The danger of money

 Money is a protection as stated by King Solomon under inspiration from Jehovah. He had so much wealth. Yet even he could see that it had deceptive protective power. One man who went to the Philippines married a lady there and had children. He had money! He built properties and headed towards a future where he would have likely become very wealthy. 

Unfortunately, his health which had been poor his entire life caught up with him. He came down with cancer again! This time he had a war chest of money to rely on. In the end, though he ended up broke. He was very tearful in the video on YouTube. He is at the very end of his life in this system. Jesus said it so rightly money can be stolen and it can rust, it really has a very limited value. It can not buy Jehovah's favor.  I do think that man is a good man. I do not know for sure of course. 

So as we earn money to support ourselves, I realize that when the great tribulation arrives, our ability to make money will be impacted by whether we take the mark of the beast or not. I feel more aware of the traps that Satan uses. Credit is such a trap. People can live like a wealthy person even though in reality it is impossible.

These times are very strange. In the past people would save up for a family car. Then pay for it in cash. I remember my adult students telling me about over 20 years ago. Now, everything is like the USA instant gratification. 

In fact, many people are ensnared by this seemingly free money. Many people view money as a protection in their own imagination. King Solomon said this in Proverbs. 

Ok, time for a new post. This one took almost a week to finish!

/tata

Summer is coming!

 Another summer in Iksan. I have to say I really like this small city. After classes on Saturday, we cross the entire city to get home. Takes about 15 minutes which I am conditioned into thinking it is a long way.

It does take a bit of time depending on where you are going and traffic conditions. The maximum is about 30 minutes to get to my student's house. My current boss felt bad over a year and a half ago when she showed us where we would be moving to. It is on the outskirts of Iksan proper. I love the location! Yogita and the boys love it too. We are so close to examples of Jehovah's creation. The animals, insects, and fish of the Mangyeong River area are so nice to see. In addition, at night we can see the stars! Of course, we can not see the Milky Way but it is still quite beautiful. I can not wait until the new system when we can see the real night sky.

This summer is different than last summer. Last summer was the beginning of a new way and the first of regular attendance at meetings, going out in the preaching work and associating with each other. This year will be a continuation of a certain pattern. Week to week this pattern is maintained and boy does it help time to fly. 

I really look forward to meetings and assemblies. I look forward to the peaceful environment, the learning that takes place, and the encouragement we get. The drive to the hotel, greeting people, and sitting near our congregation members feels like an extended family, which it is. 

I enjoy spending more and more time with our boys and my wife. A far cry from when I would rush through family matters so I could meet my "friend" who was doing the same thing. 

So this summer I look forward to more time with family and friends. Always working to do better than the week or day before. I stand before Jehovah as we all do. I want to do what is right in his eyes not humans!

/tata