Queen Esther

Take, please, your son, your only son whom you so love, Isaac, and travel to the land of Moriah and offer him up there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I will designate to you.—Gen. 22:2. God does not make such requests of us today. But he does ask us to obey him even when his commands are hard for us to comply with or we cannot comprehend the reasons for them. Can you think of something that God asks of you that you find difficult to do? For some, it may be the preaching work. Perhaps they struggle with shyness, making it hard for them to approach strangers with the good news. For others, it may be the challenge of standing out as different, perhaps at school or in the workplace. (Ex. 23:2; 1 Thess. 2:2) Do you ever feel like Abraham, as if you are trudging up that slope in Moriah, facing a task that seems beyond you? If you do, take courage from Abraham and his faith! Meditating on examples of faithful men and women can move us to imitate them and draw close to Jehovah as our Friend.—Heb. 12:1, 2. w16.02 1:3, 14 https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/10/2

The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who has been born from the spirit.—John 3:8. Those who have been invited in such a manner may wonder: ‘Why have I been selected? Why me and not someone else?’ They may even question their own worthiness. But they do not question the fact that they have been invited. Their hearts are bursting with joy and appreciation. They feel much as did Peter when he said under inspiration: “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for according to his great mercy he gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance. It is reserved in the heavens for you.” (1 Pet. 1:3, 4) When anointed ones read those words, they know without any doubt that their heavenly Father is speaking to them personally. w16.01 3:11, 12 https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/9/30

Those whom he foreordained are the ones he also called.—Rom. 8:30. Jehovah began choosing anointed ones after Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it seems that all in the first-century Christian congregation were anointed. From the first century until the beginning of the last days, the vast majority of those who claimed to follow Christ were false Christians; Jesus likened them to “weeds.” Even so, Jehovah continued to anoint some faithful ones throughout that time, and they proved to be like the “wheat” Jesus described. (Matt. 13:24-30) During the last days, Jehovah has continued to select those who will make up the 144,000. If he chooses to wait until late into that period to select some for that privilege, who are we to question his wisdom? (Isa. 45:9; Dan. 4:35; Rom. 9:11, 16) We must be careful not to react like the disgruntled workers who complained about the way their master dealt with the 11th-hour workers.—Matt. 20:8-15. w16.01 4:15 https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/10/1

"The “Great Tribulation.” When answering the question of his disciples concerning the sign of his presence and the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus mentioned a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” (Mt 24:3, 21) As a comparison of Matthew 24:15-22 with Luke 21:20-24 reveals, this had initial reference to a tribulation to come upon Jerusalem. The fulfillment came in 70 C.E., when the city was besieged by the Roman armies under General Titus. This resulted in severe famine conditions and much loss of life. The Jewish historian Josephus relates that 1,100,000 Jews died or were killed, whereas 97,000 survived and were taken into captivity. The temple was completely destroyed. Contrary to the wish of the Roman commander Titus, Roman soldiers set the temple itself on fire. According to Josephus, this took place in the same month and on the same day that the Babylonians had burned the former temple on this site. (The Jewish War, VI, 249-270 [iv, 5-8], 420 [ix, 3]; 2Ki 25:8, 9) The temple destroyed by the Romans has never been rebuilt. Such a “great tribulation” has not occurred again or been repeated upon Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Biblical evidence indicates that the tribulation upon Jerusalem in 70 C.E. pointed forward to a far greater tribulation, one affecting all nations. Jesus continued his prophecy by describing events that would occur during the centuries after Jerusalem’s destruction. (Mt 24:23-28; Mr 13:21-23) Then, at Matthew 24:29, he added that “immediately after the tribulation of those days,” there would be fear-inspiring celestial phenomena. Mark 13:24, 25 says that these phenomena would take place “in those days, after that tribulation.” (See also Lu 21:25, 26.) To what “tribulation” did Jesus there refer? Some Bible commentators have reasoned that it was the tribulation that came upon Jerusalem in 70 C.E., though they also realized that the events described thereafter evidently would take place at a time that, from a human standpoint, was then distant. They reasoned that the expression “immediately after” conveyed God’s perspective of the time involved or that the certainty of what was to occur was being expressed by language that placed the events immediately before the reader. However, since the prophecy at Matthew 24:4-22 (also Mr 13:5-20 and Lu 21:8-24a) clearly has a dual fulfillment, might the “tribulation” referred to at Matthew 24:29 and Mark 13:24 be the “tribulation” during the second and final fulfillment of what was foretold at Matthew 24:21 and Mark 13:19? Viewed in the light of the Bible as a whole, this seems most likely. Do the terms used in the Greek text allow for such a view? Definitely. When Matthew 24:29 refers to “those days” and when Mark 13:24 mentions “those days” and “that tribulation,” the Greek grammar does allow for such an understanding. It seems that Jesus’ prophecy is saying that after the outbreak of the coming global tribulation, there will be striking phenomena (as represented by sun and moon being darkened, stars falling, and powers of heaven being shaken) as well as fulfillment of “the sign of the Son of man.” About three decades after Jerusalem’s destruction, the apostle John, with reference to a great crowd of persons from all nations, tribes, and peoples, was told: “These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation.” (Re 7:13, 14) Earlier, the apostle John had seen “four angels” holding back destructive winds so that the sealing of the 144,000 slaves of God might be completed. This sealing evidently links up with the ‘gathering of the chosen ones’ that Jesus foretold. (Mt 24:31) Accordingly, the final destructive fury of the “great tribulation” must come after the chosen ones have been gathered and their sealing is completed and when the four angels release the four winds to blow upon the earth, sea, and trees. (Re 7:1-4) The fact that a great crowd ‘comes out of the great tribulation’ shows that they survive it. This is confirmed by a similar expression at Acts 7:9, 10: “God was with [Joseph], and he delivered him out of all his tribulations.” Joseph’s being delivered out of all his tribulations meant not only that he was enabled to endure them but also that he survived the afflictions he experienced. It is noteworthy that the apostle Paul referred to the execution of God’s judgment upon the ungodly as tribulation. He wrote: “This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you, but, to you who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (2Th 1:6-8) The book of Revelation shows that “Babylon the Great” and “the wild beast” have brought tribulation upon God’s holy ones. (Re 13:3-10; 17:5, 6) It therefore logically follows that the tribulation to come upon “Babylon the Great” and “the wild beast” is included in the “great tribulation.”—Re 18:20; 19:11-21.

Very interesting comment and link, @Ronald Day Senior I not read it so detailed... Will inform me about that all ! Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Germany

Thanks.... I will look little later ! But my video is from the 'good old time' Thats a nice reminder to our Brothers in the past, WOW ! They all had a harder time than you and me ✔️❤️ Thats importend to watch for all younger JW !

The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who has been born from the spirit.—John 3:8. Those who have been invited in such a manner may wonder: ‘Why have I been selected? Why me and not someone else?’ They may even question their own worthiness. But they do not question the fact that they have been invited. Their hearts are bursting with joy and appreciation. They feel much as did Peter when he said under inspiration: “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for according to his great mercy he gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance. It is reserved in the heavens for you.” (1 Pet. 1:3, 4) When anointed ones read those words, they know without any doubt that their heavenly Father is speaking to them personally. w16.01 3:11, 12 https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/9/30

Thank you for your nice comment, @biddy2331@gmail.com Colin . Its always nice to hear about that from our new members ! My best wishes from Germany, Agape ???

The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who has been born from the spirit.—John 3:8. Those who have been invited in such a manner may wonder: ‘Why have I been selected? Why me and not someone else?’ They may even question their own worthiness. But they do not question the fact that they have been invited. Their hearts are bursting with joy and appreciation. They feel much as did Peter when he said under inspiration: “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for according to his great mercy he gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance. It is reserved in the heavens for you.” (1 Pet. 1:3, 4) When anointed ones read those words, they know without any doubt that their heavenly Father is speaking to them personally. w16.01 3:11, 12 https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/9/30

Thanks be to God for his indescribable free gift.—2 Cor. 9:15. When Jehovah sent his only-begotten Son to this earth, He gave what would become the greatest possible gift of love! (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9, 10) The apostle Paul called it God’s “indescribable free gift.” Paul knew that all the magnificent promises of God were guaranteed through the perfect sacrifice of Christ. (2 Cor. 1:20) Thus, that “indescribable free gift” would include all the goodness and loyal love that Jehovah would extend to us through Jesus. Indeed, that gift is so awe-inspiring that it cannot be fully described in human terms. How should receiving such an extraordinary gift affect us? And in what practical ways should this gift motivate us? Does it compel you to reconsider your actions and even change the way you have been living your life? Are you moved to be more generous and loving toward others and to forgive any who have wronged you? Remember, what Jehovah has given us through Christ is by far the greatest gift ever given.—1 Pet. 3:18. w16.01 2:1, 2, 4, 5 https://wol.jw.org/es/wol/dt/r4/lp-s/2017/9/29

Thank you, @Gloria Medina My best wishes from Germany, Agape !

Thanks be to God for his indescribable free gift.—2 Cor. 9:15. When Jehovah sent his only-begotten Son to this earth, He gave what would become the greatest possible gift of love! (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9, 10) The apostle Paul called it God’s “indescribable free gift.” Paul knew that all the magnificent promises of God were guaranteed through the perfect sacrifice of Christ. (2 Cor. 1:20) Thus, that “indescribable free gift” would include all the goodness and loyal love that Jehovah would extend to us through Jesus. Indeed, that gift is so awe-inspiring that it cannot be fully described in human terms. How should receiving such an extraordinary gift affect us? And in what practical ways should this gift motivate us? Does it compel you to reconsider your actions and even change the way you have been living your life? Are you moved to be more generous and loving toward others and to forgive any who have wronged you? Remember, what Jehovah has given us through Christ is by far the greatest gift ever given.—1 Pet. 3:18. w16.01 2:1, 2, 4, 5 https://wol.jw.org/es/wol/dt/r4/lp-s/2017/9/29

THE WORDS OF JESUS At John 14:23,24....." In answer, Jesus said to him, if anyone loves me, he will observe my word, and my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Verse 24....Whoever does not love me does not observe my words. The word you are hearing is not mine, but belongs to the Father who sent me." The words of Jesus, his commands, include the command to preach the Kingdom Good News in all the earth. Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20. We observe that command by doing all within our power---expending our time, energy, and material resources---to promote the Kingdom-preaching work. We thereby show our love for the Messianic King, Jesus Christ. (An important point from our Bible Study this week) So there is a question we all must answer for ourselves...."Do I really love Christ Jesus, and demonstrate that my by actions.....or.....are my words claiming to love him merely just empty words with no real meaning?" ( by Roger B. Elder )

In the mood for a delicous ASIA plate ?  sooo yummiÂ

COME ON.... Yesterday by preaching in the isolated fields, we had a great time Greetings from Hermosillo Sonora (MEXICO) May Jehovah bless you on all your ways...

Okay, I hope so, we shall see... YES....  a today point by the meeting - donations !

Lucas el médico amado les envía sus saludos (Col. 4:14). Es probable que Lucas haya atendido las necesidades médicas de Pablo y el resto de sus compañeros durante los viajes misionales que realizaron. ¿Cómo lo sabemos? Porque la Biblia dice que hubo ocasiones en las que Pablo enfermó mientras estaba de viaje (Gál. 4:13). Jesús dijo: “Los que están sanos no necesitan médico, pero los que se hallan mal sí” (Luc. 5:31). Y quién mejor que Lucas para ayudar cuando surgía la necesidad. Lucas no era un médico improvisado; estudió medicina. Aunque la Biblia no dice dónde lo hizo, se cree que fue en Laodicea, donde había una escuela de medicina. ¿Por qué? Porque Pablo mandó los saludos de Lucas a los cristianos de Colosas, que estaba cerca de Laodicea. Si Lucas estudió en Laodicea, es probable que conociera a los hermanos de Colosas. Otra prueba de que estudió medicina es que incluyó en su evangelio muchas de las curaciones de Jesús y usó términos médicos en ese relato y en el de Hechos. w15 15/12 4:11, 12 https://wol.jw.org/es/wol/dt/r4/lp-s/2017/9/28

¡Con cuán pequeño fuego se incendia tan grande bosque! (Sant. 3:5). Santiago aclara esta ilustración en el versículo 6: “La lengua [también] es un fuego”. Tal como el fuego es peligroso, la lengua —es decir, nuestra capacidad de hablar— puede causar mucho daño. De hecho, la Biblia dice: “Muerte y vida están en el poder de la lengua” (Prov. 18:21). Desde luego, no dejamos de usar el fuego tan solo porque podría quemarnos. De igual manera, no vamos a dejar de hablar tan solo porque podríamos herir a alguien con nuestras palabras. Lo importante es mantener el control. Si controlamos el fuego, nos sirve para cocinar, calentarnos o ver en la oscuridad. Si controlamos la lengua, nos servirá para alabar a Jehová y servir al prójimo (Sal. 19:14). Sea que nos comuniquemos con la lengua o haciendo señas con las manos, la capacidad de transmitir nuestros pensamientos y sentimientos es un regalo de Dios. Sin embargo, deberíamos usar este regalo para hacer el bien a quienes nos rodean, y no el mal (Sant. 3:9, 10). w15 15/12 3:1-3 https://wol.jw.org/es/wol/dt/r4/lp-s/2017/9/27

Todas las cosas que fueron escritas en tiempo pasado fueron escritas para nuestra instrucción (Rom. 15:4). Dios no se limitó a hablar en hebreo con los humanos. Cuando las circunstancias cambiaron después del exilio de Babilonia, el arameo se convirtió en el lenguaje cotidiano de algunos de sus siervos. Quizás por eso inspiró a los profetas Daniel y Jeremías, y al sacerdote Esdras para que escribieran parte de sus libros en arameo. Cuando Alejandro Magno conquistó gran parte del mundo antiguo, el griego común (o koiné) se convirtió en un idioma internacional. Muchos judíos comenzaron a hablar griego, lo que hizo necesario que se tradujeran las Escrituras Hebreas. La primera traducción, y una de las más importantes que se hicieron, fue la Septuaginta. Se cree que 72 traductores trabajaron en ella, lo que explica la variedad de estilos que contiene. Algunos tradujeron palabra por palabra, mientras que otros fueron más liberales. Fuera como fuera, los judíos de habla griega y más adelante los cristianos veían esta traducción como la Palabra de Dios. w15 15/12 1:4-6 https://wol.jw.org/es/wol/dt/r4/lp-s/2017/9/26

I see that little different....  many postings and many mistakes better ? NO !!

I can tell you @JW Insider 'Bible Speaks'  often copied reports from our Spanish Brother by FB !  btw. me too   -  but she not proofread her translated texts, sorry  Last time she made a big title mistake ! The Librarian read that and asked her in a comment... She is living in the US. - I'm living in Germany, weird situation. I always proofread my postings, not want making any mistakes  but we're all not perfect. Maybe she posted really TOO much...  then mistakes are preprogrammed. Thats my personal opinion.  I love posting since ca. 7 years and I learned alot !  For me it were awkward, making regular such of mistakes ;-(   But we're all so different....

YOUNG AND OLDER PARTICIPANTS IN THE SCHOOL FOR PRECURSORS ?  May Jehovah bless you, our precious Brothers & Sisters... ? ? ? .•*¨`*•..¸???¸.•*¨`*•. ? ? ?  ? ? ? .•*¨`*•..¸???¸.•*¨`*•. ? ? ?

Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings.—Col. 4:14. It is reasonable to believe that Luke gave Paul medical advice and rendered medical services to him and to others in his missionary group. Why would Luke need to do that? Because even Paul got sick while traveling. (Gal. 4:13) Luke could provide medical help that was in line with what Jesus had said: “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.” (Luke 5:31) The Bible does not indicate where or when Luke received his medical training. It has been suggested that Paul mentioned to Christians in Colossae the role of Luke as a physician because they knew him. Interestingly, there was a medical school in nearby Laodicea. In any event, Luke was not some untrained layman spouting health recommendations; he was a physician. That is evident both from the specific medical language that Luke used in his Gospel and in the book of Acts and from the way he focused on JesusÂ’ healings of others. w15 12/15 4:11, 12 https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/9/28

See how small a fire it takes to set a great forest ablaze!—Jas. 3:5. The point of JamesÂ’ illustration is made clear in verse 6. “The tongue is also a fire.” The tongue represents our ability to speak. Like fire, our speech has the potential for causing great harm. The Bible even says that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Prov. 18:21) Of course, we do not stop talking just out of concern that we might say something harmful, any more than we refuse to use fire because we fear the damage it might cause. The key is control. If we control fire, we can use it to cook our food, warm our bodies, and light up a dark night. If we tame our tongue, we can use its power to honor God and to benefit others. (Ps. 19:14) Whether we use sounds from our mouth or signs with our hands, the ability to communicate our thoughts and feelings is a marvelous gift from God. This gift, however, should be used to build up, not tear down.—Jas. 3:9, 10. w15 12/15 3:1-3 https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/9/27

All the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction.—Rom. 15:4. God did not restrict his communication with humans to Hebrew. After the Babylonian exile, Aramaic became the everyday language of some of GodÂ’s people. Perhaps to indicate what was to come, Jehovah inspired the prophets Daniel and Jeremiah and the priest Ezra to record portions of their Bible books in Aramaic. Alexander the Great later conquered much of the ancient world, and common, or Koine, Greek became an international language. Many Jews began to speak that language, leading to the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek. This translation, thought to have been done by 72 translators, became known as the Septuagint. It was the first translation of the Bible and one of the most important. The work of so many translators resulted in varied translation styles, from literal to rather free. Nevertheless, the Septuagint was viewed as GodÂ’s Word by Greek-speaking Jews and later by Christians. w15 12/15 1:4-6 https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/9/26