John Lindsay Barltrop

I found to my surprise that the last song after the Public Talk and WT Study was this very song..........it certainly capped off a very nice watchtower Study article (our Congregation has our meeting Sunday afternoons)

Thank you so much for that beautiful presentation of song 139 ("Sing Out Joyfully" o Jehovah), it certainly brought a tear to eye. My late wife loved this song and I had this sung at her memorial service...........and I am so looking forward to that time when we see that all is new and be with her once again.
Again thank you

Thank you so much for that beautiful presentation of song 139 ("Sing Out Joyfully" o Jehovah), it certainly brought a tear to eye. My late wife loved this song and I had this sung at her memorial service...........and I am so looking forward to that time when we see that all is new and be with her once again.
Again thank you

Thank you so much for that beautiful presentation of song 139 ("Sing Out Joyfully" o Jehovah), it certainly brought a tear to eye. My late wife loved this song and I had this sung at her memorial service...........and I am so looking forward to that time when we see that all is new and be with her once again.
Again thank you

I thought the comments in paragraph 6, Chapter 4 of God's Kingdom Rules were appropriate in the Congregation Bible Study this week.
The end of paragraph 5 said that "Jehovah will sanctify his name before all creation," then in paragraph 6 it says that we cannot make God's name more sacred, as it is already sacred in the absolute sense and we can assist by regarding his name as separate from, and higher than any other name.......and show our reverence when we recognise Jehovah as our ruler and obey him with all our heart.

Why not!!................I think that is a terrific idea???

Michael: I also raised four children. I had to set a good example, my husband was not a spiritual man and didn't study with the children. I could not usurp his position before God as the head of the house. I tried my best to teach them by example and I see now they are grown it was very good for them. I was raised as a Witness and loved to teach and help people. I taught my children to love others too. Even that quality of Jehovah is one of his greatest attributes. If there is Love that is the laws fulfillment. So children mimic what they see. I was not a perfect parent, but love I learned from my Father, Jehovah, if that's all a child learns that will complete them. My four children are grown, one at Bethel, one an Elder, one a MS servant, one a full time pioneer, her husband an Elder. I would say, love Jehovah, love your children, set a good example, if as a man you direct them to grow and mature in a Godly way, then you will have success. If you can't do much, love is the laws fulfillment and that in itself will be the nurturing direction and you will be blessed. That was my experience from a 45 year marriage. Thank you, Bible Speaks ???

.......earth-wide pollution....... 
(Revelation 11:18) 18 But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”
Pollution is one form of how man is ruining the earth
.........climate change can come under this category of ruining the earth as well, also alleged to increase forces of devastating hurricanes.....

.......earth-wide pollution....... 
(Revelation 11:18) 18 But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”
Pollution is one form of how man is ruining the earth
.........climate change can come under this category of ruining the earth as well, also alleged to increase forces of devastating hurricanes.....

To the person who suggests Hezekiah could have compromised with Egypt, this is what the 2005 Watchtower says on the subject:
18:19-21, 25—Had Hezekiah made an alliance with Egypt? No. Rabshakeh’s accusation was false, as was his claim to have come with “authorization from Jehovah.” Faithful King Hezekiah relied solely on Jehovah.
 
We might want to do research before we reply.

@Ann O'maly.I would just like to mention a couple of points concerning Sodom, Gomorrah, and surrounding cities.
(Luke 17:29, 30) 29 But on the day that Lot went out of Sodʹom, it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 It will be the same on that day when the Son of man is revealed.
This sets the scene and if we read Genesis 13:18 we see that it was the whole district, with all its cities were destroyed by Jehovah.
Why?
(Jude 6, 7)6 And the angels who did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place, he has reserved with eternal bonds in dense darkness for the judgment of the great day. 7 In the same manner, Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah and the cities around them also gave themselves over to gross sexual immorality and pursued unnatural fleshly desires; they are placed before us as a warning example by undergoing the judicial punishment of everlasting fire.................Just like the world today.         
(2 Peter 2:4-7) 4 Certainly God did not refrain from punishing the angels who sinned, but threw them into Tarʹta·rus, putting them in chains of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment. 5 And he did not refrain from punishing an ancient world, but kept Noah, a preacher of righteousness, safe with seven others when he brought a flood upon a world of ungodly people. 6 And by reducing the cities of Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah to ashes, he condemned them, setting a pattern for ungodly people of things to come. 7 And he rescued righteous Lot, who was greatly distressed by the brazen conduct of the lawless people. (This lawlessness is peoples disdain for Jehovah's laws............the earth is also filled with violence and sexual depravity)
 
just one other point on your last: "Also, if our confidence in the Bible isn't backed up by historical evidences, then couldn't it be argued that we might as well have faith in Aesop's fables?"................ I personally, find a distinct difference between historical accounts and and archaeological findings................However, at the risk of being repetitious, we do have to be careful as to what archaeologists and historians have to say on the Bible..........their points of view are from an imperfect human standpoint, whereas God's Word is Jehovah's viewpoint, and that is where our faith should come from, from within the pages of the Bible.
 

@Ann O'Maly Re Biblical Archaeology site:
I read an article on Sodom and Gomorrah........I do not have the exact quote, but, the gist of one part of the article was.........that the Bible did not supply any details of the prevalence of homosexuality within those cities..........my question would be "What Bible was the archaeologist(s) reading?"...........certainly not the Word of God.
Always be wary of reports of this nature........our faith is not based on archaeological finds, our faith is based on what is contained in God's Word, even though, at times, some of these finds do clearly back up Bible accounts.

Yes, I agree..........it is far better for us to watch the video "O Jehovah......I Trust in  You"..........we do know that it follows accurately the Biblical account of Hezekiah, when Assyria tried to plot Jerusalem's demise.
The main problem with people who put some of these other videos together and narrate them, is that they do not know Jehovah, and the cannot even read the Bible account of events accurately...........also omit "minor" things, like the angel of Jehovah destroying 185 000 of Senacharib's army in one night......only a minor point.......NOT. That was the main point of the entire incident, to my way of thinking.........Jehovah acting on behalf of his people.........and isn't that what we are all looking forward to in the not too distant future, we say in effect "O Jehovah......we trust in you"

Armageddon - Are You Ready For Jehovah's Day?
Definition: The Greek Har Ma·ge·donʹ, taken from Hebrew and rendered “Armageddon” by many translators, means “Mountain of Megiddo,” or “Mountain of Assembly of Troops.” 
The Bible associates the name, not with a nuclear holocaust, but with the coming universal “war of the great day of God the Almighty.” (Rev. 16:14, 16) 
This name is applied specifically to “the place [Greek, toʹpon; that is, condition or situation]” to which earth’s political rulers are being gathered in opposition to Jehovah and his Kingdom by Jesus Christ. 
Such opposition will be shown by global action against Jehovah’s servants on earth, the visible representatives of God’s Kingdom.
“The war of the great day of God the Almighty” at Har–Magedon was not some past event but is depicted in Revelation as future from the time of John’s vision. The gathering of the kings to Har–Magedon is described as being a result of the pouring out of the sixth of the seven bowls containing the “last” plagues that will bring to a finish the anger of God. (Re 15:1; 16:1, 12) 
Also, indicating that the war at Har–Magedon is closely associated with Christ’s presence is the warning of his coming as a thief, which is placed between verses 14 and 16 of Revelation chapter 16.
The global aspect of the war is emphasized in the context. There the opponents of Jehovah are identified as “the kings of the entire inhabited earth,” who are mobilized by “expressions inspired by demons.”—Re 16:14.
Farther on, John says: “And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage the war with the one seated on the horse and with his army.” (Re 19:19) 
This chapter identifies the leader of the heavenly armies, seated on a white horse, as one who is called “Faithful and True” and “The Word of God.” (Re 19:11-13) Therefore, it is Jesus Christ, The Word, who acts as the commander of God’s heavenly armies. (Joh 1:1; Re 3:14) 
Further showing that Christ leads the heavenly forces is the statement that the earthly forces “battle with the Lamb [who is Jesus Christ (Joh 1:29)], but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so.”—Re 17:13, 14.
Since the vision in Revelation chapter 19 reveals only armies in heaven as participating in the warfare as supporters of Jesus Christ, The Word of God, it indicates that none of Jehovah’s Christian servants on earth will participate in the fighting. This is in harmony with the words of Jesus Christ at Matthew 26:52 that his disciples not resort to weapons of physical warfare. (Compare Ex 14:13, 14; 2Ch 20:15, 17, 22, 23;Ps 2:4-9.) 
The birds that fly in midheaven will dispose of the bodies of those slaughtered.—Re 19:11-21.
Har–Magedon is thus seen to be a fight, not merely among men, but one in which God’s invisible armies take part. Its coming is certain and it will take place at the time set by Jehovah God, who “is doing according to his own will among the army of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth.”—Da 4:35; see also Mt 24:36 
jw.org

IMG_6042.mov

A  very  very  old  video  from  door  to  door  serving...   poor  Brother ;-(
A  view  into  our  "good  old  time".........
 

HONDURAS...   A very special baptism❤  After preaching, then an accident  with a bus.  After painful surgery,  asap. she wanted her baptism !  The Doc's gave big hope for good health and walking again.  ( broken her spinal...)
The  young  sister  is  very  happy  today ;-)

Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Speak With People Who Have Previously Said,
“I’m Not Interested”?
Jehovah’s Witnesses, motivated by love for God and love of neighbor, enjoy sharing the Bible’s message with all people, including those who have previously said “I’m not interested.” (Matthew 22:37-39) Love for God moves us to obey his Son’s command “to give a thorough witness.” (Acts 10:42; 1 John 5:3) To do this, we bring God’s message more than once, just as God’s ancient prophets did. (Jeremiah 25:4) Because we love our neighbors, we try to share the lifesaving “good news of the Kingdom” with all, including those who at first were not interested in it.—Matthew 24:14.
We often find interest when we return to homes where we found no interest before. Consider three reasons:
    People move.
    Others in the home show interest  in our  message...
    People change. World events or personal circumstances cause some to become more “conscious of their spiritual need” and to take an interest in the Bible’s message. (Matthew 5:3) Even those who are opposed can have a change of heart, as did the apostle Paul.—1 Timothy 1:13.
Nevertheless, we do not force our message on anyone. (1 Peter 3:15) We believe that each person must make his own decision in the matter of worship.—Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.

"..............interesting, very interesting, but stupid" - Quote from Rowan and Martin's Laugh In!!!!

Dear Ann,
Please check out this info on JW.org. It appears that Hezekiah did not make an alliance with Egypt. If you can find something else that confirms he did, please post it here. Thanks 
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/21655
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/195
Dear Queen Esther,
I always enjoy your contributions and pictures of our brothers around the world. It helps me to see that we are all united and doing the same work to Jehovah's praise. Thank You!
The author or presenter of the video in question however, is not one of our brothers and so we should be very cautious. Newer ones or weaker ones might be tempted to check out additional videos on their site. Since they are not worshipers of the only true God Jehovah, this might undermine their faith. The governing body is very careful to do their due diligence on any outside information they quote from in the publications and that would be the best example to follow. I hope you agree...

Yes, I agree..........it is far better for us to watch the video "O Jehovah......I Trust in  You"..........we do know that it follows accurately the Biblical account of Hezekiah, when Assyria tried to plot Jerusalem's demise.
The main problem with people who put some of these other videos together and narrate them, is that they do not know Jehovah, and the cannot even read the Bible account of events accurately...........also omit "minor" things, like the angel of Jehovah destroying 185 000 of Senacharib's army in one night......only a minor point.......NOT. That was the main point of the entire incident, to my way of thinking.........Jehovah acting on behalf of his people.........and isn't that what we are all looking forward to in the not too distant future, we say in effect "O Jehovah......we trust in you"

Yes, I agree..........it is far better for us to watch the video "O Jehovah......I Trust in  You"..........we do know that it follows accurately the Biblical account of Hezekiah, when Assyria tried to plot Jerusalem's demise.
The main problem with people who put some of these other videos together and narrate them, is that they do not know Jehovah, and the cannot even read the Bible account of events accurately...........also omit "minor" things, like the angel of Jehovah destroying 185 000 of Senacharib's army in one night......only a minor point.......NOT. That was the main point of the entire incident, to my way of thinking.........Jehovah acting on behalf of his people.........and isn't that what we are all looking forward to in the not too distant future, we say in effect "O Jehovah......we trust in you"

"..............interesting, very interesting, but stupid" - Quote from Rowan and Martin's Laugh In!!!!

"..............interesting, very interesting, but stupid" - Quote from Rowan and Martin's Laugh In!!!!

Elephants’ “Sound of Silence”
On a hot afternoon in the sprawling Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the large herd of elephants seems undisturbed by any intrusion into their habitat. 
Yet, the air is full of “elephant talk,” ranging from low frequency rumblings to high frequency trumpets, roars, bellows, barks, and snorts. Some of the calls contain components that are below the level of human hearing and yet are so powerful that they can be heard by an elephant several miles away.
Experts in animal behavior continue to be puzzled by the intricate ways in which elephants convey serious messages. 
Joyce Poole has spent over 20 years studying communication concepts among African elephants. She has concluded that these huge creatures, known for their coveted tusks, exhibit feelings found in very few animals. “It is hard to watch elephants’ remarkable behavior during a family or bond group greeting ceremony [or at] the birth of a new family member . . . and not imagine that they feel very strong emotions which could be best described by words such as joy, happiness, love, feelings of friendship, exuberance, amusement, pleasure, compassion, relief, and respect,” says Poole.
When getting together after being separated for long periods, their greetings turn to pandemonium, as members rush together with heads high and ears folded and flapping. 
At times, an elephant will even put its trunk into another’s mouth. These greetings seem to give the elephants a deep sense of joy, as if they were saying, “Wow! It’s simply fantastic to be with you again!” 
Such bonds renew the support network vital to their survival.
Elephants seem to have a sense of humor too. Poole describes watching elephants draw the corners of their mouths in what she called a smile, wagging their heads in a manner suggesting amusement. 
She once initiated a game in which the animals took part, and for 15 minutes they behaved in a totally absurd manner. Two years later, some participants seemed to “smile” at her again, perhaps remembering her involvement in the game. 
Not only do elephants amuse each other in play but they also mimic sounds. In a research project, Poole heard a sound that was different from the normal elephant calls. On analysis, it was suggested that the elephants were imitating the noise made by trucks passing nearby. And they were apparently doing it for fun! It is as if elephants look for any excuse to get excited.
Much has been said about the way elephants appear to mourn when calamity befalls a family member. Poole once observed a female standing guard over her stillborn baby for three days and described it this way: Her “facial expressions” seemed “similar to a grief stricken, depressed person: her head and ears hung down, the corners of her mouth were turned down.”
Those who kill elephants for ivory do not consider the ‘psychological trauma’ of the orphans who may have witnessed the killing of their mothers. These babies spend the first few days at an animal orphanage trying to overcome their “grief.” A keeper reported having heard the orphans “scream” in the morning. Repercussions can be observed several years after the death. 
Poole suggests that the elephants can detect the hand of man in their suffering. We look forward to the time when man and beast will live together in peace.—Isaiah 11:6-9.
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102002249
IMG_3564.MP4

The white "parrot" is a sulphur crested cockatoo, a very common cockatoo in Australia, can be trained to talk, often together in large flocks, and if a flock gets into a large tree, they can be very destructive........and is also a good talker...........and of course the red "parrot" is one of the macaw family of parrots, certainly a magnificent looking bird and, I believe, are also good talkers and imitators..........all beautiful creations of our great God, Jehovah.