Bible Speaks

"Go away, Satan!" Matt. 4:10 ??? Shortly after Jesus’ baptism, Satan tried to entice Jesus to pursue selfish desires rather than to keep Jehovah as the most important Person in his life. The Devil presented Jesus with three temptations. First, he tried to appeal to fleshly desire, tempting Jesus to turn stones into bread. (Matt. 4:2, 3) ??? Jesus had just fasted for 40 days and was very hungry. So the Devil urged him to misuse his miraculous powers to satisfy his hunger. How did Jesus react? Unlike Eve, Jesus focused on Jehovah’s Word and immediately rejected the temptation. (Matt. 4:4) In his last desperate attempt, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. (Matt. 4:8, 9) ??? Jesus immediately refused the offer. He realized that accepting it would be tantamount to rejecting Jehovah’s sovereignty—God’s very right to be the Most High. In each case, Jesus answered Satan by quoting scriptures that contained Jehovah’s personal name. w11 5/15 3:9, 11

"As for the one listening to me, he will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity." — Prov. 1:33. ????????? None of us know what tomorrow may bring, for “time and unforeseen occurrence” befall us all. (Eccl. 9:11) ????????? However, uncertainty about tomorrow need not rob us of peace of mind today, as it often does those who lack the security of a warm relationship with God. (Matt. 6:34; Phil. 4:6, 7) ????????? During the rapidly approaching “day of Jehovah’s fury,” everything in which Satan’s world puts its trust will come crashing down. Gold, silver, and other valuable things will provide no security whatsoever. (Zeph. 1:18; Prov. 11:4) ????????? The only refuge will be our “Rock of times indefinite.” (Isa. 26:4) So let us demonstrate our full trust in Jehovah now by walking obediently in his righteous ways, by proclaiming his Kingdom message despite our having to face apathy or opposition, and by rolling all our anxieties on him.

"Observe intently the birds of heaven, because they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses; still YOUR heavenly Father feeds them. Are YOU not worth more than they are?" (Matthew 6:26). ??? If you are in God's Hand's what are You in Fear for? - If you are in Fear maybe it is because you are Not in His Hand? - The lesson we learn is to not be Anxious, what can that do to us? - Reliance is True Faith and Confidence in Him, are you Taking His Hand? - Not the Left Hand but the Right Hand? ??? Matthew 6:25,26. “On this account I say to YOU: Stop being anxious about YOUR souls as to what YOU will eat or what YOU will drink, or about YOUR bodies as to what YOU will wear. Does not the soul mean more than food and the body than clothing? 26 Observe intently the birds of heaven, because they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses; still YOUR heavenly Father feeds them. Are YOU not worth more than they are?" ??? (Job 38:41) Who prepares for the raven its food When its own young ones cry to God for help, [When] they keep wandering about because there is nothing to eat?" ??? (Psalm 147:9) To the beasts he is giving their food, To the young ravens that keep calling." ??? (Matthew 10:29) Do not two sparrows sell for a coin of small value? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without YOUR Father’s [knowledge]." ??? (Luke 12:24) Mark well that the ravens neither sow seed nor reap, and they have neither barn nor storehouse, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more worth are YOU than birds?" ??? “The heart of the wise is at his right hand, but the heart of the stupid at his left hand.” In other words, the wise one inclines toward a good, favorable path, but the stupid one inclines toward a bad course.—Ec 10:2

You may have ANGER at times, do you know that JEHOVAH also has ANGER? - ????? He will bring vengeance on the wicked and those that disobey His Words, see why?(Zephaniah 1:14-18) 14 “The great day of Jehovah is near. It is near, and there is a hurrying [of it] very much. The sound of the day of Jehovah is bitter. There a mighty man is letting out a cry. 15 That day is a day of fury, a day of distress and of anguish, a day of storm and of desolation, a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick gloom, 16 a day of horn and of alarm signal, against the fortified cities and against the high corner towers. 17 And I will cause distress to mankind, and they will certainly walk like blind men; because it is against Jehovah that they have sinned. And their blood will actually be poured out like dust, and their bowels like the dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah’s fury; but by the fire of his zeal the whole earth will be devoured, because he will make an extermination, indeed a terrible one, of all the inhabitants of the earth.” ????? (Zephaniah 2:2-3) . . .Before [the] statute gives birth to [anything], [before the] day has passed by just like chaff, before there comes upon YOU people the burning anger of Jehovah, before there comes upon YOU the day of Jehovah’s anger, 3 seek Jehovah, all YOU meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably YOU may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger." ????? God’s Anger. Anger may be justified or unjustified. On God’s part, his anger is always justified, being based on principle dictated by his right to exclusive devotion and his constancy in upholding truth; it is governed by his love for righteousness and for those practicing righteousness. ????? Divine anger does not stem from a momentary whim, to be later regretted. Jehovah sees all the issues involved in a matter and has complete, entire knowledge of a situation. (Heb 4:13) He reads the heart; he notes the degree of ignorance, negligence, or willful sin; and he acts with impartiality.—De 10:17, 18; 1Sa 16:7; Ac 10:34, 35 ????? Principles controlling divine wrath. God’s anger is always under control and in harmony with his attributes of love, wisdom, and justice. Because of his almighty power it is expressible to the degree he desires. (1Jo 4:8; Job 12:13; 37:23) ????? God’s anger is not futile. It is fully based on sufficient cause and always takes effect. His anger is satisfied and quieted only by the application of his principles. For example, in Israel a willful murderer could not be ransomed. Only by the shedding of his blood could the land be cleansed and freed from God’s displeasure. (Nu 35:16-18, 30-33) But an arrangement was made on the basis of sacrifices and the services of the high priest to satisfy justice and to allay the anger of the God-ordained avenger of blood, whose heart may have been “hot.” This was the provision of the cities of refuge.—De 19:4-7 ????? The anger of Jehovah can be allayed or satisfied only when justice is fully carried out. God’s wrath is against all unrighteousness. He will not tolerate unrighteousness or exempt from punishment one deserving it. (Ex 34:7; Hab 1:13) ????? However, on the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the pains and chastisement justly due mankind, God’s anger may be relieved and turned away for those who come to exercise faith. (Isa 53:5) By means of this arrangement, Jehovah God is able to exhibit his own righteousness, “that he might be righteous even when declaring righteous the man that has faith in Jesus.” (Ro 3:26) ????? In this way justice is fully satisfied, and yet God has a basis on which to extend mercy. Anyone who is disobedient has the wrath of God remaining upon him. (Joh 3:36) But when a person exercises faith, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ saves him from the wrath of God.—1Th 1:10 ????? Means for expressing and the causes of anger. God’s anger may be expressed directly or indirectly. He may use his laws governing natural things, or he may use other persons as instruments to express his anger. Those who violate his moral laws are under his wrath and receive in themselves “the full recompense, which was due for their error.” These suffer a disapproved mental state, degradation, diseases, strife, and death. (Ro 1:18, 24, 27-32) ????? When a person violates laws of the land that are in harmony with God’s laws and is punished by the governmental authority, this is an indirect expression of God’s wrath against that one. (Ro 13:1-4) ????? Jesus Christ is the chief executioner of God’s anger, and he will completely express God’s wrath to fulfill his anger against the wicked.—Jer 30:23, 24; Re 19:7-16, 19-21. ????? Anger not a dominant quality.However, Jehovah God is “slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness.” (Ex 34:6; Nu 14:18) If one fears Jehovah and works righteousness, he will receive mercy from Jehovah, for the Almighty recognizes man’s inherited imperfection and shows mercy to him on this account and on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice. (Ps 103:13, 14; Ge 8:21; see also Zep 2:2, 3.) ????? According to the Scriptures, the time of the end is a time of rage and fury, with the nations becoming angry at Jehovah’s taking over his power to reign, and the Devil being hurled to the earth, “having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.” (Re 11:17, 18; 12:10-12) *** it-1 p. 108 Anger ***ANGER

?????????? Isaiah 11:9 9 They will not cause any harm, Or any ruin in all my holy mountain, Because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah, As the waters cover the sea." Security. ?????????? In the prophecy recorded at Isaiah 11:6-9, we find a delightful picture of harmony and peace—between wild animals on the one hand and humans with their domestic animals on the other. Does that picture find a spiritual fulfillment today? Yes! In verse 9, we learn why it is that such creatures will cause neither harm nor ruin: “Because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.” ?????????? Does “knowledge of Jehovah” change the behavior of animals? No, it is people who are transformed by coming to know the Most High God and learning to imitate his peaceful ways. ?????????? Security. ?????????? At long last, the heartwarming word picture painted at Isaiah 11:6-9 will see a complete fulfillment even in a literal sense. Men, women, and children will be safe and secure wherever they go on earth. ?????????? No creature, whether human or animal, will pose any threat. Imagine a time when you will see this entire planet as your home, where you can swim in the rivers, lakes, and seas; traverse the mountain ranges; and roam the grasslands in complete safety. And when night falls, you will not worry. The words of Ezekiel 34:25will come true, so that it will even be possible for God’s people to “dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forests.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102014264?q=isa+11%3A9&p=par

Who is the Alpha and the Omega? Alpha (Α or α) and omega (Ω or ω) (Revelation 22:13) "I am the Al′pha and the O·me′ga, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." ALPHA AND OMEGA Alpha (Α or α) and omega (Ω or ω) These are the names of the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and are used as a title three times in the book of Revelation. The additional occurrence of this phrase in the King James rendering of Revelation 1:11, however, does not receive support from some of the oldest Greek manuscripts, including the Alexandrine, Sinaitic, and Codex Ephraemi rescriptus. It is, therefore, omitted in many modern translations. Alpha (Α or α) and omega (Ω or ω) While many commentators apply this title both to God and to Christ, a more careful examination of its use restricts its application to Jehovah God. The first verse of Revelation shows that the revelation was given originally by God and through Jesus Christ, hence the one speaking (through an angelic representative) at times is God himself, and at other times it is Christ Jesus. (Re 22:8) Thus Revelation 1:8(RS) says: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God [“Jehovah God,” NW], who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Although the preceding verse speaks of Christ Jesus, it is clear that in verse 8 the application of the title is to “the Almighty” God. Alpha (Α or α) and omega (Ω or ω) The title “the Alpha and the Omega” carries the same thought as “the first and the last” and “the beginning and the end” when these terms are used with reference to Jehovah. Before him there was no Almighty God, and there will be none after him. He will bring to a successful conclusion the issue over Godship, forever vindicated as the one and only Almighty God.—Compare Isa 44:6. Alpha (Α or α) and omega (Ω or ω) New World TranslationIsaiah 44:6 6 "This is what Jehovah says,The King of Israel and his Repurchaser, Alpha (Α or α) and omega (Ω or ω) Jehovah of armies:‘I am the first and I am the last.There is no God but me." Alpha (Α or α) and omega (Ω or ω) https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwt/E/2013/23/44#h=1247:0-1250:0

"His wives . . . inclined his heart to follow other gods." 1 Ki. 11:4 Things took a bad turn after Solomon became king. Solomon formed “a marriage alliance with Pharaoh the king of Egypt and [took] Pharaoh’s daughter and [brought] her to the City of David.” (1 Ki. 3:1) In time, Solomon built a house for her (and perhaps her Egyptian maids) outside the City of David. Why? The Scriptures say that he did so because it was not fitting for a false worshipper to dwell near the ark of the covenant. (2 Chron. 8:11) Solomon may have seen political advantages in marrying an Egyptian princess, yet could he justify it? Long before, God had forbidden the marrying of pagan Canaanites, even listing certain peoples. (Ex. 34:11-16) Did Solomon reason that Egypt was not one of those listed nations? Even if he reasoned that way, would such rationalizing be valid? Actually, his course ignored the clear risk that Jehovah had mentioned—that of turning an Israelite from true worship to false.—Deut. 7:1-4. w11 12/15 1:10, 12, 13

"Keep on the watch."—Matt. 25:13. ???? “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour." Jesus directed the parable of the ten virgins to his anointed followers, should we conclude that this passage contains no benefit for Christ’s “other sheep”? (John 10:16) Far from it! Remember, the message of the parable is simple: “Keep on the watch.” Does that apply only to the anointed? Jesus once said: “What I say to you, I say to all: Keep on the watch.” (Mark 13:37) ???? Jesus requires all his followers to prepare their hearts for faithful service and to meet the same standard of watchfulness. So all Christians follow the lead set by the anointed in this regard, imitating their good example and putting the ministry first in life. ???? Each of us may also keep in mind that the foolish virgins asked the discreet ones to give up some of their oil. Their vain request reminds us that no one can be faithful for us, can stay in the truth for us, or can keep on the watch for us. Each of us will answer to the righteous Judge whom Jehovah has appointed. We must be ready. And he is coming soon! ???? The request to get some oil reminds us that no one can be faithful for us or stay watchful for us ???? All Christians may also benefit from the main event in Jesus’ parable. After all, who of us is not excited about that prospective marriage? The anointed will be there in heaven; after the war of Armageddon, they will become Christ’s bride. (Rev. 19:7-9) ???? Everyone then on earth will benefit from that heavenly marriage, for it guarantees a perfect government for all. Whatever our hope for the future, whether heavenly or earthly, let us be resolved to learn the vital lesson of the parable of the ten virgins. ???? Let us prove ready by preparing our hearts and keeping steadfast, ever vigilant, so that we may enjoy the glorious future that Jehovah has in store for us! https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015203?q=matt+25%3A13&p=par

When we’re really suffering it might seem that there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. But thankfully, God’s inspired Word assures us that “the end of a matter is better than its beginning.” ????? (Ecclesiastes 9:9-17)"All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm. 10 And I saw the wicked being buried, those who used to go in and out of the holy place, but they were soon forgotten in the city where they acted that way. This too is futility. 11 Because sentence against a bad deed has not been executed speedily, the heart of men becomes emboldened to do bad. 12 Although a sinner may do bad a hundred times and still live a long time, yet I am aware that it will turn out well for those who fear the true God, because they fear him. 13 But it will not turn out well for the wicked one, nor will he prolong his days that are like a shadow, because he does not fear God. 14 There is something futile that takes place on the earth: There are righteous people who are treated as if they had acted wickedly, and there are wicked people who are treated as if they had acted righteously. I say that this too is futility. 15 So I recommended rejoicing, because there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat and drink and rejoice; this should accompany him as he works hard during the days of his life, which the true God gives him under the sun. 16 I applied my heart to acquire wisdom and to see all the activity happening on the earth, even going without sleep day and night. 17 Then I considered all the work of the true God, and I realized that mankind cannot comprehend what happens under the sun. No matter how hard men try, they cannot comprehend it. Even if they claim that they are wise enough to know, they cannot really comprehend it."

"From the sun’s rising even to its setting my name will be great among the nations." —Mal. 1:11. WALK IN JEHOVAH’S NAME Why should we view it as an honor to walk in Jehovah’s name? ??? The prophet Micah wrote: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” (Mic. 4:5) ??? That Jehovah allowed the Bible Students to adopt his name was more than just a great honor. It was also a reassuring indication of his approval. (Read Malachi 3:16-18.) What, though, about you personally? Are you making every effort to “walk in the name of Jehovah”? Do you appreciate what that involves? ??? What is involved in walking in God’s name? ??? Walking in God’s name involves at least three things. First, we must proclaim that name to others, recognizing that only those who ‘call on the name of Jehovah will be saved.’ (Rom. 10:13) Second, we need to reflect Jehovah’s qualities, especially his love. And third, we walk in God’s name when we joyfully submit to his righteous standards, lest we bring reproach on our Father’s holy name. (1 John 4:8; 5:3) Are you determined to “walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite”? ??? Why can all who honor Jehovah’s great name look to the future with confidence? ??? Soon all who ignore or defy Jehovah will be forced to recognize him. (Ezek. 38:23) That includes individuals who are like Pharaoh, who said: “Who is Jehovah, so that I should obey his voice?” How quickly he found out! (Ex. 5:1, 2; 9:16; 12:29) We, though, have willingly come to know Jehovah. We are proud to bear his name and to be his obedient name people. Hence, we look to the future with confidence in the promise recorded at Psalm 9:10: “Those knowing your name will trust in you, for you will certainly not leave those looking for you, O Jehovah.” ??? God’s name is a form of a Hebrew verb meaning “to become.” Thus, “Jehovah” means “He Causes to Become.”—Gen. 2:4, ftn. ??? The Hebrew text used by the early Christians contained the Tetragrammaton. Evidence points to the conclusion that the same was true of early copies of the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2013206?q=mal+1%3A11&p=par

"Jonathan began to love [David] as his own soul."—1 Sam. 18:1. ????? Jonathan and David Some 20 years later, the Philistine champion Goliath taunted the Israelite army, but David slew him. Although Jonathan was likely 30 years David’s senior, the two had much in common.* The courage that Jonathan displayed at Michmash was evident also in David. More than all else, David had the same faith in Jehovah’s saving power, enabling him to face Goliath fearlessly when all other Israelites shrank from the challenge. So it was that “Jonathan’s very soul became bound up with the soul of David, and Jonathan began to love him as his own soul.”—1 Samuel 17:1–18:4. ????? Although David’s prowess made King Saul see him as a rival, no trace of jealousy darkened Jonathan’s countenance. He and Davidbecame very close friends, and it is likely that in their confidential talk, Jonathan learned about David’s anointing to be Israel’s next king. Jonathan respected God’s decision. ????? When King Saul spoke to his son and servants about killing David, Jonathan warned David. Jonathan convinced Saul that he had nothing to fear from David. Why, David had not sinned against the king at all! Had David not risked his life in facing Goliath? Jonathan’s impassioned plea for his wronged friend placated Saul. However, the king soon reverted to murderous scheming and made further attempts on David’s life, forcing him to flee.—1 Samuel 19:1-18. ????? Jonathan stood by David. The two friends met to plan what was to be done. Loyal to his friend and still striving to be loyal to his father, Jonathan said to David: “It is unthinkable! You will not die.” However, David told Jonathan: “There is just about a step between me and death!”—1 Samuel 20:1-3. ????? Jonathan and David worked out a plan to test Saul’s intentions. If David’s absence from the king’s table was noticed, Jonathan was to tell his father that David had asked to be excused to take part in a family sacrifice. If Saul reacted angrily, that was a sign of ill will toward David. Jonathan blessed him and implicitly acknowledged his future kingship, saying: “May Jehovah prove to be with you, just as he proved to be with my father.” The two swore loyalty to each other and decided how Jonathan would let David know about the outcome of the test.—1 Samuel 20:5-24. ????? When Saul saw that David was absent, Jonathan explained that David had begged him: “If I have found favor in your eyes, let me slip away, please, that I may see my brothers.” Jonathan was not afraid to admit that David had his favor. The king was furious! He insulted Jonathan and ranted that David was a threat to his son’s succession as king. Saul demanded that Jonathan bring David to him as one destined to die. Jonathan retorted: “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” In a fit of rage, Saul hurled his spear at his son. Jonathan escaped unharmed but was deeply hurt at heart respecting David.—1 Samuel 20:25-34. ????? What loyalty Jonathan displayed! In purely human terms, he had little to gain and much to lose from his friendship with David. Yet, Jehovah had ordained that David would succeed Saul as king, andwhat God had purposed was for Jonathan’s own good and that of others. A Tearful Parting ? Jonathan met David secretly to give him the news. It was clear that David could never again set foot in Saul’s court. The two men wept and embraced. Then David went into hiding.—1 Samuel 20:35-42. ????? Jonathan saw the fugitive just once more, when David was hiding from Saul “in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.” It was then that Jonathan encouraged David with the words: “Do not be afraid; for the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you yourself will be king over Israel, and I myself shall become second to you; and Saul my father also has knowledge to that effect.” (1 Samuel 23:15-18) Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Saul died in a battle against the Philistines.—1 Samuel 31:1-4. ????? All who love God would do well to contemplate the course pursued by Jonathan. Do you face a conflict of loyalties? Then remember that Saul urged Jonathan to seek his own interests. Jonathan, however, honored Jehovah with heartfelt submission and reverence and rejoiced that the one whom God chose would be Israel’s next king. Yes, Jonathan supported David and was loyal to Jehovah. ????? Jonathan had admirable qualities. Imitate them! Then people will be able to say of you as they did of Jonathan: “It was with God that he worked.”—1 Samuel 14:45. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2007685?q=david+and+jonathan&p=par

"It is necessary to circumcise them and charge them to observe the law of Moses." Acts 15:5 In 49 C.E., the apostles and older men in Jerusalem, themselves circumcised Jews, “gathered together to see about this affair.” (Acts 15:6) What followed was, not a mind-numbing theological debate over dry technicalities, but a lively doctrinal discussion. Strong opinions were expressed on both sides of the issue. The passage that helped settle the matter was Amos 9:11, 12. Thus, when the Scriptures foretold that those remaining of the house of Israel (Jews and circumcised Jewish proselytes) together with “people of all the nations” (uncircumcised Gentiles) would become one people for God’s name, the message was clear. (Acts 15:17) Circumcision was not required of Gentiles who wanted to become Christians. God’s Word and his spirit led those sincere Christians to “a unanimous accord.”—Acts 15:25. w12 1/15 1:4, 6-8

“God Is Love" ????? He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love.”—1 JOHN 4:8. ????? ALL of Jehovah’s attributes are sterling, perfect, and appealing. But the most endearing of all of Jehovah’s qualities is love. Nothing else draws us so powerfully to Jehovah as his love. Happily, love is also his dominant quality. How do we know that? ????? The Bible says something about love that it never says about Jehovah’s other cardinal attributes. The Scriptures do not say that God is power or that God is justice or even that God is wisdom. He possesses those qualities and is the ultimate source of all three. About love, though, something more profound is said at 1 John 4:8: “God is love.” ????? Yes, love runs very deep in Jehovah. It is his very essence, or nature. Generally speaking, we might think of it this way: Jehovah’s power enables him to act. His justice and his wisdom guide the way he acts. However, Jehovah’s love motivates him to act. And his love is always reflected in the way he uses his other attributes. ????? It is often said that Jehovah is the very personification of love. Hence, if we want to learn about love, we must learn about Jehovah. Let us, then, examine some of the facets of Jehovah’s matchless love. ????? How Jehovah Assures Us of His Love However, an important question arises: Does God love us personally? Some may agree that God loves mankind in general, as John 3:16 says. But they feel, in effect, ‘God could never love me as an individual.’ The fact is that Satan the Devil is eager for us to believe that Jehovah neither loves us nor values us. On the other hand, no matter how unlovable or worthless we may think we are, Jehovah assures us that each of his faithful servants is of value to him. ? ????? ? HE GAVE YOU A GIFT IN FACT, DID YOU RECEIVE IT? FIND OUT WHAT THIS GREATEST GIFT IS FOR YOU, BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU SO MUCH! JW.ORG

Awaiting Jehovah’s Day With Endurance ***????*** Illness Has Not Stopped Them ~ God does not now cure us miraculously, but he does give us the fortitude to endure illness. ) ???? (Psalm 41:1-3) . . .Happy is anyone acting with consideration toward the lowly one; In the day of calamity Jehovah will provide escape for him. 2 Jehovah himself will guard him and preserve him alive. He will be pronounced happy in the earth; And you cannot possibly give him over to the soul of his enemies. 3 Jehovah himself will sustain him upon a divan of illness; All his bed you will certainly change during his sickness." ???? “For as long as I can recall,” said Sharon, “the wheelchair has been my constant companion. From birth on, cerebral palsy robbed me of childhood joys.” Learning about Jehovah and his promises of perfect health gave Sharon hope. Although she speaks and walks with difficulty, she finds joy in the Christian ministry. ???? Some 15 years ago, she said: “My health may continue to fail, but my trust in God and my relationship with him are my lifelines. How happy I am to be among Jehovah’s people and to have his unfailing support!” ???? The apostle Paul urged Christians in Thessalonica to “speak consolingly to the depressed souls.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Such factors as grave disappointment can cause depression. Sharon wrote: “Feeling like an utter failure, I . . . plunged into a three-year period of deep depression. . . . Comfort and counsel came from the elders. . . . Through The Watchtower, Jehovah tenderly provided insight into severe depression. Yes, he does care for his people and understands our feelings.” (1 Peter 5:6, 7) ???? Sharon is still serving God faithfully as she awaits Jehovah’s great day. *** w07 7/15 pp. 27-28

"In showing honor to one another take the lead." — (Rom. 12:10) ????? What is involved in honoring others? It starts with respect. In fact, the words “honor” and “respect” are often used together because they are closely related. ????? Honor is the manifestation, or outward demonstration, of respect. In other words, respect refers primarily to how we view our brother while honor refers to how we treat our brother. ????? How can a Christian show genuine honor to fellow believers if he does not have heartfelt respect for them? ????? (3 John 9-10) I wrote something to the congregation, but Di·ot′re·phes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not receive anything from us with respect. 10 That is why, if I come, I will call to remembrance his works which he goes on doing, chattering about us with wicked words. Also, not being content with these things, neither does he himself receive the brothers with respect, and those who are wanting to receive them he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation." ????? Just as a plant can flourish and last only if it is rooted in good soil, so honor can be genuine and lasting only if it is rooted in heartfelt respect. Since insincere honor does not grow out of genuine respect, it will wither sooner or later. ????? No wonder, therefore, that Paul preceded his admonition to show honor with the clear-cut statement: “Let your love be without hypocrisy.” ????? (Romans 12:9) Let [YOUR] love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked, cling to what is good." ????? (1 Peter 1:22) Now that YOU have purified YOUR souls by [YOUR] obedience to the truth with unhypocritical brotherly affection as the result, love one another intensely from the heart." www.jw.org

"Serve [Jehovah] with a complete heart . . . ; for all hearts Jehovah is searching."—1 Chron. 28:9. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ALL of us are imperfect and make mistakes. Thankfully, Jehovah has provided the ransom and is ready to forgive us. So if we are humble and repentant, we can ask him for forgiveness. We can be sure that Jehovah will not deal with us “according to our sins.” (Psalm 103:10) Still, we must “serve him with a complete heart.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) How can we do so even though we are imperfect? ❤️❤️❤️❤️ A person who serves God with “a complete heart” deeply loves Jehovah and wants to worship him forever. In the Bible, the word “heart” usually refers to who we are on the inside. It includes the way we think, what we love, what we would like to do with our life, and why we do the things we do. Even though we are imperfect, we can worship Jehovah with a complete heart. We serve him because we truly want to, not because we have to or because it is just a habit.—2 Chronicles 19:9. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402017325?q=1+chron28%3A9&p=par

SONG 150 ( formally 133) Seek God for Your Deliverance (Zephaniah 2:3) 1.Nations align as one, Opposing Jehovah’s Son. Their time of human rulership By God’s decree now is done. Rulers have had their day; God’s Kingdom is here to stay. Soon Christ will crush earthly enemies. No more will there be delay. (CHORUS) Seek God for your deliverance, Yes, look to him with confidence. Seek his righteousness, Show your faithfulness, For his sov’reignty, take your stand. Then see our God deliver you By his mighty hand. 2. People on earth now choose, Responding to this good news. We offer to all men the choice To hear or proudly refuse. Trials, although severe, Need not fill our hearts with fear. Jehovah cares for his loyal ones; Our cries for help he will hear. (CHORUS) Seek God for your deliverance, Yes, look to him with confidence. Seek his righteousness, Show your faithfulness, For his sov’reignty, take your stand. Then see our God deliver you By his mighty hand. (See also 1 Sam. 2:9; Ps. 2:2, 3, 9; Prov. 2:8; Matt. 6:33.)

"At once [Nehemiah] prayed to the God of the heavens."—Neh. 2:4. ?????????? Jehovah caused Artaxerxes to grant Nehemiah permission to go and rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. “A king’s heart is as streams of water in the hand of Jehovah,” says Proverbs 21:1. “Everywhere that he delights to, he turns it.” ?????????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006082?q=neh+2%3A4&p=par

Shine Forth Your Beauty! ??????? (Daniel 12:3) . . .“And the ones having insight will shine like the brightness of the expanse; and those who are bringing the many to righteousness, like the stars to time indefinite, even forever." ????????????? "In the deepest depths of you and me. In the deepest depths of we. Lies the most beautiful jewel. Shining forth eternally Within that precious jewel. Within that priceless piece of we. Lies a time beyond all time. Lies a place beyond all space Within that sacred source of radiance. Lies a love beyond all love, Waiting Waiting Waiting Ever so patiently Waiting for you, waiting for me. Waiting patiently for all to see.The beauty that is you inside of me.The beauty that is me inside of thee In the deepest depths of you and me. In the deepest depths of we. Lies the love and wisdom. Of all Eternity" ~ Frank The Poet ???‍♂️

Nets Ignore Russia's Escalating Intolerance of Jehovah's Witnesses When the Kremlin banned Jehovah’s Witnesses from publicly practicing their faith in Russia, the big three broadcast networks remained silent. Now, as religious freedom violations escalate, the silence shamefully continues. Late last month, members of Russia’s FSB security service raided a private residence where a Bible study was taking place. While all the participants were captured and imprisoned overnight, only one was detained past morning – a Danish man named Dennis Christensen. He now faces six to ten years in jail, according to Religion News Service reporter Lauren Markoe. In a country whose constitution claims to guarantee “the right to profess individually or together with others any religion or to profess no religion at all, to freely choose, possess and disseminate religious and other views and act according to them," the crackdown is a grave violation that deserves media opprobrium. But ABC, NBC and CBS news shows didn’t once mention the Christensen story, or other examples of religious intolerance that have occurred in recent weeks — despite mentioning Russia almost daily in other news. As peace-loving Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christensen and those like him are considered “extremists” by the Russian government, a classification shared by affiliates of ISIS and al-Qaeda. Because most Witnesses abstain from voting and military service, and believe that God is the ultimate leader, the Kremlin views them as a threat. On April 20, the government ruled that members of the minority Christian group were no longer allowed to practice their faith freely in Russia. The ruling resulted not only in the ban of public evangelizing and church-affiliated activities, but also government seizure of the group’s St. Petersburg offices and nearly 400 church buildings. Although the Supreme Court will hear an appeal against the ruling in mid-July, reports have detailed examples of increasing harassment, such as a physical assault and crackdown against Jehovah’s Witness activities among school children. Yaroslav Sivulskiy, a Russian spokesman for the group, told Newsweek that he doesn’t have much hope for the appeal. Speaking of fabricated evidence at the base of the case, Sivulskiy explained: “It’s not this court, it’s not about justice, it’s not about a fair court hearing because even everyone who observed it said we won already, but even so we lost.” “We have no big hope for the next level,” he continued, “only if some political wind will change somehow.” Here in America, we can only hope that the media will be as hard on Russia in the area of religious freedom as it is in the sphere of election tampering. http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/culture/sarah-stites/2017/06/05/nets-mention-russia-daily-continue-ignore-kremlins-jehovahs

"Our eyes are toward you."—2 Chron. 20:12 ? ? How do you make weighty decisions in life? Do you perhaps decide first and then pray to Jehovah to bless the decision you have made? ? ? Consider what Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, did when the combined forces of the Moabites and the Ammonites came up against him to wage war. “Jehoshaphat became afraid and set his face to search for Jehovah,” says the Bible. He declared a fast for all Judah and collected the people together “to inquire of Jehovah.” Then he stood up in the congregation of Judah and of Jerusalem and prayed. In part, he pleaded: “O our God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For in us there is no power before this large crowd that is coming against us.” The true God heard Jehoshaphat’s prayer and provided a miraculous deliverance. (2 Chron. 20:3-12, 17) ? ? When making decisions, should we not rely on Jehovah rather than lean upon our own understanding? w11 11/15 1:10, 11

"The wife should have deep respect for her husband."—Eph. 5:33. ????? Making Christian Marriage a Success ????? Jehovah, the Creator of marriage, wants each couple to have a happy and successful married life, so he has given wise advice in his Word, the Bible. (Proverbs 18:22) Even so, the Bible tells us that imperfect humans who get married will have problems, or “tribulation in their flesh.” (1 Corinthians 7:28) ????? The Bible teaches that love is an important quality. But there are different kinds of love that couples need to show in a marriage. For example, they need to show tender affection as well as romantic love. And if they have children, love between family members becomes even more important. But it is love based on principle that makes a marriage truly successful. The apostle Paul described this kind of love when he said: “Each one of you must love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have deep respect for her husband.”—Ephesians 5:33. ????? In these difficult times, we see many marriages failing. Is it possible to have a happy and successful marriage? Yes, if we remain close to Jehovah and his people, apply Bible principles, and accept the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit. When we do this, we honor “what God has yoked together.”—Mark 10:9. ????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402016603?q=eph+5%3A33&p=par

The Grand Artist—Jehovah! - ??? When you Look Up Say His Name! He Will Listen! “ARTISTS paint countless sunrises and sunsets, and their works sell for hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. ??? Yet, Jehovah God, the Grand Artist and Originator of sunsets and sunrises, gives us one each day—free. The originals far surpass the copies. Should that not give us cause to appreciate him as the Creator?” Wrote the psalmist: “Praise Jehovah from the heavens . . . Praise him, you sun and moon. Praise him, all you stars of light. . . . Let them praise the name of Jehovah; for he himself commanded, and they were created.”(Psalm 148:1-5) ??? (Psalm 113:3) "From the rising of the sun until its setting Jehovah’s name is to be praised." ??? (Isaiah 45:6-7) . . .in order that people may know from the rising of the sun and from its setting that there is none besides me. I am Jehovah, and there is no one else. 7 Forming light and creating darkness, making peace and creating calamity, I, Jehovah, am doing all these things." ??? (Exodus 9:16) But, in fact, for this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth." ??? (Psalm 72:19) And blessed be his glorious name to time indefinite, And let his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen." (Psalm 86:9) All the nations whom you have made will themselves come, And they will bow down before you, O Jehovah, And will give glory to your name." ??? (Malachi 1:11) “For from the sun’s rising even to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place sacrificial smoke will be made, a presentation will be made to my name, even a clean gift; because my name will be great among the nations,” Jehovah of armies has said." ??? (Isaiah 45:6) in order that people may know from the rising of the sun and from its setting that there is none besides me. I am Jehovah, and there is no one else." ??? (Isaiah 59:19) And from the sunset they will begin to fear the name of Jehovah, and from the rising of the sun the glory of him, for he will come in like a distressing river, which the very spirit of Jehovah has driven along." ??? WOULD LIKE TO KNOW JEHOVAH GOD MORE? JW.ORG

A Guidebook for the Blessing of All Mankind! - What you May Not Know will Surprise You! - Let God's Word Open to You Doors You Never Knew! ~ His Word is Alive! ~ ??? (Hebrews 4:12) . . ."For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and [their] marrow, and [is] able to discern thoughts and intentions of [the] heart." NOTWITHSTANDING the opinion of many, the Bible is a most extraordinary book. The New Encyclopædia Britannica calls it “probably the most influential collection of books in human history.” This is certainly not an overstatement. Let us see why the Bible is so outstanding. ??? From Antiquity—Yet, Most Widely Distributed ??? The Bible is one of the oldest of the books that have survived till our time, especially among religious texts. Its earliest part was written in ancient Hebrew some 3,500 years ago (which corresponds to the Shang dynasty in China) by an Israelite named Moses. ??? It began with the book of Genesis, an account of the stages of creation and the beginning of the human family. In the following 1,600 years, about 40 different people took part in completing this collection, or library, of 66 books containing laws, prophecies, history, poetry, letters, counsel, and much more. ??? Even though the Bible is old and has been the target of much vicious opposition and hatred, it has turned out to be the most widely distributed book in history. The Bible has now been translated into some 2,500+languages, and about three billion copies+, in its entirety or in part, have already been distributed! It is said that 98 percent of the people on earth have access to the Bible in their own language. ??? Just think: If God intends to communicate with mankind by means of a book, is it not reasonable that this book should be well-known and easily available so that people of all nationalities and races could read and benefit from it? (1 Timothy 2:4) The Bible is just such a book. ? Reliable Contents ? Accurate Prophecies ? Practical Wisdom ??? A Guide for the Blessing of All Mankind READ MORE AT JW.ORG