monkey-knife-fight

What do stories tell you about your own struggles?

 

Notice the following list. What do these things all have in common?

  • Aesop’s fables
  • Illustrations from outstanding Circuit Overseers
  • Psychological experiments done on college campuses
  • Rats-in-a-maze experiments done by scientists
  • Grimm’s Fairy Tales
  • A song or poem from a gifted writer
  • A humorous anecdote or news item in the “Watching the World” section of Awake
  • Illustrations from professional preachers, motivational, or inspirational speakers
  • Sociological experiments performed on unwitting volunteers

Despite being wildly different in some ways, they all speak to us about the human condition and experience. Also they tell us about ourselves if we let them. They talk to us by the way that we choose to interpret them, i.e., what we personally take away from the story or report or finding.

In this vein, our unnamed brother that has faded many years ago continues to be a great source for more of these kinds of thought-provoking topics for us as struggling Witnesses and former Witnesses. And really a better label could simply be that these kinds of stories edify us as struggling Christians, ones that are trying to make sense of our world as we daily try and squeeze through the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14) and live a life pleasing to God.

With that in mind, here is one of these stories:

————————————————

Shaggy-dog story #1 (You make application as you see fit)

 

I’ve been told that if you put five apes in a room with a ladder leading to an access hole in the ceiling, those apes will try for the ladder and head for the hole. I’ve also been told that if you spray them with a fire hose every time they make for the ladder, eventually they’ll all stop trying to climb it. Furthermore, if you take an ape out and put a new one in with four of the original apes, the new one will go for the ladder. However, the veteran apes will pounce on and beat on the new one for his foolish attempt until he too stops trying for the ladder. And so it will go each time you take out one of the veteran apes and replace him with a new one: the new one tries for the ladder until he’s tromped into simian submission. Eventually, you’ll have a room full of five apes who weren’t of the original five that had actually experienced the initial fire hose treatment. None of these succeeding apes will go near the ladder, but not for the same reason the original ones didn’t. The moral? Programmed response, conditioning and heritage can make a monkey out us. 

————————————————

 

This story reaches most of us on numerous levels- it certainly does me. Sometimes we “beat our fellow slaves” (family members, congregation members) verbally or emotionally and we don’t even know why, and later we are ashamed of our lapse in self-control. Jesus spoke of it this way:

But if that wicked slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delayed,’ and starts to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, that slave’s master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  (Mat 24:48-51 HCSB)

 

It reminds me of an illustration that a District Overseer used to tell about the woman that always trimmed the edges off of her pot roast before putting it in the baking dish and popping it into the oven. She regularly did this, and didn’t think a thing of it. One day her young daughter who was watching her asked about it. The woman stopped; thought about it, then said “Well my mother always did it so I suppose that’s why I do.” …She didn’t know why she sliced the edges off the roast she just always did it, and had learned to do so through osmosis.  Her daughter asked, “Can we call Grandma and find out?” And so they did- and the grandmother, when asked why the pot roast had been trimmed, said with a smile, “Well that was the only way it would fit into the pan I had at the time!”

Do we “cut the edges” off of certain aspects of life not knowing the WHY behind it? – Have we been conditioned as the apes in the previous shaggy-dog story were?  They lashed out in violence at anyone that dared to do something they had been instinctively trained not to do. They viewed it as taboo but didn’t know why. Why not climb up and out through that hole in the ceiling? What psychological locks hold us (or used to hold us) in a similar way?

My prayer is that all of us continue to break out of man-made conditioning. That we widen out in our love for all men for whom Christ died. All praise goes to our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus! We can’t do it on our own strength. But we can and we will continue to rely on them (Psalms 37:5) and try our best to serve with a pure heart.

Create in me even a pure heart, O God, And put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one. Do not throw me away from before your face; And your holy spirit O do not take away from me. (Psalm 51:10, 11)

 

 

Rating 4.67 out of 5
[?]

Tags: , , ,

41 Comments on Shaggy-Dog Stories Part 1

  1. C M says:

    Though I am currently active I do not associate with most other witnesses and this is the exact reason. So many of them have tried to “beat” me with their own reasoning and put their personal opinions on me and when I proved to them that there was no biblical support to their opinions and as long as we did nothing that was against what the bible teaches there was nothing wrong with it. Then I was labeled as bad association and rebellious, and some brothers and sisters take “suggestions” fromt the GB as the RULE when all it said was to be careful if you do do certain things and I was glad to find others that have climbed that ladder and up through that hole and it’s very few of us that have.

      (Quote)

    • JJ says:

      CM

      It is because you adhere to God’s Word and put it above the words of men that you are looked at with suspicion. In the last few weeks, I did an experiment. While holding up a WT in one hand and a NWT Bible in the other, I asked two different asleep Witness brothers individually this question:

      “Which one of these is inspired?”

      They both said that the WT was inspired also because it was based on the Bible and from “the slave” so that made it inspired. I responded by saying that the WT magazine itself has printed many times that it is NOT inspired. They still persisted in saying that it was though…

        (Quote)

      • DanielB says:

        Amazing .

          (Quote)

      • Mark M says:

        Hi JJ,

        Thanks for the post. Very well said! Along the same lines, once when I was conducting the congregation book study, a sister made a comment which insinuated that the FDS was inspired. At that moment I took the opportunity to ask the group a similar question to what you asked the asleep brothers regarding the FDS and the literature being inspired. After a long and uncomfortable pause (At least uncomfortable for them) the sister which made the FDS comment spoke up with uncertainty in her voice and she said, “Both?” Then it was my duty and my pleasure to say, “Thanks for your comment sister. The fact is, the Bible is inspired but the Watchtower is not.” Several of us discussed this after the book study and it went surprisingly well. As for the sister, it seemed to shake her a little to think that the org is not inspired.

        BTW, I’m glad those two brothers didn’t pounce and beat you into submission. 😉

          (Quote)

      • spike says:

        Great points JJ! I have asked people the same question and received similar responses about the Watchtower. It’s a rabbit hole that many are not ready to go down. I like to ask hypothetical questions like: If you were stranded on an deserted Island and you could request A: The Bible or B: A never ending subscription of the Watchtower and Awake magazines, which would it be? Then ask why? It helps if the service group is already chatting about things that are similar. You also need to be careful how far you take it, unless you are prepared for confrontation. The Pot Roast story is awesome, I will be looking for opportunities to use that. I wonder if the C.O realized the irony….

          (Quote)

      • Matt says:

        Actually, when I read some of the astounding claims and statements of official position, it leaves me with little doubt that the Watchtower IS indeed inspired. 😉

          (Quote)

        • DanielB says:

          Matt , you said ” Actually, when I read some of the astounding claims and statements of official position, it leaves me with little doubt that the Watchtower IS indeed inspired. ”

          You wrote that you have little doubt that the Watchtower is “indeed inspired” . Is that what you meant to write ? Do you think that the WTS is probably inspired by the True God ?

          Read more at http://www.jwstruggle.com/2012.....mment-7856

            (Quote)

      • C M says:

        You are absolutely correct the only thing that is Inspired by Jehovah is his word The Bible and all the literature printed by the WT is not even written by the GB they just approve it after skimming through it. I believe as the rest of you do and real christians should that the Final Word of Authority is God’s not any imperfect man’s.

          (Quote)

  2. man oh man says:

    If all the monkeys could only see what is on the other side of that hole. Christian Freedom. Then there are those of us that know what is on the other side of that hole and yet we must stay in that cage.

      (Quote)

  3. JohnS says:

    Thanks , JJ…
    Well put. Many, throughout history, have sacrificed their life, fighting for freedom from tyrannical governments and religions. They will always be an example for us. Of course our Lord set the perfect example, preaching against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, and died explaining the course, the way to freedom. On his last night alive as a man on earth, he was giving the disciples instructions about the Spirit, and oneness with him. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we will have the strength to go up that ladder, even though we get hit and clawed all the way to the top…..and out! Never more to go back into the prison hole. We can also reach down into that hole, and urge the others to come, seeing we made it, they will be encouraged to do the same. Have faith, it will come for you.

      (Quote)

  4. Disappointed says:

    When many monkeys get out of the hole many others may follow!

      (Quote)

    • JJ says:

      There seem to be more and more that are waking up and mustering the courage to climb those rungs.

      Sometimes I wonder if it will ever be more than a trickle, or if it ultimately will affect the harsh legalism of the WTO.

      Either way, more and more of us make Christ our mediator each day, and that encourages me so much!

        (Quote)

  5. Londo says:

    Great article!

    I apply the apes with the Governing Body…it shows how even they can become captives of a concept. Traditions of men can be very powerful.

      (Quote)

  6. Matt says:

    I heard the same roast trimming example from a circuit overseer also. Funny, they must exchange illustrations amongst themselves.

      (Quote)

  7. serein says:

    the first apes were stoped from going up the ladder in fear,and stoped the new ones as they new what would happen if that new one tryed,the new one was then in fear of the apes not the hose,the christians in the begining were in fear of god,but today
    they are in fear of the ones around them.what im trying to say is they dont search or think things out,and if they wanted to they are to scared to, in case they are pounced upon by elders and the cong and neglected by all, the prob is they do know whats on the other side of that hole but are scared to be alone there and leave somthing that promises paradise and told if they leave there wont be one for them,not only that no family or freinds,even the ones who dont even beleive in god but are in becouse of there family and so on stay out of fear of the organisation rules.and knowing theyl lose everything if they go.

      (Quote)

    • spike says:

      serein:
      the first apes were stoped from going up the ladder in fear,and stoped the new ones as they new what would happen if that new one tryed,the new one was then in fear of the apes not the hose,the christians in the begining were in fear of god,but today
      they are in fear of the ones around them.what im trying to say is they dont search or think things out,and if they wanted to they are to scared to, in case they are pounced upon by elders and the cong and neglected by all, the prob is they do know whats on the other side of that hole but are scared to be alone there and leave somthing that promises paradise and told if they leave there wont be one for them,not only that no family or freinds,even the ones who dont even beleive in god but are in becouse of there family and so on stay out of fear of the organisation rules.and knowing theyl lose everything if they go.

      Matt:
      I heard the same roast trimming example from a circuit overseer also. Funny, they must exchange illustrations amongst themselves.

      serein:
      the first apes were stoped from going up the ladder in fear,and stoped the new ones as they new what would happen if that new one tryed,the new one was then in fear of the apes not the hose,the christians in the begining were in fear of god,but today
      they are in fear of the ones around them.what im trying to say is they dont search or think things out,and if they wanted to they are to scared to, in case they are pounced upon by elders and the cong and neglected by all, the prob is they do know whats on the other side of that hole but are scared to be alone there and leave somthing that promises paradise and told if they leave there wont be one for them,not only that no family or freinds,even the ones who dont even beleive in god but are in becouse of there family and so on stay out of fear of the organisation rules.and knowing theyl lose everything if they go.

      Nicely said sister. I know from experience that I am scared of men sometimes. Then I read Christ’s words and feel brave again. Maybe someday I will climb that ladder to freedom. Someday though the Owner of the Zoo will have an accounting with the zookeepers. They will lose their jobs and the monkey’s will be treated with care.

        (Quote)

  8. DanielB says:

    I have one for you to ponder :

    Deep in the jungle there was a pride of jaguars that lived in a beautiful setting . There was the patriarch male and all of his offspring , and there was a young male by the name of Simba .

    Simba was coming of age , and the other juveniles would kid , and even harass Simba . You see , they were telling him that there was great power and wisdom in being able to have control of his tail ! They kept telling him that if he could seize his tail , then all of his anxieties would be solved , and he would then be wise . Simba would chase his tail and chase his tail , and they would all laugh at him , because he could never catch it !

    Well Simba had a problem with this . He could never get a hold of his tail . And the others would make fun of him , because they were a little older and juvenile in their ways .

    So Simba was laying under his tree one day , and he looked up to the old – man patriarch of their family , and decided to go and ask for advice , up to his tree .

    He began to ask , ” Sir , I have a problem ” . . .

    And right away , the old man patriarch interrupted and said to Simba , ” Son . Sit down , and listen. ” Simba sat down . He said , ” Simba , I watch and I see . I know what you are going through . Here is the secret to having happiness and contentment and wisdom . Just go about your life day by day , and treat others well , and do not worry over having wisdom or fame with the others . Your tail will be yours to control . Take your ease in knowing that you are doing your part , and do not treat your persecuters with badness . And one day , you will find that all of these things , contentment , wisdom , acceptance , will be yours . ”

    So Simba took the counsel to heart . He would go to his place and lie down under the tree and watch the others play . He never spoke a bad word against any of them , even if they antagonized him . And he didn’t worry about not having received the wisdom that was in his tail . And within two weeks time , one day , when he layed down contented , his tail swung right up to his face , into his bosom .

    So this is a story that calls to mind a lesson .

    We can run , and run , and chase our tail , and never succeed ! But if we live our life in a way that the Divine Force approves of , and if we seek counsel from our Master ( who is Jesus, by the way ) then success , and wisdom , and blessing will be with us !

    Do this IN CHRIST , and you will always succeed !

    In Christ my brothers , and my sisters !

    Amen

      (Quote)

  9. JJ says:

    Well said Daniel. Truth comes to us and does not have to be forced.

      (Quote)

  10. Baruch says:

    You Know its funny it remind’s me of Pharisaic Judaism, It is the belief that the Rabbis have absolute authority to interpret Scripture, and what they say in religious matters is binding, even if it is known to be factually untrue. This is best expressed by the Rabbinical doctrine that if the Rabbis say right is left or left is right you must obey them.

    The problem is that the Rabbis interpret Scripture using what is known today as midrashic interpretation. Midrashic interpretation consists of taking words out of context and reading meaning into them.

    ?Does that sound familiar to any one? The brother’s at the hall treat the GB as if they where Jewish holy sages and the watchtower as the Talmud, you see for the Orthodox Jews no one can fully understand the writings the torah with out the Talmud to explain the meaning. It remind’s me of the text of Isa. 29:13..And Yeho’vah says, “Because this people has drawn near with its mouth, and with its lips they have esteemed Me, and it has kept its heart far from Me, and their fear of Me has become a command of men that is taught..The Hebrew says “a learned commandment of men,” that is a man-made law which has become a habit by doing it over and over.

    May Yeho,vah open our eyes to his wisdom.

      (Quote)

  11. DanielB says:

    Good points Brother Baruch .

    We are right now discussing a subject at 21st-century-christians.org that well illustrates your point on having been misled on Scriptural truth . It is a discussion in the fellowship/study area on how that some “Ancient Worthies” in Hebrews chapter 11 receive heavenly resurrection along with brothers in our Christian era . I encourage any who will to come take a look , or just simply read Hebrews 11 over again .

    How we appreciate that our “tail” will simply lay down right into our grasp !

    (Once we stop chasing it fruitlessly)

      (Quote)

  12. Ruth says:

    Baruch.
    You make so much sense to me. Quote.
    The problem is that the Rabbis interpret Scripture using what is known today as midrashic interpretation. Midrashic interpretation consists of taking words out of context and reading meaning into them.

    The W/tower and still some coming from the tower expect us also to see through there eyes bro Baruch. When that happens to us it again feels like they are still trying to squeeze us into a hold instead of into our Father and Lord Yeshua way of thinking.
    Not letting the father reach different people with different gifts the way he sees fit for them through his eyes is still controlling.
    If we stand out as different the way the holy spirit guides us then we are not any different to the 1st century believers.
    On that note I rejoice to be apart of the living Christ. Yet knowing we are not all in the same mold as mere robots.
    Not talking about doctrine. That is a very serious subject. Instead talking about gifts of the spirit.

    Im sure some here understand What I’m saying. SIs Ruth

      (Quote)

  13. Ruth says:

    MY Dear brother JJ.
    I loved what you wrote. ( Don’t get me wrong) I still believe the sheep are scattered around the world not in religions.
    Quote from JJ
    My prayer is that all of us continue to break out of man-made conditioning. That we widen out in our love for all men for whom Christ died. All praise goes to our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus! We can’t do it on our own strength. But we can and we will continue to rely on them (Psalms 37:5) and try our best to serve with a pure heart.

    Create in me even a pure heart, O God, And put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one. Do not throw me away from before your face; And your holy spirit O do not take away from me. (Psalm 51:10, 11)
    Thank you JJ. Sis Ruth

      (Quote)

  14. v says:

    Bro Daniel.
    Thats it! Just trust I suppose.

    To me what happens after l die as long as I’m apart of my Fathers Kingdom does not matter.
    heaven or earth. What ever my fathers will it.

    Yet I see quite clearly in Revelation and John, Yeshua is returning to earth. He will rule the nations for a 1000years.
    The tent of God will be with MANKIND they will be his PEOPLE he will wipe every tears from there eyes and DEATH will be no more. That I see. Don’t know about anyone else?
    Sis patricia

      (Quote)

  15. DanielB says:

    Yes sister . Trust . Faith . Prayer . And everything works out .

      (Quote)

  16. Matt says:

    Actually, there’s every reason to believe that the Watchtower IS inspired.
    😉

      (Quote)

  17. spike says:

    Hello again everyone,

    Baruch’s comment was very telling, well all the comments are great as we are on the same page here in our awareness.

    This may blow your mind. This is something I just learned tonight and it is extremely timely for my life, here it is from the Foreword of the Kingdom Interlinear. I can’t scan right now ( maybe someone else can) so i will type it.

    The original writings of the Christian Greek Scriptures … were inspired. NO TRANSLATION OF THESE SACRED WRITINGS INTO ANOTHER LANGUAGE, EXCEPT BY THE ORIGINAL WRITERS, IS INSPIRED.

    According to the publishers the above is true without exception. So the same goes for the New World Translation. Logically, if these copies of copies of copies of the originals are not inspired, then the Watchtower magazine most certainly is not. Now we all knew that, but here is it is again in black and white from the horses mouth. I am going to ask a few people if the NWT in inspired and infallible and go from there. Brothers and Sister doesn’t this teach us at least two very important points that we should take to heart? Number 1, what right does any human or religious authority have to be dogmatic about their teachings, much less have the audacity to accuse their fellow man of apostasy. Number 2, I feel this re-emphasizes the need for each one of us to cultivate humility because after centuries of copying there are no perfect translations available, so in my mind this proves that YHWH’s Holy Spirit is responsible for letting us see the truth. There are many fine points in the foreword that have sadly been forgotten by the publishers, and applied to everyone but themselves. I highly recommend reading it through. You may already be aware of this but I was not and I felt it should be shared with all of you.

    Peace be with you

      (Quote)

  18. DanielB says:

    Spike , do you mean to say that the Watchtower Society said in their beginnings of the Interliniar Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures that :

    ” The original writings of the Christian Greek Scriptures … were inspired. NO TRANSLATION OF THESE SACRED WRITINGS INTO ANOTHER LANGUAGE, EXCEPT BY THE ORIGINAL WRITERS, IS INSPIRED. ” ?

    That means that the translation that they consider inspired is regrettably non-inspired by God . ( Because the original writers , the apostles , did not write it ) .

    I suppose they were right . However , their feeling is that the governing body is inspired . They are the “faithful and discreet slave class” in their opinion . They are dispensing good spiritual food to all of their domestics , in their opinion . So why should anyone peer closely into the Word of God then ? We don’t have the Word of God then , in their opinion , since it was only the original Bible writers who wrote the authentic Words of God .

    Thank you for this discovery from the words of the organization that claims to be the modern-day prophet of God .

    This must be just more of that “tacking in the wind” that they are doing .

    Read more at http://www.jwstruggle.com/2012.....mment-7836

      (Quote)

    • spike says:

      That is exactly what I am saying, actually i am just repeating what they said. The implications are huge in my opinion. Don’t take my word for it, read it yourself. It blew me away.

      your brother,

      spike

        (Quote)

  19. v says:

    JJ and Disappointed.
    There is only one way the true children of GOD come out of any falseness, and thats by the son himself leading them out. The book of John 15: 16 Yeshua says, You did not choose me! I chose you.
    Next comes the promise of the holy spirit to these dear ones who recognise the voice of the Lord.
    John 15:26 When they hear truth they are convicted in each step they learn. Its a special gift from YHWH and they know this automatically. They listen to his voice.

    Its a matter of just watching really to see who turns up and starts speaking real truth. By there fruits you will recognise them.
    As the angles are rejoicing over this, we also feel compelled in our hearts to be excited when we hear real truth spoken from strangers in our company. Our hearts leap with joy as they become our bros and true sisters.

    Unfortunately not all that seem real truth seekers are. Judas seemed like a normal lover of GOD to his brothers, But deception proved to surface in this man. Will we be gullible? or will we stop and listen as people speak. Listen for the masters true words.

    True christians do hear real truth spoken, and speak real truth.. They are not confused when our Lord Yeshua starts teaching them. They are indeed gentle kind people with a christ like love for the Father and his children. They are the called out ones.

    A brother who is a good friend of mine told me to-day that he was told when we were young
    most of us new that we were different. We had a ready made love of God in us. Even if we were brought up in heathen families. I actually can verify that statement.
    We all look forward to our meeting together one day. Where ever our father gathers us. Where ever it is, We will rejoice.
    Sis Patricia

      (Quote)

  20. v says:

    Bro Daniel
    Quote So this is a story that calls to mind a lesson .

    We can run , and run , and chase our tail , and never succeed ! But if we live our life in a way that the Divine Force approves of , and if we seek counsel from our Master ( who is Jesus, by the way ) then success , and wisdom , and blessing will be with us !

    Do this IN CHRIST , and you will always succeed !

    Dan this is so true! Loved that story. Funny as well. Patricia

      (Quote)

  21. JohnS says:

    Just think of how JW apes got thrown in there in the first place; an evil ‘Truth’ net was laid, they got scooped up, are now in the prison hole, getting fed one thing or two, rotten bananas and iceberg lettuce, and nasty water,…feces all on the floor around.They are puny and unhealthy, and spiritually dying. If they can get a whiff of the fruit and leaves from the jungle above….
    But, all is not lost. Their Savior, the Word, is coming to call from the top down to them, “Come!”
    Some, still are afraid to go, not wanting to leave friends. But if they don’t go, these will never go either.They all waste away.

      (Quote)

  22. Baruch says:

    The Society has become the Modern day Pharisaic Judaism of the second temple period. they make themselves the holy teaching Magisterium. their writings are held in par with the Mishnah in which modern Jews follow. they at times take sound words of scripture out of context. This practice of taking words out of context and twisting their meaning is typical of the Rabbinical approach to Scripture. Strictly speaking this approach is not “interpretive” but rather “creative.” It uses random sound bites to create new meanings not naturally emanating from the words of Scripture.

    And for those who don’t know what the mishnah is, the mishnah is a compilation of Pharisaical doctrines and practices discussed in the rabbinical academies. During the following centuries the Rabbis debated the meaning of various Mishnaic passages and these debates and explanations were written down as the Talmud.

    In other words they have become what they themselves have condemned in Judging other false religions of doing. It makes me remember what Yeshua said… Then come to Yeshua the scribes and Pharisees, which were away from Jerusalem, saying, ” Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?…..But He answered and said unto them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God on account of your tradition?

    Yes Believe it or not the Society has their traditions and man made rules,only they can answer the master word’s.

      (Quote)

  23. DanielB says:

    Brother John , I am certain that you have some good thoughts here that you were trying to relate in your above comment . Will you go further with it , and explain what you are saying regarding ” JW apes ” ; where did they get “thrown into” ; and what does This mean : ” Some, still are afraid to go, not wanting to leave friends. But if they don’t go, these will never go either.They all waste away. ”

    I think you lost me , so will you explain a bit more here ?

    Respectfully ,

    bro dan

      (Quote)

  24. JohnS says:

    I’m just running a good thing into the ground…..sorry. A great story, thanks .

      (Quote)

  25. JohnS says:

    Well it’s better late than never.We all had monkeys made of us, maybe our masters were other monkeys down the hole, too.
    But we are out now, and it took me 2 years to break away, I hope you all do better than I did. I tried to Witness from John, Rom.8 and Pauline letters. No luck…”You’re just a trouble-maker” attitude. “We like it just fine!” OoooooKaayyy…time to check out…Check please! Oh, I forgot, I already paid, like… for 36 years.

      (Quote)

  26. Willie says:

    I think, DanielB, that when Matt said, “Actually, when I read some of the astounding claims and statements of official position, it leaves me with little doubt that the Watchtower IS indeed inspired,” and put that little cock-eyed “smiley face” that he was not insinuating a “holy” inspiration. At least that is the way I took it–as a facetious statement.

    The LORD KNOWS who is and who isn’t speaking with “knowledge” (Job 38:20) and he has given us His “word” (Psa. 119:105) so that we can “study” (II Tim. 2:15) and “prove all things” (I Thess. 5:21) for ourselves with the assistance of the Holy Spirit(Luke 11:13) if we only “ask him” (Luke 11:9).

      (Quote)

Leave a Reply

Website Apps