Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Man's and Earth's Eternal Purpose

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen. 1:1)
*
"The heavens are declaring the glory of God;
The skies above proclaim the work of his hands." Ps. 19:1

"He is the Maker of the earth by his power,
The One who established the productive land by his wisdom
And who stretched out the heavens by his understanding." Jer. 10:12.
*
"As for the heavens, they belong to Jehovah,
But the earth he has given to the sons of men." Ps. 115:16.
*
"How many your works are, O Jehovah!
You have made all of them in wisdom.
The earth is full of what you have made." Ps. 104:24.
*
"He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has even put eternity in their heart;
yet mankind will never find out
the work that the true God has made
from start to finish." Eccl. 3:11.
*
"Then God said:
“Let us make man in our image,
according to our likeness,

and let them have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and the domestic animals and all the earth and every creeping animal that is moving on the earth.”" Gen. 1:26.

"Further, God blessed them, and God said to them:
“Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving on the earth.” Gen. 1:28.
*
"The righteous will possess the earth,
And they will live forever on it." Ps. 37:29.

"I have spoken, and I will bring it about. I have purposed it, and I will also carry it out." Isa. 46:11.
*
“You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they came into existence and were created.” Rev. 4:11.

I have spoken, and I will bring it about. I have purposed it, and I will also carry it out.—Isa. 46:11.

The very first words of the Bible make this simple but profound statement: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen. 1:1) It is true that we have only a little understanding of the many things God created, such as space, light, and gravity, and we have seen only a small fraction of the universe. (Eccl. 3:11) Yet, Jehovah has revealed to us his purpose for the earth and for mankind. The earth was to be an ideal home for men and women created in God’s image. (Gen. 1:26) They would be his children, and Jehovah would be their Father. As explained in the third chapter of Genesis, Jehovah’s purpose encountered a challenge. (Gen. 3:1-7) However, that challenge was by no means insurmountable. No one can stand in Jehovah’s way. (Isa. 46:10; 55:11) Therefore, we can be certain that Jehovah’s original purpose will be fulfilled exactly on time! w17.02 1:1, 2

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

If Minimized : Gained, His Despise

If Minimized: Gained, His Despise

His Word sent forth in prophesy
Will not come back without succeed.
But woe to those who do not heed:
"He did just so' in words and deeds.

We must walk with God 'in modesty'
Like Enoch, Noah, Abel with speed.
Not to deviate from humility.
Or we'll experience Jah's displease.

Who of us has not heard
of Abraham's adherence to God's Word
to sacrifice his one dear son
in obedience? Jehovah's favor won.

What he attempted displayed great love
though his loving Creator watching from above
stopped Abraham's action in hesitate
to offer a lamb in replace to take.

Demonstrating for humanity's sake
Jah's self-sacrifice in future to make
When offered His firstborn upon a stake.
Did He us to eternal death forsake?

So when God mandates certain laws
we must not feel that they are flawed.
For God is 'Love'. Provides justly for all.
We must obey. Or everlastingly to death
unnecessarily fall.

Walk in modesty with your God!—Mic. 6:8.

Sometime during King Jeroboam’s reign, Jehovah sent a certain prophet from Judah to deliver a scathing judgment message to that apostate king of Israel. The humble prophet faithfully delivered God’s message, and Jehovah protected his servant from Jeroboam’s violent wrath. (1 Ki. 13:1-10) On his way home, the prophet unexpectedly met up with an old man from nearby Bethel. The man claimed to be a prophet of Jehovah. He deceived the younger man into disobeying Jehovah’s strict instructions ‘not to eat bread or drink water in Israel’ and ‘not to return by the way that he came.’ Jehovah was not pleased. Later, on his way home, a lion came across Jehovah’s prophet on the road and killed him. (1 Ki. 13:11-24) Why did the once modest prophet presumptuously go along with that deceitful older man? The Bible does not say. But it could be that he completely forgot that he was supposed to be ‘walking modestly with God.’ w17.01 4:1-3 © 13 minutes ago, Lucretia Mccloud rhyme • love • hope • pain • sad

Cleaneed of Pain

Cleansed of Pain

Brought to ruin 'those ruining our earth'
under brilliant rays from God's Kingdom birth.

Birds feasted. Dust settled. Cleansed; land.
Washed away terror from reigns of sinful man.

Squeals of joy--those sheltered from doom
Bursting forth from 'interior rooms'.

Rains from heaven gentle sweet
Death 'no more' to be repeat.

Photo from In Her Own Words, Photographing the Vietnam War 50 words ...

Use the poem below as your inspiration
about 50 words
No adult or profanity
I will add HM as needed

"There will come soft rain and the smell of the ground,
And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;

And frogs in the pools singing at night,
And wild plum trees in tremulous white;

Robins will wear their feathery fire,
Whistling their whims on a low fence-wire;

And not one will know of the war, not one
Will care at last when it is done.

Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree,
If mankind perished utterly;

And Spring herself, when she woke at dawn
Would scarcely know that we were gone," Sara Teasdale

Based upon: The Destruction of Death. At Isaiah 25:8 the prophetic promise is made that God “will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” The sting producing death is sin (1Co 15:56), and thus all having sin and its accompanying imperfection have death working in their bodies. (Ro 7:13, 23, 24) The abolition of death, therefore, would require the abolition of that which produces death: sin. By the removal of the last trace of sin from obedient mankind, the authority of death will be abolished and death itself will be destroyed, and this is to be accomplished during the reign of Christ. (1Co 15:24-26) Thereby death, brought upon the human race by Adam’s transgression, “will be no more.” (Ro 5:12; Re 21:3, 4) Its destruction is figuratively likened to its being hurled into a “lake of fire.”—Re 20:14; see LAKE OF FIRE.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Marvels

Marvels
magnificent
made

Daily are laid aside
as of no consequence
by those who 'no attention'
pay.

Paid.

Blind.

Blinded by pressure
Created by creation intellectual
thought respectable. Staid.

Intricacies delicate like a spiders' web

Spun to capture insects dead.
Yet in sheer beauty we are led
To look heavenward.

Rather than random
More recent bred.

Consider the symphony found in breath-taking breezes.

Are not our emotions stirred as are these many varied type vibrant leaves
found around the world?

Our skin it does stroke, our stresses do ease,
even as our hair is raised,

it deliciously does
our senses tease.

Does not our intelligence us remind: "every house is constructed by someone,

but the one who constructed all things is God" ? Heb. 3:4.

And yet, the most basic living cells on earth
are far more complex than any house
tiny or of gigantic expensive girth

because they can do what no house can do—

reproduce.

Even leafy greens continue in rebirth.

Yes, these cells have a way to store
and copy information needed to replicate themselves more.

So today we you implore:

“Lift up your eyes to heaven and see.

Who has created these things?

It is the One who brings out their army by number;
He calls them all by name.

Because of his vast dynamic energy and his awe-inspiring power,

Not one of them is missing." Isa. 40:26.

Therefore,

"Jehovah is our Judge,
Jehovah is our Lawgiver,
Jehovah is our King;

He is the One who will save us." Isa. 33:22.

So should we not follow the wise Psalmists' admonition?

"Do not put your trust in princes
Nor in a son of man, who cannot bring

salvation." Ps. 146:3.

For what human can eliminate
our dying imperfect sad condition?

Although always duplicating
our Creator

with beautiful
inferior
temporary
renditions.

The present economic and political systems are powered by selfish forces. Clearly, such forces cannot eliminate war, crime, disease, and poverty—only God’s Kingdom can. Consider what Jehovah will do for mankind. War: God’s Kingdom will eliminate such deep-seated causes of war as selfishness, corruption, patriotism, false religion, and Satan himself. (Ps. 46:8, 9) Crime: God’s Kingdom is already teaching millions to love and trust one another as no other government can. (Isa. 11:9) Disease: Jehovah will bless his people with perfect health. (Isa. 35:5, 6) Poverty: Jehovah will eliminate it and will provide his people with spiritual and physical prosperity, a quality of life far more valuable than riches.—Ps. 72:12, 13. © 6 hours ago, Lucretia Mccloud death • family • friendship • hope • love

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Out of the Darkness

Enslaved.
By traditions.
Over centuries detained.

In 607 B.C.E., a massive Babylonian army to Jerusalem came. Under command of King Nebuchadnezzar II named.
The bloodbath to follow a horrific shame:

"Killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary; he felt no compassion for young man or virgin, old or infirm.... He burned down the house of the true God, tore down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its fortified towers with fire, and destroyed everything of value.” 2 Chron. 36:17, 19. As God's prophets proclaimed:

“Whoever is for deadly plague, to deadly plague!
Whoever is for the sword, to the sword!
Whoever is for the famine, to the famine!
And whoever is for the captivity, to the captivity!”’ Jer. 15:2.

Because of disobedience, allowed an enemies' conquest.
Felt,... their complete and utter disdain.

But, through Jeremiah, Jehovah future exiles advised,
accept for a time your new situation comprised of building homes, raising a family, planting gardens... in the land of your enemy despised:

"seek the peace of the city to which I have exiled you, and pray in its behalf to Jehovah, for in its peace you will have peace.” Jer. 29:5, 7.

Unlike in the time of their slavery, once in Egypt as exiles, Jews captured by Babylon were encouraged normal living, for a while, to pursue.

Allowed to administer some of their own affairs, Jews learned the art of buying and selling there, as we today see some Jews still do. While others became skilled craftsmen. Some prosperous with an opportunity to share.

Although, spiritually, their former structured way of worship did not exist. Still, many innocent Jewish captured, such as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, did what they could to observe God's Law under a pagan administration.

Yet, it was impossible for a God-fearing Jew
to do everything the Law required. Their way of worship. . . temporarily subdued.

Would the Israelites ever again be able to worship God in a completely acceptable way when Babylon never released its captives not slayed?

If this is what Jehovah's says, then liberation would occur in its prophesied day.

"So my word that goes out of my mouth will be.
It will not return to me without results,
But it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight,
And it will have sure success in what I send it to do." Isa. 55:11.

Is there a modern-day parallel to this? . . . Is there 'true' Christianity today on which God insists?

Shall we take a look at this overview?

At Pentecost 33 C.E., thousands of Jews and proselytes were anointed with holy spirit. These new Christians became “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession.” 1 Peter 2:9, 10. Directed by Christ Jesus beforehand to keep disciple-making global foremost. To the time of the end, it's prophesied progression:

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.

And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” Matt. 28:19, 20.

However, especially after the death of the apostles, men arose who spoke “twisted things” in order to “draw away the disciples after themselves.” Acts 20:30; 2 Thess. 2:6-8. Jesus Christ's teachings temporarily shelved.

Pride inspiring an uprising of a clergy class. Instead of just being called 'brothers', "bishops" and other titles into supposed 'Christianity' did arrogantly spring. Matt. 23:8. Philosophies of Aristotle and Plato as intellectual others, introduced gradually,

pure teachings of God’s Word sadly, false religious ideas. . . stealthily replacing.

Yes, 'Christianity' entered a deep depressing darkness... The 'Light', this new false way, now monstrously consuming.

In 313 C.E., this apostate form of Christianity was granted legal recognition. By pagan Roman Emperor Constantine, Church and State working hand in hand, without Jah or Jesus' permission:

"Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.” John 18:36.

Historians referring to pagan Rome as having been "Christianized" in the fourth century. In actuality, an apostate form of Christianity had joined the pagan religious organizations of the Roman Empire as members of Revelation's 'Babylon the Great',

as a small number of anointed wheatlike Christians did their best to worship God. But their voices were being drowned out as in a 'turbulent sea':

"Listen! There is a commotion of many peoples,
Who are as boisterous as the seas!
There is an uproar of nations,
Whose sound is like the roar of mighty waters!

The nations will make a sound like the roar of many waters.
He will rebuke them, and they will flee far away,
Chased like the chaff of the mountains before a wind,
Like a whirling thistle before a storm wind." Isa. 17:12, 13.

Nevertheless, of this condition, Jesus to his disciples gave an illustration or prophesy:

"The Kingdom of the heavens may be likened to a man who sowed fine seed in his field. While men were sleeping, his enemy came and oversowed weeds in among the wheat and left."

"In response he said: “The sower of the fine seed is the Son of man; the field is the world. As for the fine seed, these are the sons of the Kingdom, but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is a conclusion of a system of things, and the reapers are angels." Matt. 13:24, 25, 37-39.

So, for a time indeed, 'true Christians' truly were in Babylonian captivity!

Still,... for the first few centuries of our C. E., many people could read the Bible in either Greek or Latin. To compare teachings of God’s Word with dogmas of the church to see

on the basis of what they read in the Bible, what 'truth' existed. Yes, to what degree. And some among them rejected unscriptural creeds of the church,

but it was dangerous—even fatal—to express such opinions openly.

In time, Bible languages fell into disuse by the masses, and the church opposed efforts to translate God’s Word into mankind's common tongues. As a result, only clergy and some other educated people could read the Bible for themselves, although not all of the clergy could read and write well. It seemed that Satan had won.

For any dissent from what the church taught was severely punished. Faithful anointed servants of God had to meet together in discreet groups—if they could meet at all.

As was the case in the earlier Babylonian exile, the anointed “royal priesthood” could not function in an organized way.

Babylon the Great held the people in a viselike grip! . . . And it seemed that forever it would thus stay. The original teachings of Christ seemed to be buried. The spreading of his way eternally black-balled.

However, in the mid-15th century, a printing press that used movable type into existence sprang. Glimmers of spiritual light to penetrate the darkness, as a lighthouse to the nations, gloriously came!

No longer painstaking copies by hand, rare and expensively obtained, the only means of spiritual education. Progress no longer contained.

Now, a few courageous men at the dawn of the 16th century undertook, at the risk of their lives, to translate God’s Word into languages spoken by the common people. . . The church was horrified; visibly shook!

A Bible in the hands of a God-fearing man or woman could be a dangerous weapon—or so the church leaders feared! . . . This book

available became; people did read it. Into it they peered studiously; into it regularly looked.

The foretold waters of Babylon the Great began to dry up:

"There is a devastation on her waters, and they will be dried up.
For it is a land of graven images, And because of their frightful visions they keep acting with madness." Jer. 50:38."The sixth one poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up

to prepare the way
for the kings from the rising of the sun." Rev. 16:12.

For asked: 'Where in God’s Word is there mention of purgatory? of paid masses for the dead? of popes and cardinals?'

The church was outraged! . . . Who let the 'Lamb' out of the cage? . . . How dare the multitudes question church leaders! . . . Men and women were condemned for heresy for rejecting church teachings, some of which were based on pagan philosophies of Aristotle and Plato, remember?—men who lived before Jesus Christ was born. . . Erected as true Christianity impeders.

The death sentence, by the Church was handed down; the State carried it out. The goal: to discourage people from reading the Bible; questioning the church. . . In their direction their should be 'no doubt'.

And for the most part, this scheme worked. Until a few brave souls considered berserk. . . refused to be cowed by Babylon the Great. They now had a taste of God’s Word—and they wanted more!

Even though, the church and state did them increasingly hate.

The stage was being set for a future deliverance from false religion.

Freeing 'sheep' from the locked walled gates of Babylon the Great
required a diligence in which many internationally began to whole-heartedly participate,

in imitation of the first-century Christians.

The original true Christian, now being called out of the darkness

for Jah Jehovah's
Holy name's sake...

Friday, July 6, 2018

Judas

“What will you give me to betray him to you?”

They stipulated to him 30 silver pieces.

So from then on, he kept looking for a good opportunity to betray him." Is what Judas decided to do.

Once in favor with Jah and Christ.

Then why become slanderous without debating this vice?

Could greed have him prevailed?

“Why has this perfumed oil been wasted?
his nose assailed.

Hypocritical Judas allowed Jesus to wash his feet

while all the while planning the greatest deceit

on the night Jesus agonized about victory complete.

How do we keep from Judas' stray?

Is contemplation about love the excelling way?

Watch our deeds and always pray
then eternally we shall with Jah and Jesus stay

in peace and harmony among a brotherhood
even existing here on earth today.

A Deadly Partnership

Think of bartering with the Devil?
Know... you're way over your head.
For he's proven he has no love or loyalty.

So in the end you are
or you'd wish yourself

truly dead. For his cost is high.
You may pray to die.

True, an 'angel of light' called
just to mislead you instead of letting you
be found by Jah and Christ
who for obedient humanity
showed love so intense.

Jesus hung until his heart ruptured
inside his chest. It bled
until he was put to rest.

Satan's 'bursing in the heel' prophesied.
After Christ conquered. He finished his test.

Then the Almighty did His Anointed Christ resurrect. And he's on the dragon's tail.

Therefore,
reflect upon all that has been said
and what to his older spirit brother Jesus
he had done.

And think... For once Satan's got from you what he wants

He's through.

And if you're fortunate Jah won't be too. Although Jehovah did warn, this verse in review:

"Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap". Gal. 6:7.

Yes, as Job stated:

"What I have seen is that those who plow what is harmful and those who sow trouble will reap the same." Job 4:8.

Look at our world and it's future by means of enlightened eyes. With wisdom imbued. Toppling in terror. Brewing hatred and violence as everyday stew.

A partnership with Satan... Utterly insane!
He loves no one.

Not even YOU.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Horsemen Four

Galloping horses
wars, death, famine on earth force.
Pale, red, black on course
devouring resources.
Checks not 'drawn on'. Won't endorse

White horse rider rules.
Gallops forth to trample 'fools'?
Revelers not schooled
by Theocracy. Blind. Cruel
men who destroy Jah's footstool.

Contest write a rhyming Tanka

The Four Horsemen--How Their Ride Affects You
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2017085?q=four+horsemen&p=par © 4 hours ago, Lucretia Mccloud rhyme • hope • love • society • spiritual

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

'Pupil of His Eye'

'Pupil of His Eye' 1st draft

What a wonderful hope!

Jesus' sacrificed his life "so that through his death he might bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, that is, the Devil". Heb. 2:14.

But watchful we must be against this roaring enemy using even so-called 'friends' and 'family' to us deceive during these critical 'last days' winding down to the Devil's confinement and the Messiahs' long-awaited victory.

Look at the days of Noah,

who would have believed that among the daily victims of Nephilim violence more would not have been saved and happily relieved.

And notice this comparison Christ to his disciples in warning gave where it quotes:

"For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be.

For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage,

until the day that Noah entered into the ark;

and they took no note
until the flood came and swept them all away,

so the presence of the Son of man will be." Matt. 24:37-39.

Preoccupied to the death eternally
with the pursuit of wealth or 'just chillin' doing nothing

when Jesus mandated activity:

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,

teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.

And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” Matt. 28:19, 20.

So the 'great tribulation' which no man has ever seen

means life or death to Christ's followers if staying tuned to things unseen.

"For then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.

In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved;

but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short." Matt. 24:21.

Before 'Babylon the Great' religious harlot has been dethroned as luxurious 'Queen' all must decide.

Because, justly there will be no in-between:

"And you will again see the distinction between a righteous person and a wicked person, between one serving God and one not serving him.” Mal. 3:18.

"Everyone exercising faith'
'might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

If whole-hearted in godly devotion and not comfortable with violence escalating because of envy and strife

or 'love of money' bringing on atrocities done commonly although demonic in vice.

"As for the wicked, they will be cut off from the earth, and the treacherous will be torn away from it." Prov. 2:22.

However,

"Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness,

but he is patient with you

because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed

but desires all to attain to repentance." 2 Pet. 3:9.

So, why not strive to please Jah
and you and your descendants' will live forever since you will have heeded this advice:

" You must choose life
so that you may live,

you and your descendants". Deut. 30:19.

Because Jehovah mercifully
sincerely repentant ones

chooses to forgive.

For didn't He send to earth His best?

And don't we appreciate His divine love stressed when he horribly saw, for humanity, His only-begotten Son die?

Then why follow satan for state:

"For this is what Jehovah of armies says, who after being glorified has sent me to the nations that were plundering you:

‘Whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye.* Zec. 2:8.