Bible Speaks

Wow! Perfect Harmony! Look Up?
Our Creator is Perfect in Every Way! ⭐⭐⭐ Thank you Jehovah!
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Glowing Pinwheel Galaxy
The face-on spiral galaxy M101, or the Pinwheel Galaxy, is seen at ultraviolet and optical wavelengths in this image taken by ESA’s XMM-Newton space telescope. The picture is composed of images taken by XMM-Newton’s Optical Monitor telescope using different filters: red (200–400 nm), green (200–300 nm) and blue (175–275 nm).
Image: ESA/XMM & R. Willatt [high-resolution]
 

My lips will cry out joyfully.—Ps. 71:23.
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Jeremiah’s work of building and planting bore fruitage. Some Jews as well as non-Israelites survived Jerusalem’s destruction in 607 B.C.E. We know of the Rechabites, Ebed-melech, and Baruch. 
(Jeremiah 35:19) therefore this is what Jehovah of armies, the God of Israel, has said: “There will not be cut off from Jon′a·dab the son of Re′chab a man to stand before me always.”’”
(Jeremiah 39:15-18) And to Jeremiah the word of Jehovah occurred while he happened to be shut up in the Courtyard of the Guard, saying: 16 “Go, and you must say to E′bed-mel′ech the E·thi·o′pi·an, ‘This is what Jehovah of armies, the God of Israel, has said: “Here I am bringing true my words upon this city for calamity and not for good, and they will certainly happen before you in that day.”’ 17 “‘And I will deliver you in that day,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘and you will not be given into the hand of the men of whom you yourself are scared.’ 18 “‘For I shall without fail furnish you an escape, and by the sword you will not fall; and you will certainly come to have your soul as a spoil, because you have trusted in me,’ is the utterance of Jehovah.”
(Jeremiah 43:5-7) So Jo·ha′nan the son of Ka·re′ah and all the chiefs of the military forces took all the remnant of Judah that had returned from all the nations to which they had been dispersed, in order to reside for a while in the land of Judah, 6 even the able-bodied men and the wives and the little children and the daughters of the king and every soul that Neb·u′zar·ad′an the chief of the bodyguard had let stay with Ged·a·li′ah the son of A·hi′kam the son of Sha′phan, and Jeremiah the prophet and Bar′uch the son of Ne·ri′ah. 7 And they finally came into the land of Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of Jehovah; and they came gradually as far as Tah′pan·hes."
These loyal and God-fearing friends of Jeremiah well illustrate those having an earthly hope today who befriend the Jeremiah class. Great is the pleasure of the Jeremiah class in spiritually building up this “great crowd.” (Rev. 7:9) 
Likewise, these loyal companions of the anointed find immense satisfaction in assisting honesthearted ones to come to a knowledge of the truth. God’s people appreciate that the preaching of the good news is not only a public service to those who hear it but also an act of worship to our God. Whether we find a receptive ear or not, rendering sacred service to Jehovah by means of our preaching brings us great joy.
(Romans 1:9) For God, to whom I render sacred service with my spirit in connection with the good news about his Son, is my witness of how without ceasing I always make mention of YOU in my prayers."
2011 w11 3/15 4:14, 15

Is Jesus Almighty God? - WHO did Jesus Pray to? -The Bible’s Answer! ~
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Jesus’ opposers accused him of making himself equal to God. (John 5:18) On this account, indeed, the Jews began seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath but he was also calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God."(John 10:30-33) I and the Father are one.” 31 Once more the Jews lifted up stones to stone him. 32 Jesus replied to them: “I displayed to YOU many fine works from the Father. For which of those works are YOU stoning me?” 33 The Jews answered him: “We are stoning you, not for a fine work, but for blasphemy, even because you, although being a man, make yourself a god."
However, Jesus never claimed to be on the same level as Almighty God. He said: “The Father is greater than I am.”—John 14:28.
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Jesus’ early followers did not view him as being equal to Almighty God. For example, the apostle Paul wrote that after Jesus was resurrected, God “exalted him [Jesus] to a superior position.” Obviously, Paul did not believe that Jesus was Almighty God. Otherwise, how could God exalt Jesus to a superior position? 
(Philippians 2:9) For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every [other] name."
Go to this site and download the whole article ~ Enjoy!
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009083?q=is+jesus+almighty+god&p=par

Learn From God’s Word - Open Your Bible! - God's Word of Truth! - You Will Enjoy Learning More on What Salvation is All About! ~Why Did God Send Jesus to Earth?
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1. Where was Jesus before God sent him to earth?Jesus lived as a spirit person in heaven before he was born in Bethlehem. He was God’s first creation and the only one created directly by God. Therefore, he is fittingly referred to as God’s only-begotten Son. In heaven, he often spoke as God’s representative. That is why he is called the Word. He also acted as God’s helper and took part in the creation of all other things. (John 1:2, 3, 14) Jesus lived with God in heaven for aeons before humankind was created.—Read Micah 5:2; John 17:5.
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2. How did God send his Son to earth?
Jehovah transferred the life of Jesus from heaven to the womb of Mary by means of holy spirit. So Jesus was born without the aid of a human father. Angels announced his birth to some local shepherds, who were living outdoors at night as they kept watch over their flocks. (Luke 2:8-12) Thus, Jesus was born, not in the depths of winter, but likely in early October, when the weather was still warm. Some time later, Mary and her husband, Joseph, took Jesus to their home in Nazareth and raised him there. Joseph cared for Jesus as his adopted son.—Read Matthew 1:18-23.
When Jesus was about 30 years old, he was baptized, and God publicly announced that Jesus was his Son. Then Jesus began the work that God had sent him to do.—Read Matthew 3:16, 17.
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3. Why did God send Jesus to earth?
God sent Jesus to teach people the truth. Jesus taught about God’s Kingdom, a government in heaven that will bring peace to all the earth. He provided the hope of everlasting life. (John 4:14; 18:36, 37) Jesus also taught people many things about finding real happiness. (Matthew 5:3; 6:19-21) He taught by example. For instance, he showed how to do God’s will even in difficult circumstances. When he was mistreated, he did not retaliate.—Read 1 Peter 2:21-24.
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Jesus taught his followers self-sacrificing love. He had enjoyed many privileges living in heaven with his Father, yet he humbly obeyed his Father and came to earth to live among mankind. No one could give us a finer example of love than Jesus.—Read John 15:12, 13; Philippians 2:5-8.
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4. What did Jesus accomplish by dying?
God also sent Jesus to die for our sins. (John 3:16) We are all sinners, meaning that we are imperfect and sinful. That is why we get sick and die. In contrast, the first man, Adam, was perfect. He had no sin and would never have died or become sick. But he lost his perfection when he disobeyed God. From Adam, we inherited sin and its wages, death.—Read Romans 5:12; 6:23.
Jesus, who was a perfect man, did not die for his own sins. He died for our sins. Jesus’ death makes it possible for us to enjoy everlasting life and be blessed by God.—Read 1 Peter 3:18.
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2012891?q=why+did+god+send+jesus+to+earth&p=par

The Lord’s anointed are sticking close to God’s appointed channel for dispensing spiritual food. And now “a great crowd” of “other sheep,” Christians with an earthly hope, are imitating their watchfulness and zeal.
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"Look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." (Rev. 7:9)
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THE DAY OF JEHOVAH IS NEAR! 
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(Isaiah 13:9, 10) ...“Look! The day of Jehovah itself is coming, cruel both with fury and with burning anger, in order to make the land an object of astonishment, and that it may annihilate [the land’s] sinners out of it. For the very stars of the heavens and their constellations of Kesil will not flash forth their light; the sun will actually grow dark at its going forth, and the moon itself will not cause its light to shine."
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 TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STARS? - A crowd of stars
This image from the Hubble Space Telescope shows a crowded star cluster known as Messier 107. It's one of more than 150 globular star clusters found around the disk of the Milky Way galaxy. These spherical collections contains hundreds of thousands of extremely old stars and are among the oldest objects in the Milky Way. Messier 107 is about 20,000 light years from Earth, in the constellation Ophiuchus.
.jw.org

Rejoice! We have much to be joyful about and find comfort!
Are you not rejoicing? Soon Jehovah will display His power in all the nations and glorify His name and prove His faithful Witnesses are proclaiming His Truth! 
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Rejoice and take pleasure in that Jehovah rests His favor on you, the ten men of all the nations!
"When Jehovah gathered back the captives of Zion, We thought we were dreaming."
2 At that time our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with a joyful shout." At that time they said among the nations: “Jehovah has done great things for them.”
3 Jehovah has done great things for us, And we are overjoyed."             (Ps. 126:1-5) 
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(Isaiah 49:13) Give a glad cry, YOU heavens, and be joyful, you earth. Let the mountains become cheerful with a glad outcry. For Jehovah has comforted his people, and he shows pity upon his own afflicted ones."
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(Jeremiah 31:12) And they will certainly come and cry out joyfully on the height of Zion and become radiant over the goodness of Jehovah, over the grain and over the new wine and over the oil and over the young ones of the flock and the cattle. And their soul will simply become like a well-watered garden, and no more will they languish again.”
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(Ezra 3:11) And they began to respond by praising and giving thanks to Jehovah, “for he is good, for his loving-kindness toward Israel is to time indefinite.” As for all the people, they shouted with a loud shout in praising Jehovah over the laying of the foundation of the house of Jehovah."
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(Psalm 106:47) Save us, O Jehovah our God, And collect us together from the nations To give thanks to your holy name, To speak exultingly in your praise."
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(Jeremiah 33:11) the sound of exultation and the sound of rejoicing, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those saying: “LAUD Jehovah of armies, for Jehovah is good; for to time indefinite is his loving-kindness!”’ “‘They will be bringing a thanksgiving offering into the house of Jehovah, for I shall bring back the captives of the land just as at the start,’ Jehovah has said.”
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(Romans 15:10) And again he says: “Be glad, YOU nations, with his people.”
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(Revelation 15:4) Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, because you alone are loyal? For all the nations will come and worship before you, because your righteous decrees have been made manifest.”
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(Zechariah 8:23) “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: “We will go with YOU people, for we have heard [that] God is with YOU people.”’”
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(Matthew 24:31) And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet sound, and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity."
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(Revelation 11:11) And after the three and a half days spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon those beholding them." 
Learn from your Bible: JW.ORG

Can You Trust the Bible? Why Does Man not Consult the Bible First? Why You Can Trust God! Should not a divinely inspired book for all people contain timeless advice for living? ???
The Bible reflects an understanding of human nature that applies to every generation of mankind, and its principles are just as practical today as they were when first stated. 
This can easily be seen in a famous discourse given by Jesus Christ, the Founder of Christianity. It is recorded in Matthew chapters 5 to 7. 
This address, known as the Sermon on the Mount, shows us not only how to find true happiness but also how to settle disputes, how to pray, how to view material needs, and much more. 
In this discourse, and throughout the rest of its pages, the Bible clearly tells us what to do and what to avoid in order to please God and improve our lot in life.
Another reason why you can put your trust in the Bible is that when it comes to scientific matters, what this ancient book states is accurate. For example, at a time when most people believed that the earth was flat, the Bible spoke of “the circle [or, sphere] of the earth.”* (Isaiah 40:22) 
And over 3,000 years before the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton explained that the planets are held in empty space by gravity, the Bible poetically stated that ‘the earth is hanging upon nothing.’ (Job 26:7) 
Consider also this poetic description of the earth’s water cycle, recorded some 3,000 years ago: “All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.” (Ecclesiastes 1:7, New International Version) Yes, the Creator of the universe is also the Author of the Bible.
What does the Bible reveal about God’s purpose for the earth and mankind? It promises: “Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more . . . But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”
(Psalm 37:10, 11) “God himself will be with [mankind]. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
(Revelation 21:3, 4) “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.”—Psalm 37:29.
jw.org

"Mr. D. - An Unwelcome Visitor" LONG BUT WORTH IT! 
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Talk by District Overseer given when visiting the host congregation in Queens, NY. Long but good!! 
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He started off by saying that we are going to talk about Mr D. He said that Mr D. visits all of Jehovah’s servants at one time or another; sometimes it’s a short visit and other times it’s a lengthy stay. He asked what we thought the D stood for and he said “no, its not Devil”. It is DISCOURAGEMENT.
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Discouragement is the most effective tool against Jehovah’s people, even more than immorality and materialism. If we allow Mr. D to hang around, he can cause us to fail to muster up courage in our service to Jehovah.1 Kings 18: 25-46
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• Vs. 25, 26 – Elijah sets up the test on Mount Carmel between Jehovah and Ba’al. Tells the 400+ Ba’al priests that they can go first in offering up the sacrifice to their god.
• Vs. 27 – after they prayed for 6 hours to Ba’al, Elijah begins mocking them saying that maybe Ba’al got stuck in the bathroom or he’s sleeping and needs woken up.
The brother said “you could just hear the sarcasm dripping from his voice”.
• Vs. 32-35 – Elijah reconstructs the altar of Jehovah, placing his offering upon it. Then to “add insult to injury”, said the brother, he drenched everything with water. He had 12 large jars of water poured upon the altar. The brother asked “Now, how do you light wet wood?”
• Vs. 38 – in a supernatural display of his power, Jehovah answered Elijah’s prayer and sent a fire from heaven that ate up everything, including the stones.
The brother then asked a thought provoking question when he said, “How hot does fire have to be to melt stone?!”Elijah must have felt on top of the world. And with one command, all 400+ Ba’al priests were put to death.
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• Vs 45, 46 – After a 3 ½ year drought, Jehovah again answers Elijah’s prayer and brings rain. Ahab gets in his chariot to outrun the storm and be the first to tell his wife, Jezebel, that all of her priests have just been put to death. But Jehovah’s hand was upon Elijah, and this prophet who was well into his 70s, OUTRAN THE CHARIOT 19 MILES. This was no sprint !! Imagine Ahab on his chariot going as fast as he can looking to one side and seeing this old man running faster than his chariot thru the mud. Elijah must have felt invincible at this point in his life!!
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1 Kings 19: 1-4
• Vs. 2 – Jezebel threatens Elijah, stating that at this time tomorrow he would be put to death just as he did to all her priests.
• Vs. 3, 4a – Elijah get scared and flees. He just faced 400 + men and outran a chariot in the rain, yet one woman caused him to fear for his life. He traveled 115 miles to get away from her.
• Vs. 4b – Elijah sits down under a broom tree, “and who sits next to him? Mr D. After everything he had just experienced, he became so discouraged that he wanted to die.”
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The brother went on to explain that we ALL are on an emotional rollercoaster. We are up one day and then we get a call, a letter, see something, something happens at work, and then we are the lowest we’ve ever been. What happened with Elijah? He lost perspective. His fear caused him to doubt. When we lose perspective, we become self-centered and take our focus away from Jehovah. So how was the God of Encouragement going to encourage this prophet?
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1 Kings 19:5-8
• Vs. 5, 6 – Jehovah sent an angel to encourage him. Not once did the angel bring up Elijah’s failure or ask him why he ran. Rather he gently touched him and encouraged him to eat. All that Elijah had the energy to do was go back to sleep after he ate the food miraculously provided.
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The brother said “isn’t that how we feel from time to time? We are just so low that we don’t even have the mental energy to even think about getting out of bed, eating or even picking up the Bible to read.”
• Vs 7, 8 - The angel awakens Elijah a second time encouraging him to eat and letting him know that Jehovah has another assignment for him.
The account mentions that Elijah kept going for 40 days and 40 nights off the power of that meal. “It was no ordinary food.” Jehovah didn’t throw Elijah away just because Mr D. came to visit. On the contrary, He gave him another assignment. When we get discouraged, we also need to eat – we need to eat spiritual food. Reading the Bible feeds the mind, but prayer and meditation feeds the heart. Discouragement cannot live where the word of Jehovah roams – in our hearts. When we read the Bible, we are close to Jehovah and we know that things are going to work out and we are going to be okay.
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Experience: One day Brother Sydlik was approached by a sister who had a problem and didn’t know what to do. He told her to read the book of John. The DO said “When a member of the Governing Body tells you to read the book of John, what are you going to do?” She went home and read all 21 chapters in one sitting. She came back to him a second time stating that she still had the problem. He replied “Read it again”. She did and came back a third time and Brother Sydlik told her to read it “one more time”. After reading it a third time she came to him thanking him and said that she knows that Jehovah is with her and things are going to work out. Another brother asked Brother Sydlik why did he tell her to read the book of John. He replied “I didn’t know what else to tell her. But I knew that if she read God’s Word with her problem in mind, that Jehovah’s holy spirit would help her.”
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Matthew 6:25, 26, 33
• Vs 25, 26 - In his application of these verses the brother brought out that we all get anxious. “But the scripture says to ‘observe intently’. Now what are you doing? You are studying. So when we study the birds we notice that they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses because THEY DON’T HAVE ANY HANDS. They are automatically at a disadvantage. Yet Jehovah takes care of them” The brother went on to ask “When have you ever seen a faithful servant of Jehovah have to beg?
Never and you never will because He won’t have it!”
• Vs. 33- Jehovah doesn’t throw us away when we get discouraged. He has given us an assignment. Seeking first the kingdom involves the preaching work.
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The brother went on to say that “preaching gives us a good frame of mind, a positive frame of mind, and it gives us energy and possibly even clearer thinking. So after we spend time in the ministry, when we arrive home our problem is not as big as it was when we left, or maybe it is even gone. Jehovah knows we need the preaching work to help us stay focused. How many angels would have willingly and happily done the preaching work and would have done a better job at it?
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But He didn’t give them the assignment, HE GAVE IT TO US.” Going out in the ministry, conducting Bible studies, listening to others problems and helping them with those problems, reading scriptures to them to encourage them also encourages us in the process.
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Luke 23:27-30• Even though Jesus was going through a terrible ordeal, truly the darkest hours of his life, he turned his focus to others. In that dark time, as the brother said, “his mind was looking ahead to 70 C.E. when Jerusalem will be surrounded by Roman armies and the women will be so hungry that they turn to eating their own children.” Jesus could not afford self-pity to set in at this point.
• The brother then applied Hebrews 12:2,3 where it says that Jesus felt joy. Why did he feel joy despite everything he was going through?
Because he was focused on helping others, not on his situation.Luke 23: 42, 43
• Jesus tells the man next to him that “you will be with me in Paradise”. What was Jesus doing? “He was conducting a Bible study”, answered the DO. With his last breath in his dying body, Jesus was focused on others.
• The brother went on to ask, “How was Jesus able to breathe or speak hanging on that stake? He had to push up with his legs to inhale, and when he collapsed back down, he exhaled. Think of how many times Jesus had to do that. Can you imagine all of the splinters he had in his back just to take a breath? Yet, his focus was on giving the man next to him hope.”
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1 Corinthians 10:13
• Jehovah will not let us deal with more than we can handle. He knows when we cannot take it anymore and He steps in.
• The brother said “We all have experienced things in our life that we consider miracles – the timing, the manner, whatever it is – it was exactly what we needed at the time. While others may not think so, to us it was a tiny miracle and we know that it was Jehovah stepping in and helping us.”
• Sometimes Jehovah makes a way out and sometimes He just gives us the strength to endure it.
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Acts 27:22-25, 43, 44
• Vs. 22-25 – Paul had faith that Jehovah would save him and all those on the boat. He said that he believed it would be “exactly as it had been told” to him – but he didn’t know HOW…how was Jehovah going to save all 276 onboard?
• Vs. 43 – All those who could swim, were told to jump in and swim to shore. But what about those who could not swim?
• Vs. 44 – As the boat broke apart, Jehovah would direct planks of wood to those who could not swim to help them keep their heads above water and get them to shore.
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Jehovah will always direct a “plank” to us – someone or something – to help us keep our heads above water. We just have to recognize that it is from Jehovah and grab onto it. In the congregation, we are all planks for one another.
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The brother then shared two experiences with us:
• In one territory, an older Italian sister was preaching in an affluent area. She went to the door and a young, intellectual man came out and said “We don’t need that around here [pointing to the Bible]. We live in a push button society – I push a button, I see anything I want; I push another button, I hear anything I want; I push another button, I get anything I want.” The older sister replied in her broken English, “And when you die and are 6 feet under, what button are you going to push to get out ? I know who can push that button.” The experience went on that they had a very nice discussion and no doubt the sister felt as encouraged as the young man did.
• A missionary in Africa told the District Overseer an experience about a sister in Kenya. This sister would travel approximately 16 miles to go to her meetings. She would stay over night at the Kingdom Hall and the next morning would set off for her house. Along her path, she had to cross a river, facing crocodiles, hippos and snakes; and 4 times had been swept away by the currents nearly drowning. Yet she was hardly ever missing from her meetings. The DO went on to say “Oh, and did I mention that she was 72 years old ?” As you just gasped, so did most of those in attendance at the meeting. If that sister wouldn’t let discouragement stop her from attending her meetings, he himself was going to do the same. That sister valued the meetings and felt it was worth the effort to get there. “Isn’t it true” he said “how we come tired but we leave with energy? We always get more than what we came with”.
"We all are going to get a visit from Mr D. from time to time…so we need to get rid of him. How? Not by picking up the remote, not by picking up the mouse,not by picking up the phone – but by picking up God’s word and reading it. And if Mr D. is still hanging around, then we need to pick up our bag and get out in service. "

Got the same picture from Facebook. My Friends are so uplifted! Soon Jehovah will rise him up with new legs! Those who "walk" with Jehovah always win! ?❤️?
 9 For Jehovah’s people are his portion;+
Jacob is his inheritance.+
10 He found him in a wilderness land+
And in an empty, howling desert.+
He protectively encircled him, took care of him,+
And safeguarded him as the pupil of his eye.+
11 Just as an eagle stirs up its nest,
Hovers over its fledglings,
Spreading out its wings, taking them,
Carrying them on its pinions,+
12 Jehovah alone kept leading him;*+
No foreign god was with him.+
13 He made him ride upon earth’s high places,+
So that he ate the produce of the field.+
He nourished him with honey from the crag
And oil out of a flinty rock, " 
Deuteronomy 32:9-13.
 

What a "kind" reminder! Love the proverbs scripture!

I think something else that would go well along with pursuing kindness, is that, we end up with a clean, and clear conscience.  
''As tough as it was, or is, we did the right thing.''    We have done the will of Jehovah. 

I did more reading last night! Sad book of Dirges. Yet to me gloomy poems! Anyone else feel that way? Jehovah is a God of justice, very open and candid the books.           ???
LAMENTATIONS, BOOK OF
In Biblical days lamentations, or dirges, were composed and chanted for deceased friends (2Sa 1:17-27), devastated nations (Am 5:1, 2), and ruined cities (Eze 27:2, 32-36). The book of Lamentations furnishes an inspired example of such mournful composition. It consists of five lyrical poems (in five chapters) lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem at Babylonian hands in 607 B.C.E.
The book acknowledges that Jehovah justly brought punishment upon Jerusalem and Judah because of the error of his people. (La 1:5, 18) It also highlights God’s loving-kindness and mercy and shows that Jehovah is good to the one hoping in him.—La 3:22, 25.
Name. In the Hebrew this book is named by the opening word ʼEh·khahʹ!, which means “How!” The Septuagint translators called the book Threʹnoi, meaning “Dirges; Laments.” In the Babylonian Talmud (Bava Batra 14b) it is identified by the term Qi·nohthʹ, meaning “Dirges; Elegies,” and it is called Lamentationes (Latin) by Jerome. The English name Lamentations comes from this latter title.
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002675
 

“Jehovah is my share,”I have said, “that is why I will show a waiting attitude for him.” Lam.3:24.
2 Pictures 1 Moving (it's nice!) 1 Regular 

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Pursuing Kindness in a Hostile World 
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“The desirable thing in earthling man is his loving-kindness.”—PROVERBS 19:22
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Our lives are affected adversely when others treat us in an unkind manner. The unkindness could be expressed by spiteful neighbors, unfriendly strangers, even friends and family members who may, at times, act thoughtlessly. The pressure of having contact with people who are rude and who shout and curse at one another often causes much dismay. Such lack of kindness by others could make us feel hostile ourselves, and we may consider returning unkindness for unkindness. That may even lead to spiritual or physical health problems.—Romans 12:17
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Stressful world conditions may also make it difficult for us to show kindness. For example, mankind in general feels stress because of threats and acts of terrorism, as well as the possible use of biological or nuclear weapons by various national groups. In addition, millions of people are impoverished, existing with minimal food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. Pursuing kindness becomes a challenge when the situation seems hopeless.—Ecclesiastes 7:7
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Kindness Within the FamilyTo have Jehovah’s blessing and direction, the fruitage of the spirit is vital and needs to be fully cultivated. (Ephesians 4:32) Let us focus on the particular need for family members to express kindness to one another. In day-to-day dealings, a husband and wife should manifest a kind and caring spirit between themselves and with their children. (Ephesians 5:28-33; 6:1, 2) 
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Such kindness needs to be evident in the way members of the family speak to one another, children honoring and respecting their parents and parents treating their children appropriately. Be quick to commend, slow to condemn.
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Kindness is positive and makes us want to do good to others. Thus, we seek to be useful, considerate, and helpful in an agreeable manner with other family members. It takes both individual and collective effort to show the type of kindness that speaks well of a family. As a result, not only will they have God’s blessing but, in the congregation and in the community, they will honor the God of kindness, Jehovah.—1 Peter 2:12
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2004284?q=kindness+in+a+hostile+world&p=par

“Jehovah is my share,”I have said, “that is why I will show a waiting attitude for him.” Lam.3:24.
2 Pictures 1 Moving (it's nice!) 1 Regular 

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Pursuing Kindness in a Hostile World 
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“The desirable thing in earthling man is his loving-kindness.”—PROVERBS 19:22
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Our lives are affected adversely when others treat us in an unkind manner. The unkindness could be expressed by spiteful neighbors, unfriendly strangers, even friends and family members who may, at times, act thoughtlessly. The pressure of having contact with people who are rude and who shout and curse at one another often causes much dismay. Such lack of kindness by others could make us feel hostile ourselves, and we may consider returning unkindness for unkindness. That may even lead to spiritual or physical health problems.—Romans 12:17
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Stressful world conditions may also make it difficult for us to show kindness. For example, mankind in general feels stress because of threats and acts of terrorism, as well as the possible use of biological or nuclear weapons by various national groups. In addition, millions of people are impoverished, existing with minimal food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. Pursuing kindness becomes a challenge when the situation seems hopeless.—Ecclesiastes 7:7
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Kindness Within the FamilyTo have Jehovah’s blessing and direction, the fruitage of the spirit is vital and needs to be fully cultivated. (Ephesians 4:32) Let us focus on the particular need for family members to express kindness to one another. In day-to-day dealings, a husband and wife should manifest a kind and caring spirit between themselves and with their children. (Ephesians 5:28-33; 6:1, 2) 
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Such kindness needs to be evident in the way members of the family speak to one another, children honoring and respecting their parents and parents treating their children appropriately. Be quick to commend, slow to condemn.
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Kindness is positive and makes us want to do good to others. Thus, we seek to be useful, considerate, and helpful in an agreeable manner with other family members. It takes both individual and collective effort to show the type of kindness that speaks well of a family. As a result, not only will they have God’s blessing but, in the congregation and in the community, they will honor the God of kindness, Jehovah.—1 Peter 2:12
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2004284?q=kindness+in+a+hostile+world&p=par

"We are not ignorant of his designs."—2 Cor. 2:11 
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“WE HAVE A STRUGGLE . . . AGAINST THE WICKED SPIRIT FORCES”
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 How does Satan fight against individual Christians?
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Satan cannot win the war, so to speak, but he can make casualties of us as individuals if we let our guard down. Satan knows that he can devour us if he can weaken our bond with Jehovah. How does Satan try to achieve this? By attacking us intensely, personally, and cunningly. Let us consider these main strategies of Satan.
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Why is Satan intensely attacking Jehovah’s people?
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Intense attacks. The apostle John stated: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Those words contain a warning for all true Christians. Since Satan has already devoured the entire ungodly world of mankind, he can now focus on and intensify his attacks on those who have so far eluded him—Jehovah’s people. (Micah 4:1; John 15:19; Revelation 12:12, 17) He has great anger because he knows his time is short. So he has stepped up the pressure. Today, we face his final rampage of savagery and destruction.
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Personal struggle. The apostle Paul warned fellow Christians: “We have a struggle [“wrestling,” footnote] . . . against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Why did Paul use the term “struggle”? Because it conveys the idea of hand-to-hand combat. Thus, by using that term, Paul stressed that each of us has a personal fight with wicked spirits. Whether we live in a country where belief in wicked spirits is prevalent or not, we should never forget that when we dedicated ourselves to Jehovah, we stepped on the wrestling mat, as it were. At least from dedication onward, each Christian is locked in combat. No wonder that Paul saw the need to urge Christians in Ephesus three times to “stand firm”!—Ephesians 6:11, 13, 14.
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Cunning schemes. Paul exhorts Christians to stand firm against Satan’s “crafty acts.” (Ephesians 6:11) Note Paul’s use of the plural. Wicked spirits use not one but various cunning schemes—and for good reason. In the course of time, some believers who have stood firm against one kind of trial have given in when faced with another. Hence, the Devil and the demons closely observe the behavior of each one of us to detect our weakest spot. Then they exploit any spiritual weakness we may have. Thankfully, though, we can recognize many of the Devil’s methods, for they are revealed in the Bible. (2 Corinthians 2:11) 
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PRACTICING SPIRITISM—AN ACT OF BETRAYAL
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By practicing spiritism, or demonism, one makes direct contact with wicked spirits. Divination, sorcery, binding with spells, and inquiring of the dead are some forms of spiritism. As we well know, Jehovah views spiritism as “detestable.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12;Revelation 21:8) 
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Since we too must “abhor what is wicked,” it is unthinkable that we would ever seek out the company of wicked spirit forces. (Romans 12:9) What a repulsive act of betrayal against our heavenly Father, Jehovah, that would be!
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However, for the very reason that dabbling in spiritism is gross treachery against Jehovah, Satan is bent on getting some of us involved in it. Each time he can induce a Christian to turn to demonism, Satan scores a grand victory. 
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Similarly, if a Christian turned to spiritism, he would willingly and knowingly desert Jehovah and place himself directly under Satan’s command. Imagine what pleasure it would give Satan to parade that deserter as a trophy of war! Would any of us want to hand the Devil such a victory? Absolutely not! We are not traitors.
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https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102008075?q=2+cor+2%3A11&p=par

Keep Dreaming of "Miracles"
The "Miracle" is Our Creator Jehovah God, we are Loved
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Beth Moon:
Diamond Nights “Silence"
It has a sound, a fullness.
It's heavy with sigh of tree,
and space between breaths.
It's ripe with pause between birdsong and crash of surf. 
It's golden they say.
But no one tells us it's addictive.”
Angela Long 
As night falls over the Makgadigadi Pans, large trees stand  starkly against the  horizon, leafless branches reach for the light.  As the sun sinks lower, the sky drains of all color until just red remains.  On the opposite side of the sky, Earth’s shadow is rising, bringing a curtain of indigo and the promise of a clear night.  Science and art merge as  a myriad of stars burn fiercely overhead, dissolving into infinitude, and our thoughts follow.

Why Is Armageddon Necessary? - THE ONLY ANSWER TO A WORLD OF PEACE FOREVER! ~ ????
Do you find it hard to imagine that Jehovah, a “God of love,” would assign his Son, the “Prince of Peace,” to fight a war? (2 Corinthians 13:11; Isaiah 9:6) 
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Understanding their motives will doubtless make matters clear. The book of Psalms describes Jesus as a mounted warrior. Why does he fight? Christ rides, the psalmist explains, “in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness.” He wages war because he loves righteousness and hates wickedness.—Psalm 45:4, 7
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Likewise, the Bible describes Jehovah’s reaction to the injustice that he sees in the world today. “The LORD has seen this, and he is displeased that there is no justice,” writes the prophet Isaiah. “He will wear justice like a coat of armor and saving power like a helmet. He will clothe himself with the strong desire to set things right and to punish and avenge the wrongs that people suffer.”—Isaiah 59:15, 17, Today’s English Version.
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As long as wicked people hold power, righteous people will not enjoy peace and security. (Proverbs 29:2; Ecclesiastes 8:9) Realistically, we cannot divorce corruption and wickedness from the people who practice them. Thus, lasting peace and justice come at a price—the removal of the wicked ones. “The wicked is a ransom for the righteous one,” Solomon wrote.—Proverbs 21:18.
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Since God is the Judge, we can be sure that in every case the judgments against the wicked will be righteous. “Is the Judge of all the earth not going to do what is right?” asked Abraham. The answer, Abraham learned, is that Jehovah is always right! (Genesis 18:25) 
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Furthermore, the Bible assures us that Jehovah finds no delight in destroying the wicked; he does so only as a last resort.
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(Ezekiel 18:32) “‘For I do not take any delight in the death of someone dying,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. ‘So cause a turning back and keep living, O YOU people.’”
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(2 Peter 3:9) Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with YOU because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance."
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(Psalm 37:10) And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; And you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be."
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(Proverbs 2:21-22) For the upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it. 22 As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it."
 

Pursuing Kindness in a Hostile World 
?????
“The desirable thing in earthling man is his loving-kindness.”—PROVERBS 19:22
?????
Our lives are affected adversely when others treat us in an unkind manner. The unkindness could be expressed by spiteful neighbors, unfriendly strangers, even friends and family members who may, at times, act thoughtlessly. The pressure of having contact with people who are rude and who shout and curse at one another often causes much dismay. Such lack of kindness by others could make us feel hostile ourselves, and we may consider returning unkindness for unkindness. That may even lead to spiritual or physical health problems.—Romans 12:17
?????
Stressful world conditions may also make it difficult for us to show kindness. For example, mankind in general feels stress because of threats and acts of terrorism, as well as the possible use of biological or nuclear weapons by various national groups. In addition, millions of people are impoverished, existing with minimal food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. Pursuing kindness becomes a challenge when the situation seems hopeless.—Ecclesiastes 7:7
?????
Kindness Within the FamilyTo have Jehovah’s blessing and direction, the fruitage of the spirit is vital and needs to be fully cultivated. (Ephesians 4:32) Let us focus on the particular need for family members to express kindness to one another. In day-to-day dealings, a husband and wife should manifest a kind and caring spirit between themselves and with their children. (Ephesians 5:28-33; 6:1, 2) 
?????
Such kindness needs to be evident in the way members of the family speak to one another, children honoring and respecting their parents and parents treating their children appropriately. Be quick to commend, slow to condemn.
?????
Kindness is positive and makes us want to do good to others. Thus, we seek to be useful, considerate, and helpful in an agreeable manner with other family members. It takes both individual and collective effort to show the type of kindness that speaks well of a family. As a result, not only will they have God’s blessing but, in the congregation and in the community, they will honor the God of kindness, Jehovah.—1 Peter 2:12
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2004284?q=kindness+in+a+hostile+world&p=par

“Jehovah is my share,”I have said, “that is why I will show a waiting attitude for him.” Lam.3:24.
2 Pictures 1 Moving (it's nice!) 1 Regular 

IMG_7407.mov

“Jehovah is my share,”I have said, “that is why I will show a waiting attitude for him.” Lam.3:24.
2 Pictures 1 Moving (it's nice!) 1 Regular 

IMG_7407.mov

What were the historical origins of Christendom’s cross?
“Various objects, dating from periods long anterior to the Christian era, have been found, marked with crosses of different designs, in almost every part of the old world. India, Syria, Persia and Egypt have all yielded numberless examples . . . The use of the cross as a religious symbol in pre-Christian times and among non-Christian peoples may probably be regarded as almost universal, and in very many cases it was connected with some form of nature worship.”—Encyclopædia Britannica (1946), Vol. 6, p. 753.
“The shape of the [two-beamed cross] had its origin in ancient Chaldea, and was used as the symbol of the god Tammuz (being in the shape of the mystic Tau, the initial of his name) in that country and in adjacent lands, including Egypt. By the middle of the 3rd cent. A.D. the churches had either departed from, or had travestied, certain doctrines of the Christian faith. In order to increase the prestige of the apostate ecclesiastical system pagans were received into the churches apart from regeneration by faith, and were permitted largely to retain their pagan signs and symbols. Hence the Tau or T, in its most frequent form, with the cross-piece lowered, was adopted to stand for the cross of Christ.”—An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (London, 1962), W. E. Vine, p. 256.
“It is strange, yet unquestionably a fact, that in ages long before the birth of Christ, and since then in lands untouched by the teaching of the Church, the Cross has been used as a sacred symbol. . . . The Greek Bacchus, the Tyrian Tammuz, the Chaldean Bel, and the Norse Odin, were all symbolised to their votaries by a cruciform device.”—The Cross in Ritual, Architecture, and Art (London, 1900), G. S. Tyack, p. 1.
“The cross in the form of the ‘Crux Ansata’ . . . was carried in the hands of the Egyptian priests and Pontiff kings as the symbol of their authority as priests of the Sun god and was called ‘the Sign of Life.’”—The Worship of the Dead (London, 1904), Colonel J. Garnier, p. 226.
“Various figures of crosses are found everywhere on Egyptian monuments and tombs, and are considered by many authorities as symbolical either of the phallus [a representation of the male sex organ] or of coition. . . . In Egyptian tombs the crux ansata [cross with a circle or handle on top] is found side by side with the phallus.”—A Short History of Sex-Worship (London, 1940), H. Cutner, pp. 16, 17; see also The Non-Christian Cross, p. 183.
“These crosses were used as symbols of the Babylonian sun-god, [See book], and are first seen on a coin of Julius Cæsar, 100-44 B.C., and then on a coin struck by Cæsar’s heir (Augustus), 20 B.C. On the coins of Constantine the most frequent symbol is [See book]; but the same symbol is used without the surrounding circle, and with the four equal arms vertical and horizontal; and this was the symbol specially venerated as the ‘Solar Wheel’. It should be stated that Constantine was a sun-god worshipper, and would not enter the ‘Church’ till some quarter of a century after the legend of his having seen such a cross in the heavens.”—The Companion Bible, Appendix No. 162; see also The Non-Christian Cross, pp. 133-141.