#13 - Relationships; A Hard Hitting Look at Our Actions, Gen 2:24.

On the subject of desire, sexual desire is normal. It is not a work of the devil, in its place it is a beautiful thing, to love one who loves you back. Some seem to have no need for intimate relationships. Or are mature enough mentally to put it off for a time or permanently.

If Sexual desire however, is let loose without restraint. So, much, damage and heartache certainly follows. Disease, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, broken hearts, broken trust, broken families and even little people crushed, and countless families have been shattered, all these and other issues could cease to exist.

Even children exposed to it at an early age find adulthood difficult. If a person has never eaten a peach, it's not on the shopping list is it? It won't be missed, will it? Especially if its not in season.

I know how some might be thinking right now.

Who is this stupid person telling me how to live my life?

Let me ask you these questions. How many of your friends in these last days, which really are bad and hard to deal with, are truly happy? How many of your friends are reaching the age where your ability to have a baby of your own is fading away with time because they can't find a decent partner? How many "Have walls up" so high because of failed relationships that have often caused irreparable damage. Which undoubtably gets carried on into the next relationship?

Still people say; "I will do what I want!".

How many millions of unborn babies have been sacrificed on the alter called "I can do what I want!"? And how many women who "terminated" the child only found later they could no longer have children. And how many men did not care about these issues saying, "It's not my problem!"? Still people say, "I will do what I want"!.

If they are born, what is the ever growing likelihood they will have infirmities, disabilities, intellectual issues, A.D.H.D, depression, Autism or a myriad of other challenges, not to mention bullies, con men, thieves, liars, starvation, disease and on and on? Is this world really so great? Maybe it is for you in the moments of pleasure.

Still despite the issues people say, "I will do what I want!, No one will tell me how to live my life!".

The truth is, we are all born full of sin, Jesus demonstrated this when he said "Your sin's are forgiven you" when healing the man unable to walk Mark 2;1-12.

Being full of imperfection, "sin" we are alienated from the true life that only our Father and God can give. Our destiny that Adam threw away. In fact even if you find your life is pretty good, money, health, family and friends, all living large. What is awaiting you? Your family and friends will die, one by one. Your partner too will decline in health and if you don't die first, you watch them wither away and die. Then your children gets to watch you fade of the world scene as well. "A generation is coming, A generation is going". Is it really worth the great life you have saying, "I will do what I want!".

Jehovah is telling us, "There is a better way", if we want it. Instead of a world where people look out for number one, He is trying to educate us to make wise decisions, to discern for ourselves that if we all, Live with qualities like his. Long suffering patience, Kindness, Goodness, being ready to forgive, a support in times of distress, accept and even love Discipline, to be Blameless and seek Meekness.

If all men developed qualities like theses then imagine the world of mankind living in God's image, having his traits then? You could be anywhere on the planet and every single soul would be ready to love you, to help with any problem. If you needed a bed? No problem!

If your little boy needed a wound looked after? No problem! any situation, you and all mankind in that world would be right there, ready to bring joy and hope.

God's invitation is not to be part of a religion, Not to beat you into submission. But to Worship him. That simply means be devoted to him, to give him our best because he is worthy, not out of fear or compulsion. No! But accepting the invitation to be part of one big happy family, truly a Great Crowd, under his tender care, by means of our Big Brother and King Jesus Christ.

Instead today our little ones are encouraged to "Put yourself out there". Long for attention and believe any fantasy can be your reality. Prime targets for Predators.

But if like the ones Noah spoke to about doing what is good, when he encouraged them to begin seeking God's righteousness, we do not listen, Well, Too Bad! Says God's word.

Why, even Jesus Said That the "flood" of Noah's day was true. Even many ancient cultures have stories of the account. other evidence points to that even being a fact. Proof that it was true. Noah was a "Preacher of righteousness", the people laughed at him. We are on the brink of change.

Will you help build our tomorrow?

The people from Noah's time had the same, "I WILL DO WHAT I WANT" attitude that exists today, Accepting every wicked thing as normal. Do you really want to live in a world where individuals and groups love nothing more than to put others down or get a reaction by their shocking behaviour, just to get a laugh? You know how bad people can be, don't you?

Listen or not, it's up to you. The Living God Is awaiting the revealing of those who are requesting a clear conscience. May you be one of them.

PLEASE READ ON!

In this current time period life is geared around "Adult entertainment"! Society would function better if life were geared toward family or with a view to impacts on the young in particular.

But if it's the norm from youth on to do "whatever we want", then what do you think the results will be?

Proverbs 22:15 reminds us that "Foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy".

Generally, young girls are the ones who pay the price. A Boy, may be trying to prove he is a man, but look! he's just a boy.

You young men, if a Girl says something like, "that's disgusting" or is simply unimpressed at your actions, don't ignore her. you may feel cool in front of other boys or young ones.

But she is in effect giving you a signal that your behaviour would not be what a genuine bond of union requires for endless love to flourish. Even If she seems to like "A bad boy".

Interactions with the opposite sex for boys and girls can be enlightening, if your willing to adjust.

Kept within the marriage arrangement sexual feelings and relations would no longer cause the problems that destroy lives and reputation. Even within marriage, sexual relations is within the spectrum of free will, and a source of blessings if loving. Gen 2:24; "They will become one flesh".

It’s a private matter, NOT a topic for gossip to be had with others, even God. Unless it’s of serious concern. But as the scriptures say, “let all things take place decently and by arrangement”, and “do not be depriving each other of it, unless by mutual consent.” It’s not a bargaining tool, it’s a loving provision that when shared with dignity and mutual respect can and will fortify a relationship. However, with abstinence comes an opportunity to view your mate for the valuable person and asset they are, apart from sexual attraction. Which in turn just builds on your admiration and love.

Similarly, our attitude towards others in general needs “refining”. For example the scriptures describes women as having great value in God’s eyes. Psalm 68:11, 12, tells us that “Jehovah himself gives the saying; “The women telling the good news are a large army. Even the kings of armies flee, they flee. As for her who abides at home, she shares the spoil.” Notice; “Jehovah himself gives the saying”.

What tradesman refuses to use his most valuable tool? For example does a Mechanic say; “I have not use for my socket set and its ratchet, spanners will do!”

Similarly why would a man shackle his wife, who is a great asset to him and the family?

Jehovah said that from before them, even “kings flee.” Logically it could only be due to pride or personal insecurities that a man would deliberately hurt himself in such a way.

Women are more than a labourer

Yes! The Bible says you men are the head, but she is the backbone. If your back is hurt, you can’t function. Can you? If you love her, let her shine. You will be thrilled at the results.

Then it will be easy for her to have, as the scriptures say; “also let each one of you individually so love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have ‘DEEP RESPECT’ for her husband. Ephesians 5:33.

If you never let her fly, how can she be a beauty to behold? Don’t chain her to a figurative sink or hide her face. Even covering of the hair, isn’t really necessary. But If she chooses to do so, fine.

Luke 7: 38 tells of one of Jesus’ followers, “wiping her tears off of his feet with her hair.” In a public place. Did he or the religious leaders reprimand her because her hair was uncovered? No! In fact her gift has been recorded for us, and a beautiful one it was.

Likewise if you trust her as Jesus trusted his many women friends, Christians who at the appointed time would serve in heaven with him, she will have honour. And she will not feel as Hosea 4:18 describes. Being trusted and treated with honour, surely she will love and respect you more.

Have you ever stepped back and just watched when a group of women are in full flight, even going about menial tasks, it’s breath-taking. We, when married are not 2 individuals but are as a unit we become 1 flesh. A force to be reckoned with. Then as is the case with Jehovah and his firstborn, we can say “Let us” do this or that. And have success in our goals. Genesis 1:26.

Likewise in some cultures the pendulum has swung the other way. Women determined to de-masculinise man. Treating each one as “all men are bad!” And not according to each ones individual personality, so much so, that some men become wary of doing something nice for a female in case he is abused. She may reply, “Don’t you think I can do it myself?!” To the point where it seems men no longer go out of their way to help. The result, now women say; “men are useless they don’t do anything for me”. How can anyone know wat is acceptable?

Honestly, many men however seem to be just that way, they might say; "I've been at work all day, I'm too tired to help you." Do you think the women isn't? Or, I recently was told by a woman of her Husband, He would deliberately spend excessive time on a particular job, just to avoid anything else in the marriage. Seriously!

The difference In a team is "focus". If something needs doing, it's done. If both are equally engaged in cooperation together, less is needed to be done!

Where is the problem, if neither sex is allowed to be whom they are, or who they should be, then where is the unity, the cooperation, the trust?

It’s like a boat, it has two oars. This boat however is just a bit to wide to row by one person.

What’s worse, it doesn’t even have rowlocks to support the oars, so, paddling is the only option.

If the women says “I can do it myself”. Or if the man says “I’ve got this!, you look after the children, do your job”. The boat will be rowed alright, in circles, no forward momentum, no accomplishment. No example for the children of value. But if both work as a team? Now we are getting somewhere.

And if they pay close attention to each other’s strengths and weaknesses they will not head off course so much. And if they really are a good team, in time, they won’t even need to say, “There is a corner coming up, you speed up while I back off a little”. They will automatically have success.

Why? They have learned to trust each other and work in harmony, not two, but one. Just like when a couple know what the other will say, before they say it. Gen 2;24; "They will (have) become one flesh".

Or, if you like, just continue as you are, what example do you think would be lost attractive to any children or bystanders? If however you want to be in a relationship, BE IN IT, not half hearted.

If you find in your own personality, you struggle to trust others, or can’t work with another’s limitations or find you tend to not consider the limitations and needs of others.

Work on these sorts things before you reach marrying age. Of course there is on the job training for all who get married. But at least if you are aware of your own limitations, you will fare better.

Is it time, can you help?

Is it possible that you are a cause for an unsafe environment, don’t wait till things go too far. If, so, pray and seek help from professionals if necessary. Especially if the safety of the ones you love are at risk, even that of your neighbour.

It’s all part of our growth. Pause and think, “Are my actions a cause for love and hope? Or Pain and heartache?” STOP! “Don’t” continue the cycle of misery. Seek help to correct your behaviour, not just for yourself, and your possible everlasting happiness, but also for the healing of the nations.

Why, don’t you know that violence is learnt? Paedophiles aren’t usually born that way. Young are blameless, innocent, but time and personal events that you have suffered, likely shaped you, along with a lack of self-control. The damage you do today, can and will have lasting effects on future generations.

Is it time to begin the healing? To repair the damage; yet to be suffered by our brothers and sisters of tomorrow. Help give mankind a better future, one without the turmoil and stress you have suffered. As this world is healed, we “prepare the soil” Just like a farmer. We, lay a foundation for the ones who have died to be able to come home to a safe, fertile world. They can then be resurrected, if they practiced “good things”, or “judgement”, that is they will need to curb their own selfish or harmful tendencies, so as to remain and also aid to the healing of mankind, leading to life for those loving it. John 5:29. The word resurrection means, to stand up, the dead will stand up and join their loved ones. It is up to us what they come back to.

If you are a Jehovah’s Witness, or from any walk of life. I would like to ask you to consider doing one thing, it may mean your everlasting life and a clear conscience.

If you have committed a serious offence against your fellow man, could you come forward and discuss it with qualified, caring people who can guide you? If you need to go to your police (if it’s safe to do so) for the sake of your conscience and relationship with the true God. Please consider it.

Of course what I’m suggesting could very well have consequences, possibly serious.

It could regain a good standing with our God and Father and pave the way for his approval and blessings.

As you have seen, I too, have done wrong. Especially when young and lacking wisdom. And I know my God loves me, even though I have fallen short. I know it may be a big thing, but please consider it. It could also be of benefit to anyone who has been affected by your actions. A, sorry, can do a lot of good, even if it’s not received well. As in the case of the sister who danced for Jesus.

If there is breath in your lungs then it may be time.

Jehovah refines those he loves.

If you, the reader, know a loved one who could do with some help with a decision like this, have a discrete, non-judgemental, discussion. And leave it up to them.

"Don’t take it to your grave", "a problem shared is a problem halved", it may mean your everlasting life, and happiness. And in time, a clear conscience.

Thank you for reading this heartfelt request, my Brother or Sister.

OUR INTERNAL SELF!

Each one would do well to look internally, even have a conversation with ourselves. I was once told that people either behave in ways that are harmful to themselves, do it, psychologically, to either: “feed themselves” or to “harm”. Self-destructive behaviour which ruins life and hinders happiness, this, "Feeding one’s self", seems to indicate that there is something missing, internally, in your soul, an uneasiness an emptiness.

Needing to be quieted, for many this uneasiness just won’t go away.

The result, we engage in behaviour that can develop into depression or unhappiness.

So what are some things we do to ourselves to mask this uneasiness? We take things like alcohol and other things to distract us, and in addition, gives us a sense of control over our life. Even though, really, we are out of control.

Similarly we could feed ourselves, literally, eating our emotions, and things like with substance abuse, we are in effect, using a “pacifier”. We have taken the one our mom once gave us and changed it. But, it doesn’t help, really, does it? We repeat the cycle, and so the spiral continues.

Similarly with the self-destructive behaviour, it, like the feeding ourselves doesn’t help. But the nagging feeling that “I’m just not good enough” or “no-body cares so why should I”, is likewise counterproductive.

Stress, depression and other infirmities can be eased if we try to do one thing. Think! It may sound simple, but “STOP” listening to your heart quite so much. "Above all else, safeguard your thinking ability" says the scriptures.

Jesus explained that out of the heart comes wicked reasoning’s etc., Matthew 15:19. also God warns, “The heart is treacherous and is desperate, who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. Who can know it? You can.

Ask yourself, can I physically go without this drink etc.? If yes. Then do I really need it? If its grief or other heavy emotion that’s leading you back to a certain course, ask yourself. “How much longer do I really need to grieve? Will I ever stop? How long is long enough?

Use your power of reason to “reign in your heart”.

Really, if you ask anyone with illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders. They can tell you, “It’s exhausting”, so exhausting, many give up the fight. It really is a waste of energy and many days that could be spent enjoying life.

People are hurt by the actions of others, mentally or physically. Should you not care for your own person, being the master of your own happiness, your future? Especially since we are offered everlasting life, when is a good time to start living the life we want, we are offered and really, desire?

Try to stay safe, use your power of reason. Heal yourself, only you know your heart, your inclinations. Yet again, it will take many conversations and likely much time, be patient, work on these issues. As you make time for good things. Happiness, friendships, enjoying the day.

Remember Jesus said “stop judging”, accept your reality, work towards a new one. A good friend also can be invaluable.

Of course, each one has “free will”, what you do with your life is up to you. However you shouldn’t think for a second that you are not possibly worth the effort. YOU ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE for the decisions or actions of others. "Each one will carry his own load" says the Lord.

Concerning our earnest efforts Psalms 10: 17 assures us “The desire of the meek ones you will certainly hear, O Jehovah. You will prepare their heart. You will pay attention with your ear, to judge the fatherless boy and the crushed one, that mortal man who is in the earth can no more cause trembling.” “He knows whatever you need, before you even ask for it.”

Please do not think you are “unlovable” or “things can’t work out for me!” All things are possible, and “Psalm 91. “Everyone who procures lodging in the shadow of the most high” he cares for.

So; don’t give yourself a hard time about whatever you are working through, but, by honest observation and your power of reason, work through it. Like a detective looking for clues.

Ask yourself; what works, what can I try, what triggered that situation? You can do it.

The question is; when is the right time to start? Today?

Before you realise you will be well on the way to your Goal, happiness and peace of mind and heart.

In time, Jehovah will, by Christ Jesus, satisfy the desire of every living thing, including you. Turn the page, keep working at righteousness and in time, things will change. You will see.

Love is a plant, when watered it just can’t help but grow.

Warm love to you, man in expectation :)

The mash-up! "You must love Jehovah your God, with your whole Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength and keep His Commandments. If you do, you will be wise enough to bypass any trial with ease, and have an indefinitely lasting name with The Living One. Those who fail to take these things to heart, will suffer shame and fall short in a large way, all that is his, will be destroyed and cease to exist.

You who love Him, however, will flourish with joy, under the tent cloths of Jehovah, always." Ecc 12:13, Mark 12:30 and Ps 37:18-20.