The Only Commandment That was Given by Jesus

The bible, which is the word of Jehovah God, the God of the Christian religion, the religion of which I am associate and the God in whom I believe and serve; speak of the father: Jehovah, the son; Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The three of whom, make up the God Head. Although they are separate and distinct, they are one in wisdom, intelligence, power and purpose. Although they have different roles they always work in unity to accomplish the same objectives.

The Triune God was involved in the creation of the universe and all that is in it. They were also involved in the creation of the earth and all of the creatures. This is evident in the records as it is writing in Genesis 1: 26, Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

There are two things implied here:

• that the voice that was speaking was the voice of the Father: Jehovah.

• I got the impression that he was speaking to the Holy Spirit and his Son Jesus Christ.

For he said LET US. So by this we can conclude that the Earth and all that is in it was created by the Triune God: Jehovah, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

After man sinned against Jehovah, he forfeited the privilege of communicating with his creator face to face; but this did not stop Jehovah from loving us. As a matter of fact; the plan of salvation was already in place to aid man's redemption; however, Jehovah could have no longer commune with the first couple as he use to, less they be consumed by his righteousness, his glory and his perfection. Because of his love for the fallen couple, it was his desire to keep in touch with and continue to instruct them. He could not continue to interact with Adam and Adam’s wife: Eve, without his glory consuming the pair. So Jehovah kept in touch with the human race through the Holy Spirit; whose attributes were hid from the eyes of man but not from the other member of the God Head and the heavenly host.

All through the history, beginning with the fall of humankind, the Holy Spirit was always present on the earth, inspiring men, moving Godly men into action, imparting wisdom, causing miracles to happen etc. this is evident in the following examples. We see in numbers 11:1-20, Jehovah took of the spirit from Moses and put it in the newly appointed elders. After John the Baptist had baptised Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Holy Spirit was seen descending upon Jesus like a dove; at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came onto Jesus' disciples, who were gather in the upper room, HE blessed them with his supernatural power and caused them to perform awesome wonders.

When Moses received the Ten Commandments at Sinai the Ten Commandments were given to Moses by Jehovah. Jesus’ assignment was to become man and suffer for the redemption of the human family, which he so graciously and elegantly did.

From the fore going it will be wise to conclude that each member of the God Head has defined rolls, for the harmonious functioning of the Triune God and his government, which oversees the universe. Unfortunately the only part of Jehovah’s creation that does not benefits from and is not under the control of the harmonious functioning of the Government of the Triune God is Earth and its inhabitants.

With that said let us look at the life of Jesus Christ while he was on earth. Of all the sermons he preached, and all of the confrontation he had, all of the counsel he gave, Jesus was responsible for giving the people he came to save one commandment that Jehovah did not give.

Apart from this one commandment that Jesus give he quote the words of his father as was spoken directly to the people or through the prophets. He was careful not to say anything new with the exception of the one command that is the most ignored command by men.

Mark 16: 15-16, which read: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Although this commandment does not seems to have any direct impact on ones salvation, it is important to understand that it has and it is the only Commandment that embodies the two characteristics that the ten commandments possess. The first four Commandment which declares and demonstrates our love for Jehovah and the second six Commandments which demonstrates our love for your fellow human. It is critical that we understand, this command bridges the two main characteristics of the Ten Commandments which is love for God and love for man. Although it is only to be observed until Jesus return, it is as serious a commandment as any of the Ten Commandment

It is clear that we cannot be a part of the redeemed if we do not love our brothers and are incapable of demonstrate such love to our brothers; in other words, if we are incapable of loving our brothers as we love ourself and to love the lord Jehovah with all of our heart and our soul. The level of enthusiasm with which we observe this commandment will determine the level of love we have for our brother but more so, how much we love Jesus. Let look at it this way. If you were walking aimlessly along a road, going about your business and you became a victim; you were confronted by a pack of wolves who has discovered; if they stay in the bushes at the edge of the park and await, unsuspecting little children will wonder away from their parent and or guardians, to where they (wolves) are, giving them the opportunity to pranks on the helpless victims (children) and kill them.

You were a victim of this pack of wolves, you were fortunate enough to have been rescued from the ravenous pack, you have the scars to prove it and the pain of your wounds are still fresh in your mind, won’t you feel a sense of obligation to alert as many people as possible of the danger unattended children are exposed to. Would you only alert those whom you know, only your friends or will you tell every one? Will you do it just while you are there or will you ensure that every potential victim is warned?

It is the same thing with salvation and the command that Jesus gave. There is a danger that the human race is exposed to and it is a serious danger that determines eternity. you were rescued from that life threatening danger and you have the scars to prove it. But daily many people are expose to that same danger and are being battered, bitten and clawed by the wolves (Devil and sin) however there is one who can save them if they are being attacted and prevent the attack of the wolves from becoming fatal. You know the valiant very well, you know how and where to locate this valiant because he rescued you from the pack of wolves when you were the victim and you also know that he is capable of rescuing anyone who needs his help.

You have promised the valiant that you will always warn unsuspecting victims of the danger, however; if they fail to heed your warning, you are still going to let them know there is one who is capable of saving them from the vicious wolves if they ever become a victim and needed to be rescued.

A failure to commit to preventing others form the lurking danger is a sign that you care only for yourself; It is selfish and do not represent the values the children who are going to make up Jehovah’s redeemed children ought to possess.

Love for Jehovah: the bible says; if you love me you will keep my commandments; John 14:15. To preach the Gospel is to speak of the good news of the plan of salvation, of the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins, and the might power, love and rewards he has just for us. It is confessing the wonderful works and love of the Triune God towards us. You cannot honestly do this if you do not love Jehovah; if you do not love your fellow man you cannot honestly get the passion to warn them of the inpending danger that awaits them.

It is also impossible for you to love Jehovah God and not love your own kind for God is love. A very important question is asked. Can you say you love God whom you have never seen and you are unable to love your brother whom you can see?

James 2: 17 says In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Don’t tell me how strong your faith is show me.

Prayer And The Power of Prayer.

Mark 11: 23-24 states, whosoever shall say to the mountain be thou remove and be thou cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which you say; you shall received. Therefore I say, whatsoever you desire, when you pray, believe that you have them and you will receive them. Words from the mouth of Jesus to the pen of Mark.

What is prayer? Prayer is the means that was ordained by God, for us, his separated people, to communicate with him. Before the fall of man, there was no need for prayer. For Jehovah God came and commune with man twice a day. Man had the privilege of communicating with his creator face to face. After man betrayed his creator’s trust and sinned; the Creator God, in his mercies, wisdom and love choose to preserve man, by withholding his presence from him; rather, than to have the disobedient pair be destroyed by the glory of his presence.

Although man had betrayed and rejected Jehovah, God did not rejected us, he loved us so much that even though we were not worth to speak to our creator, God in his mercies, institute the sacred means where by man can come to him to say thanks, to give praise, to submit our petition, and to asked for help for and from the many problem and troubles we will encounter.

Many people go on their knees and prayer to Jesus not believing that he is able to do all things, at times we pray not believing that God is waiting to satisfy all of our needs, our concerns and our care. When we pray, we must believe that Jehovah is all powerful and that he is able to do abundantly above all that we can ever hope or pray for. We must believe that he has the unhindered ability or power to answer our prayers, to take care of every request, to meet every need, heal every ailment, to cast out every devil, to protect everyone and we must believe that he is willing and able to provide the help that we need to see us through our darkest days.

We must also know, without faith, it is quite impossible to please God; but most of all, we must we know, understand and believe that Mark 11:23-24 which states, whosoever shall say to the mountain be thou remove and be thou cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which you say; you shall received. Therefore I say, whatsoever you desire, when you pray, believe that you have them and you will receive them.

These are the words of the Son of Jehovah, who declare that anything you need when you pray and you believe that you have it, it will be done In Jesus’ name. Have you ever imagine instructing a mountain to go into the see and have that mountain; a fixed, immovable object complying with your words and moving at your command or at your will. whosoever shall say to the mountain be thou remove and be thou cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which you say; you shall have whatever you say. Prayer cannot move mountain, but prayer can move the hands of God who is capable of moving mountains. For when God ordains a matter what he said; there is no devil, or demon, no principalities or power that can prevent it from coming to pass, when God Speak it is done when he command it stand fast. The Great God of this universe has decided to put himself at our disposal, he promised to work on our behalf.

Jesus is hoping that we love and trust him enough, so that his power can be made manifested in our lives. If you are sick or you have a friend, a love one who is desperately ill and want healing in the body we must rely on the promise of Jehovah as is recorded in the book of James 5: 15, which states: “the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the lord shall rise him up.

And when you are distressed over things you do not have control over remember Phil.4: 6-7, Be careful for nothing, but with everything in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be known unto Yah. For Jehovah say I have not given you a spirit of fear but a spirit of strength and power and of a sound mind. We cannot be afraid to make our request be known unto the creator God. Even though Jehovah God knows everything he requires that we make our request known onto him.

What are the burdens that are weighing you down? What are the burdens that are causing you to undergo stress? Always remember, it matters not what your burdens are, whatever are your hearts desires, it matters not what is troubling you today or whatever problem you are experiencing, just remember that King Jesus is in control.

Are your problems, the type of problems that are beyond your control, if you are experiencing problems and your problems seems to be bigger than you are; let your request be known unto Jehovah God. You have to make your request, Just tell it to King Jesus; for the messiah is able to take care of all of your requests.

We must follow the example of Jesus, who pray and asked his father for the will and the strength to do everything. Jesus asked his father for the power to do everything. He prayed and in his prayer he asked his father for the power to cast out devils; before he dealt with legion in the grave yard, Jesus prayed and asked his loving father for resurrecting power before he cause Lazarus and the little maid to be resurrected from the dead, he prayer and he asked for providing power; before he broke the barley loafs and fish before that satisfy the hunger of the multitude that number five thousand plus people; he prayed and asked his father for healing power before he healed the leapers, the lame man, the blind and all manner of sickness. Although Jesus is the son of Jehovah any time he needed supernatural intervention he pray and let father Jehovah know exactly what he wanted.

If Jehovah can deliver the three Hebrew boys out of the fiery furnace and Daniel from the lion’s den; then he can deliver us and ours children out of danger, If Jehovah can fight with David and cause him to defeat the unbeatable Goliath, then he can fight your battles and defeat the giants in your lives also, if he can deliver lot and his family out of Sodom and Gomorra, then he can deliver you out of the trials that are meant to destroy you and your family; If he can feed Jeremiah when there was a famine in the land then he can take care of you in this season of recession. God is our deliverer, he is our provider, he is our healer, he is our protector but most of all, he died to save us from sin, hell and destruction.

Today, everyone of us are facing trouble, or difficulties of some kind, Jehovah in his words said he who come onto me I will in no need cast out. So I am asking you today, at this very day that we must take some time to present and make our request know to our loving father who is waiting to bless.

I will like each of us to spend some time in pray. I want you to think clearly about what is troubling you and for you to tell it to Jehovah God. As the word said make known your request to God. So take these few moments to pray; agonize with your father, let us wrestle with God in the same manner that Jacob wrestle with him until he received the desired blessing.

The Devil Fear and Trimble

Art work form an unknown artist

We have heard and in most cases have read the story of Job, and we have concluded that Jesus humble brought the devil's attention to Job, in order for the devil to test Job’s faith. However; I have concluded that Job’s story, like so many others was much deeper than a test of Job’s faith. I will like to suggest that Jesus the righteous son of Jehovah; was using Job to remind Satan that his time will soon end; through Job, he (Jesus) was showing Satan the master deceiver and the inspirer of all that is evil that he will soon be defeated.

When Satan met Jesus in Heaven as is declared in Job 1:6 and 2:1-3, “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” We must be reminded that the nature of the meeting was not discussed and the nature and the tone of the discussion that ensued between Jesus and the Devil were not expounded upon either.

However; knowing the history between Jesus and Satan, and understanding the nature of the Devil, it is my opinion that the Devil did not go to report to Jesus, as is often suggested; for to do so would be to accept Jesus Christ lordship over him, even today the devil denies Christ’s lordship over him and the universe. We must also remember the devil is not a peaceful being; he (devil) is pure evil and he uses every opportunity to cause trouble, dissension and chaos. When Satan appeared in heaven he went there to make a statement, he wanted to show the un-fallen world that he (Satan) was still going to ascend to the throne of God as he intended to before he was evicted from heaven.

Satan did not take time off from causing chaos on the earth to submit to the authority of Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ; but Satan went there to try and stir up trouble and to once again plant seeds of doubt in the minds of the un-falling creatures but most of all; he went there to remind Jesus that he will soon be at his disposal, on his turf, playing a game that he (Satan) had mastered.

I could imagine Satan reminding Jesus in the presence of all, of his commitment to save man from their sin, redeem his fallen creation form him (Devil) and to forgive them of their sins. I could imagine the cunningness the Devil use in issuing threats to Jesus. Interestingly, the threats came in the form of a reminder of his plan of salvation. Satan knew and was not afraid to remind Jesus that In order for him to bring his plans to fruition, Jesus had to give up his powers, put off his glory, abundant his father and come on down to earth. I could also imagine the sinister laughter that rang out from the mouth of the cunning one as the voice of the sinister one echoed throughout heaven as he visualize what he was going to do to Jesus. I could imagine hearing the devil, informing Jesus in the presence of his father and all of heaven that all it would take is one selfish act, one ungodly thought, one slip of the tongue and your throne and your government will be mine forever.

We must not be deceive, it is still the devil’s desire to ascent to the throne of Jehovah, even today; he is still trying to find means of securing his gold of becoming Lord of the Universe.

Satan was confident that when Jesus put off his glory and the power that constitute his Godly authority, the Son of Jehovah would be at his (Satan’s) mercies. Satan was sure, that he will be able to take his self declared position, at the helm of heaven, dethroning the Creator, when the God send Messiah (Jesus) fail his God assign mission to redeem human kind. Satan was confident that when Jesus the Christ left the realms of Heaven, put off his power and his glory; stepped into the frail body of man with all of his desire, impulses, passions and weaknesses he was going to have the upper hand. I will have all of my powers, to use as I see fit and you will have the weakness and frailty of man.

For these reasons; ever so often, when Jesus sees the need, he takes the opportunity to put Satan in his place; by giving him a shot of reality, bringing before the devil: the inspirer of evil; evidence of his eminent doom. The question is how does Jesus accomplish this?

There are many such examples of this in the biblealthough not spelt out. Most people see Jehovah and Jesus as men who are to humble to boast. But the God whom I serve is a boaster; he boast because he has a lot to boast about. Moses told the children of Israel and later reminded them who is fighting their battle. Jehovah wanted his faithful children, who are always the physical underdogs when compared to their enemies; to live such confident lives, that they will be perceived by their enemies, who were/are often stronger, had bigger armies, had more sophisticated weapon and training to looked upon YAH’s children as arrogant. Deut. 9:1-5 Hear, O Israel: you are to cross over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves, cities great and fortified up to heaven, a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?

All through the Bible, we can see Jehovah want his people to live victorious confident lives, nothing less will do. Also Jehovah wanted the Israelites to always remember what he had done for them. He constantly reminded his people what he had done for them; they were to keep the pass over as a perpetual reminder of his delivering, saving and awesome power. So when we worship Jehovah we ought to always acknowledge his power, his glory, his wisdom and all of his other perfect qualities. What is praise? Praise is paying tribute to Jehovah’s wonder, power, love, glory etc.

Jesus burst Satan’s bubble when he brought his attention to Job. Jesus did not humble told Satan about Job he told the Devil you are confident you can take me when I come to earth, let me show you how weak you really are, I am going to put you up against Job, you with all of your power against a man who love me with all of his heart, and I am not going to intervene. I am going to sit here and watch Job defeat you. Jehovah give the Devil unfetter access to Job, he could have done anything to Job except taking his life. Satan work with frightening urgency; his goal, was to get Job to sin, turn his back on Jehovah, which was the same as Job pledging his allegiance to him (Satan). I know you will not be able to break Job and if you cannot break a mere human, do you think you can break me the Mighty Warrior, who has defeated you over and over. I am the perfect righteous son of Jehovah? You cannot be serious Jesus said with a confident smile on his face.

Satan did all that he could to Job; he even convinced Job that his trouble and unnecessary suffering was as a result of, Jehovah not appreciating his (Job) loyalty to him (Jehovah). What was amazing was, although Job have been experiencing ongoing and tremendous suffering, his love for his creator caused him to declared; Though he slay me Yet will I serve him. Job 13:15. The devil lack of success brought an unwanted sense of reality to the mind.

When Elisha and Elijah elevated their love, commitment and loyalty to Jehovah to such a stage where they came to totally rely upon him and trust him with all their heart and soul, which made them untouchable; making the devil powerless over and against them; it was a clear message to Satan, which said, if you cannot break mere sinful human beings, who place their life in Jehovah’s hand, how can you conqueror the all powerful sinless son of Yahweh. When Enoch, elevated his game where his love for Jehovah and his trust in him cause Yah to allow Enoch to forgo death, it was confirmation to Satan that his end is at hand.

When John the Baptist and the millions of people who choose to stand up for Jehovah and to suffer death, rather than to offend their God, it was also another clear warning to the Devil that he was incapable of causing Jesus to sin. I could imagine Jesus boasting on his subjects, holding them up in front of the devil as being stronger than he (the Devil) is, Although he (the devil) has misused his God given powers against Yahweh Creatures, by employing the lowest level of deceit, trickery, lies and all form of dishonesty; he still failed.

Art work from an unknown artist

So finally when Jesus lay down his Godly qualities except his character and came to earth clothed in the body of a vulnerable, fragile, frail, sin prone human infant, It is believed that Satan the fallen Prince of the Morning did not trust the demise of Jesus Christ to any of his subjects. This was too important a mission and there were too much at stake for the Tempter too trusted this to anyone or group other than himself. This assignment was so important; that he, the ultimate evil had to do it himself. Jesus endured every thing Satan threw at him and when the time was right, Jesus gave up the Ghost; it was then he die, fulfilling his mission. Satan did not take Jesus’ life because He (Satan) does not have power over life or death; he cannot give life and he cannot take life. Satan was even unable to defeat Jesus even when he was dead. And then after three days Jesus with out help Jesus recloth himself with life, burst fort from the grave conquering death, grave and hell and securing the victory on man’s behalf.

Are Pastors and Christian Counselors Responsible for the Failure of Christian Marriages?

It is said that eighty percent of marriages fails and fifty percent of failed marriages ends in divorce. The statistics are there to show that in the last ten years, the divorced rate amongst practicing Christians has rocked out of control. A practice that was once taboo among the Christian community has now become a common and acceptable practice.

When the forgone statement is considered, it is truly unfortunate that the Christian community who believed that Jehovah: the Creator God; was the one who instituted marriage at creation Genesis 2: 20-23 so the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’ Jehovah encouraged marriage in his commandment Exodus 20:14 “You must not commit adultery” and thought Jesus Matthew 5: 27 he showed the seriousness of this sacred institution.

Today Christians are entering and leaving marriages with no regards for the seriousness of the institution and the God who instituted it.

Marriage was instituted by Jehovah for the following reasons:

• For the preservation of the human species.

• For the preservation of the human family the most essential societal unit.

• To ensure man maintains his obedience, love and loyalty to Jehovah God.

• And to ensure that human come and remained close to Jehovah.

From my observation, I must conclude; there are two main reason why Christian marriages ends in divorce and these two "main" reasons, are as follows.

1. Christianity is now a social club that uses the bible ritualistically and no longer considers the actual love and obedience to God as relevant.

2. Christian couples are receiving poor pre and post marital counseling from their pastors, spiritual advisor and or spiritual mentors.

I have so concluded after hearing many Pastors speak but my conviction was sealed when I heard a PhD. Holding Pastor, who repeatedly boasted of his counseling credential, consistently declared his impatience, with couples who utilize his premarital counseling service. Like many pastor, this PhD. holding pastor; think he should be given the privilege of choosing the man for the female of the church and any man who is willing to honor Jehovah by utilizing the wisdom and intelligence Jehovah has blessed him with; to use such to think for himself, not allowing himself to me manipulated by their petty mentality. When such intelligence, strength and wisdom are displayed the male are deemed unfit and are not considered to be husband material. The women are never the one with the fault, because they are very often the agreeable ones (it seems like women in such situation are willing to agree with everyone except for her proposed husband),  the ones who pose no real threat to the Pastor's manhood, masculinity and or authority.

 

Premarital counseling is not arranged for couple seeking the pastor counselor as to whether they should get married or not, but it is a program that is design to lend an mutual prospective in helping the couple identify habits, attitudes, behaviors and or situations that could present potential challenge to the harmonious functioning of the marriage. It is therefore the counselor’s responsibility, to help the couple identify the potential obstacles as well as; to help them find and develop the tools needed to effectively deal with such potential obstacles to their happiness.

However instead of providing the couple with the tools needed to overcome such obstacles, the pastors and Christian counselors try to discourage the union of the couples who love each other and in the process they imposes their personal and petty stereotypes, biases and weaknesses into the life of those who are seeking their guidance for a potentially successful marriage. It seems like these counselors are unaware that it is when a couple have learn to successfully and positively deal with the obvious problems that may pop up in their marriage they are homing the skills, developing the knowledge and equipping themselves with the needed tool that will give the couple the confidence and the know how to deal with and resolve the unforeseen difficulties of the future.

When the pastors are not giving bad counsel and imposing their own weakness and fears upon new couples; they preach sermons in which they seek to cover up their own counseling failure, selling to the congregation a one size fit all message as they instilling in the congregation, the mentality that problems are stronger than love and if a couple dear to venture our side of that which the pastor's limited view think is normal, the marriage is doomed to fail. Yet the people who are following their counsel are ending up before the divorce court.

The behavior and remarks of the PhD. holding Pastor and other unfaithful men and women who pretends daily that they are servant of Jehovah once again reminded me that:

1. Holding a PhD does not mean you are endowed with wisdom and or commonsense.

2. Jehovah will not withhold from his faithful leaders the wisdom that is needed to lead his people aright.

3. If you are a leader of Jehovah’s people and you lack such wisdom it means you are simply not faithful to Yah.

You may ask how I can make such a bold statement, well I will tell you. Before we go any further you must know that wisdom is free but it is not cheap and it does not come without personal sacrifice to flesh. If you don’t remember anything else please remember that the price for wisdom is faithfulness to Jehovah. In the book of proverbs, it speaks of the wisdom that Jehovah gives to his faithful children freely. In Daniel 1: 8-17, we see Jehovah blessed Daniel and his three friends with wisdom because they were faithful to him.

We have also seen in Numbers 11: 17- when Moses needed help; Yah told him to appoint faithful men to assist him. When the men were appointed Jehovah did something peculiar. "Then I will come down and speak with you (Moses) there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone". Numbers. 11:17.  

This is simply, when Jehovah God assigns a man to lead his people he equip them to do so with excellence. It is no secret that Jehovah is very liberal with wisdom, especially to anyone who is faithful to him but more so to those he has appointed to lead his people aright. It is important, for Jehovah’s name must be glorified, and at time he does things just for his name’s sake. So if you are not awarded or blessed with the wisdom of Jehovah then you may not be living faithful to him and you may be functioning outside the perimeter of your calling.

Can You Win Even When The Odds Are Stocked Against You?

                                        Can you win when the odds are heavily stocked against you?

Can you win when the odds are heavily stocked against you? This is the question we must answer today. Before we go any further, let us take some time to define what is meant by the term "the odds are against you." This term is use to describe a situation where a person is confronted with an issue, challenge, or a task  where it appears as if the chances of failure is much greater than the chances of success.

When the odds are against you means; you are in the weak side of an uneven competitive matchup Or the chance of something good happening to you is slight to impossible. An example of such is: a basketball team with only three plays has an almost impossible chance of winning a match. In the case of the basketball team with three players the odds are stock against them and it is highly unlikely that they will win that game.

It is like asking a high school basketball star to go up against Kobe Bryant today or Michael Jordon after he had won his 4th NBA championship ring. The odds of that student winning a game of one and one against either of these consummate professionals are totally against that student. In this case the odds are highly stocked against that student.

In their field, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordon are exceptionally skilled athletes, who have homed their skills over many years of playing against the best in their field. These men through hard work, natural talent and the will to be the best at what they do, have cause them to be elevated above all other in their sport.

So I will ask the question again. Can you win when the odds are heavily stocked against you? Fortunately, odds stocked against you only presents a difficulty; it do not present an impossibility. It do not say you cannot win, all that reality means is, your chances of winning is very small. In the case of the high school athlete; one of the ways he may win is, if Michael or Cobe slipped and injured their leg and either athlete are unable to move about the court.

Very often, as Christians, we encounter situations, that put us in the unfortunate position where we are forced to go up against odds, which are intentionally stocked against us and as Christians, at times, we are overwhelmed by such odds. But we must take comfort in the fact that Yah said in his words. I will not allow you more than you can bear. 1 Cor. 10:13, No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Here we are reassured that Yah: the great Creator God has promise that when we make an effort to stand up for him, he will make a way out of whatever situation we are confronted with. 2 Peter 2:9, “So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue Godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.”

All through the bible and all throughout our lives we have seen and experienced that Jehovah knows how to rescue his children not when the odds are stock against them; but more so when they are up against impossible situations.

We have seen the three Hebrew boys who stood up for Yah choosing rather to be thrown into a burning furnace that was heated ten times hotter than it should have been, than to defile Jehovah’s law. The heat that emanated from that furnace was so hot, that the men who threw the three Hebrew boys into the fiery furnace was roasted by the heat that came from the furnace; however the three Hebrew boys were in the middle of the furnace where it was at its hottest yet the only thing that occurred with them were the ropes that bound them were burned off of Jehovah’s faithful followers. But what was more impressive is the fact that when they were taken out of the fire, not even the smell of smoke was detected upon them.

Can a living creature, after been eaten, digested and spend three days in the belley of its predator then being vomited up by his predator, survive such an ordeal? Let us examining the possibility of such a thing happening.

In the stomach there are many digestive acid and enzymes; that aids in the break down and conversion of food particle into that which the body can use to provide energy, to repair it’s self and encourage growth.

There is a particular stomach acid that is call: Hydrochloric acid; this acid is a very powerful acid; so much so, scientist has replicated this acid to be use in many industries. If this acid comes into contact with the skin, it will burn through the skin creating an ulcer or an open sore. Mile inhalation of Hydrochloric acid can cause choking, inflammation of the nose, throat, and the upper respiratory system; pulmonary edema (abnormal build up of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs) and circulatory failure (inability of the cardiovascular system to supply the cells of the body with enough oxygenated blood). If a person who has been exposed to Hydrochloric acid and are experiencing these symptoms is allowed to go without proven medical treatment, that person will eventually lead to death.

Yet Jonah spend three days and three nights in the stomach of a whale swimming in hydrochloric acid; yet his body was not consumes, he did not die from respiratory failure or pulmonary edema. When Jonah was later puked up on the shore, he was in fine health. He had no sores, no irritations, and no inflamed organs for with God all things are possible.

We also saw the children of Israel standing before the Red Sea, with no means of getting to the other side (a place of safety) in an attempt to escape the furious, well trained and well outfitted arm of Pharaoh; who was in hot pursuit of God's children. Yet when Moses, when he followed Yah’s instruction and touched the the Red Sea with his rod; the water with animated intelligence moved out of the Yah’s children way; Providing a clear path for them to escape the rage of the devil inspired, ill intended army of the Egyptians.

When I was only a teenager, I was knifed by a devil inspired assailant, whose ten inches knife blade was plunged into my stomach. This resulted in serious injuries; were vital internal rgans were badly damaging. In the process the assailant an his knife did much damage within me, some of which were irreparable. Topping off this whole experience is a fact, which baffles me even up to today; for the person who Yahweh assigned to preformed life saving surgery on me; the one who repaeird the injured tissues and organs was not qualify to operate yet I have never had a complication since.

What are the chances of these ever happening? These events are total impossibilities yet when Jehovah got involved every thing that was impossible became possible. The bible says in Matt. 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

No matter what situation we find our self in, even when the odds are stocked against us, we have nothing to fear. For when Yahweh gets involved in our affairs on our behalf; immediately, the odds are stocked in our favor; he makes it totally impossible for us to lose. He also causes all of the impossibilities that confronts us and make them possible. This is the way Yahweh function, he goes up and beyond human’s understanding; just when you thought there were no way out of a predicament; Yah puts in an appearance and make a door where there were no door, he gives you strength where you were failing, comfort where you were hurting and life where you were dying. Yah is all we need to be victorious.

Are You A False Prophet?

An artist impression of Jehovah: The conquioring Lion of the tribe of Judah

Some months ago I encountered some black conscious religions people in NY City. I listened to their message and being a conscientious black man myself; it was quite refreshing to hear and see brothers publicly proclaiming the word of Yah, as it was meant to be proclaimed to the black population. This religious message is geared to the empowerment of the black community. It is no secret and history has within its walls the truth of the manipulative method in which the word of Jehovah was used to exploit, sex-ploit and enslaves members of this community by those who were to be Jehovah’s servants.

However; after a deeper on site inspection of their message, I discovered something very strange with the message they were presenting. I am deeply in love with Yah and I cannot be apart of, or support any person, or group; religion or otherwise, whose teachings are base on, misguided biblical principle or errors.

The bible said many false prophets shall come in my name; however, if they do not speak according to this gospel, believe them not. Previously to my face to face encounter with this group I was given a webpage for the church (http://thecomforter.info) and later I was led to view some U-tube clip of the leader of this group propagating his message.

From my use of the webpage and from viewing the videos that are posted on U-tube, I had my suspicions about this group. So instead of leaving my assumption to speculation, I was happy when I noticed the brothers were hosting an outreach program at the Atlantic Avenue Subway terminal. I took the opportunity and I approached the members of the group, who were proudly dressed in what can be considered Hebrew Priest ritualistic or ceremonial uniform. I inquisitively asked if they are affiliated to the church that has a leader that is called the Comforter. The comforter goes by the name: Tazadaqyah.

Proudly the young man answered yes and quickly asked me if I am affiliated with the comforter. It was then a discussion ensued which resulted in the person who conducted the discussion on behalf of the group got very angry with me for asking some very pointing questions then he pronounced the wrath and fire of God upon me.

                                                            Tazadaqyah: the self proclaimed Comforter/holy spirit

I was shocked when I confirmed my suspicions. It is strange to know that the members of this group, who spend a lot of time studying the bible, actually believed their leader: Tazadaqyah, a man of flesh and blood to be; the Comforter or Holy Spirit.

This group uses John 14: 26. But the Comforter or the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and “he” will remind you of everything I have said to you. This group said that the comforter has to be a man because the bible used the pronoun “he” in this passage. However; there are many other bible passages that make reference to the Holy Spirit as “it”. In such cases would it be ok for a man to ignore sound bible text and refer to his dog as the Holy Spirit because the bible refer to the Spirit as “it” as is stated in Numbers 11:17. (Check the reference below). These people choose to ignore the rules of simple English and the use of pronouns, which are use to substitution for a noun to maintain rhythm, to break the monotony that is easily develop in writing and to make reading interesting.

There are many bible references made to and of the Spirit of God. In many cases Jehovah’s spirit will come upon and inhabits the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the honor and glory of Jehovah. Men and women who have submitted their life to Jehovah’s will and with his help, guidance and strength have lived holy lives.

The duties and obligation of the Holy Spirit is more intellectual and inspirational than miraculous. His responsibilities are to affect the mind with our permission and submission. He brings back to our memories that which we have learned, commitments made to Jehovah, messages form our God, he inspires us to stand for Yah; when we have to make tough life changing decision for him etc. He also give us the endurance to go through difficult experiences; the boldness to represent Jehovah without fare and the courage to endure suffering even death for the truth.

The questions that must be asked and answer are:

1. 
   
   Is the Holy Spirit a man?
2. 
   
   Is he a versatile being that is able to inhabit and use anyone or anything for the glory of Jehovah of whom he is apart?
3. 
   
   Is Tazadaqyah the Holy Spirit?

I will not only answer these questions but I will use biblical reference to justify my answers. The Holy Spirit is not a man and any man or woman as a matter of fact; who declare him self the Comforter is an imposter, a child of the devil, and therefore he or she is an Antichrist.

The Holy Spirit as the name indicated is a spirit and is not of the realms of earth, although he has current assignment in this realm. Further more; he is in all of his or its being perfect, righteous and never knew sin. Can we honestly say this about this man?

Let us take some time and examined Jehovah’s word, as it is documented in the Holy Bible; here we will see if it is in the lease possible, that this man who were born of a woman, the product of a man’s sperm, who calls himself the comforter, could he indeed be the Holy Spirit?

First let me make it clear, the Comforter is a part of the God Head; therefore, is God and requires the same reverence as Jehovah and his Son: Jesus Christ. If any one claims to be the comforter they are claiming to be a part of the God head; and like Jesus has the authority to declare without fare the father and I are one. It is important to note that if any man makes such a declaration publicly or privately is blaspheming.

What are the qualities of the Holy Spirit?

• The Holy Spirit has the power to supernaturally affect the mind and change life.

• He has the un-humanlike but Godlike qualities that afford him to be everywhere at once.

• And has the power to affect and inhabit many people and things at the same time; as is recorded in Numbers 11: 17.

Numbers 11: speaks of the stresses the Children of Israel give Moses with their murmuring. Moses reached his limit, when God appointed and declared children began to trouble him for the delicacies of Egypt. In their lust for the things of the pagan City, they complained. “The Children of Israel also wept again, and said who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside ‘this’ manna.” Numbers 11: 4-6

The attitude of Yah’s chosen children anger Moses to the point, where Moses told Jehovah that he rather die than to continue to take on the burden of this people. Jehovah being the all knowing God, knew how to appease Moses and thus asked him to select seventy (70) of the leaders of the Children of Israel to take up leadership position. After these new leaders were appointed something special happen, Numbers 11: 17; And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take some of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them also; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

Here we see Jehovah took of his spirit which was upon Moses and distributed it upon the seventy newly appointed leaders. This is proof that a person cannot be the Holy Spirit; however, they can have the Holy Spirit on, in or with them.

All of Jehovah’s prophets have been influenced by the Holy Spirit in some way; however, none of these Godly servants ever declared him or her self to be; the Spirit of God. Not Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Moses; not Abraham, Samuel or David; not John the Baptizer, Paul, Peter, James, and or John; not Noah, Job, The three Hebrew boys, Daniel, Rehab, Esther etc. But they declared only after it was revealed to them and Jehovah instructed them to tell the people that the Spirit of Jehovah is with or on them.

Ezekiel 11:5 the spirit of the lord falls upon me, and he tells me to speak thus said the lord.

Even Jesus: the Holy son of the creator God never declared himself the Holy Spirit but instead he said; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19.

We know this was true when Jesus said it, because John the Baptist and all who gathered at and/or on the banks of the Jordon River, when Jesus Christ was baptized, saw the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. The only description that was given was: It looked like a dove.

The Spirit of Jehovah often speaks through holy men:

Let us take for example

2 Samuel 23:2, The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.

John1:32-34; I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, upon whom thou shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptize with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Acts 2: 1-4 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Roman 8:24 Likewise the Spirit also help our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself make intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.

1. 
   
   Is Tazadaqyah the Spirit, whom Jehovah took from Moses and placed on the newly appointed leaders of Israel?
2. 
   
   Was he the spirit whom Yah cause to descend on Jesus after his baptism?
3. 
   
   Is he the Spirit who engulfed the house where the disciples were gathered on the day of Pentecost?
4. 
   
   Is  Tazadaqyah the Holy Spirit that Interpret our prays and present them before Yah?

I say no; what do you say?

Do Unto Others As You Will Have Them Do Unto You

Each day we are place in situations, where we are called upon to perform acts of kindness. These acts of kindness, were brought to our attention through solicitation or observation and will/may bring relieve, comfort or make a difference in the life of an individual or a family. We are not expected to save the world and we are not expected to perform such kind deed to people who are better off than ourselves in the areas of their needs; however, we have an obligated to render help or assistance to those who were scourge with the unfortunate circumstance of being less fortunate than ourselves.

Because of the nature of the world wherein we live, many times, we are forced to evaluate the needs and the degree of the needs of those who solicit from us or those who we perceive to be in need. At times we will rather risk allowing a person with genuine needs to go hungry, in order to avoid giving our goods to one who pretend to be in need for profit.

The truth of the matter is, it is hard to distinguish from a person's appearance or from their physical attributes if he/she is a con artist or if he/she is a person with a genuine need, who should be helped. However; out attitude should be one of, I will rather be con by a pretender than to be denied the privilege, of rendering help to a person in need and in the process; relieving the suffering of one who will otherwise be made to go without. We have got to come to the understanding that it is not because of any special qualities that we have; why we are blessed with the position we are currently in. We must also remember, there are professors, doctors, lawyers, teachers, ministers, police officers, laborers etc. who have been taken off of their panicles success by circumstances and they were forced to join the community of the have not and the homeless. It is only by the grace of God, why most of us, are in the fortunate position (not homeless) we current hold, and all it takes is a change of or in circumstances to reverse our current status.

The question is; how would you want to be treated if the pain of hunger attacked you daily and you are place in the demeaning position where to solicit (panhandle) were your only or immediate recourse? Would you want to be scrutinized and judge because you lost your job and you are unable to afford a place to call your home? Would you like to be scorned and mocked because your means of support is no longer available to you and you are required to live off of the mercies of strangers? Would you want to be made to feel belittled if you had a mental break down, became seriously ill or sustained an injury and as a result you are unable to secure or hold steady employment to take care of your daily needs?

Jesus the only begotten of Jehovah knew and taught some things that we cannot seem to grasp: He said "ye have the poor with you always, and when-so-ever ye will ye may do them good". Luke 7: 14. No matter how rich, or powerful a nation is there will always be poor people, and no matter how wealthy an individual may be today the unpredictability of the future can deal him or her some events that can change his entire circumstances. History is littered with kings, nations, and individuals who have had the hands of time rearranged their entire world. They were moved from the castle of wealthy to the shack of poverty.

In 2009, the world saw many wealthy men and women who chose to take their own life rather than to walk the path of the poor. When the USA Stock Market crashed it send ripples internationally; these ripples caused similar crashes within the international financial institutions, thus changing the social and financial status of million of people world wide. In a literal a blink of an eye, life were rearranged and toppled. These series of events had lead many to asked, is being poor such a bad thing that it is better to be dead than to be poor? I do not know what were the circumstances that would have moved individuals to terminate their own life because he/she lost his/her earthly treasures but I do know, being poor is no walk in the park when you have lived an extravagant life.

Jehovah knew with the inception of sin many people will experience poverty in its varying degrees and it is with this in mind that he admonished all people including his faithful children to: “Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, “The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” Deuteronomy 15:9-11.

Jehovah also saw it fit to institute the gleaning system, which was to ensure that in agricultural society the poor people were taken care of. He also warned the people through his prophets, of the consequence that were associated with the way they treat the poor and how they are viewed by and in heaven. Proverbs 14: 31 say He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker: but he that honors (Jehovah) him has mercy on the poor.

In Matthew 25: 44, Jesus speak of some of the tangible criterion he will use to judge the dept of our love for him. Fortunately or unfortunately; the basic criteria will be in the way in which we treat those who were less fortunate than we are/were or how we satisfy those basic needs of the people we come into contact with. He said I was hungry, sick, imprisoned, and naked and you did not attend to my needs. When we ask, lord; when were you sick, hungry, imprisoned or naked and we did not minister to your needs. Then Jesus replied in humble tone, as long as you did it not unto one of the lease of these my children you did it not unto me.

Let us make a strong commitment to our God and to ourselves; a commitment to honor Jehovah’s words and to treat those who are less fortunate than ourselves or and those who are in need with the dignity, love and respect that they deserve. It is important to understanding that the value of an individual is not measure by the persons accumulation of earthly possessions but the mere fact that he or she is a child of the living God. We must also bear in mind that the wind of change can blow at any time and change our circumstances for better or for worst; today for you tomorrow for me. It is said, the foot you intentionally mash today may be attached to the hands you are required to kiss tomorrow.

Does Bad Thing Happens?

Ever since the inception of sin, this world has devolved from a place wherein dwell the holy God; a place where Jehovah came to commune with man daily, into a place where evil reign freely and the inhabitants are inflicted with all manner of evil. These evil are manifested in the unfortunate things that happens daily and the man made tragedies (murder, injuries, crashes of all kind etc.) that secures the mental and physical suffering that are inflict on many or each of us. These along with the other bad things that happens to us as a direct results of man’s behavior and sin that appear to have happen without the direct involvement of us human. Here we speak of illnesses, death and what is termed as "natural disasters" etc.

We are force to deal with the grief that accompanies the death of love ones, we have seen the suffering of friends, family and acquaintance and we have experienced such suffering for our self. We have feel the pain and suffering that is not known to Jehovah’s Holy Angel and that were not experienced by the mother and father of humanity, that is; until they disobeyed Jehovah's laws and sin entered into the world. We have seen and heard of innocent, helpless babes contracting the worst kind of illnesses; we have also seen and heard of these precious gift from Jehovah (babies) becoming victims of abuses in its most extreme form. This world has reached the stage where, the murder of the baby, in or out of the womb is a common and acceptable practice.

Having considering all the above facts; we are forced to believe that there is a God: Jehovah, whose main attributes is love and he sits at the reign of the universe; who has particular interest in this world: would just sits back and allow all of these atrocities to happen to human kind, who some considers to be Jehovah's favorite creation. Yes Jehovah has the power to stop the innocent helpless babes from being afflicted with such evil, yet he look on with interest and he does nothing.

I have face and gone through many difficult experience in my life, yet I have never had one bad thing happened to me. I have been stabbed, had broken bones, I have had illnesses that caused me to toppled over helpless in pain, I have been betrayed by close friend, conspired against, had hits put on me, escaped death several times, intentionally poisoned, efforts were maid to get me hooked on drugs, etc. yet I have never had a bad thing happened to me.

We can say from experience; no one like to endure hard or difficult times and when such comes our way, we often take or view life’s events and experiences in isolation. However; life’s events and life’s experiences do not come isolated. When confronted with a negative event; my earthly father always took the time to remind us and himself, no matter how bad the event or the experience we had to go through or endure were/are; it could have been worst.

If Jehovah were to give the devil unfettered access to us, we would have been destroyed in the very worst way a long time ago. Our suffering would have been so severe and so excruciating we would have been begging for death to come to us. The bible warned us about the intent of the devil; 2 Peter 5: 8, “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Here the bible speaks about the devil and his intent for each person. He wants to devour us. It is the devil who is truly responsible for all of the suffering, the heart aches and the pain that man endure. However; it is Jehovah who allows him to inflict such upon us.

Jehovah allows the devil to so cause us pain and suffering for two basic reasons which are:

• 
  
  So he can bring us back into the safety of his care.

Very often we intentionally and at times we accidentally stray far from the protection of Jehovah, we forsake his love, his protection and his will for our life. When we do such, we are denying Jehovah the rights to take care of us; in other words, we reject his protection, his grace, his mercy and his love. The good thing about this is: even though we reject his love and his leading in our lives; he Jehovah never treats us as we deserve to be treated. He still extends his hand of protection towards us, saving us from the true intent and purpose of the devil. Even though we reject him he only gives the devil limited access to us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Even when we have betrayed and abandon our sustainer, he still has our backs, even when with our actions and with our words we tell him in clear language to leave us alone he still ensure that we are not allowed to face the full wrath of the devil.

• 
  
  He wants to ensure that we develop a character that makes us worthy to be called his own.

It is no secret that sin has defined us. Our thoughts action and vocal expression are as such that cannot dwell in the holy places of the Most High. It is Jehovah's plan to restore us to our rightful place and status. However; because of our love for the unholy, sin, the things of sin and our free will it is impossibly for the all knowing God to restore us except for the way that he choose. We need to give Jehovah our independence and rely solely on him. Unfortunately, this submissive character trait is totally alien to human kind. So we have to be retrained using negative-positive re-enforcement. Here is where the Devil and suffering comes in. Like a parent and a child; when that child does something wrong that child is punished, sending a clear message to the child that the particular behavior is not an acceptable behavior and when the child does something good, he or she is rewarded and praise sending the clear message that such behavior are acceptable behaviors. So the negative behaviors are punished and discourage and the positive behaviors are rewarded and encouraged. The same technique is use in the training of animals.

It is the same method Jehovah use to ensure our characters are retransformed into that which is fitting to inherit his kingdom: the Kingdom of Heaven. Here is where the devil comes in; when we go against Jehovah's laws, Jehovah gives the devil limited access to inflict upon us the needed punishment; however, such access is allowed not out of hate or to hurt us but to strengthen us and to lead us back to where Jehovah want us. When we are faithful to Jehovah, he ensures that we are rewarded, in many ways. He blesses us with wisdom, we are protected from evil and we are successful in all that we do. Ps 1: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 

Many people asked why? When supposedly bad things happen to them, and in their ignorance some people question Jehovah in anger; while again others choose to be detached from their creator/sustainer. They blame him for what went wrong or the bad things that had happened.

I was fortunate, in that; my parents taught me not to ever question Jehovah when supposedly bad things happens to me, knowing that Jehovah is faithful to us wards; not willing that any should perish but all should come to repentance.

When at the tender age of seven (7) years old, my mother; the only Christian I have ever known, the only person who loved me unconditionally, and the person whom I was closest too died; although I did not understand why my world came crashing down and fell into complete ruins; I took my mothers words that her death was for the best as she always said: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 and Ps 84: 1, which says: For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless or upright.

There is story that may help us to understand more fully, the events that go on behind the scene; events we are not privilege to; events that happens in the spiritual realms that has a direct effect us in our world.

The story is told of a Christian farmer who was finding it hard to make ends meet, however he had a strong healthy cow. The cow was the only thing of value the farmer had; it kept the farmer and his wife from going under. The cow gave enough milk to satisfy the farmer domestic need and there were always enough milk to sell to take care of the other needs of the couple.

But one morning when the farmer went out to milk the cow, he noticed the cow was dead, how this could be? The farmer asked in despair, what am I going to do now? He questioned. The farmer wondered why

Jehovah would do such a thing to him; after all he serving Jehovah faithfully and all he asked in return was for the ability to provide for his wife. Now even his humble desire was taken away from him. So in his disappointment and in his hurt he angrily questioned Jehovah as to why he will allow his cow which was his only means of providing for his family to die.

Jehovah understood the feelings of hopelessness and the pain of disappointment the farmer felt; so Jehovah decided to allow the farmer’s guardian angel, to expose him to the events that lead up to the death of his cow. The farmer was told that the angel of death came for his wife, and because His guardian Angel knew how much he love his wife; the Guardian Angel had to give the Angel of death something of value in exchange for the life of the farmer’s wife, it is then the farmer’s guardian Angel give to the Angel of Death the life of the farmer’s cow. When the farmer heard this he was dumbfounded.

So each time we are face with a trial, that seems to much for us to bear, or when our experiences make us want to forsake everything even life; Just remember that Jehovah had promised, he will never allow us more than we can bear, and everything works together for the good of those who love the lord.

Before Jehovah ask you to scale a mountain, he will teach you how to climb, before he let you lose in thin air he will give you wings to fly, if he want you to be a vessel he will teach you how to float, if he want you to sail the ocean he will first give you a boat. If he wants you to liberate others, he will ensure that you are free and if he wants you to walk on water he gives you Buoyancy. Jehovah will never ask us to undergo any task unless he is assured that we are equipped to be successful; if this is true then our failure is of our own doing.

Colossians 2: 16-23 Explained

Photos from google pictures

Question: Please explain Col 2: 16-23

Therefore let no man judge you in meat, in drink, in respect of holydays, or new moon, or Sabbath days, 17) These are a shadow of the things that were to come; but the body is of Christ. 18) Let no man beguile you (deceived you or cause you to give up) of your reward in voluntary humility, and worship of Angels (Idol worship), intruding into things which had not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshy mind (Pride), 19) And not holding the head from which all the body by joins and band have nourishment ministered, and knit together increase of God. 20) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the Rudiment of the world, are ye subject to ordinances.

21) Touch not, taste not, handle not: 22) which all are to perish with the using) after the commandment and doctrine of men. 23) Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in honors of the satisfying of the flesh.

The Answer:

The first part of this passage was speaking of the ceremonial law; Jehovah instructed his children to faithfully keep these ceremonies, if they were to participate and receive the benefit of the promised redemption, which Jesus came and provided. These festivals were meant to keep Jehovah's children focused upon him, and all of his goodness towards them; for it is Jehovah's desire, to bless and prosper his faithful children for they were to represent Jehovah to the heathen nations among whom they live.

It is important to note, that they were required to observe all of these festivals, every new moon, they were to reflect on Jehovah's goodness towards them; apart from the new moons there were other Sabbaths they (Jehovah's people) were to observe. Which can be found in the books written by Moses, beginning with the book of Exodus? However, there are two major differences with the ceremonial Sabbaths and the Seventh day Sabbath.

1. The Seventh Day Sabbath was instituted as a part of creation, it was blessed and sanctify by Jehovah Gen 2: 3; in other words, Jehovah put a blessing on Sabbath and he set it aside for holy use. You know the saying who/what God bless no man curse. Well he has blessed the Seventh day Sabbath and no one can put a curse on it. Did you consider that mans in his perfect state or should I say man in his sinless state; kept the Sabbath, they were required solely to devote one day in every seven to the worship and adoration of Jehovah; bear in mind that every morning and every evening Jehovah met with the sinless couple Adam and eve. Why did Jehovah requested or command man to keep the Sabbath? for if I don’t praise him the rocks are going to cry out his praise. We must know Jehovah is going to be praise regardless; but what is more important, we were made to praise him. Not for praising him (Jehovah) sake; he is worthy of our praise. Over and over, Jehovah has proven to you and to me by the things that he has done for us that he is worthy of our praise.

2. The ceremonial law which includes the observance of the other Sabbaths, new moons etc. were instituted after man sinned and Jehovah and his Son Jesus Christ had instituted the plan of salvation. These ceremonies were to point to the promise Messiah: Jesus Christ the sinless son of Jehovah, who was to come to earth and die a sacrificial death as the innocent lamb; died at the hands of the guilty Luke 24: 7, For the Son of man must be delivered into the hand of sinful man and be crucified and the third day rise again. When Jesus Christ Give up the ghost whilst on the cross the vale in the temple was rent in twin Matthew 27: 51, thus exposing the most holy place in the temple. This was significant for two reasons:

a. It showed the deity of Jesus Christ as the Son of Jehovah the only true, living and the Creator God

b. It marked the termination of the sacrificial system. For the real offering Jesus Christ; Jehovah’s promised sacrifice came and fulfilled his promise. Jesus' obedience onto death nullified the need to offer sacrifice and the Death of Christ signaled the fulfillment of Jehovah's promise.

Matthew 7: 1-3 Says; Judge not, that ye be not judge 2) for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judge: and with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again. 3) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eyes, but considereth not the beam that is in thy own eye.

Jesus knew, because of sin, man will be prone to be hypocrite, casting judgment on other not knowing the condition of the heart of those they judge, while they themselves (the unqualified judges) are no better off than those who they Judge and in some cases their condition (spiritual and otherwise) are worst.

Many people enjoy holding up their work as a partition, separating themselves from other, Ephesians 2: 8-9 says; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Hence the reason we are admonished not to Judge.

Salvation is to serious a matter for me to be focused upon you or anything else and you me or anything else. The giving, acceptance and the recieving of salvation is no game, no laughing matter but serious business. For the reward of salvation is something no one in their right minds can afford to miss out on. Hence the reason Philippians 2: 12 said “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Each of us has only one responsibility and that is to ourselves, which is; to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling that is how serious a matter this is. We should be afraid of losing out on the gift of Jehovah and tremble when we come into his presence.

My beloved, I pray that the love and the Grace of Jehovah our God and His Son Jesus Christ our God; never leaves us but abide with us all today and for eternity.