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	<title>Comments on: How to Get out of an Emotional Rut</title>
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	<description>Dr. Phil- Start A Change Reaction</description>
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		<title>By: Judith Soyster</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-131341</link>
		<dc:creator>Judith Soyster</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:23:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-131341</guid>
		<description>Bishop T. D. Jakes
    I have been involed with my church for many years, serving on the council almost without a break.  What happens when one witnesses Pastor abuse and
no one stands up for the pastor?  I am saying the pastor was abused and abused
and abused again.  Now the leaders of the church have taken away his right to
minister.  This is like taking his breath away.  He never deserved this injustice.
Have you witnessed similiar injustices?  I would like to communicate to you what
happened, please respond.  Peace</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Bishop T. D. Jakes<br />
    I have been involed with my church for many years, serving on the council almost without a break.  What happens when one witnesses Pastor abuse and<br />
no one stands up for the pastor?  I am saying the pastor was abused and abused<br />
and abused again.  Now the leaders of the church have taken away his right to<br />
minister.  This is like taking his breath away.  He never deserved this injustice.<br />
Have you witnessed similiar injustices?  I would like to communicate to you what<br />
happened, please respond.  Peace</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>By: Lynne</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-20476</link>
		<dc:creator>Lynne</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:11:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-20476</guid>
		<description>i agree with all the steps that must be taken to get out of a RUT. Now I need help with my son who has been in a rut and isn&#039;t strong enough to pull himself out. He has been diagnosed w/Para.shiz &amp; severe depression he has not come out of his house for some time. I believe he needs intense rehab &amp; don&#039;t believe we should wait until he reaches his &quot;last straw&quot; he&#039;ll be dead-I can&#039;t afford to send him to a good place to get help he is 48 yrs old and has lost everything, including hope, faith &amp; belief in self. Can anyone help this mother &amp; her son in Philadelphia, Pa?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>i agree with all the steps that must be taken to get out of a RUT. Now I need help with my son who has been in a rut and isn&#8217;t strong enough to pull himself out. He has been diagnosed w/Para.shiz &amp; severe depression he has not come out of his house for some time. I believe he needs intense rehab &amp; don&#8217;t believe we should wait until he reaches his &#8220;last straw&#8221; he&#8217;ll be dead-I can&#8217;t afford to send him to a good place to get help he is 48 yrs old and has lost everything, including hope, faith &amp; belief in self. Can anyone help this mother &amp; her son in Philadelphia, Pa?</p>
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	<item>
		<title>By: Frank</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-20276</link>
		<dc:creator>Frank</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:28:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-20276</guid>
		<description>Hello Dr. Phil,
I&#039;m a young African male of 40 and have been married for 8 years and running though I&#039;ve been dating my wife since 1998. I would need your help as an expert she would believe in her recommendations.
Our intimate life is becoming a great concern for me because she only gets excited to have me after her period or when I come back home from my various business trips. I try to cut most of my trips so that I can spend time with the family and our three amazing boys (6+;5;2+).
I have tried the following, oral sex, various styles, venue and positioning, verbal courting, shopping - some extravagantly, winning out and dinning for food, contemplated a third female partner since it is said against my believe that every woman has a bit of lesbianism in her. I have also created a sense of comfort for us to discuss these concerns in a healthy manner but I seem to become more clueless as to what turns my wife on. To worsen my willingness to help her improve, I tolerated having her date a guy she worked with before the year of our marriage but it hasn&#039;t improved. 
I don&#039;t want to resort to dating other women while married though the temptation is there for an educated, hard working company executive like myself. I love my wife, my family and my marriage and will like to make it better for I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt it is where I am my best.
One strange challenge is that she has always been like this, I kept believing she was going to get better with time and probably after we got married and as we age through it, it has remained stagnant and probably taken a few nose dives. I love passionate adventurous intimacy when my partner is having a great time and I know this because I&#039;ve at some point in my life been with other females and understand how I am wired sexually. I am also convinced that the stress of raising a family and nurturing the kids and her husband is not the reason for our concern though it may contribute but my conclusion is that, since a sexual turn-on ignites with end of her period or my absence from home then, family and the kids may not be sufficient excuse because I have a super woman and mother for a wife.
She&#039;s never had a proper wedding nor honeymoon, met me when I&#039;d recently lost my father while in my final year in medical school, suffered with me when after five years of tele dating, she was able to join me here in the US, gave up her career to support me achieve my dreams of providing for our young family all the great things we weren&#039;t privileged to have as kids. I have also dated other females prior to my marriage and while we were dating - there isn&#039;t another woman better understanding and supportive like my wife, I would like you to please help me identify the problem, the way forward and how best to give my wife, the wedding of her dreams and how she can get more sexually intone with me so that I don&#039;t loose my sexual urge and fantasies or my marriage. I only want to feel more wanted by her sexually. Strangely, she enjoys it well when I&#039;m able to bulldoze my way into her I DO NOT FEEL LIKE IT PROCESS. If other women still desire me though I have not caved in yet, I believe I can help better fulfill my wife by cutting down the I DO NOT FEEL LIKE IT PROCESS 
If it will serve the greater cause, I&#039;like not an anonymous assistance on this problem which is now a project. I will not want to appear on the show which happen to be one of my favorites along with CSI Miami.
I am ready to make changes where needed or where I&#039;m faulted and to improve my efforts where needed.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello Dr. Phil,<br />
I&#8217;m a young African male of 40 and have been married for 8 years and running though I&#8217;ve been dating my wife since 1998. I would need your help as an expert she would believe in her recommendations.<br />
Our intimate life is becoming a great concern for me because she only gets excited to have me after her period or when I come back home from my various business trips. I try to cut most of my trips so that I can spend time with the family and our three amazing boys (6+;5;2+).<br />
I have tried the following, oral sex, various styles, venue and positioning, verbal courting, shopping &#8211; some extravagantly, winning out and dinning for food, contemplated a third female partner since it is said against my believe that every woman has a bit of lesbianism in her. I have also created a sense of comfort for us to discuss these concerns in a healthy manner but I seem to become more clueless as to what turns my wife on. To worsen my willingness to help her improve, I tolerated having her date a guy she worked with before the year of our marriage but it hasn&#8217;t improved.<br />
I don&#8217;t want to resort to dating other women while married though the temptation is there for an educated, hard working company executive like myself. I love my wife, my family and my marriage and will like to make it better for I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt it is where I am my best.<br />
One strange challenge is that she has always been like this, I kept believing she was going to get better with time and probably after we got married and as we age through it, it has remained stagnant and probably taken a few nose dives. I love passionate adventurous intimacy when my partner is having a great time and I know this because I&#8217;ve at some point in my life been with other females and understand how I am wired sexually. I am also convinced that the stress of raising a family and nurturing the kids and her husband is not the reason for our concern though it may contribute but my conclusion is that, since a sexual turn-on ignites with end of her period or my absence from home then, family and the kids may not be sufficient excuse because I have a super woman and mother for a wife.<br />
She&#8217;s never had a proper wedding nor honeymoon, met me when I&#8217;d recently lost my father while in my final year in medical school, suffered with me when after five years of tele dating, she was able to join me here in the US, gave up her career to support me achieve my dreams of providing for our young family all the great things we weren&#8217;t privileged to have as kids. I have also dated other females prior to my marriage and while we were dating &#8211; there isn&#8217;t another woman better understanding and supportive like my wife, I would like you to please help me identify the problem, the way forward and how best to give my wife, the wedding of her dreams and how she can get more sexually intone with me so that I don&#8217;t loose my sexual urge and fantasies or my marriage. I only want to feel more wanted by her sexually. Strangely, she enjoys it well when I&#8217;m able to bulldoze my way into her I DO NOT FEEL LIKE IT PROCESS. If other women still desire me though I have not caved in yet, I believe I can help better fulfill my wife by cutting down the I DO NOT FEEL LIKE IT PROCESS<br />
If it will serve the greater cause, I&#8217;like not an anonymous assistance on this problem which is now a project. I will not want to appear on the show which happen to be one of my favorites along with CSI Miami.<br />
I am ready to make changes where needed or where I&#8217;m faulted and to improve my efforts where needed.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>By: Blue Ray Players</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-17493</link>
		<dc:creator>Blue Ray Players</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 06:10:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-17493</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;You can definitely see your enthusiasm within the work you write....&lt;/strong&gt;

The world hopes for much more passionate writers like you who aren?ˉt scared to say how they believe. Always go best after your heart....</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>You can definitely see your enthusiasm within the work you write&#8230;.</strong></p>
<p>The world hopes for much more passionate writers like you who aren?ˉt scared to say how they believe. Always go best after your heart&#8230;.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>By: LICIA LANAS</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-7044</link>
		<dc:creator>LICIA LANAS</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:50:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-7044</guid>
		<description>i wrote a book called- listen to the music-and let the music take your blues away... 
    
    I, myself really think Music was what helped me through my life. I have always felt like, no one wanted to listen to me or even talk too me, but especially listen too me. 
 
   Well my dad left us for some reason,when i was 10 and my mom was either drinking her beer or going to college every night,while my sister lived her teen years, so I had no one around me to talk too.  The only thing I had around me was music, which was talking too me. 

   Then as times were getting harder to deal with like the death of my mom, being diagnosed with MS,other people in my family going into the hospital, my job kicking me too the curb, my soul was still able to hang onto the music by the Allman Brothers and my &quot;soul keeper,&quot; Gregg Allman, Johnny and Donny Van Zant and many more bands, who were holding my soul in God&#039;s hands.  I do believe music is a gift from God and i thank him.

   
                                         LICIA</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>i wrote a book called- listen to the music-and let the music take your blues away&#8230; </p>
<p>    I, myself really think Music was what helped me through my life. I have always felt like, no one wanted to listen to me or even talk too me, but especially listen too me. </p>
<p>   Well my dad left us for some reason,when i was 10 and my mom was either drinking her beer or going to college every night,while my sister lived her teen years, so I had no one around me to talk too.  The only thing I had around me was music, which was talking too me. </p>
<p>   Then as times were getting harder to deal with like the death of my mom, being diagnosed with MS,other people in my family going into the hospital, my job kicking me too the curb, my soul was still able to hang onto the music by the Allman Brothers and my &#8220;soul keeper,&#8221; Gregg Allman, Johnny and Donny Van Zant and many more bands, who were holding my soul in God&#8217;s hands.  I do believe music is a gift from God and i thank him.</p>
<p>                                         LICIA</p>
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		<title>By: MaggieLou</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-6961</link>
		<dc:creator>MaggieLou</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:39:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-6961</guid>
		<description>Your words are a blessing tonight, as I face the unthinkable in our family.  I needed a towline.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your words are a blessing tonight, as I face the unthinkable in our family.  I needed a towline.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>By: Sandra</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-6524</link>
		<dc:creator>Sandra</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:33:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-6524</guid>
		<description>5. Fulfilled Prophecy
Imagine a weather forecaster who has a long record of being right—every time. If he predicted rain, would you carry an umbrella?

THE Bible is filled with predictions, or prophecies. Its record, as documented by history, is clear. Bible prophecy is always right.

Distinguishing features. Bible prophecies are often specific and have been fulfilled down to the smallest of details. They usually involve matters of great importance and predict the opposite of what those living at the time of the writing might have been expecting.

The Bible accurately foretold that a leader named Cyrus would conquer mighty Babylon

 An outstanding example. Strategically built astride the Euphrates River, ancient Babylon has been called “the political, religious, and cultural centre of the ancient Orient.” About 732 B.C.E., the prophet Isaiah penned an ominous prophecy—Babylon would fall. Isaiah provided specifics: A leader named “Cyrus” would be the conqueror, the protective waters of the Euphrates would “dry up,” and the city’s gates would “not be shut.” (Isaiah 44:27–45:3) Some 200 years later, on October 5, 539 B.C.E., the prophecy was fulfilled in all its details. Greek historian Herodotus (fifth century B.C.E.) confirmed the manner of Babylon’s fall.

A bold detail. Isaiah made a further startling prediction regarding Babylon: “She will never be inhabited.” (Isaiah 13:19, 20) To predict permanent desolation for a sprawling city occupying a strategic location was bold indeed. You would normally expect that such a city would be rebuilt if ruined. Although Babylon lingered on for a while after its conquest, Isaiah’s words eventually came true. Today the site of ancient Babylon “is flat, hot, deserted and dusty,” reports Smithsonian magazine.

It is awesome to contemplate the magnitude of Isaiah’s prophecy. What he foretold would be the equivalent of predicting the exact manner in which a modern city, such as New York or London, would be destroyed 200 years from now and then emphatically stating that it would never again be inhabited. Of course, most remarkable is the fact that Isaiah’s prophecy came true!%%

In this series of articles, we have considered some of the evidence that has convinced millions of people that the Bible is trustworthy. They therefore look to it as a reliable guide to direct their steps. Why not learn more about the Bible so that you can decide for yourself whether you too can trust it?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>5. Fulfilled Prophecy<br />
Imagine a weather forecaster who has a long record of being right—every time. If he predicted rain, would you carry an umbrella?</p>
<p>THE Bible is filled with predictions, or prophecies. Its record, as documented by history, is clear. Bible prophecy is always right.</p>
<p>Distinguishing features. Bible prophecies are often specific and have been fulfilled down to the smallest of details. They usually involve matters of great importance and predict the opposite of what those living at the time of the writing might have been expecting.</p>
<p>The Bible accurately foretold that a leader named Cyrus would conquer mighty Babylon</p>
<p> An outstanding example. Strategically built astride the Euphrates River, ancient Babylon has been called “the political, religious, and cultural centre of the ancient Orient.” About 732 B.C.E., the prophet Isaiah penned an ominous prophecy—Babylon would fall. Isaiah provided specifics: A leader named “Cyrus” would be the conqueror, the protective waters of the Euphrates would “dry up,” and the city’s gates would “not be shut.” (Isaiah 44:27–45:3) Some 200 years later, on October 5, 539 B.C.E., the prophecy was fulfilled in all its details. Greek historian Herodotus (fifth century B.C.E.) confirmed the manner of Babylon’s fall.</p>
<p>A bold detail. Isaiah made a further startling prediction regarding Babylon: “She will never be inhabited.” (Isaiah 13:19, 20) To predict permanent desolation for a sprawling city occupying a strategic location was bold indeed. You would normally expect that such a city would be rebuilt if ruined. Although Babylon lingered on for a while after its conquest, Isaiah’s words eventually came true. Today the site of ancient Babylon “is flat, hot, deserted and dusty,” reports Smithsonian magazine.</p>
<p>It is awesome to contemplate the magnitude of Isaiah’s prophecy. What he foretold would be the equivalent of predicting the exact manner in which a modern city, such as New York or London, would be destroyed 200 years from now and then emphatically stating that it would never again be inhabited. Of course, most remarkable is the fact that Isaiah’s prophecy came true!%%</p>
<p>In this series of articles, we have considered some of the evidence that has convinced millions of people that the Bible is trustworthy. They therefore look to it as a reliable guide to direct their steps. Why not learn more about the Bible so that you can decide for yourself whether you too can trust it?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>By: Sandra</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-6498</link>
		<dc:creator>Sandra</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:18:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-6498</guid>
		<description>4. Scientific Accuracy
Science has made great strides in modern times. As a result, old theories have given way to new ones. What was once accepted as fact may now be seen as myth. Science textbooks often need revision.

THE Bible is not a science textbook. Yet, when it comes to scientific matters, the Bible is noteworthy not only for what it says but also for what it does not say.

Free of unscientific views. Many mistaken beliefs gained wide acceptance in ancient times. Views about the earth ranged from the idea that it was flat to the notion that tangible substances or objects held it aloft. Long before science learned about the spread and prevention of disease, physicians employed some practices that were ineffective at best, lethal at worst. But not once in its more than 1,100 chapters does the Bible endorse any unscientific views or harmful practices.

 
Far ahead of its time, the Bible correctly stated that the earth is circular and hangs “upon nothing”
Scientifically sound statements. Some 3,500 years ago, the Bible stated that the earth is hanging “upon nothing.” (Job 26:7) In the eighth century B.C.E., Isaiah clearly referred to “the circle [or, sphere] of the earth.” (Isaiah 40:22) A spherical earth held in empty space without any visible or physical means of support—does not that description sound remarkably modern?

Written about 1500 B.C.E., the Mosaic Law (found in the first five books of the Bible) contained sound laws regarding quarantining of the sick, treatment of dead bodies, and disposal of waste.—Leviticus 13:1-5; Numbers 19:1-13; Deuteronomy 23:13, 14.

Partly as a result of turning powerful telescopes toward the heavens, scientists have concluded that the universe had a sudden “birth.” Not all scientists like the implications of this explanation. One professor noted: “A universe that began seems to demand a first cause; for who could imagine such an effect without a sufficient cause?” Yet, long before telescopes, the very first verse of the Bible plainly stated: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”—Genesis 1:1.

Even though it is an ancient book and touches on many subjects, the Bible contains no scientific inaccuracies. Does not such a book merit, at the very least, our consideration?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>4. Scientific Accuracy<br />
Science has made great strides in modern times. As a result, old theories have given way to new ones. What was once accepted as fact may now be seen as myth. Science textbooks often need revision.</p>
<p>THE Bible is not a science textbook. Yet, when it comes to scientific matters, the Bible is noteworthy not only for what it says but also for what it does not say.</p>
<p>Free of unscientific views. Many mistaken beliefs gained wide acceptance in ancient times. Views about the earth ranged from the idea that it was flat to the notion that tangible substances or objects held it aloft. Long before science learned about the spread and prevention of disease, physicians employed some practices that were ineffective at best, lethal at worst. But not once in its more than 1,100 chapters does the Bible endorse any unscientific views or harmful practices.</p>
<p>Far ahead of its time, the Bible correctly stated that the earth is circular and hangs “upon nothing”<br />
Scientifically sound statements. Some 3,500 years ago, the Bible stated that the earth is hanging “upon nothing.” (Job 26:7) In the eighth century B.C.E., Isaiah clearly referred to “the circle [or, sphere] of the earth.” (Isaiah 40:22) A spherical earth held in empty space without any visible or physical means of support—does not that description sound remarkably modern?</p>
<p>Written about 1500 B.C.E., the Mosaic Law (found in the first five books of the Bible) contained sound laws regarding quarantining of the sick, treatment of dead bodies, and disposal of waste.—Leviticus 13:1-5; Numbers 19:1-13; Deuteronomy 23:13, 14.</p>
<p>Partly as a result of turning powerful telescopes toward the heavens, scientists have concluded that the universe had a sudden “birth.” Not all scientists like the implications of this explanation. One professor noted: “A universe that began seems to demand a first cause; for who could imagine such an effect without a sufficient cause?” Yet, long before telescopes, the very first verse of the Bible plainly stated: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”—Genesis 1:1.</p>
<p>Even though it is an ancient book and touches on many subjects, the Bible contains no scientific inaccuracies. Does not such a book merit, at the very least, our consideration?</p>
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	<item>
		<title>By: Sandra</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-6490</link>
		<dc:creator>Sandra</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:32:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-6490</guid>
		<description>3. Internal Harmony
Imagine asking 40 men from varied backgrounds to write a book, each writing a section. The writers live in a number of lands and do not all know one another. Some do not know what the others have written. Would you expect a book thus produced to be harmonious?

THE Bible is such a book. Written under even more unusual conditions than those described above, its internal harmony is nothing less than profound.

Unique circumstances. The Bible was written over a span of some 1,600 years, from 1513 B.C.E. to about 98 C.E. Many of the approximately 40 writers thus lived centuries apart. Their occupations were varied. Some were fishermen, others were shepherds or kings, and one was a physician.

A harmonious message. The Bible penmen developed one central theme: the vindication of God’s right to rule mankind and the fulfillment of his purpose by means of his heavenly Kingdom, a world government. That theme is introduced in Genesis, expanded on in the books that follow, and brought to a climax in Revelation.

Agreement on details. The Bible writers agreed on even minute details, but often this harmony was clearly unintentional. Note an example. The Bible writer John tells us that when a large crowd came to hear Jesus, Jesus specifically asked Philip where to buy some loaves to feed the people. (John 6:1-5) In a parallel account, Luke says that this took place near the city of Bethsaida. Earlier in his book, John happened to have said that Philip was from Bethsaida. (Luke 9:10; John 1:44) So Jesus naturally addressed his question to one of the men who had lived nearby. The details agree—but with an obvious lack of intent to make them harmonious.

Reasonable differences. There are some differences between certain accounts, but should we not expect this? Suppose a group of people witnessed a crime. If each one mentioned the same details using the same words, would you not suspect collusion? Reasonably, the testimony of each would vary somewhat according to his particular angle of view. So it was with the Bible writers.

Was Jesus’ garment purple or scarlet?

 Consider an example. Did Jesus wear a purple garment on the day of his death, as Mark and John report? (Mark 15:17; John 19:2) Or was it scarlet, as Matthew says? (Matthew 27:28) Really, both can be correct. Purple has components of red in it. Depending on the observer’s angle of view, light reflection and background could have subdued certain hues, giving different casts to the garment.

The harmony of the Bible writers, including their unintentional consistency, further stamps their writings as trustworthy.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>3. Internal Harmony<br />
Imagine asking 40 men from varied backgrounds to write a book, each writing a section. The writers live in a number of lands and do not all know one another. Some do not know what the others have written. Would you expect a book thus produced to be harmonious?</p>
<p>THE Bible is such a book. Written under even more unusual conditions than those described above, its internal harmony is nothing less than profound.</p>
<p>Unique circumstances. The Bible was written over a span of some 1,600 years, from 1513 B.C.E. to about 98 C.E. Many of the approximately 40 writers thus lived centuries apart. Their occupations were varied. Some were fishermen, others were shepherds or kings, and one was a physician.</p>
<p>A harmonious message. The Bible penmen developed one central theme: the vindication of God’s right to rule mankind and the fulfillment of his purpose by means of his heavenly Kingdom, a world government. That theme is introduced in Genesis, expanded on in the books that follow, and brought to a climax in Revelation.</p>
<p>Agreement on details. The Bible writers agreed on even minute details, but often this harmony was clearly unintentional. Note an example. The Bible writer John tells us that when a large crowd came to hear Jesus, Jesus specifically asked Philip where to buy some loaves to feed the people. (John 6:1-5) In a parallel account, Luke says that this took place near the city of Bethsaida. Earlier in his book, John happened to have said that Philip was from Bethsaida. (Luke 9:10; John 1:44) So Jesus naturally addressed his question to one of the men who had lived nearby. The details agree—but with an obvious lack of intent to make them harmonious.</p>
<p>Reasonable differences. There are some differences between certain accounts, but should we not expect this? Suppose a group of people witnessed a crime. If each one mentioned the same details using the same words, would you not suspect collusion? Reasonably, the testimony of each would vary somewhat according to his particular angle of view. So it was with the Bible writers.</p>
<p>Was Jesus’ garment purple or scarlet?</p>
<p> Consider an example. Did Jesus wear a purple garment on the day of his death, as Mark and John report? (Mark 15:17; John 19:2) Or was it scarlet, as Matthew says? (Matthew 27:28) Really, both can be correct. Purple has components of red in it. Depending on the observer’s angle of view, light reflection and background could have subdued certain hues, giving different casts to the garment.</p>
<p>The harmony of the Bible writers, including their unintentional consistency, further stamps their writings as trustworthy.</p>
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		<title>By: Sandra</title>
		<link>http://blog.drphil.com/2009/09/25/how-to-get-out-of-an-emotional-rut/comment-page-2/#comment-6460</link>
		<dc:creator>Sandra</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:55:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.drphil.com/?p=1356#comment-6460</guid>
		<description>2. Candor and Honesty

Honesty provides the foundation for trust. A man who has a reputation for honesty may win your trust, but if he lies to you even once, he may lose it.

THE Bible writers were honest men who wrote with openness of heart. Their candor gives their writing the clear ring of truth.

Mistakes and shortcomings. The Bible writers openly admitted their own failures and weaknesses. Moses told of a mistake he made that cost him dearly. (Numbers 20:7-13) Asaph explained that for a time he found himself envying the prosperous life of the wicked. (Psalm 73:1-14) Jonah told of his disobedience and the bad attitude he initially had when God showed mercy to repentant sinners. (Jonah 1:1-3; 3:10; 4:1-3) Matthew freely related that he had abandoned Jesus on the night of Jesus’ arrest.—Matthew 26:56.

Bible writers, such as Jonah, recorded their own mistakes

 The writers of the Hebrew Scriptures laid bare the repeated grumbling and rebellion of their own people. (2 Chronicles 36:15, 16) The writers spared no one, not even the rulers of their nation. (Ezekiel 34:1-10) With similar candor, the letters of the apostles reported the serious problems experienced by individual Christians, including responsible ones, as well as by some congregations in the first century C.E.—1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 4:10.

Unflattering truth. The Bible writers did not try to gloss over what some might have viewed as embarrassing truth. The first-century Christians frankly acknowledged that they were not admired by the world around them but were looked upon as foolish and ignoble. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) The writers noted that Jesus’ apostles were seen as “unlettered and ordinary.”—Acts 4:13.

The Gospel writers did not color the facts in order to cast Jesus in a more favorable light. Rather, they reported honestly that he was born under humble circumstances into a working-class family, that he did not study at the prestigious schools of his day, and that the majority of his listeners rejected his message.—Matthew 27:25; Luke 2:4-7; John 7:15.

Clearly, the Bible gives ample evidence that it is the product of honest writers. Does their honesty win your trust?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>2. Candor and Honesty</p>
<p>Honesty provides the foundation for trust. A man who has a reputation for honesty may win your trust, but if he lies to you even once, he may lose it.</p>
<p>THE Bible writers were honest men who wrote with openness of heart. Their candor gives their writing the clear ring of truth.</p>
<p>Mistakes and shortcomings. The Bible writers openly admitted their own failures and weaknesses. Moses told of a mistake he made that cost him dearly. (Numbers 20:7-13) Asaph explained that for a time he found himself envying the prosperous life of the wicked. (Psalm 73:1-14) Jonah told of his disobedience and the bad attitude he initially had when God showed mercy to repentant sinners. (Jonah 1:1-3; 3:10; 4:1-3) Matthew freely related that he had abandoned Jesus on the night of Jesus’ arrest.—Matthew 26:56.</p>
<p>Bible writers, such as Jonah, recorded their own mistakes</p>
<p> The writers of the Hebrew Scriptures laid bare the repeated grumbling and rebellion of their own people. (2 Chronicles 36:15, 16) The writers spared no one, not even the rulers of their nation. (Ezekiel 34:1-10) With similar candor, the letters of the apostles reported the serious problems experienced by individual Christians, including responsible ones, as well as by some congregations in the first century C.E.—1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 4:10.</p>
<p>Unflattering truth. The Bible writers did not try to gloss over what some might have viewed as embarrassing truth. The first-century Christians frankly acknowledged that they were not admired by the world around them but were looked upon as foolish and ignoble. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) The writers noted that Jesus’ apostles were seen as “unlettered and ordinary.”—Acts 4:13.</p>
<p>The Gospel writers did not color the facts in order to cast Jesus in a more favorable light. Rather, they reported honestly that he was born under humble circumstances into a working-class family, that he did not study at the prestigious schools of his day, and that the majority of his listeners rejected his message.—Matthew 27:25; Luke 2:4-7; John 7:15.</p>
<p>Clearly, the Bible gives ample evidence that it is the product of honest writers. Does their honesty win your trust?</p>
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