James Thomas Rook Jr.

You can't fix stupid ... even with Duct Tape ... BUT WITH DUCT TAPE YOU CAN MUFFLE THE SOUND !

There was a strong odor,  where I could smell BillytheKids46's mother cooking in the kitchen.
There was a strong odor where I could smell,  BillytheKids46's mother cooking in the kitchen.
There,  was a strong odor where I could smell BillytheKids46's mother,  cooking in the kitchen.
Where you put commas are important!

I wonder why the Anointed of God, although self admittedly NOT inspired of God, the ones supplying "food at the proper time", etc., seem to be completely devoid of common sense of any kind, on any subject.
They have been struggling with the CSA problem for YEARS now, and are seemingly no closer to a solution than they were five years ago.
IT'S NOT THAT HARD !!!!!
This is NOT Quantum Chromodynamics!
 

I wonder why the Anointed of God, although self admittedly NOT inspired of God, the ones supplying "food at the proper time", etc., seem to be completely devoid of common sense of any kind, on any subject.
They have been struggling with the CSA problem for YEARS now, and are seemingly no closer to a solution than they were five years ago.
IT'S NOT THAT HARD !!!!!
This is NOT Quantum Chromodynamics!
 

I noticed that you skipped/avoided to use one Old, Good, Bible based word -  "inspired".  
"Led" is also good Bible word in connection with JHVH and spirit. 

But what is wrong in using word "inspired" in connection with our decisions and works in religious/spiritual matters? 
Motivated as word, looks, seems to be more in connection with our own autonomy and free choice.  

The NWT says at Zechariah 8:23:
23  “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘In those days ten men out of all the languages of the nationsj will take hold, yes, they will take firm hold of the robe* of a Jew,* saying: “We want to go with you,k for we have heard that God is with you people.”’”l
I have noticed that one poster in particular has referenced this scripture several times and put it in the context of being able to identify the true religion at the time of the final judgment. The poster admits that in the meantime, he can't really tell who that "Jew" represents. But it is evidently associated in his mind with a group of "truly anointed" persons. By this he evidently means those who are truly led by the holy spirit, who are truly motivated by the holy spirit, and who therefore give proper guidance and to others. They should be giving always healthful, if not "perfect" spiritual food, and always at the proper time.
For that particular poster, this disqualifies the eight or so men who currently claim to be the "faithful and discreet slave" since they admit that their food is not always perfect (and therefore could not qualify as "at the proper time," either.)
When a verse from the "OT" is not specifically repeated in the "NT" with an explanation, we are pretty much on our own to decide whether it has a specific prophetic application to our own day, or to the near future. In many cases the verse will look quite specific, but we can only give it a general application to our own day. In other cases there are specifics, and we can try to make specific applications to those specific references.  Of course, in every case we could look to the overall situation, the historical context, and find either warning examples, teaching examples, or encouragement in the words (2 Tim 3:16,17).
In this case, the historical context is an audience of Jews having trouble getting up the willingness or courage to overcome obstacles related to rebuilding their temple. Some of those obstacles were economic (including bad harvests) and some of it was the fear of encroaching enemies, and more populous nations around them. And some of it was no doubt an overall despondency that it would take too long and never get finished, and thus be a wasted effort. Those kinds of issues are easily generalized into our own personal issues with respect to overcoming obstacles related to our own spiritual goals. They can also be looked at in terms of our willingness to be involved with organizational goals or congregational goals when economics, delays, mistakes, and the despondency of others can take a toll on our own courage.
But what about the Watchtower's usual interpretation of this verse? Is it definitive? Can it mean anything else? These are the kinds of questions that Christians should always ask of everything we believe, if we want to be like the Beroeans, or "make sure of all things."
 

I wonder why the Anointed of God, although self admittedly NOT inspired of God, the ones supplying "food at the proper time", etc., seem to be completely devoid of common sense of any kind, on any subject.
They have been struggling with the CSA problem for YEARS now, and are seemingly no closer to a solution than they were five years ago.
IT'S NOT THAT HARD !!!!!
This is NOT Quantum Chromodynamics!
 

I wonder why the Anointed of God, although self admittedly NOT inspired of God, the ones supplying "food at the proper time", etc., seem to be completely devoid of common sense of any kind, on any subject.

Would you want a Surgeon who was equally good at what he does, as the GB is at what they do?
I might consider closing a wound with Vise-Grip pliers, and Duct Tape, instead!

I wonder why the Anointed of God, although self admittedly NOT inspired of God, the ones supplying "food at the proper time", etc., seem to be completely devoid of common sense of any kind, on any subject.
They have been struggling with the CSA problem for YEARS now, and are seemingly no closer to a solution than they were five years ago.
IT'S NOT THAT HARD !!!!!
This is NOT Quantum Chromodynamics!
 

The WT's statements about the GB are a logical fallacy. That is why you are having difficult harmonizing your beliefs.
"The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870. Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food." Watchtower 2017 Feb p.26 "Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?" Watchtower 2009 2/15 p. 24-28 It's the textbook example of cognitive dissonance: believing in contradictory ideas at the cost of one's mental state. There is a reason why JWs struggle in the organization. They are being given mixed signals under their leadership. JWs are expected to be understanding of the GB's mistakes while also fully compliant to their direction. Imagine having a spouse that demands total obedience but also expects love and understanding when wrong. People would call that an unhealthy relationship with one partner holding all the power.
One wonders why Jehovah God appointed fallible, uninspired men over his people when he was perfectly capable of accurately conveying his truths to the writers of the Bible? There is no scriptural precedent for the idea of unquestioned obedience to a group of uninspired men. There is no scriptural precedent to putting obedience to men above scriptural truth. 
Complete trust in someone or some group requires strong support. Trust in the GB can't come from its history of unwavering doctrine, because the GB acknowledges it has made errors in doctrine and changes have been made. Trust also can't come from the GB's prophet status, because the GB acknowledges it is not inspired by God. 
So, what does the WT offer as support for complete trust in the GB?
The preaching work: "...the faithful and discreet slave has been able to accomplish in giving a worldwide witness about Jehovah God, his Son, and the Kingdom. Jehovah’s worshippers are actively proclaiming the Kingdom message in over 230 lands and island groups." 2009 2/15 p. 24-28 The growth in members: "...In the last 15 years, the number of congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide has grown from some 70,000 to over 100,000—an increase of over 40 percent. And what about the new disciples added? Nearly 4.5 million disciples were baptized in the last 15 years—an average of more than 800 a day." 2009 2/15 p. 24-28 This 'support' is brought into question when it is pointed out that other Christian denominations engage in forms of preaching work all around the world. For many years, the JW organization did have tremendous growth, but that growth has slowed in recent years and is even in decline in some countries. The fastest growing Christian denominations in America are Catholics and Evangelicals. (The fastest growing religion in the world is Islam.) So, this support is weak at best, and it doesn't change the logical paradox the GB expects all JWs to accept.

I think the Watchtower's interpretation is clear. In many ways it matches up with yours, John.
The WT interpretation is that the "Jew" is the truly anointed class of Christians, and the "ten men" are persons out of all the nations who are not of the anointed class but who look to them for guidance, a good example, etc. These non-anointed are shown joining with these anointed in some way.
Historically, if we were to accept that the truly anointed persons were represented by the 'governing leaders' of the Bible Students / Jehovah's Witnesses in the last century or so, then the very fact that they were joined (beginning especially around 1935) by a much larger group who then identified themselves as non-anointed seems like a perfect fulfillment.
It is easy to see why, in that 2012 life experience article, a person of the "great crowd" who was obviously very enamored with his periodic association with members of the anointed, felt that he was seeing this prophecy fulfilled in his own case. Several of those anointed with whom he had repeated contact served on the Governing Body, or would later serve on the Governing Body. This was clearly a sub-theme of the 2012 Watchtower article based on the following quotes/excerpts:
but also several anointed brothers, including Pryce Hughes, Edgar Clay, and Jack Barr, who became a member of the Governing Body. One of my fellow students, Lloyd Barry; one of the instructors, Albert Schroeder; and John Booth, overseer of Kingdom Farm (where Gilead School was located) later became members of the Governing Body. During that time, I got to know such pillars as Milton Henschel, Karl Klein, Nathan Knorr, T. J. (Bud) Sullivan, and Lyman Swingle, all of whom once served on the Governing Body. I have had the privilege of periodically returning to world headquarters in New York. During those visits, I received good advice from different members of the Governing Body. So, while the "Jew" represents the anointed class, we are subtly reminded that the anointed class is represented by the Governing Body, considered to be the core representatives of "Christ's brothers."
In the past, of course, when one said "Christ's brothers are the faithful slave" it meant all of the anointed.
*** w09 10/15 p. 16 par. 15 “You Are My Friends” ***
Therefore, the primary way that those with the earthly hope demonstrate their desire to be friends with Christ is by supporting the faithful slave class.
Technically, the "Jew" in Zechariah still does mean all of the anointed, not just the GB. But even before the doctrinal change making them the same entity, the Governing Body had already pointed to themselves as the ones  representing the faithful slave. 
*** ws11 7/15 p. 24 par. 9 Have You Entered Into God’s Rest? ***
They show us that Jehovah is using the faithful and discreet slave to teach us the truth. Sometimes the Governing Body, who represents the faithful and discreet slave, reviews how we understand certain truths.
So the "Jew" in Zechariah 8 is not just another representation of the Governing Body. But based on the above, it is still intended to be the practical conclusion, when it comes to defining who, we, the "other sheep" firmly hang onto for guidance and direction.

Billy:
All you just said is true...but War .. is when the people subjugated, enslaved, have their homes and resources confiscated, etc .... FIGHT BACK.
Otherwise, the Nazis could have politely marched backwards into Poland.
Armed Forces are used to make people do things they don't want to, under pain of death and deprivation.
Self Defense is a NATURAL RIGHT that every living thing has ..... if they can manage it ... and choose to try.
 
 
 

Yep Bro Jackson totally messed up on the whole thing but those that worship the GB will never see it or never admit it. 
Back to this point :- 
February 2017 Watchtower. Who is leading  God's people today ?
 The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870. Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food. 
But with this comment here then not much more is needed is it ? 
The GB are stating that they are the 'Faithful slave' but admitting that their 'food at the proper time' is not perfect spiritual food. Luke 12 v 42
And the Lord said: “Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time?
So the GB are saying that the food Jesus is supplying through Holy Spirit, is not good food. Now why would Jesus want to provide bad food for his followers ? 
Ah but the GB are not inspired of Holy spirit, so um where exactly do they get this spiritual food from then ?
Let's look at this in a practical way. The GB are the GOVERNING Body of JW Org and Watchtower. (it would seem that officially / legally they are not, but in practical terms they are ). Then there is a Writing Department. Are they inspired of Holy Spirit ? Well if the GB are not then I presume the WD are not. 
Then we have the point of being Anointed. Surely if a person is Anointed then they are anointed with Holy Spirit ?  Ah, but the GB say they are not inspired of Holy Spirit. 
So now we have the question, are Anointed ones actually anointed with holy spirit ? And if so are they inspired by holy spirit ? And if not, what is the point of having Anointed ones ? Yes we know they will die and go to heaven as part of the 144,000 but surely they have an important job to do now. They surely should be guiding God's earthly servants in the right direction ? 
To guide God's earthly servants in that right direction, the Anointed ones would need to be inspired of Holy Spirit and to receive the spiritual food from Jesus Christ. 
That brings us back to the scripture about the ten men clinging to the skirt of a Jew. 
TTH and possibly BTK seem to want to follow a body of men that :- is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction 
Why would anyone want to do this ?  Surely if a person wanted to serve God properly they would need proof positive that those men on earth that they follow were approved of by God and by Jesus Christ and that those men were actually being used to supply true spiritual food. 
Please don't use numbers to justify God's holy spirit. There are surely far more Catholics and Muslims in this wicked world than JW's.  There are millions of bibles written by hundreds of different translators. There must be priests and clerics that put in many hours to their service to their gods. So saying that JW's do this or that proves nothing. 
What is needed is proof positive of who the true Anointed really are and that they are inspired of God's holy spirit through Jesus Christ.
And it is my true feeling that before Judgement Day arrives, God will show willing humble people exactly who those 'spiritual Jews' really are. 
 
 
 
 
 

May I suggest that you talk to your Doctor about getting you some Adderall?
I think 20mg, twice a day would help you to stay focused.
I don't think they have anything for your WDS.
... or your spelling ... hehehehe .
 

Again, you are missing the point ENTIRELY ( no surprise there ....)
If I had hand puppets with big crayons,  here is what they would tell you
Even Jeffery Dahmer and others as bad as he, knew the names of his JUDGES ... their names were on the courthouse door, or on a name plate on their desks.  The Bailiff would announce his  name as he entered the room.
And I have been repeatedly investigated by the FBI, the DOD, the DOE, and the ATF, and many local Sheriffs, and have a SPOTLESS record,  ( except for  several traffic tickets over a 50 year period ...) so your innuendo is only another of your delusional fantasies, of things you WISH had purchase, but do NOT.

... FURTHER .. I never alluded to my experience being an "everyday occurance".  I relayed it as an account ONLY of how I was treated.
THAT ... is another one of your delusional fantasies of how you WISH I had said that, to be able to defend the indefensible.
Be a sport ... review what I actually DID say, compared to your stated delusion.
 

What Secular courts do or don't do does not excuse what our Tribunals do or don't do.
When a Jury is selected, a person's lawyer and they have the right to select from a Jury Pool, usually about 30 people,  12 people "good and true" from the Jury pool. 
I have BEEN in a Jury Pool thankyouverymuch!
Everybody knows what their names are, even though they are referred to as "Juror No. 3", or "Juror No. 6" etc., AFTER they are selected.
Before their selection, the defense lawyer tries to find out everything there is to know about each potential juror, and ESPECIALLY those mutually selected by the prosecution and the defense.
But that is not the point AT ALL ... because a Congregational Judicial Trial is a trial by a Tribunal of Judges, which a defendant has no input at all.  They could be limp-wristed progressive Liberal Snowflakes, or "hanging Judges", or anything at all!
What I saw is a sad, sad story for another time, perhaps. Perhaps after I am safely dead.
The WDS Force is strong with you, Luke.

A congregational Judicial "Hearing" is NOT a jury trial ... It is a trial by Tribunal, who act as both Judges, and Jury.
The Congregational Judicial Committee is NOT a Jury, it is a Tribunal of Judges.
Your entire premise is faulty, TTH. That is a generous way of telling you you are WRONG. (again ...)
You may have been through all this before, but again, you are flat wrong. 
I was there!
I was the subject of the Trial, and the Tribunal, after being repeatedly asked to do so BY ME ... refused to tell me their names and Congregation.
 

The original video is still available on the ARC web site.
Try ignoring a summons to appear in Court, and see what happens.
HINT: Fine or imprisonment for contempt of Court.

Well, I can speak with some authority, because my wife, Susan, bought 20 Bantam Chickens as chicks (not much on this planet is cuter ...) and I have 5 roosters, temporarily living in a wire cage surrounding a kiddie pool on a table in my sun room, off my back deck. ... and I did view the ARC hearings in real time, in their entirety, and I would have to fully agree with you, Anna ... with the added observation that Bro. Jackson LIED about our stance on corporal punishment, to be politically correct, and said it would be "presumptuous" to believe that Jehovah's Witnesses were the "only" way to salvation, whereas the videos at this summer's Conventions definitely state otherwise., and he was weaseling and waffling in general, after swearing on a NWT to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, SO HELP HIM GOD.
Howse THAT for a run-on sentence?

Oh, BTK, and on the subject of losing arguments, and who does what ... wanna reconsider THIS one that you choked on, and lost by default?
 

Well, for what it is worth, I gave an answer at the Watchtower Study Saturday before Last, and my wife gave one this Saturday, at the Kingdom Hall I have been attending since 2000, when I moved here .... for whatever THAT is worth.
If I was not a JW in good standing (actually, I sit down a lot ...) the WT Study Conductor would not have called on me.
You really ought to quit attacking me, anonymous BTK ... you ALWAYS lose the argument ... because your agenda driven perspective is so screwed up.
It is getting tiresome trouncing you soundly every time you attack me, but I do seem to get a perverse pleasure out of it.
.... never mind.
It's either this or have fun watching my pet chickens when I hand feed them multi-grain bread !

Well, I can speak with some authority, because my wife, Susan, bought 20 Bantam Chickens as chicks (not much on this planet is cuter ...) and I have 5 roosters, temporarily living in a wire cage surrounding a kiddie pool on a table in my sun room, off my back deck. ... and I did view the ARC hearings in real time, in their entirety, and I would have to fully agree with you, Anna ... with the added observation that Bro. Jackson LIED about our stance on corporal punishment, to be politically correct, and said it would be "presumptuous" to believe that Jehovah's Witnesses were the "only" way to salvation, whereas the videos at this summer's Conventions definitely state otherwise., and he was weaseling and waffling in general, after swearing on a NWT to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, SO HELP HIM GOD.
Howse THAT for a run-on sentence?

Afraid of doing a complete front flip head first into a bucket of water?

Well, for what it is worth, I gave an answer at the Watchtower Study Saturday before Last, and my wife gave one this Saturday, at the Kingdom Hall I have been attending since 2000, when I moved here .... for whatever THAT is worth.
If I was not a JW in good standing (actually, I sit down a lot ...) the WT Study Conductor would not have called on me.
You really ought to quit attacking me, anonymous BTK ... you ALWAYS lose the argument ... because your agenda driven perspective is so screwed up.
It is getting tiresome trouncing you soundly every time you attack me, but I do seem to get a perverse pleasure out of it.
.... never mind.
It's either this or have fun watching my pet chickens when I hand feed them multi-grain bread !

Again, you are missing the point ENTIRELY ( no surprise there ....)
If I had hand puppets with big crayons,  here is what they would tell you
Even Jeffery Dahmer and others as bad as he, knew the names of his JUDGES ... their names were on the courthouse door, or on a name plate on their desks.  The Bailiff would announce his  name as he entered the room.
And I have been repeatedly investigated by the FBI, the DOD, the DOE, and the ATF, and many local Sheriffs, and have a SPOTLESS record,  ( except for  several traffic tickets over a 50 year period ...) so your innuendo is only another of your delusional fantasies, of things you WISH had purchase, but do NOT.

... FURTHER .. I never alluded to my experience being an "everyday occurance".  I relayed it as an account ONLY of how I was treated.
THAT ... is another one of your delusional fantasies of how you WISH I had said that, to be able to defend the indefensible.
Be a sport ... review what I actually DID say, compared to your stated delusion.