Bible Speaks

RUSSIA Jehovah's Witnesses try to defend their Bible in the earthly court The earthly court in the person of the Leningrad Regional Court tried on December 6 in matters of the divine. The reason for the consideration of the case by a panel of three judges began to appeal, which is served by representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses in the judicial act of the Court Vyborg acknowledged the witnesses published translation of the Bible "Scripture - Translation of the New World "," extremist materials "at the request of prosecutors. The result of almost an hour and a half of consideration: the transfer of the case on December 20. To support his teachings came his numerous followers, men and women of different ages, who were shaken by the process. It was said that some of the followers were blessed by the elders for their presence in court and traveled from far away on electric trains to "pray for a just decision." "Yes, do not worry, do not be scared, everything is in the hands of God, people are narrow-minded, but he sees Jehovah as if everything were in the palm of his hand," said one of the followers of the faith. Jehovah's Witnesses had high hopes of being eyewitnesses to the meeting, but only those who were directly involved in the case were allowed to enter the room, which was designed for only six people, and refused to give more space to room. "walls" Setenepronitsaemye of the court in the Fontanka, 6 and deprived waiting for news from the room, since the participants in the process of witnesses could not send messages and keep up with what is happening excited believers. "The 21st century, and the Internet in the courthouse can not be organized," complained Jehovah's Witnesses standing in the cold. The motion for video and photographic recording of the trial process was also rejected by the judge, although they allowed the announcement of the decision to be part of the decision. Experienced followers of the Witnesses and the possible arrival of the police. "The last time in the Moscow court, the police came and went, the whole bus approached them, as if we were criminals, well, let them look, we are for the just cause," the parishioners complained, ready, they said, for reject the police and "defend their beliefs", responding to any of their interrogations. The meeting was attended by representatives of the prosecutor's office, the Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia, and a representative of the religious community in Finland. Witness lawyer Anton Bogdanov, who represented several European organizations of Jehovah's Witnesses, said in court that the procedural law was violated in the appointment and conduct of the examination, as well as the substitution of the object of investigation. A representative of Jehovah's Witnesses, Maxim Novakov, also said that the decision of the trial court does not contain a single quote from the Bible in which experts had found signs of extremism. "The experts considered that the New World Translation is not a translation of the Bible, because it uses the personal name of God, Jehovah," - said Maxim Nowak, mentioning the fact that the name in Hebrew is present and in the bas-relief of the building of the Constitutional Court of Russia in St. Petersburg. By substituting the object of the study's lawyer he was referring to the fact that, in fact, the experts examined a very different book, namely the English-language edition of the "New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures." As proof of his thesis of Anton Bogdanov he referred to the many passages inserted in the opinion of the experts, taken from the course work of the student of one of the orthodox seminars devoted to that publication, but not the Jehovah's Witnesses of the Bible. "They did not even bother to put quotations in the course and Wikipedia appointments, there is generally an abracadabra in the exam: nonsensical text fragments It seems that the one who signed the exam never read it because, as if he were reading, He could not have signed it.The previous court did not pay attention to it, and today the judge agreed to question the three experts to comment on their investigations, and to eliminate this contradiction, "- said the representative of Jehovah's Witnesses was Jaroslav Sivulskii. According to him, the prosecution explained all the contradictions with a "simple typographical error". Representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses also pointed out the unacceptable error of the previous court, which entrusted a second investigation to the experts who conducted the initial examination. As a result, the Leningrad Regional Court considered it necessary to interview the experts who carried out the investigation, summoning them to court. The next meeting will be held in the same court on December 20, 2017. GOOGLE TRANSLATED × http://m.proved-partner.ru/society/social-organizations/45370-svideteli-iegovy-pytayutsya-otstoyaty-svoyu-bibliyu-peped-zemnym-sudom.html

Video - Beautiful Cheetah Cubs Loved and Nurtered By Mom – ??? Experienced cheetah moms, like all good mothers, are both vigilant and tolerant. Watch how this mother puts up with the antics of her cubs until they wear themselves out and suckle and go to sleep. What you donÂ’t see here is how this mother is constantly scanning the horizon for signs of trouble. The fate of cheetahs as a species depends on the ability of a small number of exceptional females to nurture cubs to independence and to keep them safe while doing so. We call them “supermoms.” And any mother who is juggling child care with earning a living and other responsibilities, can relate to that. Stay tuned for more stories from the wild world of cheetahs. Is there a Lesson for Us? ?? Video by @FransLanting Tap on Video Link mp4 _________Enjoy!  5758DD1C-1171-450D-85A8-90FD12C0E821.MP4

A Miracle That “Is Alive and Exerts Power”!! The miracles of bygone days—miraculous Healing's and resurrections—no longer occur. ????? “The Power of GodÂ’s Word,” Hebrews 4:12 states: “The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The Bible—GodÂ’s Word or ManÂ’s? chapter 7, published by JehovahÂ’s Witnesses. - Bible Speaks - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2005121?q=miracles&p=par

Can a Camel Walk Through a Needle? What did the scripture mean? (Luke 18:25) . . .???? It is easier, in fact, for a camel to get through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich man to get into the kingdom of God.” • Jesus Christ compared a rich manÂ’s difficulty in getting into the Kingdom with a camel that is trying to get through a needleÂ’s eye. Did Jesus have in mind a literal camel and a real sewing needle? (Lu 18:25) - Bible Speaks - ???? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102014696?q=luke+18%3A25&p=par

@Sonya Travis Satan has taught the false ideas as truth, but real truth as just lies. (2 Cor. 4:4) “among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination* of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.” Thank you for your support!

Jehovah the Creator and Controller - ??? The Bible repeatedly acknowledges Jehovah as the Creator of the seas, which were formed as distinct from the dry land on the third creative day. (Ge 1:9, 10, 13; Ne 9:6; Ac 4:24; 14:15; Re 14:7) It also comments on his ability to extend his power over the sea and to control it. (Job 26:12; Ps 65:7; 89:9; Jer 31:35) When his Son was on earth he was given authority by his Father to command the sea, with effectiveness. (Mt 8:23-27; Mr 4:36-41; Joh 6:17-20) God’s control of the seas is demonstrated by the way the coasts and the tides keep the sea within its set limits, barricaded, as it were, by doors. (Job 38:8-11; Ps 33:7; Pr 8:29; Jer 5:22; see SAND.) This accomplishment in connection with the sea, as well as its role in the earth’s water cycle (Ec 1:7; Am 5:8), makes the sea an example of Jehovah’s wonderful works. (Ps 104:24, 25) Poetically speaking, even the seas join in praising their Creator.—Ps 96:11; 98:7. Jeremiah described the sound of the attackers of Babylon as being “like the sea that is boisterous.” (Jer 50:42) Hence, when he foretold that “the sea” would come up over Babylon, he evidently meant the flood of conquering troops under the Medes and Persians.—Jer 51:42. - Bible Speaks Photo by @benthouard Tap on Video Link mp4 _________Enjoy! https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003864?q=sea+boisterous&p=par 29E86E80-05B7-462C-B2E5-CC99A44643C8.MP4

A Touching experience from a Friend. Enjoy! Thank you my Friend! Jehovah will take our hands forever! - ????? I want to share a personal experience with anyone out there who needs some encouragement. I was feeling pretty down and exhausted lately, and just don't feel like doing anything. I just want to take a break and rest. I just didn't know if I am still of use to Jehovah, whether He still wants to use me. I asked Him, "Do you still want me? Am I still of use to you? Pls let me know." And voila! I got an email from Judith who said a Bro needed sisters to do an OKM demo that evening. It was really very last minute, with only a day to prepare mentally (he gave us the script, though). It was the demo on, "Do we need God?" I emailed the sis back and told her that I don't feel up to it, that I am just not confident. She replied that if I really can't do it, she will try to find someone else. When I thought about it, I felt that I was letting Jehovah down, cos this is a privilege. I felt, "This is just NOT right. You can't do this and just shift the job to someone else. You can't." I felt very pressed for time, but prayed, "Pls, Jehovah, I want to take this on, cos it is for you, and I know that you will help me. So, I'm going to just leave this in Your hands. Pls help me. Use me in any way you want. All for Your use. Pls help me." I was on public transport, on the train. I was heading back towards Malaysia, towards my demo. I know that by the time I got back, I will only have about half an hour to rehearse with Judith. Time is just so short. I don't know if I pull this off, cos I want so much to encourage the bros and sisters and not mess up. It is my personal responsibility cos I agreed to take it on. I was trying my best to remember my scipt for the demo. There was a scripture being used there, Matthew 5:3, that Jesus said we need spiritual values to be happy. And that mankind needs God. And I was not happy. I felt this magazine is for me too. My brain hurts. I just can't remember the script. So I took out my Watchtower magazine for the week and started reading. I closed my eyes and tried to meditate on what I was reading. I felt so tired, cos some parts of the WT "beat me" and made me feel so guilty. Well, I opened my eyes and I saw a young teenage girl looking at me. I felt embarrassed. I look down at my WT and I started reading again, and I closed my eyes again. When I opened them, she was still looking at me, and she inched closer. Ouch... I felt that she was intruding on my private space. I hated that.. Cos my personal space bubble is being invaded... lol So I looked at my WT and closed my eyes the 3rd time. This time, when I opened my eyes, I couldn't stand it when I saw her moving toooo close to me. I felt like scolding her and asking her to move back, cos there was so much more space around. It really made me very uncomfortable. I never like people coming too close to me.. And before I could tell her off, she asked, "Are you trying to memorise for an exam? I can help you! I am working on a thesis, and my memory is good!" Haha... My eyes nearly popped out! And I laughed inside myself. I told her, "Oh, no. I am not studying for an exam, but reading a magazine that is published worldwide in more than 239 lands, for people who are interested in spiritual matters." She exclaimed, "Wow! You are so spiritual-minded! I am from a church too." And she whipped out her church tract, and tried to ask me to go to her church. Lol... Not to be outdone, I whipped out my tract from my waistpouch, and showed it to her. And I whipped out my mobile phone, and immediately got to our website, jw.org and showed her the articles there. I made sure she got it --> jw.org I had to get off soon, but I felt I must at least show her some scriptures. What to use? Ah... I can use the one for my demo in the evening! I quickly used our JW Library on our Application website and showed her 2 scriptures, namely Matthew 5:3. I told her that we need spiritual values to be happy, and that we need to know the Person who can give us happiness. Does she know God's name? No, she doesn't. So I showed her Psalm 83:18. Her eyes opened wide. And guess what? I had actually talked a little bit louder because I was on the noisy train, and the rest of the passengers heard me loud and clear when I quoted those 2 scriptures. Haha... They got a witness too. The girl told me that she will go to our website and check it out. I am thankful I am used this way. I made my way back to Malaysia as fast as I could. There was a new route that I was trying to take. It was getting very dark, and it was very very quiet there. I got a little bit scared, cos I was all alone on that road. A motorbike came back, the rider turned his head and looked at me. I was reallllly scared. I prayed, "Jehovah, help me. I am scared!" And at that moment, a police car whizzed by. I was like, "Thank you, Jehovah!" and I started walking as quickly as I can. It was really quiet. And I prayed, "Jah, I am still scared!" And guess what???? A SECOND police car came whizzing by again. And I thanked Jehovah again! By then, I had reached the new place where I am staying now. And I promised myself not to take that quiet route again. Quiet because it was the schoold holidays and there was no one there. I didn't know that. Jehovah was with me all this while. He NEVER left me. For that, I am thankful! I got back, and quickly rehearsed with Judith as fast as I can. My strength was going very very fast, but somehow, I told Jehovah, "This is for you. Pls help me tonight. I want to benefit the bros and sisters. Pls help me. It's not for me, but for them, and for you. Pls help me." Jehovah heard. Cos I did not hear the pounding of my heart when I did the demo. And yes, the ending of the story is: My demo for the night with Sis Judith went smoothly. So, if we avail ourselves, Jehovah can STILL and WILL use us. ~ A Happy Hong

Psalms 1:2 - “But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads his law in an undertone day and night.” Hebrews 4:12 - “For the Word of God is alive and exercise power and is sharper than any two edged sword and pierces even the dividing of soul and spirit and of joints from the marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.” - (NWT) Please Visit: JW.Org. - TV.JW.Org. - Bible Speaks ?????

"He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake." ??? According to Germanic folklore, St. Nick has a demonic sidekick (half-goat, half-demon, horrific beast) named Krampus whose job is to punish all the children who were naughty this year. Santa's partner comes with a chain and bells that he lashes about, along with a bundle of birch sticks meant to swat naughty children. He then hauls the bad kids down to the underworld. Krampus, whose name is derived from the German word krampen, meaning claw, is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. The legendary beast also shares characteristics with other scary, demonic creatures in Greek mythology, including satyrs and fauns. The legend is part of a centuries-old Christmas tradition in Germany, where Christmas celebrations begin in early December. Krampus was created as a counterpart to St. Nicholas, who rewarded children with sweets. Krampus, in contrast, would swat "wicked" children and take them away to his lair. According to folklore, Krampus purportedly shows up in towns the night before December 6th, known as Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night. December 6th also happens to be Nikolaustag, or St. Nicholas Day, when German children look outside their door to see if the shoe or boot they'd left out the night before contains either presents (a reward for good behavior) or a rod (bad behavior). A more modern take on the tradition involves drunken men dressed as devils, who take over the streets for a Krampuslauf, when people are chased through the streets by the "devils." Krampus is a popular figure in the holiday celebrations of Germany, Austria and other Alpine countries. Thus, as you consider Christmas celebrations, note how they reflect, not the spirit of God, but that of the world. Generally, Christmas celebrations have a common theme: They appeal to fleshly desires, and they promote false religious beliefs and spiritism. (Revelation 18:2-4, 23) Remember, too, that Jehovah observed first-hand the disgusting pagan religious practices from which many popular customs originated. No doubt, he finds such celebrations just as offensive today. Should not God's view matter most to us? (2 John 6, 7) - Bible Speaks

Thank you for your support! I had posted this a month ago. Good to repeat though! ??????

The Star ? of Bethelhem Was it From God? According to the Nativity story commonly told, God used a star to lead three wise The star of Bethlehem was it from God?,men, or kings, to the stable in Bethlehem and found Jesus, a newly born baby, in a manger. Countless children have even memorized the names of those three kings: Melchior, Caspar, and Baltazar. But, who were those men? In the original Greek, the Bible calls them neither kings nor wise men. They were magi, or astrologers. They were practicers of the pagan art of divination based on the stars. The Bible record reveals neither the names nor the number of these astrologers. Also, the star did not lead the men directly to Bethlehem, but to Jerusalem, where their inquiries about Jesus reached the ears of King Herod. Herod then “secretly summoned the astrologers,” who told him about the newborn “king of the Jews.” Herod then said: “Go make a careful search for the young child, and when you have found him, report back to me.” Herod’s interest in Jesus, however, was anything but noble. Rather, this proud and ruthless ruler was resolved to put Jesus to death! (Matthew 2:1-8, 16) Interestingly, the “star” now led the astrologers south to Bethlehem. There “it came to a stop” above the house where Jesus was. (Matthew 2:9, 10) Consider, too, when did those men visit? Not when Jesus was a baby in a manger. How do we know that? The Gospel writer Matthew says: “When they went into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother.” (Matthew 2:11) Note that Jesus was no longer a newborn baby, but a “young child.” Mary and Joseph were no longer spending nights in a stable; rather, they were, by then, living in a house. Clearly, this was no ordinary star! Religious leaders commonly teach that God sent the “star.” Did he really? And why would God, who had used angels to inform humble shepherds of Jesus’ birth, now employ a star to guide pagan astrologers — first to Jesus’ enemy and then to the child himself? The only reasonable conclusion is that the star was a sinister device of Satan, who is capable of such manifestations. (2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10)  Ironically, today, an ornament called the 'Star of Bethlehem' is usually seen at the very top of the Christmas tree. - Bible Speaks

CHRISTMAS LIES ~ ??? Saint Nicholas' Evil Companion: Krampus is a beast-like creature from folklore thought to punish children during the Yule season who had misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved ones with gifts. Krampus is said to capture particularly naughty children in his sack and carry them away to his lair. Krampus is represented as a beast-like creature, generally demonic in appearance. https://www.cnet.com/pictures/krampus-the-terrifyingly-true-dark-side-of-santa-claus/

WHY Show True Christian Love? ? (John 13:34, 35) "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.” Because love is a product of GodÂ’s holy spirit, it enables true Christians to do what others cannot do, such as overcome racial, cultural, and political barriers. “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,Â’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens,” said Jesus, “but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.” (Matt. 7:21) Yes, it is not the professing of Christianity that pleases Jehovah but the practicing of it. For ChristÂ’s true followers, that involves their whole way of life, including their attitude toward money, secular work, entertainment, worldly customs and celebrations, and marriage and other relationships with fellow humans. False Christians, however, adopt the thinking and ways of the world, which have become increasingly ungodly during these last days. (Ps. 92:7) JW.ORG

Lesson for today. (Deut 6:5-7) The children often pay a high price. ?????? Although they may have many material luxuries, they lack the most essential ingredients of a good childhood: parental time and love. Without guidance, without discipline and direction, they face very adult questions too soon, with little or no preparation. ‘Should I take drugs? Engage in sex? Get violent when IÂ’m angry?Â’ They will likely find their own answers, taking them from peers or TV or movie characters. The results often bring childhood to an abrupt, even tragic, end. - Bible Speaks - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102003282?q=young+brains&p=par

IS THERE FALSE RELIGION TODAY?  HOW WOULD I KNOW? ~ ????? Why do you call it that?  What's different than what the Bible teaches?  Why do many not go to Church?  What about the hundreds of religions today? Probably you agree that many things done in the name of religion are not approved by God. During the recent world wars, which millions of persons now living survived, the religions on both sides encouraged their people to kill. “Kill Germans—do kill them,” said the bishop of London. And, on the other side, the archbishop of Cologne told Germans: “We command you in the name of God, to fight to the last drop of your blood for the honor and glory of the country.” So Catholics killed Catholics with the approval of their religious leaders, and Protestants did the same. Clergyman Harry Emerson Fosdick admitted: “Even in our churches, we have put the battle flags . . . With one corner of our mouth we have praised the Prince of Peace and with the other ,we have glorified war.” How do you think God feels about a religion that claims to do his will but glorifies war?  Because of the crimes committed in the name of God by the members of many different religions throughout history, millions of persons today have turned away from God and Christ. They blame God for the terrible religious wars, such as those between Catholics and Muslims called the Crusades, the wars between Muslims and Hindus, and the wars between Catholics and Protestants. They point to the murder of Jews in the name of Christ, and the cruel Catholic inquisitions. Yet, even though the religious leaders responsible for such horrible crimes claimed God as their Father, were they not just as much children of the Devil as were the Pharisees whom Jesus condemned? Since Satan is the god of this world, should we not expect that he also controls the religions practiced by people of the world?—2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9.  No doubt there are many things done in the name of religion today that you do not think are right. Often you may hear about people who have very immoral ways of life, but who are respectable members of churches.  You may even know about religious leaders who have a very bad way of life, but who are still accepted as good religious leaders in their churches. Some religious leaders have said that homosexuality and having sex relations without being married are not wrong.  But you may know that the Bible does not say that. In fact, God had his people of Israel punished with death because they practiced such things. For the same reason ,he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. (Jude 7) Soon he will do the same to all modern-day false religion. In the Bible, such religion is represented as a prostitute because of its immoral relations with the “kings of the earth.”—Revelation 17:1, 2, 16. visit jw.org for more information....

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? ~ ???????? https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/bible-about-homosexuality/

“Mark Well the Ravens.” Michael Burnett, a class instructor and former missionary, delivered the talk with the above title. He said that we are going to have anxious thoughts on occasion. But remember Jesus' counsel: “Mark well that the ravens neither sow seed nor reap, . . . and yet God feeds them.” (Luke 12:24) According to the Law covenant, ravens were unclean, not fit to be eaten. They were to be considered loathsome. (Leviticus 11:13, 15) In spite of their status, God feeds them. “So if you are confronted with major anxiety in the future,” said Brother Burnett, “think about the raven. If God takes care of an unclean, loathsome bird, how much more so is he going to take care of you who are clean in his eyes.” — Contributed

"their letters of God" Violet is a crippled sister of 82 years who lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. She regularly sends out letters and publications to nursing homes and palliative care units of his region. The nurses at home who make the factrices tell that residents aged feverishly awaiting what they call "their letters of God". Some people read their letters and their publications and trade them in there, or do the reading out loud to those who see evil. The nurses are also saying that the residents who read these letters and these publications are more calm, more positive and more peaceful than the others. Violet explains his initiative: " I have the feeling that Jehovah uses me always to help my next. It's really challenging to make known the truth in this way. " Extract Yearbook 2014

Woman came from Man's rib. Not from his feet to be walked on. Not from his head to be superior. ~ ? (Proverbs 31:30)Â "Charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; [but] the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself." - Bible Speaks -Â Find more information at: jw.org

“Jehovah is my Shepherd”—is that not a fitting description of our heavenly Father? ~ ?????? “Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing.”— (PSALM 23:1) Jehovah leads his people. David writes: “In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; by well-watered resting-places he conducts me. My soul he refreshes. He leads me in the tracks of righteousness for his nameÂ’s sake.” (Psalm 23:2, 3) ?????? “I Fear Nothing Bad, for You Are With Me” David gives a second reason for his confidence: Jehovah protects his sheep. We read: “Even though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear nothing bad, for you are with me; your rod and your staff are the things that comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) ?????? There are times when we may, so to speak, “walk in the valley of deep shadow.” For example, we may come close to death as a result of persecution or some health crisis. Or it may be that someone dear to us comes close to or even succumbs to death. During what seem to be the darkest moments, our Shepherd is with us, and he will safeguard us. How? ?????? Jehovah does not promise miraculous intervention.* But of this we can be sure: Jehovah will help us to get through whatever obstacles we may face. He can grant us the wisdom to cope “with various trials.” (James 1:2-5) A shepherd uses his rod or staff not only to ward off predators but also to nudge his sheep in the right direction. ?????? Jehovah can “nudge” us, perhaps by means of a fellow worshipper, to apply Bible-based counsel that may make a big difference in our situation. In addition, Jehovah can give us the strength to endure. (Philippians 4:13) ?????? By means of his holy spirit, he can equip us with “power beyond what is normal.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) GodÂ’s spirit can enable us to endure any test that Satan might bring upon us. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Is it not comforting to know that Jehovah is ever ready to help us? ?????? Yes, no matter what dark valley we may find ourselves in, we do not have to walk through it alone. Our Shepherd is with us, helping us in ways that we may not fully perceive at first. - Bible Speaks - jw.org

Egypt is referred to over 700 times in the Bible. What do you know about it? ~ ??????? In the Hebrew Scriptures, Egypt is often designated by the name Mizraim, evidently pointing to the prominence of the descendants of that son of Ham who settled in this region (Ge 10:6) ??????? The Egyptians in the days of Joseph were favorably disposed towards the Israelites, but as their numbers increased, they cruelly oppressed them, eventually imposing conditions of slavery. ??????? This situation existed for centuries until Jehovah provided deliverance through Moses. ??????? After the Exodus, hostilities continued. For example, shortly after Solomon's death, Pharaoh Shishak invaded Judah (993 BCE) with a mighty force of chariots, attacking Jerusalem and stripping the city of its treasures (2 Ch 12 : 1 - 12) ??????? During later periods, the Judean Kings forgot about the previous centuries of aggression and hostility, forming unwise alliances with Egypt ... which did nothing to delay Jehovah's judgement upon them. ??????? Egypt is mentioned as part of the realm of the symbolic “king of the south.” (Da 11:5, 8, 42, 43) At Revelation 11:8 unfaithful Jerusalem, where the Lord Jesus Christ was impaled, is “in a spiritual sense” called Egypt. This is appropriate when we consider that unfaithful Jerusalem religiously oppressed and enslaved the Jews. Also, the first Passover victims were slain in Egypt, while the antitypical Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, was killed at Jerusalem. ??????? jw.org

“Truly I say to YOU, If only YOU have faith and do not doubt, not only will YOU do what I did to the fig tree, but also if YOU say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and cast into the sea,Â’ it will happen. 22 And all the things YOU ask in prayer, having faith, YOU will receive.” How Strong is your Faith? - Can you Move that Mountian? Faith enables Christians to cope with any difficulties. Jesus told his disciples that if they had “faith the size of a mustard grain,” nothing would be impossible for them. (Matthew 17:20) In that way, he stressed the power of faith, a fruit of holy spirit. Jesus thus emphasized, not what humans, but what GodÂ’s spirit, or active force, can do. Those guided by it do not make molehill-size obstacles and problems into mountains. Applying the wisdom that GodÂ’s spirit imparts helps them to keep things in proper perspective. Even serious problems shrivel when subjected to the sustaining power of faith. (Matthew 21:21-22) . . .In answer Jesus said to them: “Truly I say to YOU, If only YOU have faith and do not doubt, not only will YOU do what I did to the fig tree, but also if YOU say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and cast into the sea,Â’ it will happen. 22 And all the things YOU ask in prayer, having faith, YOU will receive.” (Mark 11:22-25) 22 And in reply Jesus said to them: “Have faith in God. 23 Truly I say to YOU that whoever tells this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,Â’ and does not doubt in his heart but has faith that what he says is going to occur, he will have it so. 24 This is why I tell YOU, All the things YOU pray and ask for have faith that YOU have practically received, and YOU will have them. 25 And when YOU stand praying, forgive whatever YOU have against anyone; in order that YOUR Father who is in the heavens may also forgive YOU YOUR trespasses.. . . How was it possible for him to surmount such mountainlike barriers and successfully accomplish GodÂ’s will for him? “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me,” Paul wrote. This was “that the power beyond what is normal may be GodÂ’s and not that out of ourselves.” (Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 4:7) Thus, Paul had implicit trust in JehovahÂ’s ability to fortify him at the critical moment. He had faith. - Bible Speaks - jw.org

Lesson for today. (John 17:3) “Why, Lord, Did You Remain Silent?” THESE were the words of Pope Benedict XVI, who visited the former concentration camp at Auschwitz, Poland, on May 28, 2006. At the site where the Nazis killed hundreds of thousands of Jews and others, he added: “How many questions arise in this place! Constantly the question comes up: Where was God in those days? Why was he silent? How could he permit this endless slaughter, this triumph of evil? . . . We must continue to cry out humbly yet insistently to God: Rouse yourself! Do not forget mankind, your creature!” The popeÂ’s speech gave rise to animated reactions. Some detected revealing omissions, such as his failure to mention the anti-Semitism that was associated with atrocities at Auschwitz. Others read into his words an attempt to play down the request of Pope John Paul II for forgiveness of sins that the church committed. A Catholic journalist, Filippo Gentiloni, observed: “It was, however, logical that many commentators when confronted with the difficult question regarding where God was—a question without an answer—instead requested an answer to the easier question: Where was Pius XII?” The commentators were referring to Pope Pius XIIÂ’s silence during the Holocaust. The Holocaust and all the other acts of genocide committed throughout human history prove that “man has dominated man to his injury.” (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Furthermore, manÂ’s Creator has not been silent in the face of so much horror. Through the pages of the Bible, he has revealed his reasons for allowing wickedness. God has also assured us that he has not forgotten mankind. In fact, the time period during which God has permitted man to rule himself will soon come to an end. (Jeremiah 10:23) Would you like to know more about GodÂ’s purpose for us? JehovahÂ’s Witnesses will be happy to help you to see the BibleÂ’s answer to the questions that perplexed Pope Benedict XVI. - JW.ORG

Service group en route to field service in Somolu Lagos Nigeria, Africa