Bible Speaks

The Rainbow Tree As the outer layer of the rainbow eucalyptus tree’s bark peels away, the bright green layer underneath begins to show. ~ ?????
Over time, it fades to a darker green, and then to blue, purple, pink, orange, red, maroon, and back to brown. When it reaches that point, it will peel again and start the process anew. 
Since different layers peel at different times on different parts of the tree, the result is a tree trunk and branches that look like theyÂ’ve been painted with hundreds of brushstrokes.
The rainbow eucalyptus is native to the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia, and is grown in other tropical environments that are similarly mild and humid. 
Unfortunately, it cannot survive hot and dry weather or frosty conditions, and can only be grown in specific regions near the equator that will sustain this type of tree. 
It is commonly planted in parks and gardens in countries that can grow it. This natural beauty can also be found lining the Hana highway in Maui, Hawaii, and in swampy areas of Africa,
Thank you Jehovah God for your creation and the beauty we can behold! ~ ???

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The Rainbow Tree As the outer layer of the rainbow eucalyptus tree’s bark peels away, the bright green layer underneath begins to show. ~ ?????
Over time, it fades to a darker green, and then to blue, purple, pink, orange, red, maroon, and back to brown. When it reaches that point, it will peel again and start the process anew. 
Since different layers peel at different times on different parts of the tree, the result is a tree trunk and branches that look like theyÂ’ve been painted with hundreds of brushstrokes.
The rainbow eucalyptus is native to the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia, and is grown in other tropical environments that are similarly mild and humid. 
Unfortunately, it cannot survive hot and dry weather or frosty conditions, and can only be grown in specific regions near the equator that will sustain this type of tree. 
It is commonly planted in parks and gardens in countries that can grow it. This natural beauty can also be found lining the Hana highway in Maui, Hawaii, and in swampy areas of Africa,
Thank you Jehovah God for your creation and the beauty we can behold! ~ ???

ARE YOU A ROSE ? OR A THORN ? ?
?”I have brought you the rose of love, and you have crowned me, in these dark hours, with their thorns.”
Kristian Goldmund Aumann, The Seven Deadly Sins
?”But he who dares not grasp the thorn 
Should never crave the rose.
Anne Brontë
?”Some people are like thorns. But you have to let them be thorns, because thorns can't turn into petals. The trick is not letting them prick you; never let a thorn prick you!
C. JoyBell C.
?”If you don't feel the pointed things in life, you'll soon take the soft ones for granted.
John Everson, Cage of Bones 
?”I'd rather let you cover all my roads with thorns than with dead roses.
Nema Al-Araby
The Romantic Rose
Around the world, the rose (genus Rosa) is probably the best-known and the most appreciated flower. Besides the primary species, there are thousands of man-made hybrids. Since flavor is affected by such factors as soil and temperature, it is advisable to taste a petal of the rose or any other flower before you decide to use the flower as food. You will probably notice that the base of the petal is somewhat bitter. If it is, cut out that part, or if you are serving the complete flower, eat only the outer part.
The list of dishes that can be enriched by roses is practically endless. Try them in salads, maybe with some mild cheese and chopped nuts. Use smashed petals of red roses as an extra ingredient in your favorite sauce to add flavor and color. And what about giving your spaghetti the final touch of rose petals cut into strips? Roses will also enhance the flavor of ice cream and your favorite beverage.
BE A ROSE ? NOT A THORN ?
 

Matthew 7:14 (GNT)
14 But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Wanted: Do You Know You Are Precious to Jehovah God? ~ ?????

Are You Modest or Proud? - Think Before You Act and React! ~ ? ? ? ?
MODESTY is a virtue that once was appreciated by the wise men of this world. Thus we are told: “A modest person seldom fails to gain the good will of those he converses with, because nobody envies a man who does not appear to be pleased with himself.” And it has been said: “Modesty is a shining light; it prepares the mind to receive knowledge, and the heart for truth.” A person lacking modesty is not likely to have an open mind. (Romans 12:3) . . .For through the undeserved kindness given to me I tell everyone there among YOU not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think; but to think so as to have a sound mind, each one as God has distributed to him a measure of faith." Christian Modesty—Truly Wise!
The displaying of Christian modesty truly is the course of wisdom. First of all, it results in good relations with Jehovah. In fact, God requires that we be modest in walking with him. (Micah 6:8) . . .He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?"
Moreover, modesty is most becoming on our part when we think of the great gap between us and our all-powerful and eternal Maker. Why, to him the nations are like the film of dust on the scales and like a mere drop falling from a bucket! (Isaiah 40:15) . . .Look! The nations are as a drop from a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted. Look! He lifts the islands themselves as mere fine [dust]. . ." Modesty will cause us to fear to displease Jehovah God, and that surely is “the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10) . . .The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. ? [Sin] All those doing them have a good insight. ? [Taw] His praise is standing forever. 112 Praise Jah, YOU people! ? [?A?leph] Happy is the man in fear of Jehovah, ? [Behth] In whose commandments he has taken very much delight. ? [Gi?mel] 2 Mighty in the earth his offspring will become. ? [Da?leth] As for the generation of the upright ones, it will be blessed. ? [He?]. . ." - Bible Speaks

I had occasion, many years ago to see a male ostrich chasing a female ostrich who clearly did not want his amorous advances, and for about ten minutes I watched ..until it was clear that he was going to catch her ... so she stuck her head into the sand, believing that he would not be able to see her.  He came to a screeching halt about fifteen feet behind her, slowly approached, and looked all around and said "Hmmm... I wonder where SHE went?".

@James Thomas Rook Jr.
“Forgets Wisdom.’ The ostrich is said to “forget wisdom” and ‘not share in understanding.’ (Job 39:17) Modern observers have acknowledged this. The Arabs have a saying “more foolish than an ostrich.” (Soncino Books of the Bible, edited by A. Cohen, London, 1946, Job, p. 205) The ostrich tends to run in a large curve, which permits its pursuers, if sufficient in number, to surround it. But on a straight course the ostrich’s powerful legs enable it to ‘laugh at the horse and at its rider.’ (Job 39:18) When running, its strides lengthen out to cover as much as 3.5 m (11 ft) at a time, and its pace may reach as high as 70 km/hr (44 mph). The wings, useless for flight, nevertheless help to give balance to the bird’s heavy body as it runs.”
HAHA! Crazy Ostrich perhaps this time she won? Maybe the “trick” is to bury my head in the sand? 
???

@Queen Esther
Photos from JW org are now illegal to use? I have deleted many. That’s why I make my own now. 
Agapé,
???

SOON GOD'S JUDGEMENTS WILL BE DONE! ~ ????????
Revelation chapter 14 goes on to describe further events that are to take place in the hour of judgment. Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, is mentioned first: “Another, a second angel, followed, saying: ‘She has fallen! Babylon the Great has fallen!’” (Revelation 14:8) 
Yes, from God’s viewpoint, Babylon the Great has already fallen. In 1919, Jehovah’s anointed servants were set free from the bondage of Babylonish doctrines and practices, which have dominated peoples and nations for millenniums. 
That is not all there is to God’s judgment against Babylon the Great. Her final destruction is soon to come. (Revelation 18:21) With good reason, the Bible urges people everywhere: “Get out of her [Babylon the Great] . . . if you do not want to share with her in her sins.” (Revelation 18:4, 5) How do we get out of Babylon the Great? This involves more than just severing any ties with false religion. Babylonish influence is present in many popular celebrations and customs, in the world’s permissive attitude toward sex, in the promoting of entertainment involving spiritism, and much more. To keep on the watch, it is vital that both in our actions and in the desires of our heart, we give evidence that we are truly separate from Babylon the Great in every way.
Revelation 14:8 - Bible Speaks
Revelation 14:8American Standard Version (ASV)
8 And another, a second angel, followed, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, that hath made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
American Standard Version (ASV)

Who taught this Jack Fish ? how to protect itself? - A Master Creator Jehovah! - Amazing Photo! ~ ?????
Photo by @daviddoubilet A small jack rides on a jellyfish seeking protection from predators in a night sea in the Verde Island Passage, Philippines.
Eventually the juvenile fish will grow large enough to become predator instead of prey. 
We lower lights into the sea over very deep areas attracting creatures that come to feed on the plankton drawn to the lights. 
The sea is an alien world at night where we meet hunters and the hunted and some unusual larval creatures appearing from the depths below us.

British Boxing Champion, retired and serves as a Jehovah's Witness.
http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/when-you-knock-out-vitali-klitschko-by-accident/

I'm guessing this was in Korea.....
Someone else may know better.

@The Librarian
Or Thailand? Not said Location sorry. Beautiful though!  ???

OSTRICH ~ How Much Do You Know About a Ostrich? ~ Test Here....?
[Heb., bath hai·ya·?anah?; rena·nim? (plural)].
The first of these Hebrew names is understood to mean either “daughter of the greedy one” or “daughter of the barren ground,” terms that may aptly apply to the ostrich. The second name, regarded as indicating a “bird of piercing cries,” also fits the ostrich, whose cry is described as a “hoarse, mournful cry which has been likened to the roaring of a lion.”—The Smithsonian Series, 1944, Vol. 9, p. 105; compare Mic 1:8.
The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest living bird known, at times standing over 2 m (7 ft) high at the crown of the head and weighing as much as 140 kg (300 lb). The head is rather small and flat with very large eyes, the flexible neck is about 1 m (3 ft) long, and like the powerful legs, both head and neck are bare of feathers. The body plumage, however, is luxuriant, the long soft wing and tail plumes being much prized in ancient and modern times. The sleek black and white plumage of the male contrasts with the dull grayish-brown color of the female. The ostrich is unique among all birds in having but two toes on each foot, one of them equipped with a clawlike hoof that becomes a dangerous weapon when the bird is forced to defend itself. Its height and keen vision, however, usually enable it to spot its enemies from afar, and the huge bird then warily moves away.
While the ostrich feeds mainly on vegetation, it is also carnivorous, including snakes, lizards, and even small birds in its indiscriminate diet. It is found among the list of ‘unclean’ birds prohibited by the Mosaic Law. (Le 11:13, 16; De 14:12, 15) Anciently known as the camel bird, the ostrich is able to endure for long periods without water and hence thrives in solitary wastelands. It is used in the Bible, along with jackals and similar creatures, as representative of desert life (Isa 43:20) and to depict the ruinous desolation that became the fate of Edom and Babylon. (Isa 13:21; 34:13; Jer 50:39) Job, rejected and detested, sitting among ashes, and mournfully crying out, considered himself like “a brother to jackals” and “a companion to the daughters of the ostrich.”—Job 30:29.
Forgets Wisdom.’ The ostrich is said to “forget wisdom” and ‘not share in understanding.’ (Job 39:17) Modern observers have acknowledged this. The Arabs have a saying “more foolish than an ostrich.” (Soncino Books of the Bible, edited by A. Cohen, London, 1946, Job, p. 205) The ostrich tends to run in a large curve, which permits its pursuers, if sufficient in number, to surround it. But on a straight course the ostrich’s powerful legs enable it to ‘laugh at the horse and at its rider.’ (Job 39:18) When running, its strides lengthen out to cover as much as 3.5 m (11 ft) at a time, and its pace may reach as high as 70 km/hr (44 mph). The wings, useless for flight, nevertheless help to give balance to the bird’s heavy body as it runs.
The ostrich has certain characteristics that are said to stagger scientists, who tend to class the ostrich as among the ‘lower or more primitive’ of living birds. It has a bladder collecting uric acid, an organ characteristic of mammals but not possessed by any other family of birds. It also possesses eyelashes that protect its eyes from the blowing sand. Thus, though low in intelligence, the powerful, speedy ostrich gives credit to the wisdom of its Creator.
The Arabian ostrich (Struthio camelus syriacus), once abundant in Palestine and Arabia, is now extinct. Since 1973, a related African variety has been reintroduced into Israel.
Video by:
@robertclarkphoto A short video in honor of the National Bird Day, January 5th, while these certainly are not migratory birds, they are, to me, one if the most interesting of the #Avian family. #NationalBirdDay
Enjoy the birds and Video ?
Tap on Video Link mp4___________?
A08B8688-B4B9-4E99-A539-5328C489296B.MP4

@the Sower of Seed
Just as at the edge of the Red Sea, people feared Jehovah’s direction and Moses. We learn much from this account. May we focus on reality and the Truth and unfailing Love for Jehovah will see us through! Are we not like the three Hebrews already in the firery furnace? Satan thinks he’s got us! I say just try me! I’ve got the Universal Sovereign Jehovah God, His Son Our Lord Christ Jesus and myriads of Angels. We lack nothing but keep focused looking straight ahead! The Battle is Glorious and on the Horizon! 
Thank you for your support! Jehovah Bless!
???

@The Librarian
Like Gateway I choose the Bible Version! ???

@The Librarian
Like Gateway I choose the Bible Version! ???

@Bible Speaks... notice how I simplified the ASV part.....
We don't need all the links back to them... or to know that they are public domain....
But nice posting ;-)

Sing ??? to Jehovah in Dance ? and Song! - DonÂ’t Give Up Convention 2017
Tap on Video Link mp4 ______???

9CE0D2CD-76F6-4AC3-888D-DD863FE20885.MP4

PRESS ARTICLE DEDICATED TO A CONGREGATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
THE ARTICLE SAYS:
The congregation gets up and joins in a song. They take turns sharing thoughts and answering questions from "The Watchtower". They enthusiastically help visitors by helping them find the Scriptures, songs and passages of their journals.
Members of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Utah County are few, but they live their faith devoutly. In fact, the congregation is small, but the Witnesses still spend time trying to spread their beliefs. The American Fork congregation is one of four listed by denomination in Utah County. Others are found in Provo, Orem and Spanish Fork.
Jehovah's Witnesses honor Jehovah, whom they believe is the God of the Bible and the creator of all things. Because they "testify" or talk about Jehovah God and his Kingdom, they are known as Jehovah's Witnesses, according to the faith website.
Of course, there is a need for help in the ministry, so church leaders send volunteers to American Fork to help the church grow. Peggy Wilkerson and her husband, Tom, are two of those volunteers.
"At American Fork, we have a large territory and it continues to grow," said Peggy Wilkerson. "Then, we need help."
According to Peggy Wilkerson, the Witnesses send time sheets from their ministry to their headquarters in Warwick, New York. Church leaders can see if they cover their area well enough or if they need more people to help.
These people come from areas with larger concentrations of Jehovah's Witnesses, such as Colorado and California. The Wilkersons come from Wyoming.
Before the Wilkersons came to Utah, they served in Mexico for a couple of years. Like all volunteers, they had to make the trip and stay on their own. Then, the Wilkersons made a big decision when Tom retired after years of working for the oil and natural gas industry.
When I retired at the age of 62 and a half, I sold (our house), I packed everything we had and went to Mexico where the need was great, "he said.
Unlike the Wilkersons, Tirzah Fellows has lived in Utah most of her life, but her father moved to Spanish Fork from Kansas before she was born. Before that, he was serving as an elder in Kansas and moved to Utah to help the church grow, like the Wilkersons.
Err
Fellows is used to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after all their years in Utah. She was the only Witness at her school in Utah, but she has appreciated it.
"There is nothing that would change," said Fellows. "Just because of how I grew up and how I raise my daughter."
Still, there are certain misconceptions that Fellows and other Witnesses should explain to their neighbors, schoolmates and co-workers. They do not celebrate parties, or salute the flag, or serve in the army or vote.
"Tessa (daughter of Fellows) knows why we do not celebrate the holidays, she knows why we do not wave at the flag," Fellows said. "It's not just because I told her, there's a reasoning behind this."
The fellows said their daughter is very proud to defend her faith in school and elsewhere. Fellows is the same way and refers to the Bible to explain why Jehovah's Witnesses do and do not do certain things.
Costco Pharmacy, where Fellows works, is one of the places where you have the opportunity to explain your beliefs to your co-workers from time to time. She feels that she has a good understanding of the beliefs of Latter-day Saints, which has helped her choose her words wisely with LDS partners.
She does not always bring out what is in the Bible to Latter-day Saints, but she loves when they ask questions.
"It strengthens my faith by talking about that," said Fellows.
However, he has realized that people ask less questions than in recent years about their beliefs.
"The ergent used to be fascinated (about my faith)," Fellows said. "They would say, 'You're not a Mormon ?! Well, what does that mean?'"
Despite all this, Fellows and Witnesses in American Fork continue to preach to their neighbors. It does not matter if it is one hour a week or 100, if you are doing your best.
"We know that Jehovah sees what we do," said Peggy Wilkerson. "(The ministry) is not for our glory."
According to Tom Wilkerson, Jehovah's Witnesses grow nationwide by some 250,000 people a year. There are currently 8.3 million members worldwide, and these members are counted only if they are active in their ministry. If they are not active for six months, then they are not counted as Jehovah's Witnesses.
For Jehovah's Witnesses in Utah, a growth of up to 1 percent is a great victory. It is difficult to find people who are interested in joining, but as long as they find people interested in having a discussion (not in a discussion), they believe they are doing their part in the growth of their congregation.
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/faith/jehovah-s-witness-actively-do-their-part-in-american-fork/article_2cb6023e-423d-504c-87f6-dc8c2303d783.html

Quote from the article above:
“Most boxers donÂ’t know when to give up,” said Reid, now 44 years old and a dedicated JehovahÂ’s Witness. “They always think they can do better, prove everybody wrong and make a fortune and you do need that mentality to be a boxer.”
The McDermott and Sexton defeats forced Reid to accept he wasnÂ’t going to prove everybody wrong and make a fortune from boxing. But he did have one last fight, surviving a wobble or two to outpoint Dave Ingleby over 10 rounds for the vacant British Masters title in Birmingham in March, 2009.
“I retired at the right time for me,” said Reid, who bowed out with a 20-6-2 (17) record. “You look at my record and it shows that in my last fight, I won a title. Not many people can say that. People ask me if I miss boxing, but I don’t. I retired at the right time. I laid it to rest. I still meet people who are journeymen at my age. They don’t know what to do apart from box.
“They gave their life to boxing and can’t move on. They have nothing to replace it so they hang on for as long as they can. They are used to it and it pays the bills. I was so happy to close the door on boxing.
“Boxing didn’t close the door on me and I achieved more than a lot of people. I’m happy I did enough to make a mark.”
I have added him to my list of celebrity JW's
 

Joshua 1:9American Standard Version (ASV)
9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed: for Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
(ASV)