriting God’s kingdom.’ Hence, if a Christian manifested persistent greed by gambling, he could be excluded from the congregation. (1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10) The Bible says: “An inheritance is being got by greed at first, but its own future will not be blessed.” (Proverbs 20:21) If a Christian felt any impulse to ‘take a chance’ in a lottery, he should think seriously about the greed on which the lottery is based. Ephesians 5:3 says that ‘greediness should not even be mentioned among us,’ much less given in to by a Christian.
  The largest portion of lottery players are usually found in poor communities. So even if the cost of a ticket is small, funds are being diverted that ought to go toward genuine family needs—more food, adequate clothing, improved medical care. A person who claims to be a Christian but neglects such family needs “is worse than a person without faith.”—1 Timothy 5:8.

  Even if the cost of a lottery ticket would not significantly harm someone’s personal or family finances, that does not mean that others are not harmed. Why so? Because almost anyone buying a lottery ticket would like to win. From where would his prize money come? If his ticket cost ten pesos and the prize is a million pesos, that means that he takes the ticket money from a hundred thousand other people. Does that harmonize with God’s counsel against coveting others’ valuables? (Deuteronomy 5:21) In fact, his prize will involve money taken from many more people, for far more than a hundred thousand tickets will have to be sold. A goodly amount of ticket money must go for administrative costs, as well as some to the charitable purpose that is trumpeted as the rationale for the lottery. So even if a person can afford the ten pesos for his own ticket, what about vast numbers of others? Moreover, his winning will probably be publicized, moving many to begin playing the lottery or buying more tickets, even if they cannot afford this.

  There is also no denying that bound up with the lottery is the dream of winning money without working for it. Yes, the lottery encourages laziness or appeals to it. The Bible, though, urges God’s people to be thrifty, industrious, and hardworking. Rather than promote a ‘get something for nothing’ spirit, it advises: “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.”—2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 13:4; 20:4; 21:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12.

  That others may share in a lottery of their own volition and that it is legal does not justify involvement in it by Christians. Some governments legalize other forms of gambling, as well as prostitution and polygamy. Though such things may be legal and many people are willingly involved in them, this does not mean that such activities are proper in God’s sight. Christians, rather, strive to reflect David’s view: “Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths. Make me walk in your truth and teach me, for you are my God of salvation.”—Psalm 25:4, 5.

  If a Christian genuinely wants to help the poor, handicapped, or elderly, he certainly can do so directly or in a way that does not involve gambling.

  [Footnotes]
  Though widely known as a lottery, this type of gambling may also be called a pool, sweepstakes, raffle, or some local name.

  There you have it, straight from the horses' A**, errr, mouth. Why would I give them a penny? From the above, they would not even want it, right?

  Bet they would find an excuse to accept it, though!

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
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  32

  SOMETHING BIG IS GOING TO HAPPEN APRIL 19-20

  by new boy in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the stars are in alignment.. the time is right.. this weekend will change the world.. i just love to make prophecys, it reminds me of someone i know!.

  "failure to respond to the direction of the organization indicates a rejection of divine rulership"---[2/15/1976,p.124].

  "jehovah's witness are not infallible or inspired prophets."[5/15/1976,p.297].

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  DakotaRed

  It is obvious something big is going to happen. Reports are heard of exJWs all over selling their Dixie Cups and using the funds to prepare for the weekend in the time remaining. Why, some have even stock piled ice and beer in the coolers in preparation for the weekend. Just to be sure, I even bought a bag of charcoal and am eagerly awaiting the big event myself.

  LOL, just keep them prohecies comin".

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
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  19

  Shunning/Ostracising

  by DevonMcBride in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the past few weeks i have been comnunicating with jw's in my area who attend kh meetings physically but not mentally.

  they are "closet apostates" or "double agents".

  some are planning to leave the area altogether to avoid the hassles of being shunned.. according to one of these "closet apostates", he believes that 30% if not more of the members in his congregation would leave if it were not for the shunning.

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  DakotaRed

  I can go along with educating the public and media with the notion and truth of shunning, but disagree on contacting Politicians. The last thing needed is Government interference.

  As already stated, no one is forced to become a JW, save maybe a few that were born into it. Even they have the right to leave if they choose.

  We have already allowed too many of our freedoms under the constitution to be amended and restricted. If we allow or encourage religiuos restrictions as well, which one will be next?

  Write letters to the editors and inform the public of the rudeness associated with becoming a dub, but refrian from contacting the Govt. Give them an inch and they'll take everything you have.

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
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  8

  Why do I feel such so bad?

  by Marilyn in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  this is the deal: i'm disfed as of 1981. i've known the shunning thing all these years.

  i have devout jw siblings and my parents are jws but not active or unreasonably devout.

  my father is 80 and my mother is 77. my mother has metastatic breast cancer and is currently receiving treatment.. .

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  DakotaRed

  Isn't it amazing how they condemn the Governments and refuse to show honor or respect to them, yet take advantage of any monetary gain they can from them! If anyone should feel like shit it should be your sister. But, with a Watchtower honed conscience, that is not likely.

  You did right, Marilyn. Your feeling sad shows that you have a Bible trained conscience and that you honestly care.

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
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  6

  T A X E S

  by QUEENIE in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  well did all you guys get your taxes in on time ??

  now u can chill right???

  hope so..better yet hope you guys got refunds i am serious and mean what i say..spend hardy (((((hugs)))))

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  DakotaRed

  Got mine in about a week ago. Now, it's just waiting for the check. But, spend hardy? LOL. Maybe with another rebate from Uncle Sugar.

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
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  26

  Those people with the cardboard signs.

  by Princess in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  what do you do when you see people holding the cardboard signs?

  sunday afternoon i was driving to a day spa in seattle for a pedicure.

  i was sitting at a red light and there was an older man holding a cardboard sign.

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  DakotaRed

  Many of these people disturb me. There are so many resources available to help them. Some have been caught begging food and such and around the corner, is a new car piled with groceries.

  I don't know how to tell who is sincerly in need and who is a scam artist. Maybe the best thing to do is direct them to a homeless shelter or Salvation Army.

  Years ago, I worked in Old Town, downtown Portland, right in the middle of wino district. Some of them looked and sounded so pitiful, but all they wanted was enough for the next bottle of Ripple.

  Today, they tug at the heartstrings of good and honest people. No doubt, some are sincere, but maybe need directed to someone who can really help them. There are no easy answers, just be careful when approaching or be approached by someone asking for a hand out.

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
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  8

  Inculcation versus setting an example

  by larc in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  jw's quote proverbs 22:6, "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

  " now, training in the witness world, as you all know, has to do with meetings, underlining text, making comments at the watchtower study and the book study.

  that is how you are supposed to raise a child.. now, my children are an interesting experiment.

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  DakotaRed

  Thanks, ReBorn. The JWs sure don't give the kids much to live for, do they? And, they declare themselves the TRUTH?

  No thanks, religion has done much harm to man and the Watchtower is near the top of the list, in my estimation.

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
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  8

  Inculcation versus setting an example

  by larc in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  jw's quote proverbs 22:6, "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

  " now, training in the witness world, as you all know, has to do with meetings, underlining text, making comments at the watchtower study and the book study.

  that is how you are supposed to raise a child.. now, my children are an interesting experiment.

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  DakotaRed

  It's really sad that the JWs miss the gist of that scripture. I raised two daughters, before getting involved with the JWs. I even had them as a single Dad from the time they were 15 on. Their Mom was a non-practicing Catholic and I was a generic Protestant, raised in the AoG. Neither of us went to church or practiced any religion. We did, however, teach the girls kindness and selflessness. Jesus and angels were mentioned often, but no real deep study involving them. Their Mom and I didn't agree on the trinity, so neither of us pushed our view on them.

  Both are grown, married and having families today.

  After becoming a JW, I remarried and took on three step kids and a dub wife (Soon to be ex). None of these kids wished to learn anything I knew and their Mom simply keeps them going to meetings and in service, where the goal is to get someone to buy you something at the nearest Burgerville. All three love to quote Ephesians 6:4, as a manner to get their way. They totally neglect the first three verses. As I tried to instill Bible principals in them, all I received was condemantion from the elders, as the kids would complain that they didn't get to do it their way. My crime was to try to hold a Bible study and ask questions in the JW manner. I could not get their Mom to hold the study, but privately, she would study with them, cutting me totally out of the picture. Of course, she cut me out of anything with them and then complained to me about their conduct.

  I asked elders for help and received none. But if the kids said anything against me, elders were banging on the door. So, I ended up going inactive and saying the hell with studying with them. After I DA'd, it got even worse, if that is possible.

  So far, two have run away and returned, all three threaten suicide, when I am gone and they are not getting their way. One was arrested for assaulting her Mom, but no charges were filed and it was dropped. Of course, all the blame for it all falls on me, as I am the step parent and DA'd myself.

  Comparatively speaking, at least in my case, raising kids away from the JWs produces much saner children as well as well adjusted ones. I should add that all four had mental illness issues before I met them and I overlooked them until after we were married, (Being horney does that, I guess).

  Knowing what I know today, I would keep my door bolted and not let the dubs in. Live and learn.

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?
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  11

  Prayers, are they heard?

  by bigfloppydog in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i need some opinions on this question please.

  if one has left org.

  or been df does god hear our prayers?

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  DakotaRed

  I firmly believe that God hears and listens to all prayers, regardless of religious affiliation. The dubs preach that he heard your prayers to have them come to your door, right? So, just because three narrow minded old men decide you are not worthy, why would he care more what they think that what you do?

  If God's Spirit is filling a Kingdom Hall, how is it that Satan can manuever the ones within that Kingdom Hall at the same time?