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OH! a PEOPLE pleaser?? (n’est pas?!)

appreciation Breathing-Fragile-Life choice conscientious-ness God happiness insights Joan Winifred spiritual food things i learned wisdom

An observation (from a Believer of TRUTH/True Believer )…aka me, an insignificant little piece of nothing…or a significant little piece of something…depends on who(m) is assessing me/making that judgement call of value/worth or not.

ceci-nest-pas-un-blog

From my POV: based on life experience and accurate knowledge acquired through years of my limited existence on Earth (49) …(aka my personal education)…i’ve come to think/believe

a lot of choices…culminate to any combination of these three:  please people (what/which people)? please myself (the work in progress (age of immaturity/maturity: physically/spiritually/mentally/emotionally) that i am at the time of my/the choice)? or please God (what/which God)?

Who’s will do i follow?? my own?? fellow-fragile-life’s?? God’s??..(basically all scenarios…boil(ing) down to my own rules/requests/requirements, other’s rules/requests/requirements or God’s rules/requests/requirements.)

 

A Loyalty Priority

Every choice affects/impacts slightly or thickly relationship(s) with: myself to myself or myself to Others or myself to God positively or negatively. So, who or what i want to please/(make happy) becomes the priority of my choice.  No matter the choice…it falls into these three basic categories for me: is this choice going to please myself?? is this choice going to please people?? is this choice going to please God??

What relationship or who do i value more? or less?

When i wisely/deliberately choose to please the TRUE GOD of the Bible, God of Love, Justice, Wisdom, Power, Compassion who is s-l-o-w to anger and ABUNDANT in loving-kindness and goodness/mercy aka The Creator/Yahweh/Jehovah…the Maker of Heavens and Earth…aka The Happy 🙂 God…my good (aka applying Bible principles in life) choices have a positive impact on all these relationships…i don’t hurt myself, people nor God. (And Yes, the living God of Love can be hurt.) It really works out well…when i choose to please God first. Sometimes/at times…this “benefit” manifests short, medium, long-term…a pattern emerges forthwith and afterward.

excerpted readings i enJOYed about Happiness as an inheritance…🙂

2 What about you personally? Are you happy? Can you increase your happiness? Happiness may be defined as “a state of well-being that is characterized by relative permanence, by emotion ranging from mere contentment to deep and intense joy in living, and by a natural desire for it to continue.” The Bible shows that true happiness refers to the condition of one who is blessed by Jehovah. In today’s world, though, being happy may be a challenge. Why?

3 Stressful events​—such as when a loved one dies […] or when faced with a divorce or the loss of a job—​can rob us of happiness. Domestic strife and a breakdown in peaceful communication can erode our sense of well-being. Ridicule by workmates or classmates, religious persecution, or imprisonment can undermine our happiness. So can deteriorating health, chronic illness, or depression. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ, “the happy and only Potentate,” delighted in bringing comfort and happiness to people. (1 Tim. 6:15; Matt. 11:28-30) In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus identified a number of qualities that can contribute to our happiness despite distressing trials in Satan’s world.

STRONG SPIRITUALITY​—FUNDAMENTAL TO HAPPINESS

4, 5. How can we gain and maintain happiness?

4 The first thing that Jesus focused on is especially important: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” (Matt. 5:3) How do we show that we are conscious of that need? We do so by taking in spiritual food, cherishing spiritual values, and giving priority to worshipping the happy God. If we take those steps, our happiness will grow. We will strengthen our faith in the coming fulfillment of God’s promises. And we will be encouraged by “the happy hope” that God’s Word provides for true worshippers.​—Titus 2:13.

5 Building a strong relationship with Jehovah is a vital part of finding lasting happiness. The apostle Paul was inspired to write: “Always rejoice in the Lord [Jehovah]. Again I will say, Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) To enjoy such a precious relationship, we need to acquire divine wisdom. God’s Word states: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who acquires discernment. It is a tree of life to those who take hold of it, and those who keep firm hold of it will be called happy.”​—Prov. 3:13, 18.

6. Our lasting happiness depends on what?

6 However, to be lastingly happy, it is vital that we not only read God’s Word but apply it. Confirming the importance of putting into practice what we learn, Jesus said: “If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.” (John 13:17; read James 1:25.) This is the key to satisfying your spiritual need and being lastingly happy.

7. How can those who mourn be happy?

7 “Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4) Some may wonder, ‘How is it possible for those who mourn to be happy?’ Jesus did not have in mind all who mourn for any sort of reason. Even wicked people bemoan the distressing difficulties that characterize these “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Tim. 3:1) But their self-centered mourning does not draw them closer to Jehovah; hence, it does not lead them toward happiness. Jesus must have had in mind people who are conscious of their spiritual need and therefore mourn the appalling spiritual conditions that prevail. They may recognize their own sinful state and the heartbreaking circumstances that have resulted from human sinfulness. Jehovah takes note of such sincere mourners; he comforts and blesses them with spiritual consolation, happiness, and life.​—Read Ezekiel 5:11; 9:4.

8. Explain how being mild-tempered contributes to happiness.

8 “Happy are the mild-tempered, since they will inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5) How can being mild-tempered contribute to happiness? After coming to an accurate knowledge of the truth, individuals change. At one time, they may have been harsh, quarrelsome, and aggressive. But now they have clothed themselves with “the new personality” and display “the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience.” (Col. 3:9-12) As a result, they now enjoy a peaceful, loving, and happier life. Furthermore, God’s Word promises that such ones will “inherit the earth.”​—Ps. 37:8-10, 29.

9. (a) In what sense do the mild-tempered “inherit the earth”? (b) Why can “those hungering and thirsting for righteousness” be happy?

9 In what sense do the mild-tempered “inherit the earth”? Jesus’ spirit-anointed disciples inherit the earth when they rule over it as kings and priests. (Rev. 20:6) Millions of others who do not have the heavenly calling, however, will inherit the earth in the sense that they will be allowed to live here forever in perfection, peace, and happiness. These are the same ones who are happy because of “hungering and thirsting for righteousness.” (Matt. 5:6) Their spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness will be fully satisfied in the new world. (2 Pet. 3:13) When God has finally eliminated all wickedness, the happiness of righteous ones will never again be undermined by lawlessness and unrighteousness.​—Ps. 37:17.

20. Why are we happy to serve “the happy God”?

20 When we have the smile of approval of “the happy God,” we can be happydespite religious persecution, opposition at home, sickness, or advanced age. (1 Tim. 1:11) We also experience happiness because of the precious promises of our God, “who cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) The fulfillment of Jehovah’s promises will be so impressive that the difficulties and trials of the present time will pale into insignificance. In the coming Paradise, the blessings from Jehovah will surpass our imagination. And we will certainly experience unprecedented happiness. Yes, we “will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”​—Ps. 37:11. [Happy are Those Who Serve the Happy God W 9/2018 p.19]

When sculpting life/work of art…”harmony” …”is the principle of design that creates unity by stressing similarities of separate but related parts.” [Unit 6, Lesson 4, Art Connections, Harmony p. 178]

Harmony (is vital to) helps happiness.

IF a person does believe/accept/have a relationship with God, themselves or family/Other Fragile-life aka people…all individual choices make either: direct/indirect/intentional/unintentional impact on “harmony” with said relationships…God made the game and the rules…HE created Harmony; and (the game of) life. I follow (aka try my best to adhere) His principles found in the Bible…for the best possible outcomes in all situations (now and later).

 

Human thinking is flawed/weak. Divine thinking…

The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength.*(Or “restoring (bringing back) the soul.”)

The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise. (Psalm 19:7)

 

7/13/18 @ 9:49 p.m.

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NO! Nabonidus

attitude clean conscientious-ness God Joan Winifred numbers reality sovereignty spiritual food study things i learned Truth

No, You don’t know it all neither do i…small i (IF YOU🙂 have noticed or not from my previous writings)…little “i” don’t deliberately follow punctuation/capitalization rules (at times to make a).

A limitation of the written word vs. spoken word…modulation, intonation, motive, intent, etc…gestures, facial, emphatic or descriptive…so, how do I…(“i” make attempts of expressing humility/aka acknowledging my personal limitations) convey e~n~t~h~u~s~i~a~s~m or emotion or EMPHASIS e-f-f-e-c-t-i-v-e-l-y through w.r.i.t.i.n.g?!

🙂 🙁 ;)!!!!!!!!!???????

hey i TRY my creative best…as a learner.

“The human adventure on the face of this planet has been an almost uninterrupted series of crises and disruptions of society’s established order.” ~William H. McNeill

And this “adventure” continues much the same… “It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23)

“I have seen something further under the sun, that the swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events*(“Unforeseen Occurrence”) overtake them all. 12 For man does not know his time. Just as fish are caught in an evil net and birds are caught in a trap, so the sons of men are ensnared in a time of disaster,*(or calamity)when it suddenly overtakes them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11, 12)

Some reasonable reasons why i find myself somewhat skeptical of SOME classical or modern historians aka so-called expert accountants/researchers…record keepers…number crunchers. Hey, IF corrupt people from certain corrupt governmental or other organizations/agencies wanna keep their job/survive/look good/IMPRESS/make much money ?…of course, some may corruptly choose to INFLATE numbers/stats in their positive favor to form/construct cathedral….“size and sumptuousness [of cathedrals] revealed a number of quite profane motivations.” Among them was “the arrogant pride of the bishop or abbot under whose patronage the edifice was to be built.” ~The Horizon Book of Great Cathedrals 

ANCIENT historians, like those today, committed to writing only such information as they deemed important or necessary for their purpose. Often the accounts were colored by the prejudices and personal views of the historians. Not infrequently did they resort to outright falsehoods to glorify their particular nation.

an Exodus Example: my highlights

Authenticity of the Exodus Account. An objection against the Exodus account has been that the Pharaohs of Egypt did not make any record of the Exodus. However, this is not unusual, for kings of more modern times have recorded only their victories and not their defeats and have often tried to erase anything historical that is contrary to their personal or nationalistic image or to the ideology they are trying to inculcate in their people. Even in recent times rulers have tried to obliterate the works and reputations of their predecessors. Anything regarded as embarrassing or distasteful was left out of Egyptian inscriptions or effaced as soon as possible. An example is the chiseling away by her successor, Thutmose III, of the name and representation of Queen Hatshepsut on a stone monumental record uncovered at Deir al-Bahri in Egypt.​—See Archaeology and Bible History, by J. P. Free, 1964, p. 98 and photograph opposite p. 94. [excerpted: Exodus Insight Vol. 1]

Attempts at persuasively pushing my buttons??;)…my practical perspective of Man’s Progress…while, at times, manifests as positive-helpful technology, etc. are i.e., like push-button umbrellas;)…useful here in SUPER SUNNY & TORRENTIAL RAINY Florida…however, these do NOT SHIELD ME FROM HURRICANE SEASON!!!…nor do they take this dangerous season away. .

am not trying to be a killjoy…just realistic: Neither will man’s (limited) positive progress take away sin & death…our inheritance from Adam & Eve, our first parents. (We still NEED God!) Nor will man’s inconsistent progress thwart God’s timely trajectory. From my POV, the only permanence which has contributed to humans joyful experiences aka benefitted by throughout centuries is NOT man-made…sun, moon, grass, flower, tree, day, light, apple, night…EARTH…undeniable evidence of a loving-thoughtful-logical Creator/Brilliant Mind/Designer/Sustainer…including Air, gravity, love…speak  indirectly or directly of the HIGHEST competency deserving Awe & Praise!:)…(humans seem to want their credit when credit is due.)  How about God??

Nabonidus…

The Nabonidus Chronicle. In the latter half of the 19th century, excavations near Baghdad produced many finds of clay tablets and cylinders that threw much light on the history of ancient Babylon. One of these was the very valuable document known as the Nabonidus Chronicle, which is now in the British Museum. King Nabonidusof Babylon was the father of his coregent, Belshazzar. He outlived his son, who was killed on the night that troops of Cyrus the Persian took Babylon, October 5, 539 B.C.E. (Dan. 5:30, 31) The Nabonidus Chronicle, a remarkably well-dated record of the fall of Babylon, helps to establish on what day this event occurred. Following is a translation of a small part of the Nabonidus Chronicle: “In the month of Tashritu [Tishri (September-October)], when Cyrus attacked the army of Akkad in Opis on the Tigris . . . the 14th day, Sippar was seized without battle. Nabonidus fled. The 16th day [October 11, 539 B.C.E., Julian, or October 5, Gregorian] Gobryas (Ugbaru), the governor of Gutium and the army of Cyrus entered Babylon without battle. Afterwards Nabonidus was arrested in Babylon when he returned (there). . . . In the month of Arahshamnu [Marchesvan (October-November)], the 3rd day [October 28, Julian], Cyrus entered Babylon, green twigs were spread in front of him​—the state of ‘Peace’ (sulmu) was imposed upon the city. Cyrus sent greetings to all Babylon. Gobryas, his governor, installed (sub-)governors in Babylon.”*Ancient Near Eastern Texts, page 306. [excerpted Study Number 9—Archaeology and the Inspired Record “All Scripture”]

[…], the Nabonidus Chronicle, a statement is found with regard to Nabonidus’ seventh, ninth, tenth, and eleventh regnal years. It reads: “The king (was) in Tema (while) the prince, the officers, and his army (were) in Akkad [Babylonia].” (Assyrian and Babylonian Chronicles, by A. K. Grayson, 1975, p. 108) Apparently Nabonidus spent much of his reign away from Babylon, and while not relinquishing his position as supreme ruler, he entrusted administrative authority to his son Belshazzar to act during his absence. This is evident from a number of texts recovered from the ancient archives proving that Belshazzar exercised royal prerogatives, that he issued orders and commands. Matters handled by Belshazzar in certain documents and orders were those that would normally have been handled by Nabonidus, as supreme ruler, had he been present. However, Belshazzar remained only second ruler of the empire, and thus he could offer to make Daniel only “the third one in the kingdom.”​—Da 5:16. [Belshazzar, Insight Vol. 1]

Testimony of Chronicle…

THE fall of strongly fortified Babylon came with a suddenness that must have surprised the ancient world. The conqueror, Cyrus the Great, diverted the waters of the Euphrates River that coursed through the city. Then his forces marched through the riverbed, taking the city by surprise through the unlocked gates along the quay. In one night Babylon fell, ending centuries of Semitic supremacy and fulfilling Jehovah’s word spoken through his prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah.​—Isa. 44:27;45:1, 2; Jer. 50:38; 51:30-32.

The Nabonidus Chronicle (also known as the “Cyrus-Nabonidus Chronicle” and “The Annalistic Tablet of Cyrus”), though very brief, contains the most complete extant cuneiform record concerning the fall of Babylon. This fragmentary clay tablet measures approximately five and a half inches in breadth at its widest point and about the same in length. On the basis of the script style, scholars have concluded that the tablet may date from some time in the Seleucid period (312-65 B.C.E.). But historians claim the inscription is probably a copy of an earlier document. As it tends to glorify Cyrus while presenting Nabonidus in a disparaging way, the thought has been advanced that the inscription was the work of a Persian scribe and has even been referred to as “Persian propaganda.” Nonetheless, the “circumstantial data” is considered to be reliable. [Testimony of the Nabonidus Chronicle w 71 excerpts]

Babylon & Babylon the Great…lessons for learning humility:  such a deep topic…that i only have “surface” time to briefly address…Basically, The Creator–TRUE God of Bible, God of Love & Compassion, Power, Wisdom, and Real Justice/Slow to Anger…doesn’t care much for pride and arrogance among puny/stupid humans which causes many millions to suffer needlessly!:( The rise and fall of specific world powers have been prophesied accurately in the Bible. Clear warnings made by pleading prophets…”please change for the better because your unkind deeds will come back to you.” “Your hurtful ways are ungodly ways.” “Plus, the God of love whom you claim to worship and honor, you are, in fact, dishonoring by your hurtful/ungodly/murderous practices.”  There are numerous distinctions made in the Bible between Godly Ones and Ungodly Ones. (It usually turns out well/better for the Godly Ones…and long-term.)

Here goes some readings for You IF You:) so choose…

The judgment pronounced against the Babylonian dynasty provides a valuable lesson for us. The root of the Babylonian kings’ sin was their endless ambition. (Daniel 5:23) Their hearts were filled with a desire for power. They wanted to dominate others. (Isaiah 47:5, 6) And they lusted after glory from men, which rightly belongs to God. (Revelation 4:11) This is a warning to any in authority​—[…]

Ambition and selfish pride are characteristics that Jehovah will not tolerate, either in individuals or in nations.

29. The pride and ambition of the Babylonian rulers was a reflection of what?

29 The pride of the Babylonian rulers was a reflection of the spirit of “the god of this system of things,” Satan the Devil. (2 Corinthians 4:4) He too lusts for power and longs to place himself above Jehovah God. As was the case with the king of Babylon and the people he subjugated, Satan’s unholy ambition has resulted in misery and suffering for all mankind.

30. What other Babylon is mentioned in the Bible, and what spirit has she shown?

30 Moreover, in the book of Revelation, we read of another Babylon​—“Babylon the Great.” (Revelation 18:2) This organization, the world empire of false religion, has also shown a prideful, oppressive, and cruel spirit. As a result, she too has to face a “day of Jehovah” and be destroyed in God’s due time. (Isaiah 13:6) Since 1919 the message has sounded around the earth: “Babylon the Great has fallen!” (Revelation 14:8) When she was unable to hold God’s people in captivity, she experienced a fall. Soon she will be completely destroyed. Of ancient Babylon, Jehovah commanded: “Pay back to her according to her activity. According to all that she has done, do to her. For it is against Jehovah that she has acted presumptuously, against the Holy One of Israel.” (Jeremiah 50:29; James 2:13) Babylon the Great will receive a similar judgment.

31. What will soon happen to Babylon the Great?

31 Hence, Jehovah’s final statement of this prophecy in the book of Isaiah applies not only to ancient Babylon but also to Babylon the Great: “I will rise up against them . . . And I will cut off from Babylon name and remnant and progeny and posterity . . . And I will make her a possession of porcupines and reedy pools of water, and I will sweep her with the broom of annihilation.” (Isaiah 14:22, 23) The desolated ruins of ancient Babylon show what Jehovah will soon do to Babylon the Great. What a comfort for lovers of true worship! What an encouragement to strive never to allow the satanic characteristics of pride, arrogance, or cruelty to develop in us! [excerpted Jehovah Humbles an Arrogant City, Isaiah’s Prophecy I]

Questions for Reflections: “circumstantial” data can be useful…

(1) am i arrogant?

(2) am i cruel?

(3) am i full of pride?

meticulous historical (accurate not arrogant, classical & modern) accounting teaches…an emerging pattern:  pride, cruelty, and arrogance, ambition (among individuals and/or nations) does not end well!!…these negative traits are not survivable.  Humans exhibiting these END; sometimes swiftly…getting swept away…swept along into annihilation… (suddenly).

BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM—house cleaning an essential to sustaining life; eventually God gets around to it (as the Bible states). Babylon the Great’s Destiny is Destruction!

just making sure, i don’t let/am not letting these/any negative traits grow in (take over and destroy) me personally or anyone i love.

(Feeding the Good helps, huh?:))

Your destiny, Your choice!

GET OUT OF BABYLON THE GREAT…and SURVIVE!!:)

Peace Survivor:)
7/22/18 @ 5:06 p.m.

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IP

attitude book insights Joan Winifred spiritual food study things i learned trust Truth wisdom

I.nferior P.osition (P.seudepigrapha)

IP …function/functioning explanation to follow:)…(aka a/an individual life’s protocol and destination)…this post will be an attempt to address address -lol:)…meaning our IP…(I.ndividual P. rotocol)

(my read highlights)

An IP address serves two principal functions. It identifies the host, or more specifically its network interface, and it provides the location of the host in the network, and thus the capability of establishing a path to that host. Its role has been characterized as follows: “A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how to get there.”[2] – excerpted Wikipedia

TCP/IP, in full Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, standard internet communications protocols that allow digital computers to communicate over long distances. The Internet is a packet-switched network, in which information is broken down into small packets, sent individually over many different routes at the same time, and then reassembled at the receiving end. TCP is the component that collects and reassembles the packets of data, while IP is responsible for making sure the packets are sent to the right destination. TCP/IP was developed in the 1970s and adopted as the protocol standard for ARPANET (the predecessor to the Internet) in 1983. -[excerpted: Encyclopedia Brittanicia TCP/IP]

Questions for Reflections:)

(1) am i a seeker?

(2) what am i seeking?

(3) what route is gonna get/take me there?

 

(2) i am a TRUTH/GOLD seeker.

(2) i am seeking ACCURACY/AUTHENTICITY.

 

(3) study/research:  please check out these excerpts: ((which will shed some light on stuff) Life is full of stuff…i’m not a new kid on the Biblical block…”You got the right stuff, baby”…yeah, we can all be singing a much deeper/happier tune in life IF our choices are based on accuracy/the really right stuff:))  [Apocrypha, Insight, Volume 1, pp. 120-125.]

The Greek word a·poʹkry·phos is used in its original sense in three Bible texts as referring to things  he“carefully concealed.” (Mr 4:22; Lu 8:17; Col 2:3) As applied to writings, it originally referred to those not read publicly, hence “concealed” from others. Later, however, the word took on the meaning of spurious or uncanonical, and today is used most commonly to refer to the additional writings declared part of the Bible canon by the Roman Catholic Church at the Council of Trent (1546). Catholic writers refer to these books as deuterocanonical, meaning “of the second (or later) canon,” as distinguished from protocanonical.

Evidence Against Canonicity. While in some cases they have certain historical value, any claim for canonicity on the part of these writings is without any solid foundation. The evidence points to a closing of the Hebrew canon following the writing of the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi in the fifth century B.C.E. The Apocryphal writings were never included in the Jewish canon of inspired Scriptures and do not form part of it today.

The first-century Jewish historian Josephus shows the recognition given only to those few books (of the Hebrew canon) viewed as sacred, stating: “We do not possess myriads of inconsistent books, conflicting with each other. Our books, those which are justly accredited, are but two and twenty [the equivalent of the 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures according to modern division], and contain the record of all time.” He thereafter clearly shows an awareness of the existence of Apocryphal books and their exclusion from the Hebrew canon by adding: “From Artaxerxes to our own time the complete history has been written, but has not been deemed worthy of equal credit with the earlier records, because of the failure of the exact succession of the prophets.”​—Against Apion, I, 38, 41 (8).

Additional ancient testimony. One of the chief external evidences against the canonicity of the Apocrypha is the fact that none of the Christian Bible writers quoted from these books. While this of itself is not conclusive, inasmuch as their writings are also lacking in quotations from a few books recognized as canonical, such as Esther, Ecclesiastes, and The Song of Solomon, yet the fact that not one of the writings of the Apocrypha is quoted even once is certainly significant.

Not without weight also is the fact that leading Bible scholars and “church fathers” of the first centuries of the Common Era, on the whole, gave the Apocrypha an inferior position. Origen, of the early third century C.E., as a result of careful investigation made such a distinction between these writings and those of the true canon. Athanasius, Cyril of Jerusalem, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Amphilocius, all of the fourth century C.E., prepared catalogs listing the sacred writings in accord with the Hebrew canon and either ignored these additional writings or placed them in a secondary class.

Jerome, who is described as “the best Hebrew scholar” of the early church and who completed the Latin Vulgate in 405 C.E., took a definite stand against such Apocryphal books and was the first, in fact, to use the word “Apocrypha” explicitly in the sense of noncanonical as referring to these writings. Thus, in his prologue to the books of Samuel and Kings, Jerome lists the inspired books of the Hebrew Scriptures in harmony with the Hebrew canon (in which the 39 books are grouped as 22) and then says: “Thus there are twenty-two books . . . This prologue of the Scriptures can serve as a fortified approach to all the books which we translate from the Hebrew into Latin; so that we may know that whatever is beyond these must be put in the apocrypha.” In writing to a lady named Laeta on the education of her daughter, Jerome counseled: “Let her avoid all the apocryphal books, and if she ever wishes to read them, not for the truth of their doctrines but out of respect for their wondrous tales, let her realize that they are not really written by those to whom they are ascribed, that there are many faulty elements in them, and that it requires great skill to look for gold in mud.”​—Select Letters, CVII.

Hey, wondrous tales have an appeal; (that’s for sure?)!  Yet, they have their place…position of pryrite. IF i am a gold seeker, i need to detect fool’s gold, eh?! (shiny but shoddy, an appearance of gold–but NOT gold. an appearance of reality–yet an unreality. a facade of tranquility–NO, not real peace.)

Internal evidence. The internal evidence of these Apocryphal writings weighs even more heavily against their canonicity than does the external. They are completely lacking in the prophetic element. Their contents and teachings at times contradict those of the canonical books and are also contradictory within themselves. They are rife with historical and geographic inaccuracies and anachronisms. The writers in some cases are guilty of dishonesty in falsely representing their works as those of earlier inspired writers. They show themselves to be under pagan Greek influence, and at times resort to an extravagance of language and literary style wholly foreign to the inspired Scriptures. Two of the writers imply that they were not inspired. (See the Prologue to Ecclesiasticus; 2 Maccabees 2:24-32; 15:38-40, Dy.) Thus, it may be said that the best evidence against the canonicity of the Apocrypha is the Apocrypha itself.

It is to be acknowledged that some of us (myself included) value “quality” and perhaps, prioritize over quantity.  (facts over fictions) on some level, a lot of us enJOY works of fiction for “entertainment”…

However, basing my life’s protocol on “Apocrypha*” brings me to an “inferior position”…aka a place of potentially unnecessary suffering/misery…lies, delusion, dark/light fantasy, untimely death.

When i base my life’s protocol on Truth/accuracy (e.g., Biblical)–(i am not in the red/apocrypha.) i am in the TRUTH–best position to make the best choice!!  Eyes clearly focused ahead:  i am on route to and brought to a place of:  health (i.e., spiritual, mental, physical, emotional), sustaining safety, peace, plenty of room/space for the immediate and long-term exercise of my free will (judiciously), a replenishing well of wisdom, a true freedom, and an everlasting life…future.

{(Just an observation…about Jesus…he led a simple life, he used simple words (as well as simple ceremony: washed feet, broke bread, passed cup)…unlike the “extravagance” of the religious leaders of his day nor the main-stream churches/religions and ceremonies of modern-day.)}

{(When i look around, observe natural world/Earth …i see/sense a “simple” yet profound/majesty, beauty…a practical design/purpose…the complex comes off/streamlines as simple (i.e. cell)…harmonized, organized and orderly…sublime but not showy…(not audacious nor opulent).)}

{(So, for me personally, as far back as i can recall…beginning with my Parents’ value of “Truth” which was inculcated in me from toddlerhood…it’s been a priority in my life: trajectory—knowing the Truth and living the Truth! The source i completely trust is Biblical Truth (which is separate and distinct from various religious tradition/doctrine/dogma).)}

*Both the Apocrypha (literally, “hidden”) and the Pseudepigrapha (literally, “falsely attributed writings”) are Jewish writings from the third century B.C.E. through the first century C.E. The Apocrypha are accepted by the Roman Catholic Church as part of the inspired Bible canon, but these books are rejected by Jews and Protestants. The Pseudepigrapha are often in the form of expansions on Biblical stories, written in the name of some famous Bible character.

What Are the Dead Sea Scrolls?

The Dead Sea Scrolls are ancient Jewish manuscripts, most of them written in Hebrew, some in Aramaic, and a few in Greek. Many of these scrolls and fragments are over 2,000 years old, dating to before the birth of Jesus. Among the first scrolls obtained from the Bedouins were seven lengthy manuscripts in various stages of deterioration. As more caves were searched, other scrolls and thousands of scroll fragments were found. Between the years of 1947 and 1956, a total of 11 caves containing scrolls were discovered near Qumran, by the Dead Sea.

When all the scrolls and fragments are sorted out, they account for about 800 manuscripts. About one quarter, or just over 200 manuscripts, are copies of portions of the Hebrew Bible text. Additional manuscripts represent ancient non-Biblical Jewish writings, both Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha.*

[1 footnote to article: What is the Truth about the Dead Sea Scrolls? w 01 and excerpt]

Peace!:) Seeker(s) of Truth…know Your location, know Your trajectory!…Know Your address, know Your destination! Know the TRUTH!!:)

More readings for You:) IF You so choose to check out…now or ..

Later Apocryphal Works. Particularly from the second century C.E. forward there has developed an immense body of writings making claim to divine inspiration and canonicity and pretending to relate to the Christian faith. Frequently referred to as the “Apocryphal New Testament,” these writings represent efforts at imitating the Gospels, Acts, letters, and the revelations contained in the canonical books of the Christian Greek Scriptures. A large number of these are known only through fragments extant or by quotations from them or allusions to them by other writers.

These writings manifest an attempt to provide information that the inspired writings deliberately omit, such as the activities and events relating to Jesus’ life from his early childhood on up to the time of his baptism, or an effort to manufacture support for doctrines or traditions that find no basis in the Bible or are in contradiction to it. Thus the so-called Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the Protevangelium of James are filled with fanciful accounts of miracles supposedly wrought by Jesus in his childhood. But the whole effect of the picture they draw of him is to cause Jesus to appear as a capricious and petulant child endowed with impressive powers. (Compare the genuine account at Lu 2:51, 52.) The Apocryphal “Acts,” such as the “Acts of Paul” and the “Acts of Peter,” lay heavy stress on complete abstinence from sexual relations and even depict the apostles as urging women to separate from their husbands, thus contradicting Paul’s authentic counsel at 1 Corinthians 7.

Commenting on such postapostolic Apocryphal writings, The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 166) states: “Many of them are trivial, some are highly theatrical, some are disgusting, even loathsome.” (Edited by G. A. Buttrick, 1962) Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Bible Dictionary (1936, p. 56) comments: “They have been the fruitful source of sacred legends and ecclesiastical traditions. It is to these books that we must look for the origin of some of the dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church.” [excerpted:  Apocrypha, Insight, Volume 1, pp. 120-125.]

“Canon”…Can on…is that like fish on;)…Yes, i can…:) know the Truth & Live it!

Originally the reed (Heb., qa·nehʹ) served as a rule or measuring device. (Eze 40:3-8;41:8; 42:16-19) The apostle Paul applied ka·nonʹ to the “territory” measured out as his assignment, and again to the “rule of conduct” by which Christians were to measure how they acted. (2Co 10:13-16; Ga 6:16) The “Bible canon” came to denote the catalog of inspired books worthy of being used as a straightedge in measuring faith, doctrine, and conduct. [excerpted Insight, Canon, Vol. 1]

6/14/18 @ 2:41 p.m.

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An ice skater, eh??

Breathing-Fragile-Life insights Joan Winifred science & spirituality spiritual food things i learned trust Truth Unity

Sure, some subjects are more slippery than others, huh? Conversationally speaking, it takes ice skating skills (and mathematical precision) to glide with grace, twist and turn through taboo topics.

(Ice skating is a fun sport:)…i am looking forward to doing some later this month at a nearby rink. Yes, you can find ice (rink) in FL;))

what are you skating around joanie?…1 taboo topic (to some) creation v. evolution.

What about: any ice skating kidnappers??? Wow! For a little context check it out: have-you-been-robbed?

Isn’t there research out there somewhere about how kids need Fathers! Fathers Very Important Role played in their kids’ lives is so undermined these days it seems. (Kids need what both Moms & Pops bring to the Family table.)

The-Global-Family-of-Humanity-Needs-Unity. We need each Other–Men & Women. Unity is like a harmonious orchestra producing beautiful music. (Doesn’t a fully functioning orchestra need a Conductor??:)) Unity “bands” humans together cooperatively working for the greater good for fellow-fragile-life & Earth!

SAD! how some flawed human ideas separate us, alienate, and cause conflict, loss, etc:(

am wondering IF millions have been unwittingly/unknowingly kidnapped from their “Heavenly” Father?!…

the New Catholic Encyclopedia says: “In 1950 the encyclical Humani generis [issued by Pope Pius XII] marked the starting point of a new development . . . evolution was expressly recognized as a valid hypothesis.” In line with this, A. Hulsbosch, a seminary teacher in Holland and a member of the Order of St. Augustine, has said: “We can no longer deny that, on the biological side, man originates in the animal kingdom.” And Peter Schoonenberg, S. J., a visiting professor at Duquesne University, a Catholic school, wrote: “When we now consider the genesis of the human species we meet with the lowest grade of parenthood, for the first men had no human but animal ‘parents.”

The Protestant churches are doing the same. In a letter dated “18 October, 1949,” the archbishop of Canterbury freely said: “The Christian Church as a whole has accepted the theory of evolution as scientifically established.” In the noted Protestant publication The Christian Century, Dr. Paul Holmer, professor of theology at Yale University divinity school, writes: “I confess to deep appreciation of the talents and labors that have made evolution a prevailing scientific conclusion in our time.

The Protestant Interpreter’s Bible bluntly stated their view in this way: “The reptile was content to stay in the swamp; man wanted to climb out of it. He had and still has primitive instincts against which he must struggle, for he began on the plane of the animal; but he has not been content to dwell there.”

Yes, man must crawl, climb out of the sinking swamp of scientific & spiritual lies…about God and man’s origins, etc.

 Karl Marx was so pleased with Darwin’s work on evolution that he wrote him a letter asking permission to dedicate the English edition of Das Kapital (called “the bible of the Communist movement”) to him. Openly a ninth-year school textbook published in the Soviet Union declares: “The study of the laws of evolution of the organic world assists in the working out of the materialistic conception . . . In addition, this teaching arms us for the antireligious struggle, by giving us the materialistic interpretation of the appearance of purpose in the organic world, and at the same time proving the origin of man from lower animals.” Additionally, an essay by evolutionist Julian S. Huxley on “Darwin and the Idea of Evolution” states: “To begin with, if evolution is accepted as a fact, much of the theological framework of the world’s major religions is destroyed, or is conveniently . . . represented as significant myth.” Yet, the clergy are out front in proclaiming that evolution is a fact and that the Bible accounts are merely myth. [excerpted readings: Evolution undermines Faith w 71]

Darwinian Disagreements…

When a special centennial edition of Darwin’s Origin of Species was to be published, W. R. Thompson, then director of the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control, in Ottawa, Canada, was invited to write its introduction. In it he said: “As we know, there is a great divergence of opinion among biologists, not only about the causes of evolution but even about the actual process. This divergence exists because the evidence is unsatisfactory and does not permit any certain conclusion. It is therefore right and proper to draw the attention of the non-scientific public to the disagreements about evolution. 

Have i been programmed? or kidnapped? worse?

For the public record…i strongly disagree with Darwin & Marx & FAKE religion! People have been programmed to accept evolution as fact. Indoctrination/brain kidnapping of the young starts young…in the schools:(  (i’ve learned about this from my own educational experiences as well as that of my children in public school systems. Indoctrination (and sex ed) by government starts way before college-age and has for years.)

Carefully consider…”those in authority compel belief“…(not just speech)…(my italics)…

In the magazine American Laboratory a biochemist wrote this about his children’s schooling: “The child is not presented with evolution as a theory. Subtle statements are made in science texts as early as the second grade (based on my reading of my children’s textbooks). Evolution is presented as reality, not as a concept that can be questioned. The authority of the educational system then compels belief.” Regarding evolutionary teaching in higher grades, he said: “A student is not permitted to hold personal beliefs or to state them: if the student does so, he or she is subjected to ridicule and criticism by the instructor. Often the student risks academic loss because his or her views are not ‘correct’ and the grade is lowered.”⁠1

Evolutionary views permeate not only the schools but all areas of science and other fields such as history and philosophy. Books, magazine articles, motion pictures and television programs treat it as an established fact. Often we hear or read phrases such as, ‘When man evolved from the lower animals,’ or, ‘Millions of years ago, when life evolved in the oceans.’ Thus, people are conditioned to accept evolution as a fact, and contrary evidence passes unnoticed.

Yep, i’ve been known to buck (misinformed/misplaced/misused) authority…(like my whole life)…

When leading educators and scientists assert that evolution is a fact, and imply that only the ignorant refuse to believe it, how many laymen are going to contradict them? This weight of authority that is brought to bear on evolution’s behalf is a major reason for its acceptance by large numbers of people.

My training…cannot help being a duster and a sweeper…let’s sweep away some of the dust & dirt & filth & grime and see clearly shall we:)

An example typical of views that often intimidate laymen is this assertion by Richard Dawkins: “Darwin’s theory is now supported by all the available relevant evidence, and its truth is not doubted by any serious modern biologist.”⁠2 But is this actually the case? Not at all. A little research will reveal that many scientists, including ‘serious modern biologists,’ not only doubt evolution but do not believe it.⁠3 They believe that the evidence for creation is far, far stronger. Thus, sweeping statements like that of Dawkins are in error. But they are typical of attempts to bury opposition by means of such language. Noting this, an observer wrote in New Scientist: “Does Richard Dawkins have so little faith in the evidence for evolution that he has to make sweeping generalisations in order to dismiss opponents to his beliefs?”⁠4

In similar fashion the book A View of Life, by evolutionists Luria, Gould and Singer, states that “evolution is a fact,” and asserts: “We might as well doubt that the earth revolves about the sun, or that hydrogen and oxygen make water.”⁠5 It also declares that evolution is as much a fact as the existence of gravity. But it can be proved experimentally that the earth revolves around the sun, that hydrogen and oxygen make water, and that gravity exists. Evolution cannot be proved experimentally. Indeed, these same evolutionists admit that “debate rages about theories of evolution.”⁠6 But do debates still rage about the earth revolving around the sun, about hydrogen and oxygen making water, and about the existence of gravity? No. How reasonable is it, then, to say that evolution is as much a fact as these things are?

In a foreword to John Reader’s book Missing Links, David Pilbeam shows that scientists do not always base their conclusions on facts. One reason, says Pilbeam, is that scientists “are also people and because much is at stake, for there are glittering prizes in the form of fame and publicity.” The book acknowledges that evolution is “a science powered by individual ambitions and so susceptible to preconceived beliefs.” As an example it notes: “When preconception is . . . so enthusiastically welcomed and so long accommodated as in the case of Piltdown Man, science reveals a disturbing predisposition towards belief before investigation.” The author adds: “Modern [evolutionists] are no less likely to cling to erroneous data that supports their preconceptions than were earlier investigators . . . [who] dismissed objective assessment in favour of the notions they wanted to believe.”⁠7 So, because of having committed themselves to evolution, and a desire to further their careers, some scientists will not admit the possibility of error. Instead, they work to justify preconceived ideas rather than acknowledge possibly damaging facts.

Similarly, a professor of anthropology, Anthony Ostric, criticized his scientific colleagues for declaring “as a fact” that man descended from apelike creatures. He said that “at best it is only a hypothesis and not a well-supported one at that.” He noted that “there is no evidence that man has not remained essentially the same since the first evidence of his appearance.” The anthropologist said that the vast body of professionals have fallen in behind those who promote evolution “for fear of not being declared serious scholars or of being rejected from serious academic circles.”⁠10 In this regard, Hoyle and Wickramasing he also comment: “You either believe the concepts or you will inevitably be branded as a heretic.”⁠11 One result of this has been an unwillingness by many scientists to investigate the creation viewpoint without prejudice. As a letter to the editor of Hospital Practice observed: “Science has always prided itself upon its objectivity, but I’m afraid that we scientists are rapidly becoming victims of the prejudiced, closed-minded thinking that we have so long abhorred.”⁠12

“am i willing to investigate the creation viewpoint without prejudice?” Please Reader:) do YOUR OWN INVESTIGATIVE RESEARCH…(and on any topic of interest to You personally)…don’t blindly believe anything!

OH! Beware! FAKE religion is at it again…misusing, misinforming, abusing authority…oh no?! Oh Yes– murdering the masses, and to those left alive…dictating dogma (and empowering other dictators who do dastardly deeds). [BTW: These are older excerpted readings in this post…reference below…check it out IF YOU choose…footnotes found in book.]

An additional reason for evolution’s acceptance is the failure of conventional religion in both what it teaches and what it does, as well as its failure to represent properly the Bible’s creation account. Informed persons are well aware of the religious record of hypocrisy, oppression and inquisitions. They have observed clergy support for murderous dictators. They know that people of the same religion have killed one another by the millions in war, with the clergy backing each side. So they find no reason for considering the God whom those religions are supposed to represent. Too, absurd and unbiblical doctrines further this alienation. Such ideas as eternal torment​—that God will roast people in a literal hellfire forever—​are repugnant to reasoning persons.

Further readings for Your Reasonable:) Consideration Reader…

12 However, not only are reasoning persons repelled by such religious teachings and actions, but the evidence in the Bible is that God also is repelled. Indeed, the Bible frankly exposes the hypocrisy of certain religious leaders. For example, it says of them: “You also, outwardly indeed, appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:28) Jesus told the common people that their clergy were “blind guides” who taught, not what comes from God, but contrary “commands of men as doctrines.” (Matthew 15:9, 14) Similarly, the Bible condemns religionists who “publicly declare they know God, but [who] disown him by their works.” (Titus 1:16) So, despite their claims, religions that have promoted or condoned hypocrisy and bloodshed do not originate with God, nor do they represent him. Instead, they are called “false prophets,” and are compared to trees that produce “worthless fruit.”​—Matthew 7:15-20; John 8:44; 13:35; 1 John 3:10-12.

13 Also, many religions have capitulated on the matter of evolution, thus providing no alternative for their people. For example, the New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “General evolution, even of the body of man, seems the most probable scientific account of origins.”⁠13 At a Vatican meeting, 12 scholars representing the highest scientific body of the Catholic Church agreed to this conclusion: “We are convinced that masses of evidence render the application of the concept of evolution to man and other primates beyond serious dispute.”⁠14 With such religious endorsement, are uninformed church members likely to resist even when, in reality, “masses of evidence” do not support evolution, but, instead, actually support creation?

14. How is the vacuum caused by false religion often filled?

14 The vacuum that this causes is often filled by agnosticism and atheism. Abandoning belief in God, people accept evolution as the alternative. Today, in a number of lands, atheism based on evolution is even the official state policy. Responsibility for much of this disbelief can be laid at the feet of this world’s religions.

15. What other erroneous religious ideas discourage belief in God and the Bible?

15 Too, some religious doctrines cause people to believe that the Bible teaches things contrary to scientific fact, so they reject the God of the Bible. For example, […], some erroneously claim the Bible teaches that the earth was created in six literal 24-hour days, and that it is only 6,000 years old. But the Bible does not teach these things. [ link: ce chap. 15 pp. 179-187

Further reading/digging for Yourself:)…table of contents: ce p. 5]

Are YOU in CONTROL?

(6/6/18 @ 5:44 p.m. Florida, USA)

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