AbigailSensefulOne

Get ready. The Book of Daniel is having it's fulfillment. The government and the people are made of iron and clay, and we know......
".....they will not stick together, one to the other, just as iron does not mix with clay."  - (Daniel 2:42, 43)
Clashes with authority, divisive political parties, violent protests, financial institutions failing, lying politicians, racial resistance of policing agencies, careless aggressive force against various races; rogue preachers, child abuse, cracks in the legal system, parents killing children, children killing parents, blatant homosexuality, disregard for the sacred institution of marriage..... Behold! 
"For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power, and from these turn away." (2 Timothy 3:1-6) 
Yes, this old critical, fragile, fragmented system of things is about to fall flat on its face!
THANK YOU, JEHOVAH!
 
 

A wonderful special baptism,  I am so happy for that  sick  Brother ❤ 
We have a similar sick young man in a wheel chair,  but he can't speak...  He is always by the meeting and can little follow the program.  In the NW he will get healthy, since his birth !  He still has 4 siblings...  Sometimes he is crying  -  or also laughing while our meeting...   By singing  and praying he is in the  KD - Hall,  the other time in the corridor,  near  another Brother !  He knows us all and is feeling well.  For a baptism he is too sick, sorry :-(   But he is often funny ;-) 

Excellent response, Eoin Joyce. Keep in mind that in the last days - besides what Jesus foretold on the Mt. of Olives, there will be many who would try to subvert the faith of some of us by questioning and doubting spiritual arrangements. Even something as significant as pinpointing the exact date/time of Christ's presence!
"There will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: 'Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning'." - 2 Peter 3: 2, 3 (NWT)
"......in the last days mockers shall come with mockery, walking after their own lusts, and saying 'Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation' " - 2 Peter 3:2,3 (ASV)
Classic example of this is the nation of Israel:
The agents Jehovah used to lead His people was Moses with his rod/staff as well as Aaron, Hur, et. al. Imperfect but qualified men. When the Israelites first stepped foot on dry land on the other side of the Red Sea, after singing a song of thanks and praise for their deliverance out of Egypt, they complained about water as if Jehovah couldn't provide any for them and provide it fast enough (Exodus 15:1; 17:2). Even after witnessing Jehovah's presence and the sound of His awesome voice (Exodus 19:18-21), the Israelites continued to rebel by challenging Moses' God-given authority. Moses was apparently taking too long to return from the Mountain so they set up a golden calf and called it their god who led them out of Egypt rather than Jehovah (Exodus 32:1; 4). They complained about food and how they wished they were back in Egypt to eat potted meat (Exodus 16:2-4). They longed for Egypt's leeks, onions, garlic, and cucumbers, etc. (Numbers 11: 4-6). Funny, they didn't remember being whipped by cruel taskmasters and mistreated as slaves back in Egypt. Even after Jehovah provided Manna for them, it wasn't good enough for them and they eventually complained about that, too, calling it contemptable bread (Numbers 21:5). A  group of 250 men, described as "chieftains", "chosen ones of the congregation, prominent men" assembled themselves against Moses and rebelled against Jehovah's appointment of Aaron (Numbers 16:1-3). The Land of Milk and Honey was too far off for the complaining Israelites and so they began to lose faith. Jehovah made them wander in the Wilderness for 40 years until that rebellious generation died off (Numbers 14:26-34). They were not going into the Promised Land with their complaining, doubtful, and rebellious spirit. Jehovah requires exclusive devotion (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24). They failed to give that to Jehovah.
Notice the constant theme? Complaints, complaints, and more complaints against Jehovah and His arrangements.
Likewise, today, many will arise to question Jehovah's appointed agents. They will question theocratic arrangements just like the first century Christians did because "some went out .....and caused .... trouble with what they have said, trying to subvert you, although we did not give them any instructions" (Acts 15: 24)  The apostles and elders chosen by holy spirit had to set things straight respecting the issue of blood, sacrificing to idols, fornication, and eating things strangled (Acts 15:28, 29).
We may not understand everything, but we do unanimously agree that Jehovah is the true God and His loyal son is the Christ/Messiah, Jesus. We know Jehovah's purpose is for us, for the earth, and that He has established a kingdom where His obedient son Jesus will rule and shepherd the nations in the coming new order of things (Psalm 2:1,2; Revelation 1:5). We do know we are sinful and we know why we are sinful, and how Jehovah lovingly paved the way for us to be reconciled to Him by means of His son's precious shed blood (John 3:16, 17). Had it not been for this loving and kind redeeming arrangement, we will still be sacrificing bulls, rams, and sheep in our behalf (Galatians 3:19,20; Hebrews 9:12,13; 10:4). 
It's our imperfect nature that makes us question things we do not understand. Job argued with Jehovah about things he did not understand (Job 9:15-19; 23:2-4). Jehovah eventually and lovingly set Job straight to the point Job humbly acknowledged that he spoke without understanding (Job 38:1-4; 40:2, 7-9; 42:3,4). What is interesting, Jehovah mercifully corrected Job after Job had his say. Isn't that merciful and loving? 
So appointed men may falter from time to time. Does such frailties overshadow all the wonderful truths we learned about the true God Jehovah? No. What it does is reinforce the fact that we are imperfect; we are living in the last days, and yes, Jehovah in due time will clarify things for us. Then again, with the urgency of the times, maybe "now is not the time" to concern ourselves with specific dates (Hebrews 9:5b). There are other important things to concern ourselves with - like our personal relationship with Jehovah, our obedience to Christ's leadership, and keeping without spot from this degrading world under Satan's influence (2 Corinthians 4:4).
So, stay strong in the truth, Eoin Joyce. Let no one make you doubt your loving Creator, Jehovah. That's Satan aim. After all, Satan is the first apostate. That's why he is called the Original serpent; first liar (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9, 12), and he has many disciples, too.

Well @HollyW, I think that just about rounds it off for me. Your able grasp of the allegory, ability to reassemble it's detail and to imaginatively extend it's application indicates clearly that you have understood every word of my postings.
I will still track the topic in case any others contribute a useful perspective. 

Questions: Where is Russell now? What year did the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem? The 2,520 years mentioned in Revelation 12: 6 and 14 - Are they literal years? If so, what year would it be now? 
If 1914 is not the year of Christ's presence, then what year is it? Answer those questions, and I will present you with proof that it is indeed the year 1914.

I love such of wonderful ideas ;-)  Looking always so real !  Of sure a difficult work.

Wow! Amazing! Yummy! Thanks for sharing!

I wonder what is there to 'beware' of?
we know this already - same as our body that create new cells every time; so, the new supply of annointed brothers and sisters but that doesn't mean that the time will be shortened or lengthened or even changed - Jehovah set the time limit since Jesus enthronement like in Noah's day.   The coundown is there already - we are not just aware exactly when it will be over but it is very close! Like how we observe the leaf of a fig tree - when you see new leaf - you know that the summer is near.  Finding new and young member of the Governing Body is the same -. The Great day of Jehovah is REALLY near.
 
- if the world says 'calm before the storm'. We say 'prepare for the coming storm and then there will be calm'. ?

in this time of the end. 
Prepared are God's servants the good news to defend ...

! Nice!

Its  NOT  a  wonder  -  more  algebra !
It  does  work  ALWAYS  ;-)  Try  it...

THAT  IS  SO  COOL.....  hahaha ;o)

Yes, you are being - as you say, cantankerous - and somewhat picky. Please be careful of developing a complaining spirit. It starts with little things, does it not? Remember the account about the woman who put expensive perfume on Jesus? What was the reaction of some? Did they not complained about the woman 'wasting' the oil on Jesus rather than having it sold for 300 denarii for the poor (Mark 14:3-9)? Jesus said, "For you always have the poor with you, and you can do them good whenever you want to, but you will not always have me" (Mark 14:7).  
Just as Jesus and the apostles used what was commonly familiar to both the rich and poor as teaching methods to adapt to their ministry, the Slave Class is using various means to educate all people about Jehovah, our King Jesus, and the incoming Kingdom; from the richest nations to the most remotest parts of the earth. Who knows? Maybe this is the first time these poor Bolivian children can actually visualize God's Kingdom in action and thus strengthen their eyes of faith as they look to the future where they will never be poor again.
And who's fault is it anyway that Bolivia is such a poor country? Bolivia's government is responsible for not providing their people with a sustainable economy, infrastructure, and access to clean water and plumbing essentials. Do you not see the need for a real Kingdom government that will end such poverty? Since man cannot provide these necessary things, Jehovah God certainly will (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 55:11; 65:21-25). Because of their zealous preaching efforts, the 2000 Yearbook highlights that Bolivian publishers have grown from 714 to 15,388! Memorial attendance (1999) was 53,313!  All because our humble pioneers and publishers  "Stepped over to help" plant seeds of truth in Bolivia (Acts 16:9,10). 
So let those children enjoy these cartoons they can identify with. Let them enjoy looking forward to the wonderful prospects of what's ahead, and if the Brothers and Sisters are using high tech gadgets to emphasize how real that Kingdom will be, then support them by praying that Jehovah continue to bless their efforts, and may He bless them for leaving the comforts of their wealthy environments to preach and teach the disadvantage so far away. May Jehovah bless their self-sacrificing, unselfish love for His Name.

Can you tell I am in a cantankerous mood tonight.... UGH!!!
You certainly are...........however, you may be forgiven?????

My point exactly, Q. Esther. Jehovah sees the heart and even if a poor servant of Jehovah doesn't have much, Jehovah still provides for them just like He did for the nation of Israel. He can make a poor person look rich just by the things they have. I can honestly say I have personally witnessed this, especially as a Pioneer. For brothers to dress with tight-fitting suits when they have the financial means to buy modest suits says a lot about what's in his heart.
These suits (straight legged tight pants and small blazers) are the latest style now. Even prominent athletes and celebrities are wearing them. Because they are designer suits, they costs between $500-$1,000 (USA). In view of the times we live in, could tht money pay for other things like rent and food, even a suit without a desiger''s label? 
Yes, only Jehovah read hearts but a person can give off clues that he is not being modest but haughty when he wears clothes that speaks volumes of a worldly attitude. Notice the sloppy hair on the young man on the left in the gray suit. Imagine going in field service looking like that. What would the householder's perception be? Not being critcal here but realistic. Our Lord and Savior King Jesus said, "by their fruits you will recognize them". He was talking about a person's actions that either identifies him as a disciple or not. The way we dress also bears fruit about our attitude toward theocratic order whether we're poor or rich.

Exactly. We should reflect the fruitage of the spirit even by the way we dress 
 

Thats  right,  ALL  the  9 fruitages  of  the  spirit  are importend !  And  when  the  humans  are  able  for  good  clothes,  then  its  wonderful.  Often, we  give  good  clothes  to  poor  sisters or  brothers ❤ ;o)
 

Exactly. We should reflect the fruitage of the spirit even by the way we dress 
 

My point exactly, Q. Esther. Jehovah sees the heart and even if a poor servant of Jehovah doesn't have much, Jehovah still provides for them just like He did for the nation of Israel. He can make a poor person look rich just by the things they have. I can honestly say I have personally witnessed this, especially as a Pioneer. For brothers to dress with tight-fitting suits when they have the financial means to buy modest suits says a lot about what's in his heart.
These suits (straight legged tight pants and small blazers) are the latest style now. Even prominent athletes and celebrities are wearing them. Because they are designer suits, they costs between $500-$1,000 (USA). In view of the times we live in, could tht money pay for other things like rent and food, even a suit without a desiger''s label? 
Yes, only Jehovah read hearts but a person can give off clues that he is not being modest but haughty when he wears clothes that speaks volumes of a worldly attitude. Notice the sloppy hair on the young man on the left in the gray suit. Imagine going in field service looking like that. What would the householder's perception be? Not being critcal here but realistic. Our Lord and Savior King Jesus said, "by their fruits you will recognize them". He was talking about a person's actions that either identifies him as a disciple or not. The way we dress also bears fruit about our attitude toward theocratic order whether we're poor or rich.

Absolutely! Satan is using whatever means he can to distract us. Fashion has always been his mode operandi. For women, the dresses are shorter and tighter while men are now wearing so-called designer suits that are so snuggly and tight, one wonders how can they breathe! The more Satan's system sinks in debauchery, the more explicit and sexually suggestive fashion becomes. Tight-fitting clothes structured to appeal to the muscular anatomy with emphasis on sexual organs aim to entice while admiring the fabric and style. Such fashions also reveals a person's "desire of the flesh, desire of the eyes, and a showy display of one's means of life" (1 John 2:15). The secret person of the heart is manifest by such clothes, revealing that he or she loves the world more than they love Jehovah. Such fads are temporary anyway, After just one year, in comes another style with more sexual influences. When the Israelites trekked through the Wilderness for 40 years, they were modest before Jehovah. Their modest attire did not wear out. Even Jehovah saw to it that their sandals never wore out (Deuteronomy 29:5). Point: Jehovah-Jireh. Jehovah will not only provide for our materal needs, He will also take care of us. So, why wear clothes that attract attention to ourselves rather than wearing clothes that glorify Jehovah? So glad the Slave is directing our focus on this subject. Keep the world's lax attitudes about dress outside of Jehovah's organization.

Isn't it beautiful the way we are guided by love, to follow the direction outlined in our publications? The world is so determined to desensitize us toward harmful trends that may on the surface seem innocent, yet beneath the surface, are designed to blur the line between modest and suggestive of an unwholesome lifestyle that some young ones may not even be aware of. 

We don't respond to Rabshakeh...  Worshippers of Jah don't need to fight.. Isa 36:21; 2 Tim 2:24