Learn Humility and Avoid Disaster

In our Theocratic Ministry School, I was assigned this topic to present: 

Learn Humility and Avoid Disaster

As we progress in our knowledge of the Bible it is important to also cultivate Christian qualities.

The quality of humility is very important. Humility will help us avoid disaster. 

How? 

Let's turn to the Bible book of Daniel, chapter 5 for an example. This is the account of Belshazzar, the King of Babylon. At this time Babylon is under siege. The Medes and Persians are a real threat. However, Belshazzar is not preparing for battle, he feels secure that no army can penetrate the great walls surrounding his great city. Babylon is full of necessities so he is not  concerned with shortages. In fact, he is actually hosting a grand party. As the night goes on, Belshazzar calls for the cups be brought from Jehovah's temple so they can drink out of them.  Then, a hand appears and writes a message on the wall. This terrifies the king. No one understands the message, so the prophet Daniel is called. 
(Daniel 5:1-16)

Daniel reminds Belshazzar that it was Jehovah, the Most High God, that made his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar great. When Nebuchadnezzar became haughty, Jehovah corrected him. 

(Daniel 5:18-21)

"But when his (Nebuchadnezzar) heart became haughty and his spirit became hardened, so that he acted presumptuously, he was brought down from the throne of his kingdom, and his dignity was taken away from mankind, and his heart was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was given vegetation to eat just like bulls, and his body became wet with the dew of the heavens, until he came to know that the Most High God is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that he sets up over it whomever he wants." -Daniel 5:20

Remember, Nebuchadnezzar was the ruler of the world empire at that time, even over God's people Israel. But Nebuchadnezzar took all the glory to himself and did not recognize Jehovah the Most High. Jehovah disciplined him, by taking away his kingdom and his sanity, so he would be forced to recognize Jehovah's superior position. (Daniel 4:30-37)

Daniel 5, at the end of verse 21 it says, "..he (Nebuchadnezzar) came to know that the Most High God is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that he sets up over it whomever he wants."

"But you, his son Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. Instead, you exalted yourself against the Lord of the heavens, and you had them bring you the vessels of his house. Then you and your nobles, your concubines and your secondary wives drank wine from them and praised the gods of silver and gold, of copper, iron, wood, and stone, gods that see nothing and hear nothing and know nothing. But you have not glorified the God in whose hand is your breath and all your ways." -Daniel 5:22, 23

What do you think? Did Belshazzar have opportunity to learn humility? Yes! As verse 22 states Belshazzar was aware of Nebuchadnezzar's experience.  

Belshazzar failed to learn humility from history. Rather than humbling himself before Jehovah, he proudly, arrogantly called for the sacred vessels from Jehovah's temple, so he and his guests could drink wine out of them, all the while praising the lifeless gods of Babylon. This was a deliberate act of contempt for the God of Israel. Belshazzar was headed for disaster!  

"That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed. And Darius the Mede received the kingdom..." -Daniel 5:30, 31

Today people make gods of lifeless things: money, career, prestige, pleasures. None of these things can give life. Jehovah alone is who we owe our existence to, and who we depend for every breath we take.   What have you learned from this Bible account regarding humility?

One thing I have learned is that we need to put Jehovah and his righteous interests before our own interests. We can meditate on our relationship with Jehovah, humbly submitting to his right to guide us in the right way. By applying Jehovah's principles first in our lives as we make our decisions, we will avoid disaster and in fact receive many blessings.

"Trust in Jehovah with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways take notice of him,
and he will make your paths straight."
-Proverbs 3:5, 6

Where's the Sunflowers?

Here they are! All over the place!

 Won't be long before they burst in to blossom

 Patience, they will bloom soon

 Even have some in my corn patch

 Here's some early bloomers

 More are popping up!

 And some Hollyhocks too!

It's What's For Breakfast!

Berries

Strawberries and blackberries are sooooo delicious! 

I LOVE them, and hate to put anything on them, 

because they are perfect just  as they are.

Sometimes these berries don't even make it into the house.

I eat them right off the vine.

This is a Pitaya blossom. Also known as Dragonfuit. 

I have never grown this plant before, it was given to me.

I understand that some species need to be hand pollinated, others do not.

I have no idea which one this is, we will see. 

 (I will not be hand pollinating but will enjoy these blooms) 

For a little addition to your berries, you can get some acai juice, put in the blender with a pitaya, 

 frozen banana, frozen berries and a little lemon balm. 

Top it off with some fresh strawberries and you have a great way to start your day!

To my Sisters

 To be raised by parents who love one another is to be appreciated.

 Always a Ham in front of the camera

 While we miss our Dad, 

the Bible leaves us a happy hope.

"Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those, who have paid attention will live....

Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out..."
 John 5:25, 28

God's original purpose for the earth is brought out in Genesis:

"And God went on to create the man in his image, in God's image he created him; male and female he created them. 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 flying creatures of the heavens and  every living creature that is moving on the earth.'"

 ...After that God saw everything he had made, and look! It was very good" 
 -Genesis 1 ;27, 28, 31

What a grand assignment Adam and Eve were given, to extend the Garden of Eden, along with their perfect offspring, until the whole earth was a paradise, with all unitedly serving their Grand Creator! 

God's word clearly tells us why the conditions on earth are not according to God's will and purpose.

And by what means God will use to bring everything back in harmony with that purpose. 

"That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned-, ...

So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, so too through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is their being declared righteous for life. For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one person many will be made righteous....

To what end? So that just as sin ruled as king with death, so also undeserved kindness might rule as king through righteousness leading to everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

 -Romans 5:12, 18, 19, 21

By means of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus we have hope for everlasting life. By means of a global teaching work, God's Kingdom is already uniting a great crowd of people from all nations. Millions are becoming obedient subjects of Jesus. Yes, God's Kingdom will protect them when this wicked system is destroyed. This Kingdom will accomplish God's original purpose for mankind. The earth will become new, a global paradise. And we will welcome back all those who have died. I am looking forward to the fulfillment of this promise:

 

"...Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

-Revelation 21:3, 4

 

 

 

 

Garden in Spring

Planted some corn at the end of March.

 Since I am home more I thought I would give gardening a try.

I prepared the ground with old dried horse manure, a little sand. 

 Dillion brought me a trailer full of mushroom compost!

Just added some water and seeds, look! 

Corn, squash, beans, and sunflowers.

I do not plan on having the perfect manicured garden. 

I am a messy gardener,

I love wild flowers, so all native (weeds) surround my garden.

The ladybugs are attracted to the weeds. 

I have a pomegranate tree. 

 If you look closely at its blossoms you will see it is full of bees!

 I am soo happy to see these little pollinaters!

Where did they all come from?

 We have this old box down the hill by the shed.

They have made themselves right at home.

And they are quite friendly, not mean at all.

 Do you know what this next plant is?

Desy brought by a bunch of planting soil. 

 This beautiful fern like plant popped up.

 Look closely

What makes Desy happy?

Kayulani

Her friends call her Kai, they have been dating for some time now. 

She is a keeper!

This Speical Time of Year.

Many people remember what Christ Jesus accomplished by laying down his life as a ransom sacrifice. This year the Memorial of Jesus death is commemorated on Friday, April 3rd 2015 after sundown. You are invited to attend this event at the Kingdom Hall in your local area. Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide have been busy inviting their friends, neighbors and relatives to this most sacred occasion.

To read your invitation to this event please go here


What a happy time of year. I had a nice group to work with in the invitation work. We spent one day in the rural areas searching out people and leaving invitations for all.

 That's me in the black coat.

Pam's parents, Jennifer and a wonderful family

These young sisters are making:

"The Joy of Jehovah" their stronghold.

-Nehemiah 8:10

What a grand privilege to be working "shoulder to shoulder" along with those worldwide 

 in this very special campaign.