Bible Speaks

THESE ARE TUMULTUOUS TIMES. ??? ???????? World-shaking events seem to follow one after another at a breathtaking pace. Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed and bewildered by it all—that everything around you is changing too fast? The Bible contains this astute observation about human affairs: “The scene of this world is changing.” (1 Corinthians 7:31) The apostle Paul, who wrote those words, was comparing world events to the changing scenes on the stage of a theater. Throughout history, world leaders and trendsetters have come and gone on the world stage, the new replacing the old, again and again. But in our day—especially since the pivotal year 1914—the process seems to have accelerated. Did you know, though, that these world troubles—even the most recent ones—also mean good news for mankind? Yes, they actually constitute proof that the world scene will soon change for the better. The Bible long ago foretold the severe distress of our times. It also explains that all such tumult is only a prelude to the greatest change ever to sweep human society. This coming upheaval, frightening though it may sound, is really the best of news for good-hearted people everywhere. The scene of this world will change to one of peace and happiness for the human family. Would you like to know more about these changes and how the Bible explains them? Go to JW.org and request a Bible Study or contact me for more information. - Bible Speaks - Lesson for today. (1 Cor 7:31) https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102002372?q=bible+changing&p=par#h=6

Home of Capernaum where Apostle Peter stayed? Interesting! CAPERNAUM (Ca·per?na·um) [from Heb., meaning “Village of Nahum”; or, “Village of Comforting”]. A city of major importance in JesusÂ’ earthly ministry, located on the NW shores of the Sea of Galilee. It had a tax office, where Jesus called Matthew to be his disciple (Mt 9:9), and perhaps a military post, for a centurion resided there. (Mt 8:5) These indications, plus the fact that an attendant of the king, wealthy enough to have slaves, lived there (Joh 4:46-53), all seem to make it likely that Capernaum was of some size and importance and hence worthy of being called “a city of Galilee.”—Lu 4:31. Two principal sites have been suggested as the original location of Capernaum. The ruins of Khan Minyeh (Horvat Minnim), situated on the Sea of Galilee at the NE corner of the Plain of Gennesaret, were viewed by many as the probable location of Capernaum, but excavations there indicate that the ruins are of Arab origin. This leaves Tell Hum (Kefar Nahum), an extensive ruin about 4 km (2.5 mi) farther along the shore to the NE from Khan Minyeh, and almost that same distance SW of the point where the Jordan River enters the Sea of Galilee. The coastal plain here is quite narrow, but in ancient times a road led from the Jordan down past Capernaum and through the Plain of Gennesaret to connect with the great trade route leading from Mesopotamia and Damascus, through Palestine and on to Egypt. A number of springs flow across the Plain of Gennesaret, emptying into the blue waters of the Sea of Galilee, and the large amount of vegetable matter these springs carry draws large numbers of fish, making the area an excellent location for fishermen.—PICTURE, Vol. 2, p. 739. Early in his ministry, following the marriage at Cana, where his first miracle was performed, Jesus, together with his mother, brothers, and disciples, traveled from Cana down to Capernaum, spending a few days there before going up to Jerusalem for the Passover of the year 30 C.E.—Joh 2:12, 13. Later, after beginning his great Galilean ministry and while again in Cana, Jesus performed a long-distance miraculous cure of the son of a member of the royal court of Herod Antipas, the sick child being healed in Capernaum though about 26 km (16 mi) away from Cana. (Joh 4:46-54) The news of this miracle evidently spread quickly to the neighboring towns so that, when Jesus moved on from Cana to his hometown of Nazareth, he could say to his listeners in that city that they would likely ask him to do in Nazareth “the things we heard as having happened in Capernaum.” (Lu 4:16, 23) Leaving Nazareth, where the people had attempted to kill him, Jesus “took up residence in Capernaum beside the sea in the districts of Zebulun and Naphtali” (Mt 4:13-16; Lu 4:28-31), thereby fulfilling IsaiahÂ’s prophecy (9:1, 2) that a great light would be seen in that region by those walking in darkness. It was possibly along the nearby Plain of Gennesaret, SW of Capernaum, that Jesus again met Peter and Andrew (already his disciples; Joh 1:35-42) and gave them the express invitation to become his active followers in the ministry, doing the same thereafter for James and John. (Mr 1:16-21) Following this, Jesus preached in the synagogue of Capernaum, healing a demonized man in attendance, and from this strategically located city the report of his preaching and miracles “kept going out into every corner of the surrounding country.” (Lu 4:31-37; Mr 1:21-28; see SYNAGOGUE.) The home of the fishermen Peter and Andrew was in Capernaum, and here Jesus healed PeterÂ’s mother-in-law; after this, the house was besieged by people bringing ill and demon-possessed persons to him for healing.—Mr 1:29-34; Lu 4:38-41. Following a preaching tour of Galilee, accompanied by the four disciples called from the Capernaum vicinity, Jesus returned to Capernaum, which by now could be called “his own city,” the place where he could be said to be “at home.” (Mt 9:1; Mr 2:1) Again the crowds flocked around the house, and on this occasion Jesus healed a paralytic who was lowered through an opening in the roof. (Mr 2:2-12) Later, coming upon Matthew in the tax office, Jesus issued the call to him, and Matthew became the fifth disciple to join in the active ministry with Jesus. At MatthewÂ’s house in Capernaum Jesus attended a big reception feast at which there were many tax collectors, a group despised by the Pharisees.—Mt 9:9-11; Lu 5:27-30. After going into Judea and Jerusalem and attending the Passover of 31 C.E., Jesus returned to Galilee, and it seems likely that it was on a mountain in the neighborhood of Capernaum that he chose the 12 to be his apostles and delivered the renowned Sermon on the Mount. (Lu 6:12-49) Entering Capernaum, he was met by Jewish elders acting as intermediaries on behalf of an army officer who had demonstrated love for the Jewish nation, even building a synagogue in the city for them. This Gentile officerÂ’s unquestioning faith in JesusÂ’ power to heal a sick slave even from a distance (as he had earlier healed the child of the kingÂ’s attendant) caused Jesus to marvel and resulted in JesusÂ’ prophecy that persons “from eastern parts and western parts” would recline at the table along with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of the heavens.—Mt 8:5-13;Lu 7:1-10. Toward the close of his second preaching tour in Galilee and after activity in the country of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes) SE of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus “crossed back again . . . to the opposite shore,” likely to the vicinity of Capernaum. (Mt 8:28;Mr 5:1, 21; Lu 8:26, 40) Among the expectant crowd gathered on the shore, a woman was healed simply by touching JesusÂ’ garment, after which Jesus performed a far greater miracle by bringing to life the deceased daughter of Jairus, a presiding officer of the synagogue. Again, though Jesus gave orders against telling others of this resurrection, “the talk about this spread out into all that region.” (Mt 9:18-26; Mr 5:22-43; Lu 8:40-56) Possibly in Capernaum or its vicinity Jesus also healed two blind men as well as a speechless man possessed of a demon.—Mt 9:27-34. At the close of his third Galilean preaching tour and shortly before the Passover of 32 C.E. (Joh 6:4), Jesus walked on the waters of the Sea of Galilee during a crossing to the shores of Gennesaret near Capernaum. After entering Capernaum, he was located by crowds who had followed him from across the sea. When Jesus gave a discourse designed to correct the basically materialistic interest in him that had been shown by the majority, many of his disciples defected from the ranks of his followers. This left a smaller number of faithful ones. (Mt 14:23-34; Mr 6:53; Joh 6:17-71) It was likely in Capernaum, after having attended the Passover of 32 C.E. in Jerusalem, that Jesus rebuked the Pharisaic traditionalists for criticizing JesusÂ’ disciples while at the same time making GodÂ’s Word void by their traditions.—Mt 15:1-20; Mr 7:1-23; Joh 7:1. Finally, it was in Capernaum, sometime prior to the Festival of Booths in the year 32 C.E., when his major activity in Galilee and the northern part of the country was nearing its conclusion, that Jesus miraculously provided money for the temple tax and presented illustrations concerning greatness in the Kingdom of the heavens, strayed sheep, and the settling of difficulties.—Mt 17:24–18:35; Mr 9:33-50;Lu 9:46-50. Capernaum was included by Jesus with the nearby cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida as one of the places in which most of his powerful works had been performed. (Mt 11:20-24; Lu 10:13-15) Capernaum had been exalted heaven high in a spiritual way by the presence, preaching, and miracles of Jesus, but it would now be abased, as it were, to Hades, here representing the depth of its abasement. Using hyperbole, Jesus said that even Sodom would not have perished if it had been as highly favored as was Capernaum. Today Capernaum, like Sodom, no longer exists as a city, its ruins at Tell Hum (Kefar Nahum) stretching out for about 1.5 km (1 mi) along the seacoast. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200000882 Enjoy the Visit! Long but now you know it! ? Photographed on assignment by @simonnorfolkstudio The columns of a partially restored, second-to-fifth century synagogue in Capernaum lie atop an older structure very likely visited by Jesus, according to some scholars. Nearby, archaeologists discovered a dwelling that was venerated by early Christians – possibly the home of the Apostle Peter. Capernaum (Hebrew; : ?????? ???????, Kfar Nahum; Arabic: ??? ?????, meaning "Nahum's village" in both languages) was a fishing village established during the time of the Hasmoneans, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It had a population of about 1,500. The village was inhabited continuously from the 2nd century BC to the 11th century AD, when it was abandoned sometime before the Crusader conquest. This includes the re-establishment of the village during the Early Islamic period soon after the 749 earthquake.

WHAT BLESSINGS DOES PATIENCE BRING? ?????? Whether we have served God for a few months or for several decades, we want to serve him forever. Patience helps us to endure until we gain salvation, no matter how much time remains in this system. Jehovah is now giving us the opportunity to prove our complete trust in his decisions and—if necessary—to be willing to suffer evil for the sake of his name. (1 Pet. 4:13, 14) God is also giving us training that can help us to have the patience needed for salvation.—1 Pet. 5:10. Something that interferes with our manifesting godly patience is a wait-and-see attitude. What does that mean? Well, a person who lacks confidence that the end is near might start to make alternate arrangements, so to speak, in case things do not work out as Jehovah said they would. In other words, he might be thinking, ‘I will wait and see if Jehovah really is true to his word.’ He might then try to make a name for himself in this world, to seek financial security instead of putting God’s Kingdom first, or to trust in higher education to secure a comfortable life now. Really, though, would that not be evidence of a lack of faith? Remember that Paul urged us to become imitators of those faithful ones who received promises from Jehovah “through faith and patience.” (Heb. 6:12) Jehovah will not allow this wicked system to exist any longer than is absolutely necessary according to his purpose. (Hab. 2:3) In the interim, we must avoid just going through the motions of serving Jehovah. Rather, we need to remain alert and work diligently at preaching the good news, which is a source of incomparable satisfaction even now.—Luke 21:36. Lesson for today. (1 Peter 5:10) https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2012683#h=26:0-27:481

MAGNETIC STORM ON COMET CATALINA: ????? Earth isn't the only place with geomagnetic storms. Comets can have them, too. Such a storm appears to be underway in the sinuous blue ion tail of Comet Catalina (C/2013 US10). Note the blobs of plasma circled in this Dec. 11th photo taken by Michael Jäger of Jauerling, Austria. e blobs are a sign of stormy space weather. Observers of comets frequently witness plasma blobs and 'disconnection events' in response to CMEs and gusts of solar wind. In extreme cases, a comet's tail can be completely torn off. The underlying physics is akin to terrestrial geomagnetic storms. When magnetic fields around a comet bump into oppositely-directed magnetic fields in a CME, those fields can link together or "reconnect." The resulting burst of magnetic energy can make waves, blobs, or even ruptures in the comet's tail. When CMEs hit Earth, a similar process takes place in the planet's magnetosphere powering, among other things, the aurora borealis. Comet Catalina is brightening in the eastern pre-dawn sky, not yet visible to the naked eye, but an easy target for backyard telescopes. - Amazing Miracles Of Our Creator Jehovah God! - ???

????? - # 123 Loyally Submitting to the Theocratic Order #thatviolin_man #jw #jwusa One of my favorites! For better sound quality headphones, please. Tap on Video Link mp4 ________Enjoy! Â 2500C198-E879-42FA-A04F-8E0DDB37EC81.MP4

@James Thomas Rook Jr. I guess that’s a “no-brainer?” ???

@Gilbert Delcamp Then we have “hope” now and “forever!” Thank you, nice!Â

WE ARE TAUGHT TO LOVE ? IT IS A DOMINANT QUALITY OF OUR GOD JEHOVAH, ALL CREATION HAS LEARNED LOVE, CAN WE DISPLAY MORE LOVE TO OTHERS? IF WE DO WE PROVE OURSELVES CHILDREN OF OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN - Of all of God’s qualities, the most outstanding is his love. It is his essence, or nature. As important as his wisdom, justice, and power are, the Bible never says that Jehovah is any of those. But it does say that he is love. Yes, Jehovah is the personification of love. This is love guided by principle, not emotion. GodÂ’s love is governed by the principles of truth and righteousness. It is the highest form of love, as exemplified in Jehovah God himself. Such love is an expression of complete unselfishness and is always accompanied by tangible evidence of action. It is this wonderful quality of love that enables us to imitate such a God. As lowly, imperfect, mistake-prone humans, we may think that we could never do so successfully. Another vivid proof of JehovahÂ’s creative power lies in the abundance of animal life on the earth. Psalm 148 lists many of the things that praise Jehovah, and verse 10 includes “you wild animals and all you domestic animals.” To show why man should be in awe of the Creator, Jehovah once spoke to Job about such animals as the lion, the zebra, the wild bull, Behemoth (or, hippopotamus), and Leviathan (evidently the crocodile). The point? If man stands in awe of these mighty, fearsome, and untamable creatures, how should he feel about their Creator?—Job, chapters 38-41. Psalm 148:10 also mentions “winged birds.” Just think of the varieties! Jehovah told Job of the ostrich, which “laughs at the horse and at its rider.” Indeed, this eight-foot-tall (2.5 m) bird may be flightless, but it can run 40 miles per hour (65 km/hr), covering up to 15 feet (4.5 m) in a single stride! (Job 39:13, 18) On the other hand, the albatross spends most of its life in the air over the seas. A natural glider, this bird has a wingspan of some 11 feet (3 m). It may soar for hours at a stretch without flapping its wings. By way of contrast, at only two inches (5 cm) in length, the bee hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world. It may flap its wings up to 80 times in a second! Hummingbirds, glittering like little winged gems, can hover like helicopters and even fly backward. Psalm 148:7 says that even the “sea monsters” praise Jehovah. Consider what is often thought to be the largest animal ever to live on this planet, the blue whale. This “monster” of the deep may reach a length of 100 feet (30 m) or more. It may weigh as much as a herd of 30 adult elephants. Its tongue alone weighs as much as one elephant. Its heart is the size of a small car. This huge organ beats only 9 times per minute—in contrast with the hummingbirdÂ’s heart, which may beat some 1,200 times per minute. At least one of the blue whaleÂ’s blood vessels is so large that a child could crawl inside it. Surely our hearts move us to echo the exhortation that concludes the book of Psalms: “Every breathing thing—let it praise Jah.”—Psalm 150:6. Easy? No! But Keep Trying! ?

Press Article: The victim of the motorcycle accident in Southern San Diego Resorts to faith Chula Vista, California (Kgtv) - a dreadful motorcycle accident led to a desperate situation and desperate prayer. Thanksgiving night, around 10 pm on I-5 South. Jairo Dueñas was on his harley and returned to chula vista after a day of family reunions, when he took the wrong exit in the north I-15 North. "I remember braking and blocked rear tires", said dueñas. Dueñas says he hit a wall and flew over an embankment. " I remember when I landed, I thought I was so lucky. I thought I'd be paralyzed safely ", said said. Still, his situation was terrible. Dueñas says his left foot was crushed and bled quickly. He tried to get up with his leg injured and went up a third higher on the hill, but then he couldn't go any further. Remember to look into the darkness, barely heard traffic. At that time, dueñas, a devout Jehovah's witness, resorted to his faith. He kept thinking about his first son, who wins in March. "then I said a prayer, and I asked God if he would forgive me and help me", he said. Diuenas says he had made peace with death. A few minutes later, he heard something. " he cried, ' is there anyone down there? ' ", said said. It was a voice from above. A man and his wife had been passing by, when they saw the motorcycle near the road. " I cried louder and louder, and he replied, " it was a miracle ", he said. The man named Eddie asked for help and put a tourniquet on him. His right leg, under his knee could not be saved, but dueñas believes his hero saved his life, perhaps with the help of a higher power. "it's just a matter of faith and my faith is strong", he said. Dueñas has thanked Eddie in private, but I also wanted to thank him publicly. A campaign has been established to help with expenditure. https://www.10news.com/news/amid-a-hopeless-situation-an-accident-victim-turns-to-prayer

CANADA STUDIES THE BEHAVIOR AFTER THE DENUNCIATION OF A POLITICS AGAINST JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES. For this, they will consult with Jehovah's ExWitnesses. The press article says: This is the report of the medical examiner Luc Malouin the death of Eloise Dupuis, a young Jehovah's Witness died a week after giving birth and who had refused a blood transfusion, causing the member of Taschereau to act. The letter sent to the Vice-president of the Commission of Institutions, the member of the Parliament for Verchères Stéphane Bergeron, specifically mentions members of sects who are in emergency medical situations, especially women. Although the Liberal Party has a majority in the Institutions Committee, Ms. Maltais hopes that she can convince the majority of the members to study the matter in a parliamentary committee. "Jehovah's Witnesses, former Jehovah's Witnesses, representatives of hospitals and public health could testify, the idea is to understand, because forensic reports will always say that all the rules have been respected. free and voluntary consent when a person has been in a cult for years and is under pressure, "says Maltais. Published last week, the coroner's report indicated that Malouin is independent and without undue influence how her religious community Eloise Dupuis had rejected a blood transfusion in October 2016. The 27-year-old resident of San Marguerite, Beauce died in the Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis a week later. https://www.lesoleil.com/actualite/endoctrinement-des-sectes-maltais-veut-une-commission-parlementaire-b31f81f04836e15f62f17bbbc6d522c2

Children Love ?? Jehovah! UPDATE: This is my 7 yr old nephew, Andy. He moved to Florida recently. His parents are not in the truth, although they do allow me to study with him. When he left NY I was worried about him no longer having the spiritual connection and how he would face challenges in school, especially when it came to holidays/flag salute in school. Fast forward a few months into the school year (1 yr since Andy had a bible study or attended a meeting) - the teacher asks the class “if you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?” All the kids give answers about animals and things of that sort and one of the students says to the teacher - “what about you Miss so and so, what would you wish for?” The teacher responds - “I want to live in Paradise.” Andy immediately perks up and calls out to the teacher - “Are you talking about Jehovah and the Kingdom Hall?” The teacher, intrigued and wanting to verify what she heard, calls Andy to the side and asks him “Andy, whats God’s name?” He replies “Jehovah.” Turns out, she is a sister. Jehovah is a hearer of prayer and a master of logistics. Do you have a similar story, please share in the comments. Stay tuned for updates. #jw #jworg #jehovahswitnesses #newworlddesigners Repost @friendsinwarwick???

The Beauty of our Oceans are the result of an all-wise Creator Jehovah God. Earth soon will be repaired and all creature will bring us happiness and their Creator Jehovah God. - ??????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003864#h=6:0-7:647 ??????? To get this close to these amazing animals, you may need a permit like @marine_life_kayaker has. ?? Human activities in the vicinity of marine life may impact the animals which could result in multiple things: from no observable effect, to modifying their behavior, to actual physical harm. ? To keep these animals safe, laws are in place that have severe penalties for those who violate them. ????? Before you approach marine life, learn the laws governing the interaction or you could end up in serious trouble. ? Tap on Video Link mp4 _________Enjoy! ? A5A27EA5-7A98-4BB9-A557-FCC8220A29FF.MP4

European court of human rights accepts the claim of witnesses against Russia. The European court shall, as a matter of priority, review the decision to prohibit the organizations of Jehovah's witnesses in Russia On 1 December 2017, the European court of human rights considered the complaint of Jehovah's witnesses acceptable, decided to consider it as a matter of priority and ordered the Russian Federation to submit its explanations before 23 March 2018., the Russian Federation is invited to indicate its position with regard to the conclusion of a settlement agreement in this case and to submit any proposals. The complaint is entitled "the administrative centre of Jehovah's witnesses in Russia and kalin against the Russian Federation" (no. 1018817) is addressed to the European court in connection with the decision of the supreme court of Russia of 20 April 2017, for the elimination of all 396 organizations of Jehovah's witnesses in Russia and the Prohibition of its activities on the grounds for anti-extremist legislation. Representatives of the Russian government will have to explain in writing to the International Court: if it has occurred in relation to the decision of the tribunal under article 11 of the European Convention, which guarantees the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, now freedom Association with the others? If there has been a violation of article 9, which guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the freedom to change religion or belief and the freedom to manifest its religion or belief, either Alone or in community with others and in public or private, through worship, teaching, ritual practice? Was there a violation of article 14, which prohibits discrimination and guarantees equal rights for all, regardless of their religious beliefs or other characteristics? Separately presented the question of whether it has occurred - in relation to the confiscation of the property of the administrative centre - a violation of article 1 OF PROTOCOL 1 to the European Convention, which guarantees to any natural or legal person the right to Respect for their property, in the event that no one can be deprived of their property but as in the public interest and the terms provided for by the law and the general principles of international law? It is well known that the decision to liquidate and ban all Jehovah's witness organizations in Russia involved numerous violations of the rights of believers by officials, and by the aggressive part of society. With regard to individual believers, operational search activities are carried out, criminal cases are initiated. Jehovah's witnesses insist on the illegality of the decision taken against him. https://jw-russia.org/news/17121123-275.html

Keep your “roots” grounded like a Tree. Having “Come to Know God”—What Now? ????? Our first step was to take in knowledge, which led to our having faith. But we need to keep taking in knowledge and keep making our faith stronger. (2 Thessalonians 1:3) After our baptism, our relationship with God needs to keep growing and getting stronger. ????? This is similar to the way a tree grows. It is amazing to see how tall a tree can grow, especially when its roots are strong. For example, some of the beautiful cedars of Lebanon can be as tall as a building that has 12 floors. They can be so big that a rope 12 meters (40 feet) long would stretch around just one of them. (Song of Solomon 5:15) ????? A tree grows very quickly at first. As the roots grow deeper and reach farther away from the tree, the trunk grows wider and taller. Later, it is not so easy to see the tree grow. It is similar with our progress as Christians. We may make many changes when we first start studying the Bible. Then we get baptized. Others in the congregation notice how we are progressing in the truth. We might start to pioneer or get other assignments in the congregation. As time goes on, it may not be so easy for others to see the progress we are making in the truth. But we all need to keep growing in knowledge and faith until we are like “a full-grown man,” that is, until we are what a mature Christian should be. (Ephesians 4:13) So when we make progress as a Christian, we are like a tiny seedling that grows into a strong tree. ????? But our progress should not stop there. Our knowledge of GodÂ’s Word and our faith are like roots that keep us strong and unmovable. Those roots need to keep getting stronger. (Proverbs 12:3) There are many brothers and sisters who continue to make this kind of progress. One brother who has been an elder for more than 30 years said that he is still making progress. He says that he appreciates the Bible now more than ever. He keeps learning new ways that the Bible can help a person to make decisions, and he enjoys being in the ministry more and more. ????? THE STEPS THAT WE TAKE TO KNOW GOD CAN HELP US TO KEEP PROGRESSING We start “taking in knowledge” of Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ.—John 17:3 Our faith increases as we learn about God.—John 3:16 We pray to Jehovah regularly.—Acts 2:21 We start to associate with the congregation.—Hebrews 10:24, 25 We repent of our sins.—Acts 17:30 We stop our sinful way of life and stop bad habits and conduct.—Acts 3:19 We start to speak to others about the truth.—2 Corinthians 4:13 We dedicate ourselves to Jehovah in order to follow Jesus properly.—1 Peter 4:2 We get baptized in water.—1 Peter 3:21 ????? SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED To know God: To have a close friendship with God after we learn what kind of Person he is To be known by God: To have GodÂ’s love and approval because we are his friends To grow: To make progress as a Christian. Both new Christians and mature Christians need to continue to grow To dedicate yourself to God: To promise Jehovah that you will serve him forever ????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402013204?q=roots&p=par

How Long Can You Live? ~ ? ~ Turritopsis - Lives Forever? WHEN Harriet died in 2006, she was about 175 years old. Of course, Harriet was not a human. She was a Galapagos tortoise, and she lived at a zoo in Australia. Compared with us, Harriet had a very long life. But in comparison with other living things, her life span was not extraordinary. Consider some examples. • The freshwater pearl mussel, say researchers in Finland, may live for 200 years. • The burrowing clam (ocean quahog) often lives beyond 100 years and has even been reported to live more than 400 years. • Various trees, such as the bristlecone pine, the giant sequoia, and some species of cypress and spruce, live for thousands of years. Yet humans, who are generally considered to be at the apex of terrestrial life, do well to live for 80 or 90 years—despite our sometimes extraordinary efforts to extend life! What do you think—is eight decades or so the best we can hope for? Or is there the possibility that we can live much longer? Many people hope that science and medical technology hold the key. Why Do We Want to Live Forever? For thousands of years, thinking people have wrestled with that question. Is there a logical, satisfying explanation—one that harmonizes with both our physical makeup and our natural desire to live forever? Millions of people would answer with a resounding yes! Why? In the Bible, they have found the most satisfying answers about human nature. From the outset, the Bible plainly states that humans, while having some things in common with other creatures, are fundamentally different. For example, at Genesis 1:27, we read that God created humans in his image. How so? He gave us the capacity to display love, justice, and wisdom. And as the One who lives forever, God implanted in us the desire to live forever. He “planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds,” says Ecclesiastes 3:11.—The Amplified Bible Physical evidence that humans were originally designed to live much longer than we do can be seen in the power of the brain, especially in its potential to learn. The Encyclopedia of the Brain and Brain Disorders states that the long-term memory capacity of the human brain “is virtually unlimited.” Why have this capacity if it were not meant to be used? Yes, in fundamental ways, humans reflect God’s original purpose for mankind. Then why do we grow old, suffer, and die? Turritopsis - Lives Forever? From wikipedia: Theoretically, this process can go on indefinitely, effectively rendering the jellyfish biologically immortal, although, in nature, most Turritopsis, like other medusae, are likely to succumb to predation or disease in the plankton stage, without reverting to the polyp form. No single specimen has been observed for any extended period, so it is not currently possible to estimate the age of an individual, and so even if this species has the potential for immortality, there is no laboratory evidence of many generations surviving from any individual. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turritopsis_nutricula If you would like to gain that faith on how you can live forever, please speak to Jehovah’s Witnesses locally or visit our Web site at jw.org.

DO YOU HAVE HOPE? ONLY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST WE HAVE HOPE FOREVER! ??? “We have this hope as an anchor for the soulÂ…where a forerunner has entered in our behalf, Jesus, who has become a high Through Jesus Christ we have hope for ever!,priestÂ…forever.” (Heb 6:19,20) No Real Hope Without God. True hope, as spoken of in the Bible, is superior to mere desire, which may have no foundation or prospect of fulfillment. It is also better than mere expectation, because that which is expected is not always desirable. The Bible shows that the people of the world in general have no real, solidly based hope; mankind is going into death, and without knowledge of a provision from a higher source there is no hope in what lies ahead. Solomon expressed the futility of manÂ’s situation without GodÂ’s intervention as “the greatest vanity! . . . Everything is vanity.” (Ec 12:8; 9:2, 3) The Source of Hope. Jehovah God is the Source of true hope and the One able to fulfill all his promises and the hopes of those trusting in him. It is through his undeserved kindness that he has given mankind “comfort and good hope.” (2Th 2:16) jw.org

Are You in fear of Armageddon? How Can I Be Saved? ~ ?????? The Bible associates the name, not with a nuclear holocaust, but with the coming universal “war of the great day of God the Almighty.” (Rev. 16:14, 16) This name is applied to which earth’s political rulers are being gathered in opposition to Jehovah and his Kingdom  by Jesus Christ. Such opposition will be shown by global action against Jehovah’s servants on earth, the visible representatives of God’s Kingdom. (Rev. 11:18) : “The nations became wrathful, and your own [Jehovah’s] wrath came, and the appointed time . . . to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Rev. 16:14) : “They go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” Will there be survivors? (Zeph. 2:3) : “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.” (Rom. 10:13) : “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Ps. 37:34) : “Hope in Jehovah and keep his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked ones are cut off, you will see it.” - Bible Speaks - jw.org

Serve God Loyally Despite “Many Tribulations” ~ ????? “We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.”—ACTS 14:22. DOES it shock you that you can expect to face “many tribulations” before you gain the prize of everlasting life? Likely not. Whether you are new in the truth or you are a longtime servant of Jehovah, you know that hardship is an aspect of life in SatanÂ’s world.—Rev. 12:12. Jesus foretold: “People will hand you over to local courts, and you will be beaten in synagogues and be put on the stand before governors and kings.” (Mark 13:9) As those words indicate, some Christians will face tribulation in the form of physical persecution, perhaps at the instigation of religious or political leaders. (Acts 5:27, 28) Again, consider PaulÂ’s example. Did he cower at the thought of being subjected to such persecution? Not at all.—Read Acts 20:22, 23. Never forget that “Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial.” (2 Pet. 2:9) Will you continue to trust in Jehovah, knowing that he can deliver you from this wicked system of things and allow you to enjoy everlasting life under the rule of his Kingdom? You have every reason to do so and to face up to persecution courageously.—1 Pet. 5:8, 9. Be determined not to give up the fight. Keep focused on the reward. Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth: “We do not give up, but even if the man we are outside is wasting away, certainly the man we are inside is being renewed from day to day. For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing greatness and is everlasting.”—2 Cor. 4:16, 17. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014683?q=1+peter+5%3A9&p=par

Draw Close to God He Remembers That “We Are Dust” ???????? “I HAD not believed that Jehovah could fully forgive me, and I thought that I would carry this burden for the rest of my life.” So wrote one Christian woman regarding her past mistakes. Truly, a guilty conscience is a heavy burden to carry. The Bible, however, offers comfort that can ease the pain of repentant sinners. Consider the words of the psalmist David found at Psalm 103:8-14. David knew that “Jehovah is merciful” and does not “keep finding fault” with us. (Verses 8-10) When God finds a basis to show mercy, he does so completely and unstintingly. David, an eloquent poet, uses three similes to illustrate GodÂ’s far-reaching mercy toward us. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, his loving-kindness is superior toward those fearing him.” (Verse 11) When we look up at the night sky, we cannot fathom the great distance between the starry heavens and the earth. David thus impresses upon us the magnitude of JehovahÂ’s mercy, a facet of his loyal love. This mercy is for “those fearing” God—those who have “a humble, hearty reverence of his authority,” says one scholar. “As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions.” (Verse 12) Other translations say, “as far as the east is from the west.” How far is that? As far as we can imagine. One Bible reference work says: “Fly as far as the wing of imagination can bear you, and if you journey through space eastward, you are further from the west at every beat of your wing.” David here tells us that when God forgives our sins, he puts them as far away from us as we can possibly imagine. “As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those fearing him.” (Verse 13) David, a father himself, knew what a loving father feels in his heart. Such a father is moved to show compassion to his children, especially when they are in pain. David assures us that our loving heavenly Father shows mercy to his earthly children, especially when their repentant hearts are “broken and crushed” because of their sins.—Psalm 51:17. Following the three similes, David reveals what moves Jehovah to show mercy to imperfect humans: “He himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust.” (Verse 14) Jehovah knows that we are creatures made of dust, having frailties and limitations. Taking into consideration our sinful nature, Jehovah is “ready to forgive”—as long as we show heartfelt repentance.—Psalm 86:5. Is your heart touched by DavidÂ’s words about JehovahÂ’s mercy? The woman quoted at the outset made a study of what the Bible says about GodÂ’s readiness to forgive, and she was moved to say: “I am starting to feel that I really can draw closer to Jehovah, and I feel that a weight has been lifted off me.”* Why not learn more about GodÂ’s mercy and how you can receive it? Perhaps you too will feel that a weight is being lifted off you. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2011566?q=ps+103%3A14&p=par

THEY COPED WITH DISCOURAGEMENT ???? We exert ourselves vigorously with the help of Jehovah’s spirit; still, we may at times be discouraged because of the way people react to our message. We do well to recall the example of the prophet Jeremiah. He experienced ridicule, insults, and jeering because he proclaimed GodÂ’s message to the Israelites. At one point, Jeremiah even said: “I am not going to make mention of him, and I will speak no more in his name.” ???? Jeremiah was a man with feelings like ours. Nonetheless, he kept delivering GodÂ’s message. Why? The prophet added: “But in my heart it became like a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was tired of holding it in; I could no longer endure it.”—Jer. 20:7-9. ???? Similarly, if we are discouraged because of peopleÂ’s response to our message, we can fight off that feeling by meditating on the message we proclaim. It can be like ‘a burning fire shut up in our bones.Â’ Making Bible reading a daily habit can keep that fire burning within us. ???? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2016208?q=fire+in+bones&p=par

"Love, in deed and truth." (1 John 3:18) ????? Jesus said: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:34, 35) The love of the true Christian brotherhood has no equal in human society. Just as a magnet draws iron, so love draws Jehovah’s servants together in unity and attracts sincere ones to true worship. - Bible Speaks - Learn more at: jw.org

@Angie Kirwan More violence coming and earthquakes they say 2018! Let God’s Kingdom come! Thank you for your support! ??????

Prayers for our Brothers and Sisters! ???????? Honduran security forces fanned out on Saturday to enforce a curfew that emptied streets after a contested presidential election triggered looting and violent protests that have left at least three people dead. Hundreds have been arrested after the tally from last Sunday's presidential race stalled without a clear winner and opposition leaders accused the government of trying to steal the election. TV star Salvador Nasralla on Saturday accused his rival, President Juan Orlando Hernandez, of carrying out a coup by manipulating the vote count and declaring the curfew to stifle protests. International concern has grown about the electoral crisis in the poor Central American country, which struggles with violent drug gangs and one of the world's highest murder rates. Lines formed at supermarkets and gas stations early Saturday as people stocked up on supplies, but many shops were shuttered and others closed early as groups of workers waited to catch buses and get back to their homes before the 6 p.m-to-6 a.m. curfew took effect. Nasralla's early lead on Monday was later reversed in favor of Hernandez, leading to accusations of vote fraud and calls for protests. Disputed votes could swing the outcome. Electoral authorities have proposed recounting around 6 percent of the vote, but Nasralla's party has demanded a wider recount, forcing a standoff with the ruling party and election authorities. Heide Fulton, the top official at the U.S. Embassy, which does not currently have an ambassador, called for Hondurans to refrain from violence. "The Supreme Electoral Tribunal must have the time and space to count all votes transparently and free from interference," she said Saturday on Twitter. One man was killed in the port city of La Ceiba on Friday and a 19-year old woman was shot in the head early Saturday in Tegucigalpa as soldiers busted up protesters' blockades of rubble and burning tires that had snarled traffic in the capital and major ports, a spokesman for the national police said. On Friday, police had reported another protester was killed in La Ceiba. 200-plus arrests More than 200 people have been arrested and more than 20 injuries have been reported.

Blessings from Jehovah! - Tap Screen and turn up sound ?????? Tap on Screen for GIF I made them for you ‘all ????? Tap on Video Link mp4 for Video _______Beautiful! ? FD4D0EFD-7C69-465E-B343-99F94A7993D0.mp4

Thank you ~ ????? Brothers and sisters from Japan & Korea sing together at Surabaya Special Convention 2017. ? #Repost @lilishandoyo 63A676E4-47F4-44BA-9AEC-109964DCD432.MP4