Bible Speaks

“Heavens of the heavens.” The expression “heavens of the heavens” is considered to refer to the highest heavens and would embrace the complete extent of the physical heavens, however vast, since the heavens extend out from the earth in all directions.—De 10:14; Ne 9:6. Solomon, the constructor of the temple at Jerusalem, stated that the “heavens, yes, the heaven of the heavens” cannot contain God. (1Ki 8:27) As the Creator of the heavens, Jehovah’s position is far above them all, and “his name alone is unreachably high. His dignity is above earth and heaven.” (Ps 148:13) Jehovah measures the physical heavens as easily as a man would measure an object by spreading his fingers so that the object lies between the tips of the thumb and the little finger. (Isa 40:12) Solomon’s statement does not mean that God has no specific place of residence. Nor does it mean that he is omnipresent in the sense of being literally everywhere and in everything. This can be seen from the fact that Solomon also spoke of Jehovah as hearing “from the heavens, your established place of dwelling,” that is, the heavens of the spirit realm.—1Ki 8:30, 39. 15 May you be blessed by Jehovah, The Maker of heaven and earth." 16 As for the heavens, they belong to Jehovah, But the earth he has given to the sons of men." (Psalm 115:15,16) #jw.org

WHERE CAN GOD BE FOUND? CAN YOU BE JEHOVAH’S FRIEND? When some people read about Jehovah’s impressive qualities, they feel afraid and think, ‘God isso powerful, so important, and so far away, why would he care about me?’ But is that how God wants us to feel? Not at all. Jehovah wants to be close to us. The Bible says that God is “not far off from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27) God wants you to draw close to him, and he promises that “he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8. How can you feel close to God if you cannot see him? (John 1:18;4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17) When you read about Jehovah in the Bible, you get to know him as a real Person. (Psalm 27:4; Romans 1:20) As you learn more about Jehovah, you will love him more and more and you will feel closer to him. Imagine that. Jehovah, the Creator of the universe, wants you to be his friend! The Bible teaches that Jehovah is the loving Creator of the universe! TRUTH 1: WHO IS GOD? “You created all things.”—Revelation 4:11 What can the Bible teach us about God? * Revelation 15:3 He is the Almighty, the most powerful person in the universe. * Psalm 90:2 He has always existed. * Matthew 6:9 God is our Father. He wants us to have the best life possible. * Acts 17:27 God wants to be close to us. TRUTH 2: GOD HAS A NAME “Jehovah . . . is my name forever.”—Exodus 3:15 Why is God’s name important? * Psalm 83:18 God tells us that his name is Jehovah. “God” and “Lord” are not names. They are titles, like “king” and “president.” Jehovah wants you to use his name. * Exodus 3:14 His name means “He Causes to Become.” Because Jehovah created all things, he can fulfill any promise he makes and can accomplish his purpose. TRUTH 3: JEHOVAH LOVES US “God is love.”—1 John 4:8 What does God’s love mean for us? * Exodus 34:6; Psalm 37:28 He is merciful and compassionate. He loves truth and justice. * Psalm 86:5 He is forgiving. * 2 Peter 3:9 He is patient with us. * Revelation 15:4 He is loyal to us. TRUTH 4: GOD CARES FOR YOU “Throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:7 How do you know that God really cares for you? * Psalm 37:9-11 He promises to end suffering and to repair all the damage done by bad people. * James 4:8 Jehovah wants you to be close to him. * John 17:3 The more you learn about God, the more you will love him. http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102015141?q=how+far+away+is+jehovah&p=par

Talking to your best friend "JEHOVAH" is sometimes all the therapy you need. 5 1 "Listen to my words, O Jehovah; Be attentive to my sighing." 2 "Pay attention to my cry for help, O my King and my God, because to you I pray." (Psalm 5:1,2) #jworg

Our ability to discipline ourselves to set clear goals, and then work toward them every day will do more to guarantee our success than any other factor.... 13 "Hold on to discipline; do not let it go. Safeguard it, for it means your life." (Proverbs 4:13)

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mothers womb. 13 "For you produced my kidneys; You kept me screened off in my mother’s womb." (Psalm 139:13)

How Your Life Can Have Greater Meaning AN ANCIENT proverb says: “Do not toil to gain riches. Cease from your own understanding. Have you caused your eyes to glance at it, when it is nothing? For without fail it makes wings for itself like those of an eagle and flies away toward the heavens.” (Proverbs 23:4, 5) In other words, it is not wise to wear ourselves out trying to become rich, for wealth can fly away as on an eagle’s wings. As the Bible shows, material wealth can disappear quickly. It may vanish overnight because of a natural disaster, an economic slump, or other unforeseen occurrences. Moreover, even those who achieve material success are often disillusioned. Consider the case of John, whose work involved entertaining politicians, sports figures, and royalty. “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6, 7) Instead of trying to carry our problems alone, we need to pray fervently, throwing our daily burdens on God. (Psalm 55:22) Faith that he responds to such supplication through his Son, Jesus Christ, will increase as we grow spiritually and discern how God helps us.—John 14:6, 14; 2 Thessalonians 1:3. After we have built up our confidence in Jehovah God, the “Hearer of prayer,” we are better able to cope with trials, such as prolonged sickness, old age, or bereavement. (Psalm 65:2) For a truly meaningful life, however, we must also take the future into account. Rejoice in the Hope Ahead The Bible promises “new heavens and a new earth,” a righteous, caring heavenly government ruling over an obedient human family. (2 Peter 3:13) #jworg

12 "You young men and young women, Old men and young together." 13 "Let them praise the name of Jehovah, For his name alone is unreachably high. His majesty is above earth and heaven." (Psalm 148:12,13)

13 "No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men." But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it." (1Cor.10:13)

We are thankful to Jehovah that he has a communication channel where he never closes. 18 "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

Loving God in a superficial way is not enough.... 6 "Jehovah your God will cleanse your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and you may live." (Deuteronomy 30:6)

"Jehovah himself will fight for you, and you will keep silent.” 14 :1 "Jehovah now said to Moses: 2 “Tell the Israelites that they should turn back and encamp before Pi·ha·hiʹroth, between Migʹdol and the sea, within view of Baʹal-zeʹphon. You are to encamp facing it by the sea." 3 "Then Pharʹaoh will say about the Israelites, ‘They are wandering in confusion in the land. The wilderness has closed in on them.’" 4 "I will allow Pharʹaoh’s heart to become obstinate, and he will chase after them, and I will glorify myself by means of Pharʹaoh and all his army; and the Egyptians will certainly know that I am Jehovah.” So that is what they did." 5 "Later it was reported to the king of Egypt that the people had run away. Immediately, Pharʹaoh and his servants had a change of heart regarding the people, and they said: “Why did we do this and release Israel from serving as slaves for us?” 6 "So he made his war chariots ready, and he took his people with him." 7 "He took 600 chosen chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt, with warriors on every one of them." 8 "Thus Jehovah allowed the heart of Pharʹaoh king of Egypt to become obstinate, and he chased after the Israelites, while the Israelites were going out with confidence." 9 "The Egyptians chased after them, and all the chariot horses of Pharʹaoh and his cavalrymen and his army were catching up with them while they were camping by the sea, by Pi·ha·hiʹroth, facing Baʹal-zeʹphon." 10 "When Pharʹaoh got closer, the Israelites raised their eyes and saw the Egyptians pursuing them. The Israelites became terrified and began to cry out to Jehovah." 11 "They said to Moses: “Is it because there are no burial places in Egypt that you have brought us here to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by leading us out of Egypt?" 12 "Is this not the very thing we told you in Egypt when we said, ‘Let us alone, so that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it is better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” 13 "Then Moses said to the people: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah that he will perform for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you will never ever see again." 14 "Jehovah himself will fight for you, and you will keep silent.” 15 "Jehovah now said to Moses: “Why do you keep crying out to me? Tell the Israelites that they should break camp." 16 "As for you, lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites may go through the midst of the sea on dry ground." 17 "As for me, I am allowing the hearts of the Egyptians to become obstinate, so that they will go in after them; thus I will glorify myself by means of Pharʹaoh and all his army, his war chariots, and his cavalrymen." 18 "And the Egyptians will certainly know that I am Jehovah when I glorify myself by means of Pharʹaoh, his war chariots, and his cavalrymen.” 19 "Then the angel of the true God who was going ahead of the camp of Israel departed and went to their rear, and the pillar of cloud that was in front of them moved to the rear and stood behind them." 20 "So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. On the one side, it was a dark cloud. On the other side, it was lighting up the night. So the one camp did not come near the other camp all night long." 21 "Moses now stretched out his hand over the sea; and Jehovah drove the sea back with a strong east wind all night long, turning the sea basin into dry ground, and the waters divided." 22 "So the Israelites went through the midst of the sea on dry ground, while the waters formed a wall on their right hand and on their left." 23 "The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharʹaoh’s horses, his war chariots, and his cavalrymen began going after them into the midst of the sea." 24 "During the morning watch, Jehovah looked at the camp of the Egyptians from within the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw the camp of the Egyptians into confusion." 25 "He kept taking wheels off their chariots so that they were driving them with difficulty, and the Egyptians were saying: “Let us flee from any contact with Israel, because Jehovah is fighting for them against the Egyptians.” 26 "Then Jehovah said to Moses: “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, their war chariots, and their cavalrymen.” 27 "Moses at once stretched out his hand over the sea, and as morning approached, the sea returned to its normal condition. As the Egyptians fled from it, Jehovah shook the Egyptians off into the midst of the sea." 28 "The returning waters covered the war chariots and the cavalrymen and all of Pharʹaoh’s army who had gone into the sea after them. Not so much as one among them was allowed to survive." 29 "But the Israelites walked on dry ground in the midst of the seabed, and the waters formed a wall on their right hand and on their left." 30 "Thus Jehovah saved Israel on that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore." 31 "Israel also saw the great power that Jehovah wielded against the Egyptians, and the people began to fear Jehovah and to put faith in Jehovah and in his servant Moses." (Exodus 14:1-31) NWT

New World Translation Genesis 1:1 1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The earth was brought into existence because of Jehovah’s will (“pleasure,” KJ). (Re 4:11) It was created to remain forever. (Ps 78:69; 104:5; 119:90; Ec 1:4) God speaks of himself as a God of purpose and declares that his purposes are certain to come to fruition. (Isa 46:10; 55:11) He made his purpose for the earth very clear when he said to the first human pair: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.” (Ge 1:28) There were no flaws in earth or the things on it. Having created all necessary things, Jehovah saw that they were “very good” and “proceeded to rest” or desist from other earthly creative works.—Ge 1:31–2:2. Man’s habitation on earth is also permanent. When God gave man the law regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, he implied that man could live on earth forever. (Ge 2:17) We are assured by Jehovah’s own words that “all the days the earth continues, seed sowing and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, will never cease” (Ge 8:22) and that he will never destroy all flesh again by a flood. (Ge 9:12-16) Jehovah says that he did not make the earth for nothing but, rather, that he has given it to men as a home and that death will eventually be done away with. God’s purpose, therefore, is for the earth to be the habitation of man in perfection and happiness with eternal life.—Ps 37:11; 115:16; Isa 45:18; Re 21:3, 4. The Bible’s Harmony With Scientific Facts. The Bible, at Job 26:7, speaks of God as “hanging the earth upon nothing.” Science says that the earth remains in its orbit in space primarily because of the interaction of gravity and centrifugal force. These forces, of course, are invisible. Therefore the earth, like other heavenly bodies, is suspended in space as if hanging on nothing. Speaking from Jehovah’s viewpoint, the prophet Isaiah wrote under inspiration: “There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth, the dwellers in which are as grasshoppers.” (Isa 40:22) The Bible says: “He [God] has described a circle upon the face of the waters.” (Job 26:10) The waters are limited by his decree to their proper place. They do not come up and inundate the land; neither do they fly off into space. (Job 38:8-11) From the viewpoint of Jehovah, the earth’s face, or the surface of the waters, would, of course, have a circular form, just as the edge of the moon presents a circular appearance to us. Before land surfaces appeared, the surface of the entire globe was one circular (spherical) mass of surging waters.—Ge 1:2.

Sometimes you don't get closure, you just have to move on.... 31 "Put away from yourselves every kind of malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech, as well as everything injurious." (Ephesians 4:31)

Thank you John Lindsay Barltrop, we can't imagine His awesome power, yet all the nations will know Jehovah either in a good way or when he meets them in their destruction. “I will certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.”—Ezekiel 38:18-23.

I Will ‘Climb Up Just as a Stag Does’ AS TOLD BY FRANCESCO ABBATEMARCO “Why did God let this happen? Why me?” How many times I asked those questions! I couldn’t bear the idea of spending my life in a wheelchair, unable to use my arms and legs. http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102006287?q=climb&p=par I Will ‘Climb Up Just as a Stag Does’ (August 2006) Francesco Abbatemarco’s patience and humility really made me think. Not only did he try to overcome his physical disability in order to serve Jehovah but he also worked hard to overcome his negative feelings as well. His experience has helped me to keep in mind that no matter what situations we face, we can serve Jehovah to the best of our ability. I was also encouraged to see how applying God’s Word helped him to make dramatic changes in his life. N. G., Cambodia Francesco had so many obstacles to overcome. Yet, once he found the truth, he faced them eagerly and willingly. He is such a wonderful example of determination! I hope his story will motivate others the way it has me. M. D., South Africa I loved this article so much! I wish I could tell Francesco Abbatemarco in person how much it encouraged me to make a greater effort to do more in my service to Jehovah. J. B., United States Thank you, Francesco, for your wonderful example of zeal and endurance. I am sure that in the new system, you will leap up like a stag. Please know that you have brothers and sisters who really love you and who pray for you. S. G., Russia

Fear does not stop death....it stops life. 4 "I inquired of Jehovah,and he answered me. He rescued me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)

“Let your roots grow down into Christ and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth.” (Colossians 2:7). NIV 6 "Therefore, just as you have accepted Christ Jesus the Lord, go on walking in union with him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and being stabilized in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6,7) NWT

Seek God as if your life depends on it...because it does. 9 "With you is the source of life; By your light we can see light. 10 "Continue showing your loyal love to those who know you, And your righteousness, to the upright in heart." 11 "Do not let the foot of the haughty tread on me, Or the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12 "There the wrongdoers have fallen; They have been knocked down and cannot get up." (Psalm 36:9-12)

A persons mind is so powerful we can invent, create, experience and destroy things with thoughts alone.... 5 "The thoughts of a man’s heart are like deep waters, But the discerning man draws them out." (Proverbs 20:5)

23 "And I will certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.’" (Ezekiel 38:23) How reassuring it is to know that Jehovah will rescue his people from the attack of Gog of the land of Magog! Gog is the name given to “the ruler of this world,” Satan the Devil, after his ouster from heaven. The land of Magog refers to the vicinity of the earth, to which Satan and his demons are confined.—John 12:31; Revelation 12:7-12.

9 "He is bringing an end to wars throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the military wagons with fire." 10 “Give in and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 "Jehovah of armies is with us; The God of Jacob is a secure refuge for us." (Psalm 46:9-11)

BE PROTECTED WITH JEHOVAH’S PEOPLE “I will certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.”—Ezekiel 38:18-23. When Gog begins the attack, Jehovah will tell his servants: “Go, my people, enter your inner rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a brief moment until the wrath has passed by.” (Isaiah 26:20) During that time, Jehovah will give us instructions about what we need to do to be protected. The “inner rooms” may be connected with our local congregations. If we want to be protected during the great tribulation, we must accept that God has a people on earth today and that he has organized them into congregations. We must take sides with Jehovah’s people and stay close to our local congregation. Just like the psalmist, may we say with all our heart: “Salvation belongs to Jehovah. Your blessing is upon your people.”—Psalm 3:8.

8 “And it must occur on the day of Jehovah’s sacrifice that I will give attention to the princes, and to the sons of the king, and to all those wearing foreign attire." 9 "And I will give attention to everyone that is climbing upon the platform in that day, those who are filling the house of their masters with violence and deception." ( Zep.1:8,9) What Is Wrong With Christmas Customs? Christmas has long been described as a traditional Christian festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Many of the customs used in this celebration, however, make us wonder how they came to be associated with Jesus’ birth in the first place. For one thing, there is the myth of Santa Claus. The modern-day jolly, white-bearded, rosy-cheeked, red-suited Santa is known to have been a successful Christmas advertisement created for a North American beverage company in 1931. During the 1950’s, some Brazilians tried to replace Santa Claus with a native legendary figure—Grandpa Indian. The result? Santa Claus not only defeated Grandpa Indian but even “defeated the child Jesus and became the official representative of the feast of December 25,” says Professor Carlos E. Fantinati. But are myths such as Santa Claus the only problem with Christmas? For the answer, let us go back to early Christianity. “During the first two centuries of Christianity there was strong opposition to recognizing birthdays of martyrs or, for that matter, of Jesus,” states the Encyclopedia Britannica. Why? Christians viewed birthday celebrations as a pagan custom, something to be avoided altogether. In fact, no mention of the date of Jesus’ birth can be found in the Bible. In the fourth century C.E., despite the stand taken by the early Christians against the custom of celebrating birthdays, the Catholic Church instituted Christmas. The church wanted to strengthen its position by removing one of the main obstacles in its way—the popularity of the pagan Roman religions and their winter solstice festivals. Each year, from December 17 through January 1, “most Romans feasted, gamed, reveled, paraded, and joined in other festivities as they paid homage to their deities,” says Christmas in America, by Penne L. Restad. And on December 25, the Romans celebrated the birth of the Invincible Sun. Instituting Christmas on that day, the church cajoled many Romans into celebrating the birth of Jesus instead of the birth of the sun. Romans “were still able to enjoy the trappings of these midwinter festivals,” says Santa Claus, a Biography, by Gerry Bowler. In reality, they “continued to mark the new days with old ways.” Clearly, then, the main problem with Christmas celebrations lies in their unsavory origins. In his book The Battle for Christmas, Stephen Nissenbaum refers to Christmas as “nothing but a pagan festival covered with a Christian veneer.” Christmas, therefore, dishonors God and his Son, Jesus Christ. Is this just a trivial matter? The Bible asks: “What fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) Like the trunk of a tree that has grown crooked, Christmas is so twisted that it “cannot be made straight.”—Ecclesiastes 1:15.

"We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19)