Bible Speaks

"There is a day coming, belonging to Jehovah."—Zech. 14:1.

"This is the heritage of Jehovah’s servants."—Isa. 54:17, “Byington.”

"Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves."—Ps. 34:18. “I will be joyful and rejoice in your loving-kindness, in that you have seen my affliction; you have known about the distresses of my soul.” (Ps. 31:7) ????

Malawi, Africa, Only 7 Publishers, 120 attendees Memorial 2017
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The group isolated in a small town of Malawi has seven publishers. Gather under a structure made of poles, weed, and reed mats. Encouraged by the visit of the circuit overseer, the brothers showed great zeal in inviting people to attend the Memorial of the death of Christ. The Speaker gave the memorial speech in the light of the oil lamps suspended from above. But he could not move because there were many interested surrounding him. Imagine the joy of the 7 Publishers when they learned that the attendance was 120. ???

@Arauna Thank you! 

Thanks for the reminder! 

Lost Sheep Inside The Kingdom Hall ~
She usually arrives on Sunday, and often comes quite late.
Is she baptized or inactive? 
That’s the question for debate.
Few folks try to know her; some wonder and just stare.
No one tries to dig down deep, to see who’s really there. 
In her purse is a funeral program, that is ragged ’round the ears.
It is yellow and all wrinkled; been soaked with many tears.
She's looked at it many times, and knows the resurrection hope. 
But she still mourns her daughter; sometimes she just can't cope. 
Many people wonder, but no one ever makes a call.
She's one of the lost sheep, sitting in your Kingdom Hall. 
Her uncle used to rape her, when she was just a child.
Her mother did not believe her, and said she was just wild.
Jehovah blessed her … and now she has the Truth. 
But she still lives with all the scars, of a stolen youth.
They say she's mean and moody, so no one bothers her to call. 
She's one of the lost sheep, sitting in the Kingdom Hall. 
She comes to all the meetings, service, even mingles with the friends. 
But once she goes back home, the heartache soon begins.
She grew up in the Truth, and served Jehovah faithful all her life. 
And all she ever wanted, was to be a Christian wife. 
Now she's past the bloom of youth, and her dreams have not come true. 
She's worried, frustrated, tempted; and scared what she might do. 
You probably think she's strong, and she doesn't need a call. 
But she's one of the lost sheep, sitting in your Kingdom Hall. 
When we search from door to door, to bring just one sheep in,
Don't forget about the ones who are already in the pen. 
These are all true stories, of people at the Hall. 
So take some time, look closely--and see who needs a call. 
We remember the youth, the sick, single parents and the old,
But can we also try add. the others in our fold? 
Remember that Jehovah, doesn't want anyone to fall.
So keep in mind, there just might be – some lost sheep inside your Hall.
❣️?❣️?❣️?❣️

"Gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones."—1 Pet. 5:5.
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How to Age Gracefully
HOW do you feel when the thought of aging comes up? It fills many with concern, anxiety, and even dread. This is because aging is usually associated with negatives, such as diminished looks, a frail body, memory loss, and chronic diseases.
?????
However, the fact is that people differ greatly in the way they age. Some enjoy relatively good health, physically and mentally, in their later years. Advances in medicine have enabled others to treat or control chronic illnesses. As a result, in some lands more and more people are living longer and healthier lives.
?????
Nevertheless, whether confronted with age-related problems or not, most people wish to be able to age gracefully. How can this be done? In part, doing so depends on our attitude and our willingness and ability to adapt to this new phase in life. To help in these areas, let us consider some simple and practical Bible principles.
?????
BE MODEST: “Wisdom is with the modest ones.” (Proverbs 11:2) In this context, “the modest ones” can refer to elderly ones who recognize and come to terms with the limitations of their age, not trying to deny or ignore them. Charles, 93, in Brazil, is realistic when he says: “If you live long, you will have to age. There is no way to turn back the clock.”
?????
BEING MODEST, however, in no way means adopting the defeatist attitude “I am old, and there is nothing more for me.” Such an attitude can sap one of enthusiasm. “If you become discouraged in the day of distress, your strength will be meager,” says Proverbs 24:10. Instead, a modest person shows wisdom, making the best of a situation.
?????
BE BALANCED: “Women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind.” (1 Timothy 2:9) The expression “appropriate dress” denotes balance and good taste. 
?????
BE POSITIVE: “All the days of the afflicted one are bad, but the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15) As you age, you may experience negative feelings when you remember your youthful vigor and the many things you were once able to do. This is understandable. However, make an effort not to be overcome by those negative feelings. Dwelling on the past can make your days gloomy and discourage you from doing what you are still able to do. Joseph, 79, in Canada, thinks positively: “I try to enjoy doing the things I can do and not cry over the things that I used to do but can’t do now.”
?????
Reading and learning can also make you feel more positive, broadening your horizons. Thus, to the extent possible, be alert for opportunities to read and learn new things. 
?????
BE GENEROUS: “Practice giving, and people will give to you.” (Luke 6:38) Make it a practice to share some of your time and resources with others. This will give you a feeling of accomplishment and happiness.  Yes, a generous person creates an atmosphere of warmth and appreciation that others find enjoyable.
?????
BE FRIENDLY: “Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; he rejects all practical wisdom.” (Proverbs 18:1) While there are times when you may want to be alone, avoid becoming isolated and withdrawn.  Take the initiative to invite friends over occasionally. 
?????
BE THANKFUL: “Show yourselves thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) When receiving help, show appreciation for the attention. Expressions of thankfulness help to cultivate good relationships. 
?????
Above all, be thankful for life itself. “A live dog is better off than a dead lion,” wise King Solomon reminded us. (Ecclesiastes 9:4) Yes, with the right attitude coupled with willingness to adapt, it is possible to age gracefully.
?????
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015404
   

Malawi, Africa, Only 7 Publishers, 120 attendees Memorial 2017
???
The group isolated in a small town of Malawi has seven publishers. Gather under a structure made of poles, weed, and reed mats. Encouraged by the visit of the circuit overseer, the brothers showed great zeal in inviting people to attend the Memorial of the death of Christ. The Speaker gave the memorial speech in the light of the oil lamps suspended from above. But he could not move because there were many interested surrounding him. Imagine the joy of the 7 Publishers when they learned that the attendance was 120. ???

@SHARON LEE MOYER Jehovah knows we are dust. We must petition Him in our hearts. He has Loyal Love for us as long as we Love Him! Love beyond what we can imagine. We are more than a speck of dust. Should we be so grateful for His undeserved kindness! 
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“Teach a child how he should live, and he will remember it all his life.”—PROVERBS 22:6. TODAY’S ENGLISH VERSION.
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Children crave parental love. It gives them a sense of security, making them more willing to communicate, ask questions, and explore. Love moves parents to talk regularly with their children and to take an interest in their education. Research indicates that “parents appear to be the primary influence on a child’s motivation to learn,” points out the book Eager to Learn—Helping Children Become Motivated and Love Learning. The effects of that influence are amplified when parents work along with teachers. “No force is as powerful in rejuvenating a child’s motivation to learn as a parent and teacher working in collaboration,” the book states.
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Parents also influence their children’s ability to learn. In a long-term study of 43 families, reported in the book Inside the Brain, researchers “found that children who were talked to the most [during their first three years of life] had strikingly higher IQs than children whose parents didn’t talk to them very much.” The book adds that “parents who talk to their children the most tend to praise the children’s accomplishments, respond to their questions, provide guidance rather than commands, and use many different words in a variety of combinations.” If you are a parent, do you communicate regularly and meaningfully with your children? Love Is Kind and Understanding.
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https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102004562
 
 

"God made the various kinds of wild beasts and God saw that it was good." (Genesis 2:24,25).
2 Pictures 1 GIF 1 Moving 
IMG_7219.mov

“Teach a child how he should live, and he will remember it all his life.”—PROVERBS 22:6. TODAY’S ENGLISH VERSION.
??????
Children crave parental love. It gives them a sense of security, making them more willing to communicate, ask questions, and explore. Love moves parents to talk regularly with their children and to take an interest in their education. Research indicates that “parents appear to be the primary influence on a child’s motivation to learn,” points out the book Eager to Learn—Helping Children Become Motivated and Love Learning. The effects of that influence are amplified when parents work along with teachers. “No force is as powerful in rejuvenating a child’s motivation to learn as a parent and teacher working in collaboration,” the book states.
??????
Parents also influence their children’s ability to learn. In a long-term study of 43 families, reported in the book Inside the Brain, researchers “found that children who were talked to the most [during their first three years of life] had strikingly higher IQs than children whose parents didn’t talk to them very much.” The book adds that “parents who talk to their children the most tend to praise the children’s accomplishments, respond to their questions, provide guidance rather than commands, and use many different words in a variety of combinations.” If you are a parent, do you communicate regularly and meaningfully with your children? Love Is Kind and Understanding.
??????
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102004562
 
 

Malawi, Africa, Only 7 Publishers, 120 attendees Memorial 2017
???
The group isolated in a small town of Malawi has seven publishers. Gather under a structure made of poles, weed, and reed mats. Encouraged by the visit of the circuit overseer, the brothers showed great zeal in inviting people to attend the Memorial of the death of Christ. The Speaker gave the memorial speech in the light of the oil lamps suspended from above. But he could not move because there were many interested surrounding him. Imagine the joy of the 7 Publishers when they learned that the attendance was 120. ???

"Gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones."—1 Pet. 5:5.
???????
How to Age Gracefully
HOW do you feel when the thought of aging comes up? It fills many with concern, anxiety, and even dread. This is because aging is usually associated with negatives, such as diminished looks, a frail body, memory loss, and chronic diseases.
?????
However, the fact is that people differ greatly in the way they age. Some enjoy relatively good health, physically and mentally, in their later years. Advances in medicine have enabled others to treat or control chronic illnesses. As a result, in some lands more and more people are living longer and healthier lives.
?????
Nevertheless, whether confronted with age-related problems or not, most people wish to be able to age gracefully. How can this be done? In part, doing so depends on our attitude and our willingness and ability to adapt to this new phase in life. To help in these areas, let us consider some simple and practical Bible principles.
?????
BE MODEST: “Wisdom is with the modest ones.” (Proverbs 11:2) In this context, “the modest ones” can refer to elderly ones who recognize and come to terms with the limitations of their age, not trying to deny or ignore them. Charles, 93, in Brazil, is realistic when he says: “If you live long, you will have to age. There is no way to turn back the clock.”
?????
BEING MODEST, however, in no way means adopting the defeatist attitude “I am old, and there is nothing more for me.” Such an attitude can sap one of enthusiasm. “If you become discouraged in the day of distress, your strength will be meager,” says Proverbs 24:10. Instead, a modest person shows wisdom, making the best of a situation.
?????
BE BALANCED: “Women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind.” (1 Timothy 2:9) The expression “appropriate dress” denotes balance and good taste. 
?????
BE POSITIVE: “All the days of the afflicted one are bad, but the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15) As you age, you may experience negative feelings when you remember your youthful vigor and the many things you were once able to do. This is understandable. However, make an effort not to be overcome by those negative feelings. Dwelling on the past can make your days gloomy and discourage you from doing what you are still able to do. Joseph, 79, in Canada, thinks positively: “I try to enjoy doing the things I can do and not cry over the things that I used to do but can’t do now.”
?????
Reading and learning can also make you feel more positive, broadening your horizons. Thus, to the extent possible, be alert for opportunities to read and learn new things. 
?????
BE GENEROUS: “Practice giving, and people will give to you.” (Luke 6:38) Make it a practice to share some of your time and resources with others. This will give you a feeling of accomplishment and happiness.  Yes, a generous person creates an atmosphere of warmth and appreciation that others find enjoyable.
?????
BE FRIENDLY: “Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; he rejects all practical wisdom.” (Proverbs 18:1) While there are times when you may want to be alone, avoid becoming isolated and withdrawn.  Take the initiative to invite friends over occasionally. 
?????
BE THANKFUL: “Show yourselves thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) When receiving help, show appreciation for the attention. Expressions of thankfulness help to cultivate good relationships. 
?????
Above all, be thankful for life itself. “A live dog is better off than a dead lion,” wise King Solomon reminded us. (Ecclesiastes 9:4) Yes, with the right attitude coupled with willingness to adapt, it is possible to age gracefully.
?????
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015404
   

"Gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones."—1 Pet. 5:5.
???????
How to Age Gracefully
HOW do you feel when the thought of aging comes up? It fills many with concern, anxiety, and even dread. This is because aging is usually associated with negatives, such as diminished looks, a frail body, memory loss, and chronic diseases.
?????
However, the fact is that people differ greatly in the way they age. Some enjoy relatively good health, physically and mentally, in their later years. Advances in medicine have enabled others to treat or control chronic illnesses. As a result, in some lands more and more people are living longer and healthier lives.
?????
Nevertheless, whether confronted with age-related problems or not, most people wish to be able to age gracefully. How can this be done? In part, doing so depends on our attitude and our willingness and ability to adapt to this new phase in life. To help in these areas, let us consider some simple and practical Bible principles.
?????
BE MODEST: “Wisdom is with the modest ones.” (Proverbs 11:2) In this context, “the modest ones” can refer to elderly ones who recognize and come to terms with the limitations of their age, not trying to deny or ignore them. Charles, 93, in Brazil, is realistic when he says: “If you live long, you will have to age. There is no way to turn back the clock.”
?????
BEING MODEST, however, in no way means adopting the defeatist attitude “I am old, and there is nothing more for me.” Such an attitude can sap one of enthusiasm. “If you become discouraged in the day of distress, your strength will be meager,” says Proverbs 24:10. Instead, a modest person shows wisdom, making the best of a situation.
?????
BE BALANCED: “Women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind.” (1 Timothy 2:9) The expression “appropriate dress” denotes balance and good taste. 
?????
BE POSITIVE: “All the days of the afflicted one are bad, but the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15) As you age, you may experience negative feelings when you remember your youthful vigor and the many things you were once able to do. This is understandable. However, make an effort not to be overcome by those negative feelings. Dwelling on the past can make your days gloomy and discourage you from doing what you are still able to do. Joseph, 79, in Canada, thinks positively: “I try to enjoy doing the things I can do and not cry over the things that I used to do but can’t do now.”
?????
Reading and learning can also make you feel more positive, broadening your horizons. Thus, to the extent possible, be alert for opportunities to read and learn new things. 
?????
BE GENEROUS: “Practice giving, and people will give to you.” (Luke 6:38) Make it a practice to share some of your time and resources with others. This will give you a feeling of accomplishment and happiness.  Yes, a generous person creates an atmosphere of warmth and appreciation that others find enjoyable.
?????
BE FRIENDLY: “Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; he rejects all practical wisdom.” (Proverbs 18:1) While there are times when you may want to be alone, avoid becoming isolated and withdrawn.  Take the initiative to invite friends over occasionally. 
?????
BE THANKFUL: “Show yourselves thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) When receiving help, show appreciation for the attention. Expressions of thankfulness help to cultivate good relationships. 
?????
Above all, be thankful for life itself. “A live dog is better off than a dead lion,” wise King Solomon reminded us. (Ecclesiastes 9:4) Yes, with the right attitude coupled with willingness to adapt, it is possible to age gracefully.
?????
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015404
   

The Joys of Walking in Integrity
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“The blessing of Jehovah—that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it.”—PROVERBS 10:22.
‘Blessings That Make Us Rich’ Now
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Which Bible teaching do you especially appreciate, and why?
An accurate knowledge of Bible teachings. The religions of Christendom generally claim to believe the Bible. However, they fail to agree on what it teaches. Even members of the same religious group often differ in their views of what the Scriptures really teach. How different their condition is from that of Jehovah’s servants! Regardless of our national, cultural, or ethnic background, we worship the God we know by name. He is not some mysterious triune god. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 83:18; Mark 12:29) We are also aware that the paramount issue of God’s universal sovereignty is due for settlement and that by maintaining our integrity to him, each one of us is personally involved in that issue. We know the truth about the dead and are free of the morbid fear of a God who is said to torment humans in hellfire or consign them to purgatory.—Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.
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Release from detrimental habits and practices. Warnings about the dangers of smoking, excessive drinking, and sexual promiscuity abound in the media. For the most part, these warnings go unheeded. What happens, though, when a sincere person learns that the true God condemns such things and is saddened by those who practice them? Why, that person is moved to exclude such practices from his life! (Isaiah 63:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10;2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:30) While he does this primarily to please Jehovah God, he also receives additional benefits—better health and peace of mind.
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Happy family life. In numerous countries family life is faltering. Many marriages end in divorce, often leaving behind painfully scarred children. In some European countries, one-parent families make up close to 20 percent of all households. How has Jehovah helped us walk in the way of integrity in this regard? Please read Ephesians 5:22–6:4, and note the fine counsel that God’s Word gives to husbands, wives, and children. Applying what is stated there and elsewhere in the Scriptures certainly strengthens the marriage bond, helps parents to bring up children properly, and contributes to a happy family life. Is that not a blessing to rejoice over?
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Assurance that world problems will soon be solved. Despite scientific and technological know-how and the sincere efforts of certain leaders, serious problems of present-day life remain unsolved. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, recently noted that “the list of challenges facing the world grows ever longer and the time to address them grows shorter.” He spoke of “dangers that transcend national boundaries like terrorism, environmental degradation and financial instability.” Schwab concluded: “Now, more than ever, the world is faced with realities that call for collective and decisive action.” As the 21st century moves forward, the overall outlook for mankind’s future remains bleak.
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Knowing what brings true happiness. What does bring true happiness? One psychologist said that happiness has three components—pleasure, engagement (involvement in such activities as work and family), and meaning (working toward a larger end or goal than self). Of the three, he listed pleasure as the least consequential and observed: “This is newsworthy because so many people build their lives around pursuing pleasure.” What is the Bible’s view in this regard?
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The hope of seeing dead loved ones again. (John 5:28, 29) A What a blessing the resurrection hope is to us!
READ MORE AT: 
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006367?q=prov+10%3A22&p=par

the one Person no one should anger.....but unfortunately, we all have. 

@SHARON LEE MOYER Jehovah knows we are dust. We must petition Him in our hearts. He has Loyal Love for us as long as we Love Him! Love beyond what we can imagine. We are more than a speck of dust. Should we be so grateful for His undeserved kindness! 
?????

@SHARON LEE MOYER Thank you! Jehovah Bless you! 
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Good reminder for when we get distracted.....

"You will not leave me in the Grave."—Ps. 16:10. 
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They Found the Messiah!
PRAISE THE MESSIAH, OUR KING!
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“We have found the Messiah.”—JOHN 1:41.
Jehovah would resurrect the Messiah. David wrote: “You will not leave my soul in Sheol,” that is, in the grave. (Psalm 16:10) On Nisan 16, some women came to the tomb where Jesus was buried. Imagine their surprise when they saw an angel sitting inside the tomb! The angel said to the women: “Stop being stunned. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was impaled. He was raised up, he is not here. See! The place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6) 
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Later, on the day of Pentecost of the year 33, the apostle Peter talked to a large group of people in Jerusalem about David’s prophecy in Psalm 16. He said about David: “He saw beforehand and spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in Hades nor did his flesh see corruption.” (Acts 2:29-31) 
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God did not allow the body of his dear Son to decay. And Jehovah did something even more wonderful. He resurrected Jesus to life in heaven!—1 Peter 3:18.
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https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402011606?q=ps+16%3A10&p=par

"As for the one listening to me, he will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity." — Prov. 1:33. 
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None of us know what tomorrow may bring, for “time and unforeseen occurrence” befall us all. (Eccl. 9:11) 
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However, uncertainty about tomorrow need not rob us of peace of mind today, as it often does those who lack the security of a warm relationship with God. (Matt. 6:34; Phil. 4:6, 7)
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During the rapidly approaching “day of Jehovah’s fury,” everything in which Satan’s world puts its trust will come crashing down. Gold, silver, and other valuable things will provide no security whatsoever. (Zeph. 1:18; Prov. 11:4)
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The only refuge will be our “Rock of times indefinite.” (Isa. 26:4) So let us demonstrate our full trust in Jehovah now by walking obediently in his righteous ways, by proclaiming his Kingdom message despite our having to face apathy or opposition, and by rolling all our anxieties on him.

"The law of Jehovah is perfect . . . making the inexperienced one wise."—Ps. 19:7.
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Read from God’s Word daily and to apply its counsel.—Heb. 4:12.
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Jehovah has given laws to mankind as well. Each of us has a conscience, a reflection of Jehovah’s sense of justice. A kind of internal law, the conscience can help us to distinguish right from wrong. (Romans 2:14) Our first parents were blessed with a perfect conscience, so they needed but a few laws. (Genesis 2:15-17) 
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Imperfect man, however, needs more laws to guide him in the doing of God’s will. Such patriarchs as Noah, Abraham, and Jacob received laws from Jehovah God and transmitted these to their families. (Genesis 6:22; 9:3-6; 18:19; 26:4, 5) 
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Jehovah caused himself to become Lawgiver in an unprecedented way when he gave the nation of Israel a Law code by means of Moses. This legal code offers us extensive insight into Jehovah’s sense of justice.
Questions for Meditation ❓❓❓
Leviticus 19:9, 10; Deuteronomy 24:19 How do you feel about the God who makes such laws? Psalm 19:7-14 How did David feel about “the law of Jehovah,” and how precious should God’s laws be to us? Micah 6:6-8 How does this passage help us to see that Jehovah’s laws cannot rightly be viewed as burdensome? Matthew 23:23-39 How did the Pharisees show that they had missed the point of the Law, and how is this a warning example for us? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102002036?q=ps+19%3A7&p=par  

"Go away, Satan!" Matt. 4:10
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Shortly after Jesus’ baptism, Satan tried to entice Jesus to pursue selfish desires rather than to keep Jehovah as the most important Person in his life. The Devil presented Jesus with three temptations. First, he tried to appeal to fleshly desire, tempting Jesus to turn stones into bread. (Matt. 4:2, 3)
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Jesus had just fasted for 40 days and was very hungry. So the Devil urged him to misuse his miraculous powers to satisfy his hunger. How did Jesus react? Unlike Eve, Jesus focused on Jehovah’s Word and immediately rejected the temptation. (Matt. 4:4) In his last desperate attempt, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. (Matt. 4:8, 9)
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 Jesus immediately refused the offer. He realized that accepting it would be tantamount to rejecting Jehovah’s sovereignty—God’s very right to be the Most High. In each case, Jesus answered Satan by quoting scriptures that contained Jehovah’s personal name. 
w11 5/15 3:9, 11