Beggar for the Spirit

Hi Tim, Do you think this idea could tie in with your good story? Your post reminded me of the possibility of why the apples in PROV 25:11 don’t just have silver carvings, but are made of gold. We know that gold is a precious metal, very valuable. So a good word spoken at the right time is like gold, very valuable! But also, if I give you as a gift, apples made of yarn or even made of wood with silver carvings, these may also look nice. And you may appreciate my effort in making this gift and you may even like the wood or yarn design of the apples But how long will my gift of wood or yarn apples last? 5 years? 20 years? Gold however, is 1 of the most stable elements in the periodic table! So if I give as a gift, apples made of gold, how long will your gift last? Well gold is resistant to corrosion and can last thousands of years! So a good word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in another way, besides being very valuable! For example, the nice couple you had lunch with, had precious cards saved from the 1970s onward. But if those cards were good words given at the right time, or read again at a right time when they were in need of comfort or encouragement, then like apples, not of wood or yarn, but of gold, 1 of the most stable and long lasting elements that exist, then there is a possibility that a comforting card, or an encouraging email, or a touching word verbally spoken at just the right time may last as long as gold, for thousands of years!!! 😮 And what if those valuable, precious words are remembered by someone when they enter into the New World? What will happen to those precious words they had barely remembered in the “Old World”, but now their mind and memory has progressed to perfection? The result may be that a perfect mind with a perfect memory that perfectly recalls those precious, valuable words that were a gift to them way back in 2026 or in 1978, could be remembered FAR longer than just thousands of years!!! 🧠

Good post by @Dolce vita Thanks for reminding us of that important talk in the AM 2025 So now to add to how we may be “emotionally protected” at Armageddon. A HELPER What did Jesus refer to Holy Spirit as when he promised that he would send it after returning to heaven? A “Helper“ (pa·raʹkle·tos) which can be understood also as a “comforter; encourager; advocate.” Our Father’s Holy Spirit is a powerful force! So for those under its influence, they can display His wonderful qualities in ANY situation. So what is 1 valuable quality that Holy Spirit will produce in you after Armageddon? JOY — That immense feeling of joy after Armageddon will bring us great comfort and encouragement!!! SOMETHING BEYOND WHAT A NORMAL PERSON HAS When there is serious trouble, a crisis, conflict, war, a normal human only has certain ways to cope. But for those under the very potent influence of Jehovah’s Spirit, what will happen to such ones after the Great War of Armageddon? Jesus will send to each of us the “Helper”, the “Comforter”, which will help us to have “power beyond what is normal” to handle anything! Here is a great example we can remember if we get worried about Armageddon: 1 of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Stephen, was dragged before 71 of the most powerful men in the nation of Israel. False accusers were brought in to give deceiving testimony. Imagine the wide range of human emotions that Stephen was feeling in that terrifying situation! But something happened beyond what a normal person has in them during such traumatic situations: The “High Priest Caiaphas, who presided over the court a few months earlier when Jesus was condemned to death”, along with the 71 powerful members of the Sanhedrin, “noticed something rather surprising about Stephen—his face looked “like an angel’s face.”—Acts 6:13-15. (w18) How could Stephen remain calm and serene in such an intimidating situation? Only with help, by means of a ”Pa·raʹkle·tos” or “Helper”, “Comforter”, “Before he was dragged before the Sanhedrin, Stephen had been fully immersed in his ministerial work under the powerful influence of God’s spirit. When he was on trial, that same spirit was operating on him, both as a comforter and as a remembrancer.” (John 14:16, ftn.) (w18) So after Armageddon, you will not be transformed into an angelic creature, but… with Holy Spirit operating on you, your face will become “like an angel’s face”, full of serenity and joy!!! No wonder the Psalmist under inspiration said this! “You, O Jehovah, are my helper and comforter.“ —Ps. 86:17.

Please be comforted! 🥰 Because after Armageddon, we will not be sad or devastated or have any form of survivor’s guilt, why? Notice the following scripture the Governing Body applied to how the Israelites felt after being delivered through the Red Sea: We are going to experience 1 of the greatest miracles in world history at Armageddon! We are going to see firsthand Jehovah’s power! We are going to see our Father’s love in action, protecting us & delivering us! And like the Israelites did, we too will express our joy in songs of praise and thanksgiving! *** w96 4/1 p. 15 Praise the King of Eternity! *** As Moses and all Israel celebrated Jehovah’s victory at the Red Sea, there will be great rejoicing after Armageddon

Hey Tim, As you told your story, I was imagining you at the restaurant with your new friend. I could picture you in the restaurant feeling cozy with hot grilled cheese, soup, drink and warm conversation. 🍲 🥪 As for your “inner conflict” about Armageddon, along with the good expressions by the sisters above, the right way to feel at Armageddon is to feel how our Father Jehovah will feel. So here are some thoughts on how Jehovah may feel at Armageddon: NOT HAPPY, NO REJOICING “Do I take any pleasure at all in the death of a wicked person? “Do I not prefer that he turn away from his ways and keep living? “I do not take any pleasure in the death of anyone, . . . so turn back and live.” (Ezek. 18:23, 32) YET HAPPY, REJOICING We know that Jehovah has a grand purpose to sanctify His own name and establish a glorious Kingdom rule over the earth. So how does Jehovah feel when He accomplishing His purposes? Maybe the Grand Creator will express Himself similar to when He was accomplishing another major purpose many centuries ago: “After that God saw everything he had made, and look! it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) So at Armageddon , if we try our best to imitate our Father Jehovah, we will not be happy, not be rejoicing, finding no pleasure in the death of anyone, no matter how wicked they became. But at the same time we will be happy, rejoicing, and taking great pleasure in watching first hand how Jehovah is accomplishing His purposes of sanctifying His great name and establishing his loving Sovereignty on earth. 🎉

(AI generated comment) Haha, just kidding Lance, that was my fake AI comment! Those are my words about you. You are very good brother and friend! 😎

Thanks for answering my question Brother Kim I am sending you a PM, please let me know if you received it, thanks 😎

Hi Brother Kim, Can you share with us about how you do “self-hosting”? Does it require a lot of work/effort? Curious how beneficial this is for privacy/security? Thanks! 😎

I wanted to start a topic to see if any brothers/sisters here have an EV or used to have one? Any advice about EVs? Are there other Pros & Cons besides these ones? BENEFITS Cost Savings: Lower running costs compared to gasoline vehicles. Convenience: Ability to charge at home! No more dealing with gasoline or gas stations Performance: Quicker acceleration and instant torque, a very responsive & smooth driving experience Regenerative Braking: This technology captures energy while braking, extending range and reducing wear on brake components. Tax Credits & Incentives: Many governments offer financial incentives, tax credits, or rebates that can significantly lower the overall cost Reduced Noise Pollution: EVs operate much more quietly than gas motor vehicles, contributing to far less “noise pollution”, especially in urban areas. Environmental Impact: Zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions! Even greater benefits when charging with renewable sources like solar energy. This is my favorite one, a small way we can help to take better care of this precious “home” we received from our Father 🌍 CHALLENGES Limited Range: Many EVs have a much shorter driving range compared to gasoline vehicles, which can lead to "range anxiety." Charging Time: Charging an EV typically takes much longer than refueling a gasoline car, with fast charging stations still requiring at least 30 minutes. Battery Degradation: Over time, EV batteries can lose capacity, reducing range and performance, and expensive replacements may be needed Environmental Concerns: Although contributing to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, there may be environmental impact due to issues with battery disposal. Electricity Dependent: Anxieties can rise when in rural areas or regions where there are few or no charging stations. Also electricity/power outages can limit how far you are able to travel. QUESTIONS What has been your experience? Does an EV truly save more money or cost more? Are there any other benefits or challenges that people may be unaware of?

Many people seem to enjoy the taste of wine. As for me, I have never really liked any kind of alcohol. However, if a person is having some stomach problems or gastrointestinal issues, well the Oxford Companion to Wine describes wine as “man’s oldest documented medicine” which we know is in harmony with the Bible. We also have an article that quoted the book The Origins and Ancient History of Wine which reported: “It has been shown experimentally that living typhoid and other dangerous microbes rapidly die when mixed with wine.” So the purpose of this topic is to ask: Has anyone had any experience with wine helping their stomach issues? Which wines might be the best “medicine”? And is it best to drink wine before or during or after eating a meal? Looking forward to your comments, thanks 🍷

I like this good article Sister Hannah @TheKid23 found about modesty and humility. 👍 I appreciate many of the older articles like this one from 1962. And while we of course need to make sure when reading older articles that the teachings are in agreement with today’s current understanding, it seems most points in this article seem to still be current. Now although the article mentions there are some different shades of meaning to “modest”, if we keep reading there is an important paragraph that gives an explanation that likely the FDS of today would very much agree with: Now a question some might have is, “But how about 1 of the other shades of meaning such as, “Modest” and “modesty” are also used in the sense of chasteness, decency and propriety”, Jehovah is chaste and decent right? So then couldn’t Jehovah be modest also in this sense?“ Yes Jehovah is chaste, upright, etc, but here is the reason why we shouldn’t define Jehovah as being “modest” in this other sense of the meaning: I put those 2 important points from that article in “bullet points” because while we might initially think that because Jehovah is chaste then He must also be “modest”. But the reason this is not correct is because we are “creations” of Jehovah and so we strive to be modest or display modesty in the sense of chasteness according to a “standard”, Jehovah’s standard. But Jehovah is not subject to anyone’s standard as to what should be decent or chaste or modest. So I believe that this is why we have not seen any explanation by the FDS that states something like, “While Jehovah is not modest in the sense of having limitations, Jehovah can be considered modest in the sense of chasteness, decency, etc.“ No, this would seem to be an incorrect way of viewing Jehovah because He is subject to no one’s standards of what should be decent or modest. So as the article stated, “… the concept of modesty simply does not apply to Jehovah.”

Lance shared with us that article that shows how some want to believe that President Trump is the, “New Constantine” Similarly, certain religious leaders or groups have influenced their followers to have more faith in President Trump by comparing him to the great leader in the Bible who although pagan and not a worshiper of the True God, became a vessel or “anointed one” of God, the Persian King — Cyrus the Great. A question some followers ask in order to defend their spiritual belief in President Trump is, “If God in the past anointed a world leader that was pagan to ensure that His will be done, then why couldn’t God also use or anoint a modern day leader like President Trump to ensure HIs will is done today?” Has anyone heard this kind of argument or heard Trump being compared to Cyrus?

Good topic Richard 👍 It seems you were wanting to use this “5 Why” technique to discuss the difference between possibility vs probability when seeking answers, and that is a really good topic! But I wanted to add that this technique can also help address spiritual problems overall. So I will try to add to your topic the best I can. I will share my longer post with more in-depth thoughts in the hidden box below if anyone would like to read it, but to just briefly summarize: To me, the idea behind the “5 Why” technique or just any method that causes use to dig deeper is to move beyond “surface problems” to try and uncover the underlying “root cause”. So whether a person chooses to use this technique or another, as Christians we should not be wanting “fast food” answers, “fast food” guesses or speculations, nor “fast food” surface answers that do not touch the heart of the problem or are not based on Jehovah’s superior ways. For me personally, asking “Why” questions one after another has motivated me to go beyond surface answers or just speculate, and to dive deeper in nature and in the Bible to find answers in the deeper wisdom of Jehovah If each of us does our best to not just use our imagination to guess or speculate about ”possibilities”, and if each of us does our best to dive deeper into spiritual questions or spiritual problems by researching in our publications,, then this can help “peel away” layers of surface symptoms or surface-level explanations to discover and reveal Jehovah’s wise thinking on matters! Then JWtalk will be an even greater resource because there will be less guesses, less speculations, and deeper answers and understandings that will help all of us grow stronger spiritually! 🌟 (More in-depth post)

JEHOVAH MAJESTIC, RADIANT, MAGNIFICENT

Here is hopefully a very encouraging and motivating thought to really consider during this memorial season. In the JWBroadcasting 2025 update #1 there was an example shown of an update to the “Study Pane” in the JW app. It explained how our personal notes will come first in this study pane. But I stopped the video in order to see if I could read the personal study note someone had written in the example that was being shown, and it turned out to be a little gem💎. This personal note turned out to be a quote from a WT article based on LK 2 which tells us that Baby Jesus had a “manger” for a bed. What was this manger? Was it a very soft and beautiful crib made for a prince? Here is a picture from the Study Notes in LK 2 of what this manager may have looked like? Wow, so what was the 1st bed that the Messiah, the precious Son of God slept in as a newborn baby, a “feeding place” for animals, made of rocks or stone! How many parents who are unbelievers in the world today would have been content in providing a crib of hard stone for their precious newborn? So with all this in mind, now here is the quote of the personal study note from that video: I thought this was an excellent point! While Jehovah had to protect His son, the Messiah, from certain dangers/attacks by Satan and the demons, Jehovah did not shield His Son from many challenges, including poverty. Jehovah, the best Father imaginable, did not provide great accommodations for his son who was to be royalty, a future King! Why? What can we learn from Baby Jesus’ bed of stone, a “manger”? At times a brother or sister may feel that Jehovah should be providing more for them. For example… A brother’s car is older and has problems, and when he sees others in the congregation who have better cars he wonders, “Why doesn’t Jehovah provide better for me as I am one of His loyal servants, I need a better car” Or a sister is tired of her job, and in recent months she has heard of several sisters getting good jobs, so she complains to herself asking, “I do my best to attend all the meetings, go in the ministry regularly, so why doesn’t Jehovah help me get a better job?” Jehovah tells us in the Bible that “…having food* and clothing*, we will be content with these things” (footnotes: sustenance, covering, shelter) But there are multiple degrees or definitions of what being “content” means, let’s look at 3 degrees and ask ourselves, “Which definition or degree is Jehovah wanting to see in us when He is asking us to be “content” for now with basic necessities?” “content” = accept as adequate despite wanting more or better ”content” = willing to accept a particular thing “content” = a state of happiness, peaceful It would seem that Jehovah is hoping we are #3, being in a state of peace and happiness with “the daily bread” we have received. To a non-believer, this kind of thinking might be considered unacceptable as the culture of today has a mindset of always reaching for more and not being satisfied. In fact, many famous athletes, entertainers, CEOs, claim in their books or in interviews that the mindset of never being satisfied, never being “content”, is what helped them to achieve their dreams and goals. But is not definition #3 of “content” the mindset of a truly appreciative person? Yes, our Father wants us to be at peace, happy with what He has provided. So a spiritual person is “content”, being very grateful and appreciative for what our Father in the Heavens has provided for us, and not just “accepting as adequate despite wanting more or better“. So I need to ask myself sometimes, “Am I content, at peace and happy with the “manger” or “daily bread” that Jehovah had provided for me? And 1 final thought based on that personal study note from the video: Have not many wealthy or powerful people throughout history, including Kings, provided the very best for their child? So then why didn’t the greatest King, Jehovah provide much more for His beloved son? Far greater in importance than a comfortable lifestyle is being surrounded with love and peace and with those who love Jehovah. That describes the human parents Jehovah chose for His son right? Jehovah knew that not many years after his son was only a newborn, that even as just a child, Jesus would begin to be involved in the greatest legal court case in history! So Jehovah giving His precious son better accommodations, providing a more comfortable lifestyle was not even close to what the FDS says is of more, “supreme importance”, spiritual matters! Baby Jesus was going to become the primary Witness in this grand court case, that was of “supreme importance”. And so here is the wisdom we can gain from how and why the greatest Father Jehovah provided for his beloved newborn son a life surrounded with 95% love, peace and spirituality but with only 5% basic material needs. (Several articles are combined that I put in quotes)