Bible Speaks

Members of Jehovah's Witnesses react in a court room after judge's decision in Moscow, Russia, on Thursday, April 20, 2017. Russia's Supreme Court has banned the Jehovah's Witnesses from operating in the country, accepting a request from the justice ministry that the religious organisation be considered an extremist group, ordering closure of the group's Russia headquarters and its 395 local chapters, as well as the seizure of its property. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev) Since the Russian Supreme Court labeled Jehovah's Witnesses an "extremist" group, vandals have targeted followers and their banks accounts have been frozen. Stones were thrown at a St. Petersburg assembly hall and someone tried to burn the Moscow home of a Jehovah's Witness to the ground, a church spokesman said. The ruling seems to have emboldened those who resent and fear the Witnesses, a religious minority that has suffered more than most in President Vladimir Putin's Russia, where the Russian Orthodox Church enjoys the backing of the state and harassment of gays and other marginalized groups has spiked in recent years. "We were hoping the court would realize that we are not a threat," said Robert Warren, a spokesman for the Witnesses based in their New York world headquarters. "But now the environment is worse than ever." The court decision, say Jehovah's Witnesses officials and human rights experts, has not been fully enforced. Worship, reports from the country indicate, continues at some of the "Kingdom Halls" that serve Russia's more than 100,000 Witnesses. But the possibility that the government will completely shut down the Jehovah's Witnesses looms. "We were hoping the court would realize that we are not a threat," said Robert Warren, a spokesman for the Witnesses based in their New York world headquarters. "But now the environment is worse than ever." The court decision, say Jehovah's Witnesses officials and human rights experts, has not been fully enforced. Worship, reports from the country indicate, continues at some of the "Kingdom Halls" that serve Russia's more than 100,000 Witnesses. But the possibility that the government will completely shut down the Jehovah's Witnesses looms. While Jehovah's Witnesses prepare an appeal — and take heart in the condemnation of the court ruling from national and international bodies, including the U.S. State Department — they are not optimistic about a reversal of the ruling. And they worry for their brethren over the border in Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic. "In some ways the situation in Kazakhstan has deteriorated even faster," said Felix Corley, an Norway-based religious rights activist who edits the Forum 18 News Service, which tracks abuses in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Earlier this month, a 61-year-old Jehovah's Witness from Kazakhstan — a retired bus driver battling cancer — was sentenced to five years in prison and banned from preaching for three years after he gets out. A court convicted Teymur Akhmedov of inciting "ethnic, social, religious, family, and racial hatred." Jehovah's Witnesses said he peacefully shared his beliefs with a group of young men who asked him questions about his faith. Witnesses are working on Akhmedov's appeal and say that since the Russian Supreme Court decision, anti-Witness propaganda has spread in Kazakhstan. Recently a popular television channel there reported that Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia plan a bombing, and speculated that the same could happen in Kazakhstan, said Bekzat Smagulov, a Jehovah's Witness and spokesman on the Akhmedov case. "Most people are afraid," Smagulov said of Kazakhstan's 18,000 Witnesses. In Russia, where authorities have officially declared the group illegal, fears run even higher. The surveillance and prosecution of the Witnesses began decades ago and involves all levels of government and law enforcement — from the Justice Ministry to the FSB (the successor to the KGB) to local police. But Russia can't honestly fear violence from the Jehovah's Witnesses, said Corley. "I cannot believe they think they're going to go out and kill people." Yet the court last month, after six days and 30 hours of testimony, deemed the Jehovah's Witnesses a threat to the state, commanded a halt to all their activity and allowed for the seizure of their property. Rachel Denber, deputy director of the Europe and Central Asia division at Human Rights Watch, the international nonprofit, called the case against the Witnesses "absurd." Specifically, Russian prosecutors accused the group of breaking a 2002 anti-extremism law — a statute human right activists say the government uses to harass groups Putin and his allies disfavor. That law prohibits any group, except the Orthodox Church and a few other traditions, from claiming the true path to salvation. The Jehovah's Witnesses, like many denominations, make such a claim, Denber said, but not in a way that should land them on the same list of outlaws that includes al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. The Witnesses' Western ties are also particularly suspect in today's Russia, which seeks to challenge the West as an international power broker, Denber said. More Witnesses live in the U.S. than any other country. And though Jehovah's Witnesses regard Christ as their founder, the modern-day group formed in Pittsburgh, where a group of Bible students in the late 19th century began writing down the Witnesses' beliefs. Among those beliefs: pacifism. The world's 8 million Witnesses — who can be found in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia — eschew violence and don't join the military, which makes some question their patriotism even when they find alternative ways to serve their countries. But their pacifism also makes the extremist label all the more confounding to those in the Western world who know the Witnesses as the well-mannered people who ring doorbells and ask if they can share a copy of The Watchtower, the group's journal. And though the Witnesses have been harassed in many nations, in Russia they suffer more acutely and are commonly described as a cult — a group that rejects much of Orthodox Christianity, including its trinitarian understanding of God. Another attribute of the Witnesses may threaten their persecutors. "They're very well-organized," Denber said. The Witnesses' Russian headquarters near St. Petersburg is affiliated with nearly 400 local organizations around the country. Internationally, the group boasts an active press and colorful literature. And though the Witnesses have been harassed in many nations, in Russia they suffer more acutely and are commonly described as a cult — a group that rejects much of Orthodox Christianity, including its trinitarian understanding of God. Another attribute of the Witnesses may threaten their persecutors. "They're very well-organized," Denber said. The Witnesses' Russian headquarters near St. Petersburg is affiliated with nearly 400 local organizations around the country. Internationally, the group boasts an active press and colorful literature. Russian authorities have restricted many other religious groups. Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now have to be called "volunteers" because of limits placed of proselytizing. Other groups, including various Protestant sects, the Falun Gong, Hare Krishnas, even atheists also face new restraints, adds Corley. But these groups don't face elimination as a religious organization the way the Jehovah's Witnesses do, because — unlike the Witnesses — they never had to register with the government. "They can't be liquidated as a legal entity because they never had legal status," Corley said. Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now have to be called "volunteers," because of limits placed of proselytizing. If appeals in Russia and Kazakhstan fail, Jehovah's Witnesses say they will take the cases to the European Court of Human Rights. http://www.sltrib.com/home/5307270-155/since-russias-ban-persecution-of-jehovah

3 "For the vision is yet for its appointed time, And it is rushing toward its end, and it will not lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it! For it will without fail come true. It will not be late!" (Hab. 2:3) ????? You can be equally sure that “the day of Jehovah’s anger” against the present system of things will come; it will be a fact, actual and trustworthy. Surely you have no doubt about that. Like Zephaniah and Habakkuk, you do not know exactly when that day will come. (Mark 13:32) ????? Yet, come it will, and fulfillment of Bible prophecy in your time strongly indicates that it will come soon. Thus, what Jehovah stressed to those prophets applies to you—“Keep in expectation of it.” And remember this absolute truth: Ours is the only God who “acts for the one that keeps in expectation of him.”—Isaiah 64:4. ????? You can show the proper attitude of expectation, demonstrating by what you do that you are confident that “the day of Jehovah’s anger” will come exactly on time. ????? Your being convinced of that and matching your conviction with fitting actions are in harmony with something Jesus said. He urged the apostles and all anointed Christians: “Let your loins be girded and your lamps be burning, and you yourselves be like men waiting for their master . . . Happy are those slaves whom the master on arriving finds watching! Truly I say to you, He will gird himself and make them recline at the table and will come alongside and minister to them.” (Luke 12:35-37) ????? Yes, a proper waiting attitude shows confidence that Jehovah’s great day will come not a moment later than he has purposed. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102006155?q=hab+2%3A3&p=par

3 "For the vision is yet for its appointed time, And it is rushing toward its end, and it will not lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it! For it will without fail come true. It will not be late!" (Hab. 2:3) ????? You can be equally sure that “the day of Jehovah’s anger” against the present system of things will come; it will be a fact, actual and trustworthy. Surely you have no doubt about that. Like Zephaniah and Habakkuk, you do not know exactly when that day will come. (Mark 13:32) ????? Yet, come it will, and fulfillment of Bible prophecy in your time strongly indicates that it will come soon. Thus, what Jehovah stressed to those prophets applies to you—“Keep in expectation of it.” And remember this absolute truth: Ours is the only God who “acts for the one that keeps in expectation of him.”—Isaiah 64:4. ????? You can show the proper attitude of expectation, demonstrating by what you do that you are confident that “the day of Jehovah’s anger” will come exactly on time. ????? Your being convinced of that and matching your conviction with fitting actions are in harmony with something Jesus said. He urged the apostles and all anointed Christians: “Let your loins be girded and your lamps be burning, and you yourselves be like men waiting for their master . . . Happy are those slaves whom the master on arriving finds watching! Truly I say to you, He will gird himself and make them recline at the table and will come alongside and minister to them.” (Luke 12:35-37) ????? Yes, a proper waiting attitude shows confidence that Jehovah’s great day will come not a moment later than he has purposed. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102006155?q=hab+2%3A3&p=par

Again employing vivid imagery, Isaiah goes on to say: “All those of the army of the heavens must rot away. And the heavens must be rolled up, just like a book scroll; and their army will all shrivel away, just as the leafage shrivels off the vine and like a shriveled fig off the fig tree.” (Isaiah 34:4) ???? The expression “all those of the army of the heavens” does not mean the literal stars and planets. Isa 34 Verses 5 and 6 speak of a sword of execution being drenched with blood in those “heavens.” ???? Hence, this must be a symbol of something in the human realm. (1 Corinthians 15:50) Because of their loftiness as superior authorities, the governments of mankind are likened to heavens ruling over earthly human society. (Romans 13:1-4) So “the army of the heavens” represents the combined armies of these governments of mankind. ???? How do the symbolic heavens prove to be “just like a book scroll,” and what happens to their ‘armies’? ???? This “army” will “rot away,” molder, like something perishable. (Psalm 102:26; Isaiah 51:6) ???? To the naked eye, the literal heavens above us appear curved, like an ancient book scroll, the writing of which was generally on the inner side. When the material written on the inner side of a scroll has passed before the eyes of the reader, the finished scroll is rolled up and put away. Similarly, “the heavens must be rolled up, just like a book scroll,” in that human governments must come to their end. ???? Reaching the final page of their history, they must be brought to their finish at Armageddon. Their impressive-looking ‘armies’ will fall just as withered leaves fall off a grapevine or “a shriveled fig” drops off a fig tree. Their time will be past.—Compare Revelation 6:12-14. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200272967/42/0

The site JW.ORG asks if you have attended the convention before you see the downloads. If your a true Christian then you might want to answer before you review them? That way you don't bother your conscience or others too. Just a thought? Some can't get to a convention and as last year have tie-ins. Thankful for this provision from Jehovah! Agape to all. I've been in the Truth 62 years now. Peace from Jehovah! ?????

"Let both grow together until the harvest." ???? (Matt. 13:30) “The Righteous Ones Will Shine as Brightly as the Sun” “At that time the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”—MATT. 13:43. ???? JESUS CHRIST used many illustrations, or parables, to explain different aspects of the Kingdom. He “spoke to the crowds by illustrations. Indeed, without an illustration he would not speak to them.” (Matt. 13:34) ???? In illustrations about sowing the seed of Kingdom truth, Jesus emphasized the role of a person’s heart condition in accepting the message, as well as the role that Jehovah plays in causing spiritual growth. (Mark 4:3-9, 26-29) Jesus also illustrated the outstanding growth of Kingdom interests here on earth even if that growth is not always at first discernible. (Matt. 13:31-33) Additionally, he highlighted that not all who respond to the Kingdom message are necessarily suitable subjects of that Kingdom.—Matt. 13:47-50. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2010201?q=matt+13%3A30&p=par

Goodnight ? I don't see title text? So sorry! ???

No daily text here. Had this last year on my wall. Hugs ?????

3 Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape." (1 Thess 5:3) How Can We Maintain “a Waiting Attitude”? “I will show a waiting attitude.”—MIC. 7:7. ????? In the near future, the nations will say “Peace and security!” If we are not to be caught off guard by this declaration, we need to “stay awake and keep our senses.” (1 Thess. 5:6) To help us stay awake spiritually, let us briefly review events that have set the stage for this noteworthy proclamation. ????? In the aftermath of each of the two world wars, the nations clamored for peace. After the first world war, the League of Nations was formed in the hope of bringing peace. Later, after the second global war, the United Nations became a popular hope of bringing peace to the earth. Government and religious leaders have looked to those agencies to bring about peaceful conditions for mankind. For example, in 1986, the United Nations sanctioned a highly publicized International Year of Peace. That year, leaders from many nations and religions joined the head of the Catholic Church in Assisi, Italy, to offer prayers for peace. ????? However, neither that proclamation of peace and security nor others like it have been the fulfillment of the prophecy recorded at 1 Thessalonians 5:3. Why not? Because the foretold “sudden destruction” has not yet occurred. ????? While we wait for the fulfillment of 1 Thessalonians 5:3, powerful angels are holding back the destructive winds of the great tribulation. What are they waiting for? One key event is described by the apostle John—the final sealing of the anointed “slaves of our God.”* Once that final sealing has been completed, the angels will unleash the winds of destruction. What will happen then? ????? What indicates that the demise of Babylon the Great is near? ????? Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, will meet her deserved end. “Peoples and crowds and nations and tongues” will be unable to give her effective support. Already we see indications that her demise is near. (Rev. 16:12; 17:15-18; 18:7, 8, 21) ????? In fact, a lack of support is now reflected in the news media, where religion and religious leaders are increasingly coming under attack. Even so, the leaders of Babylon the Great feel that they are in no real danger. How wrong they are! Following the proclamation of “Peace and security!” political elements of Satan’s system will suddenly turn on false religion and wipe it out. Never again will Babylon the Great be seen! Surely it is worth waiting patiently for such momentous events.—Rev. 18:8, 10. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2013844?q=1+thess+5%3A3&p=par

Are we not joyful? ?????? Tap screen for action ??? IMG_7975.mov

Watchtower signs on drains. Neat! Bye for now. ?

New photo in Warwick Bethel! They think of everything to praise Jehovah! Even a drain? ???

Enjoy the Promises! Isaiah 35:1-10 35 The wilderness and the parched land will exult, And the desert plain will be joyful and blossom as the saffron. 2 Without fail it will blossom; It will rejoice and shout for joy. The glory of Lebʹa·non will be given to it, The splendor of Carʹmel and of Sharʹon. They will see the glory of Jehovah, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the knees that are shaking. 4 Say to those who are anxious at heart: “Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your own God will come with vengeance, God will come with retribution. He will come and save you.” 5 At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened, And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. 6 At that time the lame will leap like the deer, And the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert plain. 7 The heat-parched ground will become a reedy pool, And the thirsty ground springs of water. In the lairs where jackals rested, There will be green grass and reeds and papyrus. 8 And a highway will be there,+ Yes, a way called the Way of Holiness. The unclean one will not travel on it. It is reserved for the one walking on the way; No one foolish will stray onto it. 9 No lion will be there, And no vicious wild beasts will come on it. They will not be found there; Only the repurchased ones will walk there. 10 Those redeemed by Jehovah will return and come to Zion with a joyful cry. Unending joy will crown their heads. Exultation and rejoicing will be theirs, And grief and sighing will flee away." IMG_5282.mp4

@admin We believe in you, no worries! ?? ??

6 "Go to the ant, you lazy one; Observe its ways and become wise. 7 Although it has no commander, officer, or ruler, 8 It prepares its food in the summer, And it gathers its food supplies in the harvest. 9 How long, you lazy one, will you lie there? When will you rise up from your sleep?" (Proverbs 6:6-9). ????????? 2 Pictures 1 Moving 1 Regular IMG_5351.mp4

Ok thank you!

Genesis 22:14 says: JEHOVAH-JIREH* Meaning: "Jehovah will provide; Jehovah will see to it". (footnote). Since Jehovah will provide all of our needs; Why should we marry and thinking too much about what to eat, what to wear, and what to drink? Our heavenly Father know that we need all of this things, and he promise to provide it for us.(Matt 6:33) So, we don't have to warry about anything. I mean any thing. Since we are truely Jehovah's friend; May we keep on seeking his Kingdom first, and his righteousness, so that, He may add every things to us! Thank you! Please watch the Bible videos at WWW.JW.ORG. In the photo, Me and my fellow friends of Jehovah in Australia, Philippines, and USA. From your fellow friend of Jehovah, Brother Kingsley.

“Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34:18) ???????

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER - "Keep on encouraging one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin." (Hebrews 3:13) NWT

“Better to enjoy what the eyes see than to wander after one’s desires.”—Ecclesiastes 6:9. ??? 2 Pictures 1 GIF 1 Moving IMG_5316.mp4

“Trust in Jehovah and do what is good.”—Psalm 37:3 ???? 2 Pictures 1 GIF 1 Moving IMG_5324.mp4

@ARchiv@L I know I need the patience of "Job".

Will share!

Maybe they will all "find Jehovah"?

Link? ???