Bible Speaks

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They “Saw” the Things Promised “They did not receive the fulfillment of the promises; but they saw them from a distance.”—HEB. 11:13. As Christians we are encouraged by visualizing our hope, whether it is heavenly or earthly. Can you see yourself enjoying the things that God has promised? Contemplating what you may do as God fulfills his promises undoubtedly brings joy to your heart. Perhaps you “see” yourself living on earth forever. Think about cooperating with others in making this globe into a paradise. Your neighbors love Jehovah, even as you do. You are healthy, energetic, and have a bright outlook. Those supervising the work of restoration make life a pleasure because they genuinely care about you. And you are happy using your talents and skills because everything you do is benefiting others and honoring God. Forexample, you are helping newly resurrected ones to come to know Jehovah. (John 17:3;Acts 24:15) No, this is not a dreamworld. This appealing mental picture is based on Scriptural truths about the future.—Isa. 11:9; 25:8; 33:24;35:5-7; 65:22. Our own faith in God and love for him may well increase as we use our ability to envision the fulfillment of what Jehovah has promised. http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/4/8

They “Saw” the Things Promised “They did not receive the fulfillment of the promises; but they saw them from a distance.”—HEB. 11:13. As Christians we are encouraged by visualizing our hope, whether it is heavenly or earthly. Can you see yourself enjoying the things that God has promised? Contemplating what you may do as God fulfills his promises undoubtedly brings joy to your heart. Perhaps you “see” yourself living on earth forever. Think about cooperating with others in making this globe into a paradise. Your neighbors love Jehovah, even as you do. You are healthy, energetic, and have a bright outlook. Those supervising the work of restoration make life a pleasure because they genuinely care about you. And you are happy using your talents and skills because everything you do is benefiting others and honoring God. Forexample, you are helping newly resurrected ones to come to know Jehovah. (John 17:3;Acts 24:15) No, this is not a dreamworld. This appealing mental picture is based on Scriptural truths about the future.—Isa. 11:9; 25:8; 33:24;35:5-7; 65:22. Our own faith in God and love for him may well increase as we use our ability to envision the fulfillment of what Jehovah has promised. http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/4/8

JESUS CHRIST IS COURAGEOUS Self-Sacrificing Love Impels Us To Show Courage "No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends." (John 15:13) NWT

Pictured is Isis “Queen of Heaven” holding her baby son Horus. The Roman Emperor Constantine renamed this image “Mary & Baby Jesus” in the 3rd Century, but this image is none other than the original Queen of Heaven named Semiramis and she is holding her baby son Tammuz. When Nimrod and Semiramis’s religion migrated to other parts of the world, she took on different names. Another one of her aliases is “Easter.” This is the true identity of EASTER and her son Nimrod who was later supposedly reincarnated as Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14). Mythology purports that she spends six months each year in the underworld, but on Easter “Sun” day (named after the sun-god) she resurrects in the “East” because the sun rises in the East, and the pagans worship the sun. Her name started out as Semiramis, but then it was changed in other cultures. She is also known in other cultures as Isis, Diana, Astarte, Ishtar, Aphrodite, Venus, Easter and also as the false deified version of the “Catholic Mary.” Her baby son Nimrod (later reincarnated as Tammuz) also had other names in various cultures because this Babylonian religion migrated around the world. He is also known as Horus, Apollo, Sol, Krishna, Hercules, Mithra, and many others. This image of Isis Queen of Heaven with baby Horus the sun-god is the true identity of the Catholic “Mary & baby Jesus” that is worshipped by Catholics unawares through icons and graven images.

OUR READERS ASK . . . Is Easter Really a Christian Celebration? Easter is described in the Encyclopædia Britannica as the “principal festival of the Christian church that celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.” However, is it a Christian celebration? To establish the authenticity of an artifact, attention to detail is critical. Similarly, for us to see whether Easter is a Christian celebration, it is essential that we take a look at the details related to Easter. First of all, Jesus asked his followers to commemorate, not his resurrection, but his death. The apostle Paul called this occasion “the Lord’s Evening Meal.”—1 Corinthians 11:20;Luke 22:19, 20. Additionally, many of the Easter traditions “have little to do” with Jesus’ resurrection, states the Britannica, “but derive from folk customs.” For instance, regarding the popular Easter symbols the egg and the rabbit, The Encyclopedia of Religion says: “The egg symbolizes new life breaking through the apparent death (hardness) of the eggshell.” It adds: “The rabbit was known as an extraordinarily fertile creature, and hence it symbolized the coming of spring." http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015165 Easter. “There is no indication of the observance of the Easter festival in the New Testament,” states The Encyclopædia Britannica. How did Easter get started? It is rooted in pagan worship. While this holiday is supposed to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection, the customs associated with the Easter season are not Christian. For instance, concerning the popular “Easter bunny,” The Catholic Encyclopedia says: “The rabbit is a pagan symbol and has always been an emblem of fertility.” http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102005163 EASTER—FERTILITY WORSHIP IN DISGUISE Promoted as a celebration of Christ’s resurrection, Easter is actually rooted in false religion. The name Easter itself has been linked to Eostre, or Ostara, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of the dawn and of spring. And how did eggs and rabbits come to be associated with Easter? Eggs “have been prominent as symbols of new life and resurrection,” says the Encyclopædia Britannica, while the hare and the rabbit have long served as symbols of fertility. Easter, therefore, is really a fertility rite thinly disguised as a celebration of Christ’s resurrection.* Would Jehovah condone the use of a filthy fertility rite to commemorate his Son’s resurrection? Never! (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18) In fact, the Scriptures neither command nor authorize the commemorating of Jesus’ resurrection in the first place. To do so in the name of Easter, therefore, is to be doubly disloyal. http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102008072 References * Barnhart, Robert K. (1995). The Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology: The Origins of American English Words. HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-270084-7 * Billson, Charles J. (1892). "The Easter Hare" as published in Folk-Lore, Vol. 3, No. 4 (December 1892). Taylor & Francis, Ltd. on behalf of Folklore Enterprises Ltd. * Boyle, John Andrew (1974). "The Hare in Myth and Reality: A Review Article" as published in Folklore, Vol. 84, No. 4 (Winter, 1973). Taylor & Francis, Ltd. on behalf of Folklore Enterprises Ltd. * Cusack, Carole M. (2008). "The Return of the Goddess: Mythology, Witchcraft and Feminist Spirituality" as published in Pizza, Murphy. Lewis, James R. (Editors). Handbook of Contemporary Paganism. Brill Publishers. ISBN 9004163735 * Diesel, Andreas. Gerten, Dieter (2007). Looking for Europe: Neofolk und Hintergründe. Index Verlag. ISBN 3-936878-02-1 * Grimm, Jacob (James Steven Stallybrass Trans.) (1882). Teutonic Mythology: Translated from the Fourth Edition with Notes and Appendix Vol. I. London: George Bell and Sons. * Grimm, Jacob (James Steven Stallybrass Trans.) (1883). Teutonic Mythology: Translated from the Fourth Edition with Notes and Appendix Vol. II. London: George Bell and Sons. * Hubbard, Benjamin Jerome. Hatfield, John T. Santucci, James A. (2007). An Educator's Classroom Guide to America's Religious Beliefs and Practices. Libraries Unlimited. ISBN 1-59158-409-4 * Giles, John Allen (1843). The Complete Works of the Venerable Bede, in the Original Latin, Collated with the Manuscripts, and Various Print Editions, Accompanied by a New English Translation of the Historical Works, and a Life of the Author. Vol. VI: Scientific Tracts and Appendix. London: Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane. * Mallory, J. P.; Adams, Douglas Q. (1997). Encyclopedia of Indo-European Culture. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 1-884964-98-2. * Shaw, Philip A. (2011). Pagan Goddesses in the Early Germanic World: Eostre, Hreda and the Cult of Matrons. Bristol Classical Press. ISBN 978-0-7156-3797-5 * Schmadel, Lutz D. (2003). Dictionary of Minor Planet Names, fifth edition, illustrated. Springer. ISBN 3-540-00238-3 * Simek, Rudolf (2007) translated by Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. D.S. Brewer. ISBN 0-85991-513-1 * Wallis, Faith (Trans.) (1999). Bede: The Reckoning of Time. Liverpool University Press. ISBN 0-85323-693-3 * Watkins, Calvert (2006 [2000]). The American Heritage Dictionary of Indo-European Roots. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 0-618-08250-6 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ēostre

Hope it works! Interesting quote:

@The Librarian I was not allowed to watch these movies, even though my Husband watched them, I had very strict upbringing. Not even cartoons? I always went in service and never was interested. My Dad was an elder over 65 years. My children I was strict with when I could, but was not the head of the house. I wonder if Jesus were alive today if he would have gone or talked about it. I know I have my own conscience, but it was just how I was raised. No judgment here, just we are all different. ????

Train Your Child to Serve Jehovah LOVE YOUR CHILDREN Jesus often told his disciples that he loved them. (Read John 15:9.) He also spent a lot of time with them. (Mark 6:31, 32; John 2:2;21:12, 13) Jesus was not just their teacher; he was their friend. So there was no doubt in their minds that he loved them. What can you learn from Jesus? 9 "Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love." Your children can learn much from your prayers. Of course, you do not pray only to teach your children. But when they hear you pray, they can learn to rely on Jehovah. In your prayers, do not just ask Jehovah to help your children, but ask him to help you too. When your children hear you ask Jehovah to help you, they learn to rely on Jehovah too. The Christian congregation got its start with the kind, warm-hearted Son of God, Jesus Christ. People were comfortable around him because he was loving and compassionate. When some began to bring their young children to Jesus on one occasion, his disciples tried to send them away. But Jesus said: “Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to suchlike ones. Truly I say to you, Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a young child will by no means enter into it.” (Mark 10:13-15) To receive Kingdom blessings, we must be as humble and teachable as young children. Jesus showed his love for little ones by taking them into his arms and blessing them. (Mark 10:16) What about you young ones today? Be assured that you are loved and needed in the congregation. The Bible teaches that discipline means guidance, training, correction, and sometimes even punishment. Parents should give discipline in a kind way and never when they are angry. In Jesus’ time, children called their father Abba. This word was both loving and respectful.—The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED * Love your children: Tell your children that you love them. Show them how important they are to you. Spend a lot of time talking with them, eating with them, and playing with them. When you discipline them, do so patiently and kindly * Be humble: When you pray with your children, let them hear you ask Jehovah to help you. Then they will see that you rely on Jehovah, and they will learn to do the same. If you are unselfish and work hard to serve Jehovah and to help others, you teach your children to be humble too * Have insight: Do not focus just on what your children do but on why they do it. Try to understand how they really feel. Think of situations that would make it difficult for them to do what is right, and help them to avoid these situations. Understand that your example affects your children. http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402015845?q=jesus+loved+children&p=par#h=15 http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2002842?q=jesus+said+must+be+like+a+child&p=par

@James Thomas Rook Jr. It comes down to conscience matter. Yet, the qualities it shows young ones and adults, makes its point just like any of the videos. Like pictures I make, I enjoy making them with scriptures, but the message is most important. Everything we do we must "think" before we do it or watch. Any child will be more involved with any picture like Bible story book or others, because it makes the point! I grew up with the Paradise Book! Yes I still remember the pictures but never worshipped the book or the picture. The parents and the teacher ?‍? is in charge. What is important and why are we reading or watching this? My children had the Great Teacher Book. I have pictures of my oldest singing from the book not being able to read on his ? potty! Ha! Now he's 45 and teaches his children about Jehovah all the time. Set the proper example and your children will follow, everything in its place. Bible Speaks ??? @James Thomas Rook Jr. False pictures have mislead adults and children on many teachings. Easter eggs and Christ? Santa or Satan? If you speak Truth and values children grow to learn Truth not false religious ideas. I was raised all my life a Witness, I raised four children in the Truth. There is a difference between falsehood and Truth. So I think, with my Grandchildren I would rather see Bible principles taught then cartoons on TV that teach Lying and cheating and possible swear words? Responsible adults teach the Truth not leave children unattended in any way to take on the morals of this world or cartoons. Jesus loved children he said we must be like children, Meek and teachable. I feel let us guide them before the world ? does. Grateful my children Love Jehovah and are teaching them. What ever we have in videos, they are a blessing I feel. Thank you for your thoughts though. I've been in the Truth 48 years now. I see blessings comings. I say "let go and let Jehovah guide you." That is still teaching me many things. Thank you Jehovah for having patience with me! ???

Lesson for today. (Pr 10:4; 12:24; 18:9) Steady and persevering activity; painstaking effort; diligence; zeal. Commonly the term implies lawful and useful labor. It is the opposite of slothfulness or idleness. In the Bible the Greek word that is translated “industriousness” is more often rendered “earnestness,” “real earnest,” or “earnest effort.” The sense of the word is also sometimes conveyed by the translation “haste,” “speed,” or “business.” Christians are admonished not to slack their hands or become weary in well doing. Paul said: “We desire each one of you to show the same industriousness [literally, “speed up”] so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end, in order that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Jesus Christ told his disciples: “Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will seek to get in but will not be able.” (Lu 13:24) Paul himself was an example of such rigorous exertion. JEHOVAH and his Son are, of course, the foremost examples of industriousness. To prevent their being inactive or unfruitful, Christians must ‘contribute in response [to God’s promises] all earnest effort’ in supplying to their faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godly devotion, brotherly affection, and love. (2Pe 1:4-8) This calls for the constant application of industrious perseverance and unflagging attention. Much of the strength for this comes through the help of Jehovah’s spirit. What could more strongly express the need for industriousness than the apostle Paul’s counsel: “Do not loiter at your business. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah”? This requirement of industriousness applies to all ministers (“let us be at this ministry”), but with special force to those in positions in which they preside over meetings and activities in the congregation, for “he that presides, let him do it in real earnest.” In the Christian congregation, needy ones receiving material help from the congregation must be industrious ones. The Scriptural rule is: “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.” The exhortation to those not working is that they get busy, “that by working with quietness they should eat food they themselves earn.” A professed Christian who refuses or neglects to provide for his household “has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1Ti 5:8) Even widows who were needy, before being put on the congregation’s list for regular provision of material assistance, had to have a record of Christian activity, having “diligently followed every good work." Rewards of Industriousness. Rich rewards come to the industrious person both now and in the future. “The hand of the diligent one is what will make one rich.” (Pr 10:4) “The hand of the diligent ones is the one that will rule.” (Pr 12:24) Their soul “will be made fat.” The industrious wife is one whose “sons have risen up and proceeded to pronounce her happy; her owner rises up, and he praises her.” Of her, it is proclaimed: “Give her of the fruitage of her hands, and let her works praise her even in the gates.” Above all, the spiritual brothers of Christ are told: “Do your upmost to make the calling and choosing of you sure for yourselves; for if you keep on doing these things you will by no means ever fail. In fact, thus there will be richly supplied to you the entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002169?q=busy+work&p=par#h=2

Lesson for today. (Phil 4:8, 9) Some individuals have become information addicts, always feeding an insatiable desire to be up-to-date while neglecting more important things. Others acquire partial information about complex fields of knowledge and then view themselves as experts. Based on only a limited understanding, they may make crucial decisions that can cause harm to themselves or to others. And always present is the danger of exposure to false or inaccurate information. There is often no reliable way to verify that the flood of information is accurate and balanced. Curiosity has long been a human trait. The dangers of wasting too much time in the pursuit of useless or even harmful information were recognized back in the days of King Solomon. He said: “Take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12) Centuries later the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: “Guard what is laid up in trust with you, turning away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from the contradictions of the falsely called ‘knowledge.’ For making a show of such knowledge some have deviated from the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:20, 21) Yes, Christians today need to avoid unnecessary exposure to harmful ideas. Jehovah’s people also do well to heed the words of Proverbs 3:5, 6: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.” Trusting in Jehovah includes rejecting any idea that conflicts with God’s Word, whether it stems from our own reasoning or from that of our fellowman. To protect our spirituality, it is vital that we train our perceptive powers so that we can identify harmful information and shun it. The apostle Paul warns: “The inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1) Yes, harmful ideas pose a real threat. Understandably, Paul entreated his dear friend Timothy: “O Timothy, guard what is laid up in trust with you, turning away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from the contradictions of the falsely called ‘knowledge.’ For making a show of such knowledge some have deviated from the faith.” May we make wise use of our time by being selective about the information we choose to take in. Then we will not be easily shaken by Satan-inspired propaganda. Yes, let us keep considering “whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is.” If we fill our minds and hearts with such things, the God of peace will be with us. http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2000322?q=false+knowledge&p=par#h=21

@John Lindsay Barltrop Yes, Jehovah is in control! I guess the court didn't know the most important day of their lives is the Memorial? Hmmmm not a coincidence! Happy are the people who's God is Jehovah! Have a wonderful day! We are truly blessed. ??? Love this artists picture! Enjoy! Quote: @Queen Esther I READ THAT..... The Memorial will be celebrated in Russia ! Their memorial is safe ❤ Yes, Jehovah is in full control ! Memorial of Jesus’ Death -#Repost @ministrygallery ・・・ The court announces a break until 12 April 2017. Happy Memorial Russian Brothers! We Love You! #jw #jwrussia #russia #jworg #jwbrotherandsister #jwbrother #jwsister #jwlove #jwforever #jwlike #tj #letterstorussia #jwcampaign #jwletterwritingcampaign #jwlettertorussia #ministrygallery

@James Thomas Rook Jr. It comes down to conscience matter. Yet, the qualities it shows young ones and adults, makes its point just like any of the videos. Like pictures I make, I enjoy making them with scriptures, but the message is most important. Everything we do we must "think" before we do it or watch. Any child will be more involved with any picture like Bible story book or others, because it makes the point! I grew up with the Paradise Book! Yes I still remember the pictures but never worshipped the book or the picture. The parents and the teacher ?‍? is in charge. What is important and why are we reading or watching this? My children had the Great Teacher Book. I have pictures of my oldest singing from the book not being able to read on his ? potty! Ha! Now he's 45 and teaches his children about Jehovah all the time. Set the proper example and your children will follow, everything in its place. Bible Speaks ???

29 And when he got near to Bethʹpha·ge and Bethʹa·ny at the mountain called Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying: “Go into the village that is within sight, and after you enter it, you will find a colt tied, on which no man has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 But if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you must say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had said to them. 33 But as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them: “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said: “The Lord needs it.” 35 And they led it to Jesus, and they threw their outer garments on the colt and seated Jesus on it. 36 As he moved along, they were spreading their outer garments on the road. 37 As soon as he got near the road down the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and to praise God with a loud voice because of all the powerful works they had seen, 38 saying: “Blessed is the one coming as the King in Jehovah’s* name! Peace in heaven, and glory in the heights above!” 39 However, some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to him: “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 But in reply he said: “I tell you, if these remained silent, the stones would cry out.” 41 And when he got nearby, he viewed the city and wept over it, 42 saying: “If you, even you, had discerned on this day the things having to do with peace—but now they have been hidden from your eyes.43 Because the days will come upon you when your enemies will build around you a fortification of pointed stakes and will encircle you and besiege* you from every side. 44 They will dash you and your children within you to the ground,+and they will not leave a stone upon a stone in you,+ because you did not discern the time of your being inspected.” Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 9) (Luke 19:29-44).

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6 "Search for Jehovah while he may be found. Call to him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6) NWT Isaiah says: “Let the wicked man leave his way, and the harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way.”—Isaiah 55:7. IMG_4971.mov 3 pictures 1 moving 1 GIF 1 regular picture

#childrenlovejehovah #calebandsophia #preachingwork #LoveOneAnother? #peace #LiveForever #LoyalLove #JehovahGod #JesusChrist #GodsKingdom @arcoiris3517 https://www.jw.org/en/publications/videos/#mediaitems/BJF/pub-pk_E_26_VIDEO

26 “Lift up your eyes to heaven and see.Who has created these things? It is the One who brings out their army by number; He calls them all by name. Because of his vast dynamic energy and his awe-inspiring power, Not one of them is missing." (Isaiah 40:26) NWT

@Queen Esther ??‍♀️??‍?????

@James Thomas Rook Jr. Sometimes pictures can have other meanings I understand, as an artist I try to use graphics that bring scriptural thoughts. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Some pictures above I don't understand? Are they cultural, meaning part of their country's way of advertising jw.org? ???

There is nothing that brings joy than to know someone out there is ready to hold all your burdens on his shoulders. But not only holding them but also bringing an end to all the burdens we have and rescues us from this unjust system. (Job 29:12) 12 For I would rescue the poor who cried for help, Along with the fatherless child and anyone who had no helper." Its no other but Jehovah He will rescue The poor, the fatherless, the orphans, The wayward and all others in no time. Let's remain faithful and keep our eyes on the prize. Will you? I promise I will. #JehovahGod #GodsKingdom #LoyalLove #JesusChrist #LoveOneAnother? #Prayforoneanother?

@James Thomas Rook Jr. Do you see anything in my picture of concern? Thank you ???

@bruceq Thank you for all your hard work Brother, Jehovah Bless you! ???