You may look at your contributions or tithes as the only "investment" you make in your religion. But is that all?
Look at your wardrobe. Is it designed to support the activity of your church? Do you need to wear special shoes because you have to do a lot of walking in remote places to spread the word as expected by your religion?
Did you chose your model car not because of the needs of your family but because of its usefulness in your "ministry?"
Are your "vacations" planned around church functions?
Do you have "free" time that's really your own, or is it spent recovering from the last church activity and/or preparing for the next one?
Have you really taken stock of what has been demanded of you? Have you considered who has made those demands and why?
2007-06-12 06:00:21 · 10 answers · asked by Suzanne 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Don't do what I did and squander your money on the false Jehovah's Witnesses cult.
Danny Haszard gave all his money to the Watchtower building fund during my youth when I was making big bucks in the construction trade union.I did so because they lied to me that i would never need it for my retirement.Well I am 50 years old and I do need all my money back now that it's 2007 and the 'end of the world' is overdue.
The Watchtower religious racket also got all my grandfather's and my father's savings.
The Watchtower one year before the foretold end of the world 1975,was a time that I remember they were ordering the rank and file JW followers to liquidate their assets and go all out for the Kingdom of God.
The late 1960's was also a time period that Brooklyn H.Q. was really crying poor mouth ( JW children were sending in their piggy banks {Jehovah's pennies} i was giving them my paper route and egg money from my 20 hens).
I alone have been extorted tens of thousands of dollars of my life savings by the greedy bastards as an adult.
Get this! My elderly Grandfather Roger Haszard and MY Grandmother Ruth Haszard are living in Largo Florida usa circa 1987,(now deceased).
We get an emergency conference call from my uncle Wallace on 'what are we going do do with our aging patriarch as they are becoming helpless and are in need of a part-time nurse'.
My grandfather is busted as he gave all his assets to the Watchtower and his estate is all going to the Watchtower when they die.
There is no emergency cash to free up so the family now has pitch in to pay for their care.
The Watchtower has occasional hypocritical articles on caring for our elderly,they don't reveal how countless family's get into this bind on account of their wicked advice.
Learn the rest of my story-http://www.dannyhaszard.com
2007-06-12 06:17:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 4⤋
I don't think this is the best place to have posted this. That being siad, although the New Testament does not identify a specific amount or percentage to give, it does talk about the importance and benefits of giving. They should give as they are able, “in keeping with his income.” Sometimes that means giving more than a tithe, sometime that may mean giving less than a tithe. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Each and every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom as to whether to participate in tithing and/or for how much he or she should give
2007-06-12 06:04:26 · answer #2 · answered by Silver 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes// I have counted the cost and found that it is worth it all. I have been with Jesus now for 31 years and am happy and fulfilled and he has and is taking care of me and my every need.
I drive the car that is useful in the ministry and have the wife he has chosen for me (what a blessing) I live in the house he has given me.. (I love it) I wear the clothes he has given me, ( I am always dressed appropriately) I have nothing to complain about..
Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Mar 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mar 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
2007-06-12 06:05:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As your details progress, you start to sound rather angry. I think you have some issues here in your own life, maybe.
I belonged to a very active church for several years that went heavily into "doing" over and above "being". But is it easier to be than to do? I found myself worn out and lacking in rest and peace, and changed congregations.
Jesus doesn't carry a membership card. Find somewhere you don't feel stretched to the limit.
2007-06-13 06:58:34 · answer #4 · answered by anna 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you for asking this question so that I could read Danny's answer. It doesn't seem as though God received any glory whatsoever in any of the circumstances you recount. And yet I know that ALL things work together for the good of those who love God. May you be richly blessed beyond your wildest imagination!
Regarding your questions, Suzanne, I have to say No to all of your questions. Well, I do wear "special" shoes in that my church meets at the YMCA and we are asked to wear shoes that don't mar the floor surface.
We do NOT pass an offering plate. (I have seen many JWs who think they are the ONLY ones who don't.) People give of their time and money as they are able. I do happen to tithe but that is not because I am told I have to. And I get far more than I give. I also give Bibles to people, using my own money, but I do not count that as a donation to my church for tax purposes.
We are a very small church but it is very big on hearing and doing God's Word.
For His glory,
JOYfilled
2007-06-12 09:35:25 · answer #5 · answered by JOYfilled - Romans 8:28 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I agree with the previous comment about you sounding a bit angry or resentful about giving or sacrificing for your religion. Surely, though, God is pleased with sacrifice or focus on godly things in order to spread the good news wouldn't you say?
The scriptures show that God should be first in our lives. Any resentment you may be feeling should be dealt with though as God loves a cheerful giver. He doesn't want anything from you that you are not happy to give, whether it's your time or resources/finances.
2007-06-13 08:03:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus warned us to count the cost.
To truly follow Him demands everything.
It's impossible to outgive God. He's already given me more than I could possibly give Him.
2007-06-12 06:04:06 · answer #7 · answered by David 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What kind of interest rate is the Islamic bank offering these days?
2016-05-18 01:52:36 · answer #8 · answered by tosha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most, recently, yes, I have begun to take a much harder look at myself.
God bless.
2007-06-12 06:08:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Danny said it all.
2007-06-12 10:13:21 · answer #10 · answered by ~♥Anna♥~ 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋