I Like to Do It Incognito

 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

The other day while walking down the hallway after visiting a friend in the hospital I noticed little plaques on the wall with names of folks who donated to the hospital. The bigger the donation, the bigger the plaque.

It was the same in a church I recently dropped off clothing to give to others for free. I could not help but think that although these were generous gifts they were given out of excess and were given to puff up the ego of the giver.

How many of the parishioners gave out of their meager wages denying themselves for the good of the church or hospital?

To me, these are the real generous givers.

It is the same when I watch folks running for a cause like cancer.

How many of them are running with selfie sticks?

Are they running for the cause of a cure for cancer or for the cause of puffing up themselves?

When I give, I like to do it incognito, because of the disdain for being applauded for it in public. Instead I always give thanks to Jehovah for the idea to give to that specif cause and for the opportunity to do so with great joy.

Give but give with the object of giving glory to Jehovah not to self. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah El Simchath Gili (Psalms 43:4 GOD My Exceeding Joy) for guiding where to give and how much to give to those who You deem worthy. Doing so creates a heart that beats with ecstatic joy in helping while giving glory to You magnificent name.                                       I praise You in the name of He who gave the ultimate sacrifice for me Jesus Christ. Amen

May you be blessed with abundant joy in your heart filled with love and your life overflowing with laughter every day this year. May you be blessed with numerous opportunities to share these gifts with others today.   Joseph a son of Jehovah

Photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2020 Only used with authors permission

Who’s Your Boss?

 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” Matthew 19:12 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:32 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

I am in my early sixties as I write this and have never been married. Oh sure there are many times when I see couples or families my heart aches to enjoy such a blessing in my life as well.

That however, is not the path the Lord has chosen for me.

There is no way I could have served the Lord in the manner I have if there was a wife or family in my life. I have faith in our Jesus that He will reward me with unlimited love in His family when it is to our heavenly home He takes me.

So if you are single, do not allow family or society to push you in a direction contrary to God. It will only lead to misery.

Where I live now, when people get a certain age their relatives (mostly their mothers and grandmothers) constantly harass and nag them: “When are you going to get married, when are you going to get married?” When they get married then the nagging continues: “When are you going to give me a grandson, when are you going to give me a grandson?” (Not a grandchild, but a grandson. This is to support them in their old age and to carry on the family name. What a pity so many young people get married just to shut the nagging mothers and grandmothers up. They are not happy, indeed, most are terribly miserable.

Editors note: this article was written a few years back when I was living in China

Most married folks drift farther apart in their marriage the longer they are married until they are two strangers living in the same house. Joseph a son of Jehovah

I have seen this come true in almost every married elder couple I have met. Indeed, many times I wonder why they even got married in the first place (most times it was because the lust of the body was stronger than the willingness to obey Jehovahs choice. It ended up with a lot of shot gun marriages. Yes, even with your grandparents).

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Yahew (God of His people) for the privilege of being a eunuch in order to better serve You. I know You shall reward me in Heaven. In the name of my adoring big brother Jesus Christ I give thanks for this blessing. Amen

Wishing you a house full of sunshine, hearts full of cheer and love that grows deeper each day of the year. Welsh blessing

Photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2020

What Will Happen To

The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment. Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you! Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring. Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise. The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners? Proverbs 11:23-31 The Holy Bible New Living Translation

One day while volunteering with a Christian organization delivering furniture to the needy we delivered furniture to welfare bums. They were so lazy they refused to even carry the free blankets used to keep them warm. They were ungrateful.

But, you know what else they were?

Very sad and ashamed .

It was because they knew their lifestyle was wrong not because of us.

We were respectful and friendly with them. Listening to them talk amongst themselves we hear them constantly brag about themselves while drinking and smoking cigarettes.

This is vanity and it comes from a selfish heart.

But the sad thing is that: When you surround yourself with yourself you end up with nobody but yourself. That is a very lonely place to be. Joseph a son of Jehovah

They were living a destructive lifestyle and it was only destroying themselves.

For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 2 Corinthians 5:10 The Holy Bible New Living Translation

Later we did deliver furniture to low income folks who were very grateful so it more than evened out for being a rewarding day knowing that we helped the truly needy.

And, because we are Christians and those we helped were not, we gave glory to Jesus and by His grace used this as a conduit to guide them to Him.

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16The  Holy Bible New Living Translation

There is a difference between those in need and those who are too lazy to support themselves. Supporting the later is a waste of the resources Jehovah has given you to help those who are truly in need. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Please Jehovah El Deah (God of knowledge) bless me with the knowledge of discernment on how to share with those in need and not those who are lazy and ungrateful. I sincerely request this in the name of the wisest of all Jesus Christ. Amen

Wishing you a house full of sunshine, hearts full of cheer and love that grows deeper each day of the year. Welsh blessing

Photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2019

To Those in Christs Kingdom

 

 

 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good Romans 2:7 New Living Translation Bible

Now the definition of good to the world and to those belonging to Christ is vastly different.

To those of the world it is helping others.

To those in Christs kingdom doing good means to help bring the lost into Christs kingdom first and foremost. Yes, we are to help the less fortunate that needs help (not those who are to lazy to help themselves ) but our primary goal is to bring as many into Jesus’ Kingdom as we can. After all, the body dies and rots but the spirit lives for an eternity in either Heaven or Hell.

Which one do you believe Jesus puts a priority on?

How much good are you doing to advance Christ’s Kingdom for which you shall receive an eternal reward?

We have all seen these fools line up over night for tickets for a concert or to purchase an overpriced product. Many taking time off of work losing a days wages. What a waste of time and resources.

A wise Christian invests his or her time in doing the good work Jesus has prepared for them to do.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation Bible

“For a small reward, a man will hurry away on a long journey; while for eternal life, many will hardly take a single step.” — Thomas à Kempis

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Yotsero (God our maker) for taking this hard lumpy clay into a beautiful vase that flows to do the work You have assigned for me to do. I thank You in the name of He who completed the most important assignment of all time, my salvation Jesus Christ. Amen

May the light of Christs love shine brightly in your heart today and every day

Your Eternity Bank Account.

And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. 1 Peter 1:17 New Living Testament

Every act you do goes into you eternity bank account.

Oh you may foolishly think you get away with it here and now (and maybe you will) but you will be held accountable for it on Judgment Day.

You may not pay the piper here but you will definitely face the Supreme Judge later. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Oh, it is such a small and insignificant thing. You may think that your act of kindness was small and of very little meaning but everything is important to Jehovah. Now notice, the act must be done in a manner in which praise is given unto Jehovah. Otherwise you will receive your reward here and it will be meaningless in Heaven.

The praise need not come from the receiver, it may come from the giver for having this opportunity. There has been countless times when I silently joyfully praise Jehovah for an opportunity to help someone.

There is no small act of love shared with another, no matter how small, when done for Jehovahs glory, that is not great in Heaven. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Heseh (God is love) for blessing me with unlimited opportunities to share love with others as You abundantly share love with me. May these acts always guide them to You my most loving God. I humbly request this in the name of He whose love for me lead Him all the way to the cross Jesus Christ. Amen

Wishing you a house full of sunshine, hearts full of cheer and love that grows deeper each day of the year. Welsh blessing

I Certainly Don’t Recommend

The troubles of my heart are multiplied; Bring me out of my distresses. Psalms 25:17 The Holy Bible Amplified Version

If you want to live an easy comfortable life do not become a Christian.

A Christians life can be expected to be one filled with sorrow, pain, hardship and loneliness.

You will be filled with sorrow at the ones who reject Christ (especially those in your maternal family) and by extension ostracize you. You will not be invited to family get togethers, weddings, funerals or anniversaries. It will cut deep.

You will suffer pain of never being invited to get togethers by those you work with. You will be treated like a freak and mocked.

You will suffer loneliness as Christ takes you away from comforts of this life into service for Him. You will feel as if you are the only person in the world because everyone around you rejects you mocks you and ostracizes you. It will cost you your family, your friends, your career, maybe your health, your financial security.

You will face hardship because of what you have to surrender unto Christ (in the beginning of your walk you will not be sure if He will supply your needs).

If this sounds like to heavy of a price to pay let us look at the rewards:

You can be sure that no matter the family and friends who reject you Christ will bring to you a Christian communion that will be closer than any maternal family member or worldly friend.

No matter recession or physical injury or anything that hampers you finances Christ will always make sure you have a comfortable place to live, clothes on your back and food in your belly.

In your hardship it will bring you ever closer to Christ which will expand your love, admiration, trust and friendship with Him, which is the best treasure of them all.

It is not: is it worth giving up everything to become a Christian but rather why in the world would I desire anything but Christ in my life. Joseph a son of Jehovah

  “I didn’t go to religion to make me ‘happy.’ I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.” C. S. Lewis

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah ‘Uzam (The Lord is our Strength in Trouble) for blessing me with Your Divine strength to endure and prosper (yes prosper because the prosperity is in the enlargement of our eternal love affair) during my suffering because of my association with You. I exalt You in the name of He gladly enduring the most horrible suffering for me Jesus Christ. Amen

The gift of love, the gift of joy, the gift of peace, these are the greatest gifts that can be given. They are given in abundance to all those in Christs family by our Heavenly loving  Father. May you be blessed with plentiful opportunities to share these with those around you today.

On Whose Terms?

 “But if they do not hear and obey, they will die by the sword [of God’s destructive judgments] And they will die [in ignorance] without [true] knowledge. Job 36:12 Holy Bible Amplified Version

We don’t seem to want to worship a God who’s too big, too authoritative. We seem more comfortable with a deity who’s more manageable.” — Mark Finley

On whose terms do you worship Jehovah?

Most people want to dictate to Jehovah and refuse to listen to His words of guidance.

That is because He dictates that we life a live of sacrifice while we dictate that He serve us not us serve Him. We want to do things our way, which in many cases only leads to hardship and trouble.

Jehovah is better than a horoscope because He knows for certain what the future holds for us.

There is only two options. Option number one is what will happen when we go our own way, disaster.

Option number two: success when we follow His guidance. That does not mean living in a mansion, driving expensive cars while vacationing in the tropics for the winter.

It means a close loving obedient life of service to Him which is rewarded with the most loving relationship possible and a Heavenly home.

Prayer: Please Jesus Hamelech ( Jesus my Lord King ) bless me to always be attentive, understanding and obedient unto Your Divine commands over every aspect of my life because I know You are the wisest of the wise and only desire what is best for me. I meekly request this in Your majestic name. Amen. May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

They are Calling Jehovah Wicked.

Differing weights [one for buying and another for selling] and differing measures, Both of them are detestable and offensive to the Lord. Proverbs 20:10 The Holy Bible Amplified Version

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable and offensive [to the Lord]. How much more [unacceptable and insulting can it be] when he brings it with evil intention? Proverbs 21:27 The Holy Bible Amplified Version

Detestable means arousing or meriting intense dislike in the dictionary.

So many times I hear preachers and others say that the thing we hate the most is the thing in which we ourselves do as well.

In the Christian perspective they are dead wrong.

As you can see from these verses Jehovah hates these things so if , by their reasoning, Jehovah hates these things that must mean He practices these things. That means He is not Holy and prefect.

The more in love you are with another the more your disposition becomes like them and you desire to emulate them. Watch a child try to emulate their father or mother for proof.

It only stands to reason then that what Jehovah hates we hate.

I hate liars, the proud, the thieves, the instigators and mean spirited.

That does not mean I want to kill them, indeed it brings great sorrow to see their lifestyle because it only brings them depression, loneliness, sorrow and pain but that does not mean I excuse it nor tolerate it. When I try to teach them about Christ and they turn their back on Him (it is Christ they are rejecting not you) that is an insult and I turn my back on them. It is a sad thing to do but it is necessary because they are a waste of time and energy.

I pray Jehovah leads me to receptive ones and move on.

These six things the Lord hates; Indeed, seven are repulsive to Him: A proud look [the attitude that makes one overestimate oneself and discount others], a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that creates wicked plans, Feet that run swiftly to evil, A false witness who breathes out lies [even half-truths], And one who spreads discord (rumours) among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19The Holy Bible Amplified Version

There is also a misconception that Jehovah hates the sin but loves the sinner.

That is a flat out lie.

He hates the wicked that refuse to follow His guidance and openly rebel against Him with a holy hate.

Prayer: Please Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The Lord is Righteousness) bless me to hate what You hate in a holy manner so as to not allow what is wicked to be tolerated nor welcome in my life. I sincerely request this in the name of the Holy of Holies whom shall judge and reward the wicked according to their evil deeds Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

Be Thankful For Where You Are.

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.  The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned Genesis 39:1-4 New International Version

There was a time when I was frustrated and considering giving up on teaching in China. It was very difficult.

 

However, as time went by there were some students that became interested in Christianity.

Although it was challenging, to say the least, after six months they did accept Christ.

This process was repeated as I each semester the new students repeated the experience.

So, even though it is dirty, noisy, stinky, the people are rude and many times there are no other foreigners to talk with the rewards were great.

The point is, God puts us each where we are to use us in His divine plan of things.

We are not to whine and go about His business niggardly but with joy and love.

Our efforts will be rewarded here and in heaven.

Prayer: Please Jehovah Rohi (God our Sheppard) bless me with a joyful, loving and gracious heart to dutifully obey Your divine guidance in my life to do with gusto the work You have prepared for me to do before I was even born. I sincerely request this in the name of Your obedient son who was followed His duty to You all the way to the cross Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

The Concealers Will Not Prosper.

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper Proverbs 28:13 New International Version

 

Now you can look at the majority of the wealthy today and say this is not true.

Look at them, they live in mansions, have personal jets, have sexual orgies, wear the best clothes, how is it that they prosper while being thieves?

You are looking through the wrong window.

How many of them are as phony as a three dollar bill.

How many of them have true friends, compared to friends of convenience (as long as you are rich I will be your friend, but the minute you need help not only will I not help you and will desert you, I will laugh at you)?

 

How many of them enjoy loving relationships?

How many of them have to have affairs and are involved in drugs to fill the void of no loving relationships and to kill their consciences of their thievery?

And of course, they are promised their ultimate reward of Hell.

Read Peter’s Apocalypse to see their ultimate reward.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah El Elyon (God the most high) for instilling in me a repentant (repent means you apologize and stop doing whatever you were doing) heart when, in a moment of weakness, I submit to sin and You are quick to forgive. I thank you that You justly will punish the wicked, if not in this time and place than in an eternal one. I thank you in the name of He who is the uncorrubtable judge Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.