By the way, I forgot to mention that this article is dedicated to nytelecom2, who provided the inspiration in the thread he started yesterday, called "Chronic Problem".
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.asp?id=22942&site=3
Love, Scully
Posts by Scully
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45wt 8/15/03: Easing Nature - Is it for Christians?
by Scully ineasing nature is it for christians?
easing nature the very phrase itself brings to mind the odious product of this activity.
yet, many people have the understanding that this natural bodily function is a practice in which true christians may engage.
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45
wt 8/15/03: Easing Nature - Is it for Christians?
by Scully ineasing nature is it for christians?
easing nature the very phrase itself brings to mind the odious product of this activity.
yet, many people have the understanding that this natural bodily function is a practice in which true christians may engage.
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Scully
“Easing Nature” – Is it for Christians?
Easing nature – the very phrase itself brings to mind the odious product of this activity. Yet, many people have the understanding that this natural bodily function is a practice in which true Christians may engage. But what does God’s Word, the Bible, have to say? Is easing nature appropriate for Christians?
Jehovah, in His wisdom, addressed the practice of easing nature twice in the Hebrew Scriptures. Not surprisingly, this is exactly the same number of times that the scriptures address the pagan observance of birthdays, so we can understand this as a pattern that Jehovah used in drawing the matter to the attention of His Faithful and Discreet Slave, as a practice noteworthy for true Christians.
What do the scriptures say regarding persons who practiced easing nature? Were they people who had God’s divine approval? 1Samuel 23:3-5 describes the first king of Israel, Saul, as being one who eased nature. However, although Saul initially enjoyed God’s favor as Israel’s anointed king, at the time when the scriptures mention his easing nature, he had already lost Jehovah’s blessing. He had already presumptuously made a sacrifice to Jehovah without the benefit of priestly assistance. He was currently engaged in hunting down God’s newly appointed king and Saul’s own replacement on God’s throne, David. And later still, Saul consulted with the witch of En-dor, having succumbed fully to his apostate leanings. Obviously, his easing nature was further evidence of his lack of godly devotion, as the practice is never mentioned when Saul had God’s favor. Surely, dear brothers, we can see the seriousness of this matter!
The second person mentioned in the scriptures on this very serious matter was the Moabite king Eglon. Not only was he extremely obese, having been run through by an 18-inch sword which was apparently ‘swallowed up’ by his body fat, he also constructed a room for the specific purpose of easing nature. (Judges 3:18-25) The fact that God’s judgment befell him while he was in the midst of easing nature, at the hands of God’s servant Ehud, reminds us of how serious this matter really is, as it indicates even further God’s extreme displeasure with this practice.
Some Christians may be concerned upon learning of this enlightening spiritual direction from Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization. They may question and complain, noting that they have been easing nature their whole lives and have had no spiritual detriment come to them. They may say that easing nature is a natural bodily function of all God’s animate creatures, that because we have been created with this ability that we have the “right” to use it. But is this the scriptural viewpoint? Remember that in the beginning, God created man in his own image. (Genesis 1:27) And we know that being spirit, Jehovah certainly does not Himself ease nature. But at the same time, God created mankind with the ability to ease nature, just as He had with the lower animals. Jesus recognized the human tendency to give in to fleshly desires, including the easing of nature, however he encouraged his followers, “You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48.
Does this mean that we can never again ease nature? It may take time for true Christians to become accustomed to not being enslaved to their bodies as they may have been easing nature for many decades. There may be times when the urge to ease nature overcomes us. Jehovah will forgive those striving to do His will, knowing that ‘we are dust’. - Psalm 103:14.
Consider the blessings we can experience in no longer easing nature. How much time do you currently use in caring for bathroom activities like easing nature? Would not a more fitting use of the time be to spend it in the glorification of God’s name and the spreading of the good news to others?
Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls currently have facilities for easing nature. These are still a loving provision for visitors and our dear children who do not yet have Bible-trained bowels. But think of the wonderful privilege of being able to enjoy the entire meeting or assembly program without having to waste time in facilities meant for weaker ones who have not overcome the need to ease nature.
What are the benefits that can be enjoyed by true Christians from applying this godly counsel? First, we have the knowledge that we are glorifying Jehovah and not using our bodies in a way that would merit his displeasure. Further, we will benefit from the knowledge that indeed ‘our shit don’t stink’ by reason that we have not produced any. What a fitting retort to opposers who hurl these taunts at us! Third, we will be able to devote more time to personal study, field ministry and paying close attention at meetings and assemblies. The ability to pray with a clean conscience and draw closer to Jehovah should be the desire of our hearts, and when we become more like Him in not easing nature, we should feel especially glad of our relationship with Jehovah.
Many may find it difficult to make the transition to this new way of life. Our brothers have many helpful suggestions. This experience from the United States brings us much joy: “Our family decided to eat only mashed potatoes in an effort to quit easing nature. Not only have we almost eliminated the need for bathroom facilities in our home, but we managed to save several hundreds of dollars in our food purchases each month, which we have been able to donate to the worldwide preaching work.” A sister in Europe gladly informed us: “A constant diet of mashed potatoes reminded me of the constant supply of spiritual food we receive in the publications and at meetings. I have not only quit easing nature along with the rest of my family, but I realized that I had selfishly been pursuing frivolous unscriptural matters whenever I went food shopping, cooked fancy meals or spent time growing vegetables in the garden. The amount of time I have saved has allowed me to devote more time to the preaching work. I am happy to report that I have been able to auxiliary pioneer for the last six months!” Even young ones appreciate this loving provision: “My name is Timmy and I am 12 years old. Once I realized that easing nature was as bad as celebrating birthdays, I made up my mind to stop. Sometimes I get urges to ease nature the same way I sometimes feel like going to a birthday party would be fun. But my parents helped me and we prayed about it and read the Bible together and it helped a lot.”
Yes, true Christians from all over the globe are eager to take this timely admonition to heart. The benefits of applying God’s wisdom await all lovers of Jehovah, and far outweigh the momentary pleasure of engaging in easing nature. These blessings are just a small glimpse of the wonders that await all who survive Armageddon and remain on earth in God’s righteous new order.
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JW "Prince" buys mansion in Toronto
by Scully injust heard on the news this evening that musician-turned jw 'formerly known as prince' has purchased a mansion in the bridlewood neighbourhood of toronto.. purchase price is reported at $5.5 million (canadian$).. but, will he come to the next apostofest??.
love, scully.
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Scully
Just heard on the news this evening that musician-turned JW 'formerly known as Prince' has purchased a mansion in the Bridlewood neighbourhood of Toronto.
Purchase price is reported at $5.5 million (Canadian$).
BUT, will he come to the next apostofest??
Love, Scully
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How many of us have had issues with Blood??
by lydia inhow many of us have had a problem with the blood issue when you were a dub??
what help were the elders in the cong?.
are you still opposed to taking blood??
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Scully
When my first child was born, I bled profusely after delivery. My haemoglobin level went from 14 to 4. When I finally regained consciousness almost 5 hours later, the nurse scolded me and told me that my "stupid religion" had almost killed me.
Love, Scully
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23
Chronic Problem
by nytelecom2 ini am beginning to thing that someone who sits.
near my office has a chronic gas problem.. he is an older sort of fellow, in his late.
he never admits anything.
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Scully
NYT,
There are actually a few medical conditions that might be responsible for this problem. The first one that comes to mind is that he may have had colon cancer and uses a colostomy bag. Another one might be that he's just going through a natural process of aging where some digestive enzymes decrease in amount and cause the person to have more gas than they had when they were young. Additionally, some people cannot and should not take products such as "BeanO" because of a metabolic disorder that makes the active ingredients of "BeanO" to be extremely hazardous to them.
I'm sure you'll handle the matter with the tact and discretion that it deserves. Just remember, sometimes the most loving thing to do is to say nothing at all.
Love, Scully
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16
Taking a couple of Days Off
by Danielson inwell, it's finally hit me!today is my one week anniversary on this site(no cakes or anything thanks.
)anyhoo, ive definitely gotta take a break!this is a very addictive site because it confirms all the things i've always suspected about being a dub but could'nt prove it!so being the hollow chocolate jw bunny i am, im takin a few off to get my brain recharged,then back to learn more about my "heritage religion", and make more cool freinds!peace out ya'll
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Scully
Hey Danielson
Hurry back, buddy. You'll be missed.
Love, Scully
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Chronic Problem
by nytelecom2 ini am beginning to thing that someone who sits.
near my office has a chronic gas problem.. he is an older sort of fellow, in his late.
he never admits anything.
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Scully
The Bible does address bathroom matters, actually:
So Saul came in [the cave] to ease nature, while David and his men were in the parts of the cave farthest back, sitting down. And David's men began to say to him: "Here is the day on which Jehovah does say to you, 'Look! I am giving your enemy into your hand, and you must do to him just as it may seem good in your eyes.'" So David rose up and quietly cut off the the skirt of the sleeveless coat that belonged to Saul. - 1 Samuel 24:3a-5
The next time he comes into your office and drops a Silent Sam, you have God's blessing to cut off the skirt of his sleeveless coat. Praise be to Jah!
Love, Scully
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Chronic Problem
by nytelecom2 ini am beginning to thing that someone who sits.
near my office has a chronic gas problem.. he is an older sort of fellow, in his late.
he never admits anything.
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Scully
He's obviously eating a healthy diet with lots of cruciferous vegetables. You should be grateful.
By the way, have you never heard the saying "whoever smelt it, dealt it?"
Love, Scully
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80
INCREDIBLE STUFF SAID @ BOOK STUDY!
by Mister Biggs inironically, we were discussing the watchman who stays awake night and day.. anyway, something was said that made me awaken and pay careful attention.
please, if anyone else who got this same information at their book study, please share it.. here goes:.
there was a picture of a man standing on the watchtower keeping on the look out.
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Scully
happenings at Mister Biggs' BS (how apropos!) last night included:
"Now, if this watchman saw dust kicking up way in the distance, even though he couldn't see what was causing the dust to stir, would you want him to sound the alarm or would you want him to wait and see until it got close enough?"
The conductor's wife answers, "We'd want him to sound it immediately even if it's a false alarm. It's better to be safe than sorry. And today, people try to say that we are false prophets because of, say, the 1914 thing. But the faithful and discreet slave were just trying to sound a warning because it could have meant the lives of those involved. So, we should appreciate that they are eager to help us, even though at times they may be wrong. They are really just trying to take precautions just in case danger may be in the horizon."
Sounding a warning is one thing. False alarms are quite another. If you shout FIRE in a crowded theatre, and people are hurt in the resulting confusion to escape, you are liable for the injuries, are you not?
When someone on an airplane jumps up and says I have a bomb! even if he's lying, he gets prosecuted.
When has the WTS ever taken responsibility for the injuries they've caused by their false alarms??
NEVER!!
Love, Scully
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16
lunch meats
by larc inwell, friends,.
it is time for some fluff.
in the states, we call it lunch meat at an average store and we call it deli meat at an upscale store.
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Scully
Shaved garlic roast pork on a slice of pumpernickel with a touch of "lite" mayo, a slice of havarti, some lettuce and tomato slices.
Love, Scully