Marla's Site

Monika Rike is a member of the Kingwood Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. She wrote this essay for an English class at Kingwood Park High School. She had to pretend she was an inanimate object and describe a full day as though she were that object. She chose the Bible, specifically, an illegal edition translated into English in the late 1500s. Her inspiration was the martyrdom of William Tyndale who was notorious for translating the Bible into English and was burned as a heretic as a consequence. She poses as one of Tyndale's editions that was purchased by a commoner.

Dawn Till Dusk

Sunlight streamed through the open window, warming my binding and dispelling the nighttime chill. The brightness revealed my aging features, my once black cover now a faded gray and my edges bent and torn from use. But I do not mind; I still have many years to go before my glue comes undone.

I smile as I remember when I was fresh off the printing press. I was so nervous about my purpose in life. I found joy when William More bought me because he was so eager to read the Bible in his own language, English, instead of the official Latin of the Church. He found solace in edifying himself through my scriptures.

How happy I was when I finally discovered the elusive use of my pages. Comforting people with hope for the future and educating them on God's will is what I was created for. Therefore, I continue to be a loyal aid to my Master William.

Now I relax in the sun as I wait for Master William to awake. Mornings are my favorite. This is our time, when Master William settles at his desk and soaks up the inspired words from my passages. I watch as he wakes with the sound of songbirds and wait patiently as he shuffles toward me, still groggy from a restless night's sleep. He sits at his creaky chair and opens me wide, giving me a breath of fresh air, his fingers a gentle breeze turning my pages.

Hmmm... I sense he needs courage to face the day, so I hope he turns to Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 6. And he does. I listen contentedly as he murmurs, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

I hope he takes that to heart, for he has been unusually somber lately. I assume it is because of Richard, his brother-in-law, who has been overly officious lately and even accused Master William of heresy. However, our problems are momentarily subdued as we spend the morning reading God's word.

Wow, has time flied! I realize our reading is up when Master William sees the time is 12:30.

Suddenly, a harsh rap on the door startles us. Master William closes me, gently places me in the bottom drawer, and covers me with his notebooks. I hate this stuffy place. It bemuses me why every time someone visits I get hidden in this claustrophobic darkness, although Master William must have a reason.

I listen attentively as he opens the door. To my horror, several men forcibly push past him into our house. I start shaking as one of them begins tearing books off Master William's shelves, letting them fall to the floor with loud thuds, and the other two men grab Master William and tie his hands behind his back. What is going on? The first man heads toward the desk. He takes out the first few drawers and empties them, despite my master's protests. It hits me like a thousand chariots: these men are looking for me.

After being hurled upside down, bruised to Revelation, rudely examined and jostled around in a stinky carriage, Master and I are dragged before some judges. Master William stands erect before them, my beloved and honest master, charged for heresy. An accuser slams me on the nearby table for evidence, sending a shiver of pain up my spine.

This is not judicious; I should be evidence that he is not a heretic, but they are saying that reading the Bible is forbidden to the laity and that possessing a vernacular translation is extremely seditious. Wait a second, the common people can read "Robin Hood" but they cannot read me? I pity the church leaders that concocted this, but mostly I pity the poor people who are prohibited from reading their personal Bible.

I pause from my thoughts and listen to them declare Master William's sentence. The head judge's words cut as sharply as scissors slicing through my soul. I am in disbelief, utter shock. We are to be burned alive at the stake. I can already feel the flames eating away at my edges, my words choked by the smoke.

But I watch my words ring clear in the heart of my master. I see him standing firm in the face of death, assured that he is innocent in the eyes of God. Reflecting on precious memories with him calms me in this time of turmoil. The joy I gave Master William when he read me. The peaceful, perfect morning, before fear and prejudice swept it all away.

Now I understand why he hid me all those years. The leaders of these dark ages feel threatened by the veracity interwoven in my writings. I pray that despite however tight the clergy clench their fists, streams of knowledge will eventually flow to peoples of all nations and they will be refreshed in its truth. Alas, that day is not today. Thus Master Williams breathes his last and I shrivel to ashes at his feet.

You have chosen to come back to Jehovah,

‘Cause you knew you belonged in his pen;

Along with the rest of the sheepfold,

Never more to go outside again!

You have learned that the world can be cruel,

Though a friend it will try to portray;

It will spit you out after using you,

As your trust it will trash and betray!

How refreshing to come back to Jehovah,

‘Tho the Sovereign yet he’s Loving and True;

He’s been waiting so long for this moment,

And He will always be there for you!

He will Strengthen and Never Forsake you,

As he girds you with Power and Might;

With wings you will soar like an eagle,

Putting Jah first you’ll now do what’s right!

As today you are showing your dedication,

Through baptism to request a ‘new start’;

Just continue to stand firm in your integrity,

And you can bet Jah will sure do his part!

By MK Poglitsch, 9/11/2010

DEDICATED TO AARON MILTON

May Jehovah continue to bless all your efforts

in loyally serving Him.

We can't give up on our
 kids, Jehovah hasn't........
  
 Written by a  15 year old sister.......
 
 
 The rain pelts down,  yet makes  no sound 
 As out the door they  go. 
As they desert Jehovah's house, 
And ally themselves with his  foe. 
They aren't the first, nor are they the last, 
To go and choose this path. 
The Devil grins as they stand by his side, 
Then he throws back his head and he laughs. 
'I've won, oh great Jah!'  He cackles with glee, 
'Your 'faithful good' servants are now serving me! 
I know that you thought they'd stay strong to the end, 
That you, their Creator, were truly their friend. 
But they've lost their fine focus, lost sight of their prize, 
And my wicked system has been their demise! 
Your care and your patience, your love has all failed, 
As for me, I have won, I've triumphed, prevailed!' 
But Jehovah looks toward him and calmly replies, 
‘You're right, evil serpent, this is good in your eyes. 
There's one thing, however, you seem to have missed, 
And that thing, foolish Satan, that thing is just this: 
In all of my servants I see something fine, 
It helps draw them to me and makes their hearts mine. 
And though, for the moment, you've clouded their sight, 
In their hearts they all know that my way is still right. 
So though they may wander in this system of yours, 
Know, I am Jehovah, I won't bar my doors. 
When they've discovered they've reaped what they've sown, 
I'll take back my lost lambs and make them my own. 
So laugh, oh doomed ruler, while you still have the time, 
I'll have them back and they'll be in their prime. 
I will not give up 'till you've come to great harm,
And all of my children are safe in my arms!

JEHOVAH STRENGHTENS

Just when everything seems hectic

Even worse it can not get

Heaven sits a helper

Oh someone like him you've never met

Very far away

Although so very near

He understands our problems

So Never should you fear

The love Jehovah shows

Regretfully despite

Even when we sin

Never us, does he spite

Growing ever closer

To him sure is the key

He loves, helps, and supports us

Especially when we're in need

Never need you worry, cus weak you sure are not

Since strength comes from jehovah and he sure has alot

I dreamed that I prayed to Jehovah on high
     Complained of my troubles and started to cry.
I said to Jehovah, I can't take it anymore!
     Please bring it real soon, your great day of war!
I endure every day at the end of my rope,
     I just do not see any way I can cope.
I face constant pressure each day without doubt.
     With all of my problems there's just no way out.
He patiently listened as if on bended knee,
     I griped and complained about what bothered me.
His loving concern as I emptied my head
     Made me feel so secure in his love when He said:
I understand just what you're going through,
     This time of the end makes it harder for you.
But you see, I too have been waiting so long,
     And I must make sure my people are strong.
Since the very first couple, Adam and Eve,
     My heart many times had been made to grieve.
Though I sent my son down to earth just to die,
     Most people rejected what his life could buy.
I've been pushed aside by all those I love
     For other false gods they have put high above.
They even say I don't exist or am dead,
     That life just evolved from the monkey instead.
I surely don't want you to suffer or cry,
     I'll give you my strength on which to rely.
You need to endure but please do not doubt,
     If it gets too tough, I will provide the way out.
The new world is near so endure to the end,
     For I am Jehovah and I am your friend.
The life that's ahead is worth oh so much more
     You'll take such delight in what I have in store.
Just think what it will be like in paradise,
     Why even the dead from the tombs will arise!
You'll feel so much better and have joy each day,
     Your memories of troubles will soon pass away.
These promises given will surely come true,
     And it won't be long before all becomes new.
So please be determined endure to the end,
     For I am Jehovah your savior your friend.

Through all my years as a Witness, the times past were not always good.

          Too many mistakes were being made, brothers not doing what they should.

As I look back now, there are times, I recall, when I didn't look forward to going to the Hall.

  The brothers showed no love – They didn't seem to care.

The elders were unyielding, demanding and unfair.

Meetings were dull and boring. Field service was a chore.

There was little "Pioneer Spirit," while going door to door.  

It didn't get any better, as I had hoped it would.

I felt the day was coming, when I would leave Jehovah's house for good.

But happily it's much different now. Jehovah has been so kind.

He has allowed me, this wonderful congregation to find.  

The spirit is so strong here. The brothers really care.

I couldn't be more happy, there's nothing better anywhere!

Life in Jehovah's organization is just as I would dream,

But don't get me wrong; things are not as they seem.  

You see, I'm part of the same congregation, attending the same Hall.

I fellowship with the same brothers and sisters, the same body of elders all.  

No, the changes that were made are not as they might seem,

For all the changes that were made, were changes made in ME.

Now I do love the whole brotherhood – there's no other in the world to find.

But instead of being critical, I try to be loving, forgiving, and kind.  

I realize we're all imperfect, it's plain now for me to see.

While I was trying to put up with my brothers, they were putting up with me!

We're all part of Jehovah's one flock, and that's where I want to be.

If my brothers are good enough for Jehovah, Then they're good enough for Me!

PSALMS 122:1 ~ PSALMS 133:1  

The following are from congregations and one group in the Haitian Creole field in the Dominican Republic (no partakers in any of the following):

Sosúa: 22 pub. 184 attendees (8.4:1)

Puerto Plata: 50 pub. 420 attendees (8.4:1)

Higüey: 47 pub. 331 attendees (7:1)

Otra Banda de Higüey (a group sponsored by Higüey): 19 pub. 310 attendees
(16.3:1)

On a personal note: at the Memorial in Sosúa, six out of a family of seven came roughly 25 km at a cost of about a day’s wage (mother, father and the four youngest). Their eldest speaks Spanish well and they could have walked with him to a Memorial in Spanish roughly a kilometre away, but because the parents don’t understand Spanish well, they came to hear it in their own language, Haitian Creole. Due to injuries sustained in an industrial accident, the father can only work the odd day, so the bus fare to come to the Memorial represented a real sacrifice for them. The wife, who cannot
read, comes to meetings once or twice a month by cutting back on what she eats and saving the bus fare from her grocery money. When she has saved enough for the round trip (roughly RD$80-RD$100), she comes.

I wanted to let you all know about my experience from the International
Convention. This experience has taught me the importance of following the
Faithful Slave's direction regarding wearing my badge card. While the girls were out shopping, I stayed back at the hotel. While I was there I met a gentleman named Rasim from Tel Aviv that noticed my Convention badge. He mentioned that he was in Berlin on business and had just come from Frankfurt and had seen the same Convention badges there. I told him that we were having International Conventions in 5 cities throughout Germany.

He began to ask me a bunch of questions about what Jehovah's Witnesses believe. Questions such as: Do we believe in Jesus? What are our beliefs regarding the dead? etc. We talked for over an hour. At the end of the conversation, I was thinking I had to keep this man's interest going. So I asked the brother from Four Ambassadors Travel if he had a* Bible Teach* book with him. He did so I told Rasim that the best way to answer most of his questions would be to read the *Bible Teach* book. He thanked me for the book and immediately started reading it.

I exchanged contact information with him. I gave his information to Brother Freeman from the US Branch. He in turn relayed Rasim's information to the branch in Tel Aviv. And on September 4th I received the following email from Rasim:


**HELLO MARIO!

I thought I had lost your business card you gave me at the hotel in Berlin.
I am so happy I located it. I wanted to thank you so much for taking the
time to talk to me that night. What we talked about changed my life. I have always had questions about the Bible. I had spoken to Witnesses before, but none of them had ever answered my questions with the clarity and thoughtfulness as you did.

I read the Bible Teach book from front to back in two days.

I was contacted by the Witnesses three days after I returned back
home from business. I have been studying regularly for the last 6 weeks. I
am currently attending the meetings here at the local Kingdom Hall. I cannot tell you how much of an impact you have had on my life. Please keep in touch. If you are ever in Tel Aviv, you have a friend to stay with.
Depending on when you come, maybe even a brother.

With Warm Regards

Rasim

Bruno Kamdem

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art.  They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael.  They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war.  He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier.  The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, there was a knock at the door.  A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.  He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life.  He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you and your love for art."  The young man held out his package and said, "I know this isn't much.  I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."

The father opened the package.  It was a portrait of his son painted by the young man.  He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting.  The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.  He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.  "Oh no, sir, I could never repay what your son did for me.  It's a gift."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle.  Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works that he had collected.

The man died a few months later.  There was to be a great auction of his paintings.  Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son.  The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 

"We will start the bidding with this picture of the son.  Who will bid for this picture?"

There was silence .......

Then a voice at the back of the room shouted "We want to see the famous paintings.  Skip this one!"

But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding?  $100? $200?"

Another voice angrily said, "We did not come to see this painting!  We want to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandt's!  Get on with the real bids!"

Still the auctioneer continued.  "The son!  Who will take the son?"

Finally a voice came from the back of the room.  It was the long time gardener of the man and his son.  "I will give $10 for the painting" .... being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

"I have $10.  Who will give me $20?"

"Give it to him for $10!  We want to see the Masters!"

The crowd was becoming angry.  They did not want to see the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel ... "going once, going twice, SOLD for $10".

A man sitting in the second row now shouted "Let's get on with the collection!"

The auctioneer laid down his gavel.  "I'm sorry the auction is over."

"What about the paintings?"

The auctioneer said "I am sorry.  When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told about a secret stipulation in the will.  I was not allowed to reveal this stipulation until this time.  Only the painting of the son would be auctioned.  Whomever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.  THE MAN WHO TOOK THE SON GETS EVERYTHING!"

Jehovah gave his Son 2000 years ago to die for us.  Much like the auctioneer, His message today is:

"The Son?  Who will take the Son?"  Because you see, whomever takes the Son gets everything!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son ..... that's LOVE!

One brother asked us to reflect on the amount of experience that Satan has in watching us.

He has thoroughly studied and watched us, our parents, our parents' parents, and so on.

He knows exactly how to catch us, because he knows our weaknesses.  

Not only that, but he has learned organization from Jehovah himself.  

Therefore he is a model at organizing the demons to work at snaring us.  

Then the brother said, "It is hard to catch a fish that is full". - Why?  
Because when they are full, they are not as interested in the bait.  

Spiritually, if we stay well-fed, prepare, meditate, attend our meetings, and participate in the ministry whole-souled, we will be spiritually full and therefore Satan's enticements will be less alluring.

Safeguard Your Spirituality by Training Your Perceptive Powers
By: Brother Guy Pierce of the Governing Body

1. Listen to Jehovah. Many think they know the answers, but they don't even know the questions.
 
2. Study regularly, study deeply. We can be desensitized by what we see and hear, thinking it isn't bad, i.e., x-mas songs. We hear them; next thing we know the tune is running around in our head. In a short time we are humming them just as Satan wants.
 
3. Do we spend pioneer time in front of the TV or computer, and token time in service? Psalms 119:37, 'Make my eyes pass on from seeing what is worthless.'
 
4. Jesus is countless billions of years old ... and one day we will be as old as Jesus is now, and he'll only be twice our age.
 
5. The Bible is inspired of the Sovereign of the Universe. It's a masterpiece, give it careful attention.
 
6. The reasons some give for not being at the meetings is the very reason why they need to be there.
 
7. Too busy because of the high cost of living, or living high? You can't put enough money in the bank to get through Armageddon.
 
8. A couple of young brothers are going to a movie. When asked if it has bad language, they reply, 'yes, but we hear it all the time in school.' Do we want to pay to hear more? It should hurt our ears.
 
9.. Every meeting is a holy, sacred occasion. Never be absent by choice.
 
10. Some are slowly losing the sense of urgency. We are in the heart and heat of a universal emergency. All in heaven have their attention focused on earth and what we are doing.
 
11. If we had the cure for cancer we would tell everyone? We DO have the cure for cancer, AIDS, and even death. People desperately need to hear. Our ministry is an extension of God's love. When you talk with someone they are face to face with a representative of Jehovah God.

There are special gifts among us,

Refreshing as Mt. Hermon's dew;

They are our dear elderly brothers,

Who encourage both old and the new.

As we look at their frail and worn bodies,

That were once full of vigor and vim;

Their youth they've devoted to Jehovah,

Their lips gave all praises to Him.

We learn much from the stories they tell us,

Of a work that we never will know;

As their eyes open wide from excitement,

While their smiles make their face come aglow!

We will cherish these 'Special Gifts' always,

As fine soldiers they've fought the fine fight;

May we imitate them in this time of the end,

In so doing we'll bring Jah much delight! 

by M.Poglitsch,  9/13/07

I was sitting, on a summer day, beneath a shady tree,
 descending into slumber, when a vision came to me.

 There was beating of a thousand drums - the ground was shaking too.
 Then over the horizon came a woman into view.

And then another woman, with a hundred at her heel.
They multiplied a thousand fold - the vision was surreal!

Salvation was their helmet, and solid faith their shield,
With righteousness as breastplates, their hearts were well concealed.

A mighty sword they all possessed, held tightly in their palms.
Was this the female army indicated in the Psalms?

Their eyes were facing forward as they marched in perfect time.
Then I recognized their faces! These were sisters - friends of mine!

See there that single sister? Satan put her to the test!
How she longed to have a husband; to be loved like all the rest!

And there, that older sister, though her spouse does not believe,
You'll find her out in service, every morning, noon and eve.

Another lost her husband, yet she marches through her trial.
Says she, 'He's on vacation - merely resting for awhile.'

 And that one lost her husband when he simply went AWOL.
 He dropped his sword mid-battle, yet she's marching straight and tall.

Oh yes, and there's my sister with her young ones - quite a sight.
 Her husband is in prison - for the war he refused to go and fight.

 This sister here seems quite content - her life seems quite ideal,
 But what goes on behind closed doors she never will reveal.

In spite of all these hardships, the women march on strong.
 The old, the young, the strong, the weak: they bravely trudge along.

And then, like lightening, one of them stepped right up to my face.
'How dare you rest!' she said to me. 'There's no time left to waste!'

'Here, take this sword and take this shield, this breastplate you must wear.'
'Don't rest until the Kingdom News is broadcast everywhere!'

And so I found my place in line, with no time to debate.
For now I see the urgency - my sleep will have to wait.

No time for insecurities, no time for shrinking back.
Just time to get this preaching done, false doctrines to attack!

So next time you sit down to rest, or get the urge to snooze,
Or if you start to tire out while preaching the good news,

Observe this military force, just see what they can do,
And pray for strength from God on high, then you can do it too.

'The women telling the good news are a large army.'

Writer Unknown
                       - Psalm 68:11 -

 When I  ' woke up '  this morning  I didn't groan or creak
 As I reached out to the nightstand, my  spectacles to seek.

 I couldn't feel their framework and much to my surprise,
 I saw the room quite clearly when I opened up my eyes!

 I noticed when I showered that I moved a little quicker,
 Then when I went to wash my hair, it seemed a little thicker!

 I went to get my dentures to set them on my gums,
 But there were teeth already there! Now where did they come from?

 Although my hearing aids weren't  in, I heard the doorbell ring!
 When I went to answer it, I saw the  greatest thing...

Jehovah’ s people are happy

No matter wherever we live;

A people with shiny bright faces,

Whole-souled service to God we do give.

We’re united no matter the nation

The country or even the race;

You can find us wherever you’re searching,

Just name it, we’ll be at that place!

With a helping hand always extended

To our brothers and our neighbors too;

‘Cause Christ Jesus said we should do this,

And to blessings there’ll be more than few!

For our happiness is not contingent

On how little or much we may own;

‘Cause this happiness cannot be purchased,

But is based on the fruits we have sown.

So we strive to live by God’s standards

Even though in an imperfect state;

As we lovingly forgive all our brothers,

While on the paradise we patiently wait.

Why are we such a happy people?

‘Cause we worship our Sovereign above;

Why his name could be only JEHOVAH,

‘The Happy God’ we’re Devoted to and Love!

By M.Poglitsch

Our Christian Congregation

Is a haven for us all;

To provide our spiritual feedings

Pick us up lest we should fall.

It's our lifeline Jah is using

In this deep time of the end;

To make us brave fine soldiers

So the Truth we'll strong defend.

For in this time that we are living

It's no time to go astray;

From our Congregation meetings

To be plucked and snatched away!

'Cause the Lion's on the lookout

To devour all who fall;

From the sheepfold of the Shepherd

So you'll never hear his call!

Our Elders just like Jesus

Refreshes us with their love;

As they tenderly show compassion

In imitation of our God above.

So may we show appreciation

For all that our Brothers do;

Side by side as we all stick together

Through a Brotherhood we know to be True!

DEDICATED TO OUR WORLDWIDE BROTHERHOOD

BY MKP 9/27/06

Cold and heartless Death marches in

The product of mankind’s original sin;

Choosing it's victims in no special way,

His sword he pulls out that he uses to slay.

The heartbreak that's left is just too much to bear

As our grief turns to anger thinking God does not care;

But as time passes on and our wounds start to heal,

We know that our anger with God is not real.

For He has promised release from the bondage of sin

And victory over Death our King Jesus will win!

Our patience and faith will help us to endure,

As we hold out 'till the time when Death will be no more!

Then all those dear loved ones we so long to see,

As their ransom is paid, they are finally free!

We will welcome them back with arms open wide,

To receive all the blessings our dear God will provide.

And so as we wait for that glorious day,

When our tears and our pains will be all wiped away;

We will thank God JEHOVAH for making all things new,

As forever in Paradise we'll be reaping our due!

by MK Poglitsch

Can you feel it my dear brothers

That  Jehovah’s  Day’s at hand;

Can you feel it can’t be too long

‘Til we reach the promised land.

As we see all the prophecies unfolding

Can you feel that Day drawing near;

Can you ‘see’ the nations aligning

‘gainst our God to whom they show no fear.

Can we see that the whole world’s condition

Has all but spiraled out of control;

While the sheep from the goats are separated

In preparation to be saved as a whole.

Our deliverance is clearly on the horizon

Can you ‘see’ it as the time pants on by;

While the grand work of preaching we share in

As the thousands become millions multiply.

Can you ‘see’ as you catch sight of your loved one

From death’s sleep has been made to arise;

They are running to you with arms open

To greet you in earth’s paradise.

No, it isn’t a dream my dear brothers

As these things will all soon come to pass;

And only the ones who stand firmly

Are the ones who will see it at last.

So it’s no time for slacking or slowing

Our pace in our service to God;

But must be busy advocating the Kingdom

As man’s hope and Jehovah’s name laud!

By MKP

There once was a fox and a rabbit. Naturally, the fox fancied the rabbit for a bit of a meal, so he hid, waiting for the rabbit to come by, which is what eventually happened. The fox jumped out of his hiding place, and said with a smile, "Good afternoon, Dinner!"

Without a word, the rabbit turned and was away in a blinding flash. The fox, not to be done out of his plan so easily, immediately gave chase. The rabbit ran as he had never run before. He ran under fences, he ran through bushes, he ran in and out of hollow logs, he even ran through the culvert under the road. The fox ran right behind the rabbit, so close that several times the rabbit felt the fox's hot breath on his tail.

Eventually, the fox began to tire out, and consequently gave up the chase. But, the rabbit ran until he was well out of sight, and then he ran a little further. Without a doubt, the rabbit was also very tired. In fact, he had never been so tired in all his life. But you see, the rabbit was running for his life, the fox was only running for his next meal.

So, next time you feel tired out, remember that Satan is running for a meal, but you are running for your life!!!

Be Obedient and Push

Jehovah told a certain man that he had work for him to do. This certain man had a large rock in front of his house and Jehovah explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. The man did this, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun rise to sun set, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned home sore, worn out and feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Seeing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture and place a few thoughts into the man's weary mind: "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it." This gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. "Why kill myself over this?" he thought. "I'll just put in my time, give the minimum effort and that will be good enough."  And that is what he planned to do until he decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his troubled thoughts to Jehovah.

"Jehovah, I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all   my strength to do what you have asked of me yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter.  What is wrong?  Why am I failing?"

Then Jehovah responded compassionately, "When I asked you to serve and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to me, with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But is that really so?  Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back is sinewed and brown, your  hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become  massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yes, you haven't moved the rock but then all I ever asked was that you be obedient and push. It was through your works that you exercised faith in me.  This you have done, and now I will move the rock for you."

 At times, when we may tend to think little of ourselves and our service to Jehovah and we become disheartened and discouraged, we need to remember what Jehovah asks of us and that is just simple obedience and faith in him.

By all means, exercise faith that moves mountains but know that it is still Jehovah who does the moving. When everything seems to go wrong, just PUSH.. When your job gets you down, just PUSH. When people don't react the way you think they should, just PUSH. When people don't treat you kindly, just PUSH. When people reject you in the ministry just PUSH.  (Author Unknown, Words timely!)