xjwsforChrist

Good morning dear Winston....

One thing for sure through your experience so far is you are able to see who they truly " are NOT!

I had heard for years prior to my leaving that the JWs are people that show love and take care of ONLY their own. I had never believed nor experienced this until what happened to you, happened to me.
They proclaim proudly that they are " the truth". That they are the only ones that demonstrate the true identifying mark of true Christianity.
And it will FAIL so quickly, and family and friends will turn their backs and disown you simply for disagreeing with a man-made corporation that is uninspired and led by a group of false prophets and Christs who continually call themselves " the visible representation of The Lord on earth"....
And when you question THEM, you have questioned JAH and CHRIST.

I do feel so sorry for these people. Serving their god should be easier NOW not harder as they have shortened meetings and attendance, field service hour requirements, assembly days and times, pages of the literature being so condensed now etc...
But the most important factor that is truth they continually stumble over and deny is " CHRIST"

It is for this reason that we are hated and persecuted by them. It is for this reason that I am continually reminded to rejoice on account of these things. And to continually pray for the lost sheep of Israel. We were ALL a part of her until we heard OUR masters voice call us out and told to "quit touching the unclean thing so that HE could take us in as sons and daughters."

I pray as many as possible if not ALL hear and obey the same voice so as to understand that CHRIST truly is the ONLY way, truth, life, door, resurrection, manna / true food, thereby understanding TRUE freedom!

Glad your here, thanks for sharing.

Love Justmom

That was why Israel had to be given the Law IN WRITING, dear WS (good morning and peace to you!)... versus just the Law... and why they were placed under "men in charge."

This why when the CO comes, post visit there is a flurry of shepherding. Things soon fall back to how they were.

Recall James' words that explain that:

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." James 1:23-25

These who you mention "have a FORM of godly devotion but prove false to its POWER."

That POWER is what one has when one has the SPIRIT of Christ, which SPIRIT grants FREEDOM:

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17

Because Christ, the Truth, SETS us free:

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ... Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."[b] [b]John 8:32, 36

"I... am the Way... the TRUTH... and the life." John 14:6)

So when we receive HIS spirit, we ARE free.



It's a shame, isn't it? Because they COULD love, as they SHOULD, if they were granted ACCESS to the One who would TEACH it to them, as well as give them the fruit of JAH's holy spirit that IS love. Sadly, these in the WTBTS are denied that spirit by means of being denied access to the DOOR... Christ (John 10:8)... because they are denied the FREEDOM to partake OF Christ. Rather, those who lead them "shut UP the kingdom of the heavens" before them (Matthew 23:13). As a result, they CAN'T receive the SPIRIT they need... and so the FREEDOM they need... to LOVE... as they SHOULD.



YES, YES, YES!!! Their "yoke"... and the fact that the people LOVE the deceit, though, PROVES that they are Israel! That they are those of whom the MOST Holy One of Israel, JAH of Armies, was speaking about when He had Isaiah write to His people their error! The people were crying out to JAH as to why He didn't see their fasting and afflicting of themselves "for" Him! His response, recorded at Isaiah 58:1-14 was sublime:

“Cry aloud, spare not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins.
Yet they seek Me daily,
And delight to know My ways,
As a nation that did righteousness,
And did not forsake the ordinance of their God.
They ask of Me the ordinances of justice;
They take delight in approaching God.
‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?
Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’"

His reply to them? Surely not what they thought it would be:

“In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And exploit all your laborers.
Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You cannot fast as you do this day,
And expect your voice to be heard on high.

Is it a fast that I have chosen,
A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to JaHVeH?

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?"

Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of JaHVeH shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and JaHVeH will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’"

"If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday."

There is more (the rest of the chapter, as well as into the first several verses of Chapter 59) but I won't quote it here. Suffice it to say that the members of the WTBTS... BELIEVE they are "observing a fast" to God ("Jehovah") but not only are they "fasting" to the wrong god... but they are not engaging in an ACCEPTABLE fast at all! The MOST Holy One of Israel, JAH of Armies, does not want us to afflict our souls (bodies)... but to LISTEN to Him, by listening to His Son, the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah):

"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire
but my ears you have opened
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require." Psalm 40:6

This verse alone should show us that the MOST Holy One of Israel is NOT the "person" many believe Him to be. He did not WANT sacrifices and offerings! And so those who adhere to the OLD Law just do get it, nor do they get the "false stylus" of the secretaries/scribes/copyists. I digress.

The WTBTS aren't taught to be shepherds, however; theirs is training that not only creates and foments "wolfish" behavior, but calls for those with tendecies to be "wolves" in the first place:

"The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep." John 10:12, 13

The "hired hand", or GB, however, don't give a frick about the sheep, because the sheep don't belong to them. Like some employees who, rather than caring for the belongings of their employer, steal, let others steal, or abuse the owner's belonging... because it isn't really THEIR business; they're just employees. Likewise, these "hired men," the WTBTS GB. Because they sheep aren't theirs' rather than stand UP for the sheep and PROTECT them from the wolves, which is what a GOOD shepherd does, they run and hide so as to save their own skins, literally handing the sheep over to "wolves" in the process.

That is not to say that all elders/MSs are "wolves", of course... or even continue in the tendencies. Those who aren't either only go so far toward becoming/being an elder (if they seek the position at all), or step down. Because they realize they don't TRULY fit the role. They can SEE the "wolfish" mentality necessary to fulfill the part and they just can't do it (at all or any longer). They, in essence, "turn around."

Just as Abraham's blood identifies Israel to Him, these things also identify Israel to JAH, to the extent they are those of the "hard-hearted, hard-headed, stiff-necked" Israel... and not the Israel that puts faith in Him... by putting faith in His Son. Repeatedly, THIS organization and its members, show themselves to be THAT part of Israel, not the part (faithful) they THINK they are.

May they be granted ears to hear the call to GET OUT OF HER... so that they don't ultimately share in her sins and so receive part of her plagues.

Again, peace to you!

YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellama

Hello everyone!

I hope you all had a nice day today. It was a busy ol' day at work, but its all good because after tomorrow I have the rest of the week off. Thursday is a public holiday and I have an annual leave day of Friday so its a looooooong weekend for me and Mrs Smith.

I really appreciate you all taking the time to read and comment. Coming away from 25ish years involved with the JWs has been eye opener, and both Mrs Smith and I have learned a lot about ourselves. We have also learned a lot about JWs.

It's funny, when you are "in" you think you know it all, and have it all figured out. You feel like you can answer all the questions, and it all makes so much sense. Once you have woken up, you realise that there was so much that didn't make much sense, but was accepted under the guise of "the Slave looks after us so well They have given us this spiritual food!"

I think that this is one of the key issues with JWs. They are not taught to think, everything is served up on a plate for them. There is no deep study of bible, you want to learn about X then read this book, you want to learn about Y, look it up on the WT CD. Recently a sister emailed me and asked me for advice on a question. She had come to me because she had looked it up in the WT library, and not been able to find the answer. It wasn't on the CD so in her mind, she was all out of ideas. Such a lovely person, but absolutely no clue how to use her own brain.

Open up your skull, pour in the WT spiel, mix, and serve.

_________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - Dr Seuss

Dear Winston ....

Your comments are so true and funny indeed! I really appreciated your thought that inside you truly feel convinced you have all the answers. And when you wake up, SO SO many teachings just do not make any sense.

They TRULY don't. Once you " can see" because CHRIST let's " you see" , all the profound major doctrines that we used to capture people and keep ourselves enslaved sound like fairy tales.
So UN realistic!!!!

So glad you and wife are here now, Praise Jah! Continue to seek His son, go through Him as The Door and follow Him as The Truth!

Love justmom

Ah, Mr. Smith... for some reason, before now, I never read this post, but after reading your story, I can only say that you and I are mirrors of each other. Same story (with the minor exception that my Mrs. has not opened her ears yet to any questionings of any sort.) I, too, was an elder, and did pretty much everything you did. I, too, had gnawing questions. I, too, saw the strangeness in the "no beard" rule, even though I never personally have had any desire to grow one. One of the more recent brochures, "Good News From God", has a series of illustrations on page 13 depicting a resurrected one from the U.S. civil war era who had a uniform and sort-of beard in his first appearance, but then over the course of four pictures, that same person sheds the uniform and the beard and by the fourth picture, is short-cut hair, no beard and nice polo shirt... total conformity. No one, to my knowledge, either here or at JWN has commented on this illustration, but I have noticed it and have been extremely annoyed by the implications it has. Even in the so-called new system, even resurrected ones of past times will conform to the WTS view of how we should dress and wear our hair.

Yet another "clue", dear LQ (peace to you, dear one!), that the WTBTS is a false prophet lead by false "christs." I mean, I know they won't be able to behold my Lord as he TRULY is... "plainly"... meaning, without the "covering" of the vessel of flesh... but goodness, they can't even accept him as he appeared IN the flesh! Christ was THE Nazarene. And Nazarites could not cut their hair, sidelocks... or beards! Think (hint, hint) Hassidic Jew.

Given this truth, seems to ME that in REALITY their should be a whole BUNCH of long-haired JW men. I mean, they're always referring to the "Nazarite 'vow'", yes? So, who changed the terms of such a vow? Certainly not God or Christ. Must have been... the WTBTS! So, is it truly a VALID "vow" such ones take?

Things that make one go "hmmmmmm...."

Thanks for your comments and, again, peace to you!

YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellama, who loves to share things that make others go "hmmmmmm..." 'cause "hmmmmmm" means someone is... wait for it... THINKING! And some here will remember that, from time to time, I am compelled to say to you..."THINK, dear ones... THINK!" LOLOLOL!

LOL! I wouldn't qualify on that alone if I had to wear my hair like that. I can't grow a decent beard to save my life!

The unfortunate by-product of this is arrogance. Knowledge puffs up right? Even incorrect or misguided knowledge. A lot of JWs look down on non-JWs either through their speech or their action. Since they are the ones doing the 'saving' work they puff up their chests aand wield their bible (or more correctly their cherry picked sciptures) and then brag about it - "I've brought 10 people into the truth." "I have 5 bible studies." "I do 70 hours a month." And you know what? The WTS encourages this by getting people to report their time, the bible studies, their magazine placements. People are promoted through the organisation, not because they are right for a job, but because they tick all the boxes that are set by Head Office.

Only amongst a few JWs have I seen a quiet and humble spirit. Matthew 6:2 advises us to not blow a trumpet ahead of ourselves when we do a good work.

Better it is to quietly, mildly and humbly go about your business, and let people see from these just what kind of person you are.

_________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - Dr Seuss

LQ,

I appreciate you having a read through and commenting. I think these gnawing questions have one of two effects:

1 - They make us whip ourselves for doubting and the end result is we sink deeper into the WT mire.

2 - They slowly but surely make their way up from the depths of our brain and lodge somewhere near the top where we can no longer ignore them. When one is lodged, it makes it easy for more to make their way up.

Of course point 1 is exactly what the WTS wants. This is why there are regular articles that spruik trust in the Faithful Slave and the Organisation, or to "wait on Jehovah" (I particularly despise that one). They specialise in the art of making someone feel guilty for being a human and being inquisitive.

As for the beards, that is a weird rule alright. Mrs Smith asked me once if I would grow a beard once we are completely removed from our current situation. I said that if I did it would only be to spite the WTS because I don't look all that good with one. We were away camping for two weeks and I didn't shave while away, and I looked more like a bum than I did some fashionista...


I must say I never noticed this. Its on page 13. If anyone can scan a copy, that would be great.

The guy looks like a naval officer. His style of dress when he is resurrected would suggest the 1700s or 1800s. Its odd to me that someone would be resurrected in the clothes they died in, but moving on, in the next pic we see him still in old timey clothes, but not as formal as previous, just a puffy sleeve shirt and vest. Still got his long lambchop Wolverine sideburns though. Next pic he is regaling his new friends a with tale from the high seas (he's holding a boat). Funny, I thought per the JW view of the new world, the 'former things' would not be called to mind (maybe there is an exception for when you have a really good story). Lastly we see him, sans old timey clothes and Jean val Jean sideburns explaining to a freshly resurrected Kim Jong Un that this new world is populated by people who dress like they come from the west and are sponsored by WalMart. The look on Kim Jong Un's face is like "WTF dude, North Korea is best Korea!"

I have always said to my friends and family that nothing slips into a WT picture by accident.

_________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - Dr Seuss

Today is ANZAC Day here in Australia and back home in New Zealand. A.N.Z.A.C is an acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and the day commemorates the landing of this force in Gallipoli during The Great War. It now has expanded to be a day to remember those who have fallen in all wars, but with the focus remaining on Gallipoli.

I have always had an interest in the armed services, and I honestly think that had I not been a witness, there is a good chance I would be piloting an aircraft for Queen and Country right now. As ANZAC Day came and went each year I always wanted to go along to the commemorations to show my respects. Each year I felt a pang of guilt from my WT addled mind for wanting to 'glorify war' even though this day does not do that at all. It is a day where those who died are remmbered by their surviving families, and respect and recognition is shown to those who have served and still serve.

This year we are wide awake from the JW slumber, and for our long weekend we are out of town. So first time in my life I (with Mrs Smith) went along to the dawn service local to where we are staying. It was a moving experience, so respectful and full of deep, deep emotion. We shed a tear along with everyone else as we observed a moments silence.

So glad to experience this in person for the first time, and humbled to have been able to pay my respects.

_________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - Dr Seuss

I love the way this guy writes. Check out the link below and see if you can pass the test!

http://smmcroberts.net/blog/quiz-jehova ... atchtower/

_________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - Dr Seuss

It was such a lovely day here yesterday. Spent the day doing the things normal people do - wash the car, tidy the house etc. Spent some time at our local cafe and people-watched for a while. Humans are fascinating animals.

Not having to worry about meetings or field service has lifted such a strain on our lives. As a JW there is always something to do, and whatever it is you do, its never enough.

Plans for our move are coming together nicely...we're visiting an open home today....

_________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - Dr Seuss

It's lovely to read your post there, Winston, and feel the sense of peace and calm that you are enjoying now.

Yes, such a contrast from the constant pressure to do more and more, reinforced by magazines and elders and zealous sisters, so that however diligently we struggle to structure our lives around their exacting requirements, it's never enough.

Lovely that you can now breathe deep breaths of freedom!

Good luck with the move!

The thing about JWs is that you can always do more. You're studying? You can be an unbaptised publisher. You're an unbaptised publisher? You can be a publisher! You're a publisher? You can be a pioneer! Have you thought about reaching out to be a MS? If you keep your field service hours up, you could be appointed as an elder!

Are you widening out? Wives, if your husband is working full time, do you really need to? Use your time wisely and pioneer! Have you retired? Why don't you show you love for Jehovah and use your golden years walking around knocking on empty doors? Its what Jesus wants!

There is always something else to do. The constant chasing of made up titles is exhausting.

Passive aggressiveness in organisational form.

To be mostly free from this negative influence has been astounding. Just on the weekend, Mrs Smith and I were talking how we are sleeping better, talk to each other more, and seem to have more energy.

JWs may think they are the happiest people on earth, but that's because they are told that they are. y Head Office. Compliance at all costs.

_________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - Dr Seuss

So it has been more than a couple of months now since Mrs Smith and I went to a meeting. In the last week or so people must have started to notice as we have received a couple of text and Facebook messages. Still absolutely NOTHING from any elder. Loving concerned shepherds? Heeeeeeell no.

It has been interesting reading the banal, emotionless, and stock standard (and therefore meaningless) phrases coming from God's chosen people i.e. "true Christians." This what we have received:

"Thinking of you."

"Thinking of you, I had a bible study today and her husband said she shouldn't study but she said she wants to keep on, Jehovah will help her."

"Didn't see you at the CA it was about guarding our mind. Meditation is medication."

"How are you guys? Been thinking of you."

I swear to Thor if I hear the phrase "thinking of you" again, I am going to vomit. What an utterly meaningless phrase when coming from people who obviously have no interest in you.

Compare this with a message we got from a non JW friend (a Muslim in fact) who knows that we are fading:

"I know things must be difficult for you, hang in there. If you ever need anything from me just call and I will come straight over. Take care!"

LOL JWs, you fail, and you fail hard.

_________________
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - Dr Seuss