Bible Speaks

Portrait of Frederick W. Franz Approximately 36”x48” Oil on canvas Patterson Educational Center Patterson, NY Artist: anonymous (not me) This portrait depicts brother F.W. Franz in his later years. He spoke several languages including Hebrew, Greek, Latin, English and Spanish, was a Bible scholar, had a sense of humor, sang opera, played the harmonica, was a member of the Governing Body and the fourth president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. I had the privilege to sit at the head table at Bethel with him for morning worship and breakfast at Brooklyn for about 4 years and his office was on the 9th floor of the 25 Columbia Heights Building where I also worked. We crossed paths often as he gave a cheery greeting. He received his heavenly reward in 1992 at the age of 99. The painting is close to life size and is a true masterpiece of art. @edsalazarfineart??? #jw #brooklynbethel #edsalazarfineart

The little one will become a thousand And the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time. - Isa 60:22 ????? This is a galaxy that is moving at over 2 million mph. It's going so fast, that the gas is being pulled out of it because it can't keep up. ????? Scientists don't know what force caused this galaxy to move so fast. We may not know exactly what force did this, but we know the source of the power behind that force. ????? Jehovah. Driver of the celestial chariot that we, our congregations, circuits, zones, and even the governing body are so desperately trying to keep up with. ????? May we be like the stars in that galaxy, keeping up with the chariot through regular meeting attendance, prayer, and talking to people about Jehovah whenever we can. We don't want to be like the gas, dragging behind. And just think. The force that will help us keep up with that chariot is the same force that can send galaxies flying. ?????

Deuteronomy 31:8 - Jehovah is the one marching before you, and he will continue with you. He will neither desert you nor abandon you. Do not be afraid or be terrified. Psalms 46:7,8 - Jehovah of armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our secure refuge. Come and witness the activities of Jehovah, How he has done astonishing things on the earth. (NWT) Please Visit: JW.Org. - TV.JW.Org.

God is very approachable. Just as a loving father is glad to have his children speak freely with him, Jehovah God welcomes our prayers. At the same time, like any wise father, God has good reasons for not answering some requests. ???????? The apostle John explains: “This is the confidence that we have toward him, that, no matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14) ???????? Our requests must be in harmony with GodÂ’s will. Some pray for things that are clearly not GodÂ’s will. Others pray with improper motives. The disciple James warns against such abuse of prayer, saying: “You do ask, and yet you do not receive, because you are asking for a wrong purpose, that you may expend it upon your cravings for sensual pleasure.”—James 4:3. ???????? On the other hand, Jehovah will always listen to the sincere prayers of worshippers who are doing their best to serve him according to his will. ???????? The apostle Paul prayed for relief from what he called his “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 12:7) This “thorn” may refer to a chronic eye affliction or to the constant harassment of opposers and “false brothers.” (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 4:14, 15) Paul wrote: “I three times entreated the Lord that it might depart from me.” However, God knew that if Paul continued preaching despite this nagging “thorn in the flesh,” it would clearly demonstrate GodÂ’s power and PaulÂ’s implicit trust in Him. So rather than grant PaulÂ’s request, God told him: “My power is being made perfect in weakness.”—2 Corinthians 12:8, 9. ???????? Yes, God knows better than we do whether granting certain requests is in our best interests. Jehovah always responds for our good, in harmony with his loving purposes recorded in the Bible. jw.org

"Today's decision sets dangerous precedent by completely ignoring history, and it threatens removal and destruction of veterans memorials across America." http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/10/18/federal-court-rules-world-war-memorial-cross-must-be-torn-down.html

"For I will pour out water on the thirsty one And flowing streams on the dry ground.I will pour out my spirit on your offspring And my blessing on your descendants." (Isaiah 44:3) - ????? Even in hot, dry country, stands of trees can flourish by water sources. When Jehovah provides his life-giving waters of truth and pours out his holy spirit, Israel will flourish mightily, like trees alongside irrigation canals. (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7, 8) Jehovah will give his people the strength to carry out their role as witnesses to his Godship. ????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102001025?q=isa+44%3A3&p=par

When a fresh batch of snow falls to the ground, the world tends to quiet down. ???????? That could partially be attributed to human factors: it’s likely winter, people arenÂ’t out as much and traffic comes to a halt. ???????? However, there are more scientific reasons for the quietude. When a fresh blanket of snow settles down, itÂ’s doing a lot more than turning the world into a winter wonderland. ???????? “When snow falls, it does absorb some of the soundwaves,” says Bernadette Woods Placky, a meteorologist and director of Climate CentralÂ’s Climate Matters program. [x] ???????? As snowflakes stack up, there is more space left between them, compared to the surface of liquids like water. With all that space, sound is unable to bounce off snow as easily as it would off water. As a result, the sound gets absorbed. ???????? What a wonderful Creator we have all-loving Jehovah God! ????????

''Nowhere to Hide': North Korean Missiles Spur Anxiety in Japan Fishing Town There's nowhere to hide' Japan on alert for North Korea nuclear test WORSE than Fukushima ???? TERRIFIED Japanese residents fear North Korea may trigger a nuclear disaster more devastating than the Fukushima calamity by testing a hydrogen bomb. Japan has been on high alert since North Korea fired two ballistic missiles over the northern island of Hokkaido on September 15. The Hermit Kingdom conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test just weeks earlier on September 3. North Korea has not carried out further ballistic missile or nuclear tests in recent weeks, marking an eerily quiet period for the secretive state. But the silence has done nothing to allay the fears of residents living directly in the firing line of Kim Jong-un’s missile tests. Kawamura, who lives in a seaside cottage in Erimo, said: “Now when I hear a loud sound, I look outside, I look out at the ocean. “I feel anxious, like I never know when it will come again.” For months Japanese authorities have been holding large scale emergency drills in preparation for North Korea testing a missile or nuclear bomb. In the event of a missile launch, the government activates sirens and sends alerts to millions of mobile phones. “When it's launched, it could land here just moments later,” Kawamura said. “There's nowhere to hide.” https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/japanese-people-don-t-want-nukes-despite-north-korea-s-n811791

A prayer of the oppressed one when he is in despair and pours out his concern before Jehovah. ????? 16 For Jehovah will rebuild Zion; He will appear in his glory. 17 He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer. 18 This is written for the future generation, So that a people yet to be brought forth will praise Jah. 19 For he looks down from his holy height, From the heavens Jehovah views the earth, 20 To hear the sighing of the prisoner, To release those sentenced to death, 21 So that the name of Jehovah will be declared in Zion And his praise in Jerusalem, 22 When the peoples and kingdoms Gather together to serve Jehovah." Psalm 102:16-22 fin.

Russia Russian Senators are preparing a bill to protect people from the fraud of cults. A group of Russian Senators is working on a law to protect the people of destructive cults. These include sects of foreign origin, as well as those who disguise themselves as "leadership schools", declared the main initiator of the press bill. "Cults are a very dangerous environment, and legislation must be rectified, and we are currently working on proposals to protect our citizens, but today there is not a single region in the country where there are such sects", quoted ria novosti. Senator Elena Misulina. He said that the bill was being drafted in cooperation with government experts and was submitted to the Federation Council by 30 November. Mizulina noted that many of the fraudulent sects came from abroad. Furthermore, not all should be described as religious groups, as some work as different education and similar courses. " these sects deceive our citizens through a variety of psycho and remove their possessions. In widespread cases, cults try to manipulate people's conscience ", the politician explained. According to the federation council working group to combat the threat of destructive cults, some 500 of these groups are currently active in Russia. In August of this year, the Russian ministry of justice classified Jehovah's witnesses as a prohibited extremist organization. This happened after a long judicial process, which occurred because some members of this group risk the lives of their children by refusing blood transfusions, which is actually according to the beliefs of Jehovah's witnesses. Currently, Russian law allows for the formation of religious groups, including those who do not need official registration and no legal structure, and those who must be officially registered. Sects can carry out any activity if they do not violate the applicable law. PLEASE USE LINK PROVIDED FOR PROOF OF THIS COMMENT. THANK YOU https://deutsch.rt.com/russland/59190-russische-senatoren-bereiten-gesetzentwurf-bekampfung-betruger-sekten/

U.N. DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESS IN KAZAKHSTAN - http://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/u-n-demands-immediate-release-jehovahs-witness-kazakhstan

More than 500,000 people left Myanmar since last August. Myanmar security forces targeted teachers, the cultural and religious leadership, and other people of influence in the Rohingya community in an effort to diminish Rohingya history, culture and knowledge. Antonio Faccilongo is an Italian photographer based in Rome. He is represented by Getty Images Reportage. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ???? Photo editors: Brett Roegiers and Bernadette Tuazon

The Island of St. Helena already has airport This small volcanic island has a population of 4000 inhabitants and about 122 publishers. A 1-witness ratio for every 33 inhabitants! (Yearbook 2016) How will the opening of an airport affect the ministry? Maybe he'll give the publishers more territory....... visitors to the island. This is the place on earth with the highest proportion of witnesses for the general population. With 1 witness for every 30 people, everyone on the island knows a witness. The odds are that every brother or sister works with at least one believer. He'll probably see a witness every day. 269 attended the commemoration. That'S 1 out of 15 inhabitants I think it's a very nice place to live with so many brothers and interested in the truth. http://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-41646449/st-helena-s-new-airport-boosts-tourism-hopes

New App On JW.org to Locate Kingdom Halls and Conventions. https://apps.jw.org/ui/E/meeting-search.html#/dashboard

Meet @grantasaur’s grandfather from Oregon, USA. Even though heÂ’s been in a wheelchair for several years he still fulfills his assignments and is an encouragement to everyone. Â Thank you ???????

Our South Korea Brothers can be pretty creative. ? Thank you Nice

Painting at the entrance of Golden Gate Kingdom Hall. Artist match tile, it appears you could walk into Paradise. Tap on Video Link mp4 for a special message! _____Enjoy! ??????? Â Â Â 19A36BEA-84E0-4D4D-B880-DF20320F954F.MOV

Why should you serve the true and living God? ????? Revelation 4:11 gives the main reason: “You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.” Jehovah is the wonderful Creator of everything in existence. How beautiful the earth is! The trees, the flowers, the animals, the oceans, the mountains, and the waterfalls—Jehovah has made them all. ????? “The earth is full of [GodÂ’s] productions,” states Psalm 104:24. ????? How grateful we can be that Jehovah has lovingly given us a body and a mind that allow us to enjoy the earth and the good things on it! Should not heartfelt appreciation for the wondrous creation make us want to serve him! ????? Beautiful Japanese Maple by Stanley Zimny ????? Tap on Video Link mp4 ____Enjoy! 1B2BA072-727D-4E1D-83E1-7674CD20A41A.MP4

ARE YOU GROUNDED LIKE THIS TREE? - HOLD ON TIGHT! ????? How solidly grounded should our faith be? Illustrate. True faith towers over such things. Recall how the Bible defines it. (Read Hebrews 11:1.) Paul said that faith focuses on two kinds of things that we cannot see. One, it focuses on present realities that are “not beheld.” Our physical eyes cannot see the realities in the spirit realm—such as Jehovah God, his Son, or the Kingdom that now rules in heaven. Two, faith focuses on “things hoped for”—events that have not yet happened. We cannot now see the new world that God’s Kingdom will soon bring about. Does that mean, then, that our faith in such realities and the things we have hoped for is groundless? Far from it! Paul explained that true faith is solidly grounded. When he called faith “the assured expectation,” he used an expression that may also be rendered “title deed.” Wye Valley by lanavandamme ?????

STATEMENT FROM JASON LeROCQUE Husband of Rhonda LeRocque, victim of the Las Vegas shootings. On behalf of Aliyah and our entire family, I would like to acknowledge the deep sadness that is felt by everyone who knew and loved Rhonda and who continue to deeply mourn her senseless and tragic death 11 days ago in Las Vegas. Rhonda and I were married for over 21 years. Â We, along with our six year old daughter Ali and my father Roy LeRocque had gone to Las Vegas to enjoy some quality family time, as well as for Rhonda, myself and Ali to enjoy parts of the Rt.91 Country music festival. Our daily routine each day in Las Vegas was to spend the morning getting breakfast as a family and then spending time together enjoying the pools at the Mandalay Bay. Â After this, Rhonda, myself, and Ali would go enjoy the country music festival and all the activities there for a couple of hours together, until Ali would fall asleep. Â Rhonda and I would then bring Ali back to the hotel room right across from the festival and my father Roy would watch her while Rhonda and I would go back and enjoy the festival. This same routine happened on Sunday October 1. Â Rhonda and I had dropped Ali off to my father, returned to the festival and shortly after that the gun shots began. Rhonda was among those who were hit very early on. Thanks to the heroic efforts of a few individuals, we could get her to the Trauma Centre at University Medical Centre while still breathing, however after a couple of hours her life tragically ended. Â I was with her the entire time. Rhonda was a beautiful loving mother and wife and, Ali and our entire family meant the world to her. Rhonda was a very special daughter, sister, and dear friend who will be missed deeply by her family as well as her spiritual family. People who had the privilege to know Rhonda would only describe her as the happiest, most caring, sweet, and self-sacrificing person you would ever know. Â Throughout her life, she was motivated by her love for neighbours, devoted to spending much of her time sharing the Bible's message of hope and helping others in her community to learn about Jehovah God. (Part of an article from by WCVB abc!) @ellymaegibson???

https://tv.jw.org/#en/mediaitems/LatestVideos/pub-jwb_201710_11_VIDEO William Malenfant: Use Your Talents Wisely (Matt. 25:30)

https://tv.jw.org/#en/mediaitems/LatestVideos/pub-jwb_201709_12_VIDEO Mark Sanderson: Russian Convention Travel Report

World Headquarters Bethel - Warwick, New York

Psalm 13:5, 65 “As for me, I trust in your loyal love; My heart will rejoice in your acts of salvation. 6 I will sing to Jehovah, for he has richly rewarded me.” ????? Anxiety Anxiety has two faces. One is a liability; the other, an asset. The Bible helps us to recognize both kinds. Is it normal to be anxious? ??? THE REALITY Anxiety involves feelings of uneasiness, nervousness, or worry. Because we live in an uncertain world, bouts of anxiety can overtake any of us. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ????? King David wrote: “How long will I have anxious concern, with grief in my heart each day?” (Psalm 13:2) What helped David to cope? He poured out his heart to God in prayer, trusting fully in God’s loyal love. (Psalm 13:5; 62:8) In fact, God invites us to unburden ourselves to him. “Throw all your anxiety on [God], because he cares for you,” says 1 Peter 5:7. ????? Often, though, we can allay anxieties by addressing them in a practical way. For example, when the Bible writer Paul felt “anxiety for all the congregations,” he worked hard to comfort and encourage those for whom he was concerned. (2 Corinthians 11:28) In that respect, his anxiety proved to be an asset, for it moved him to extend needed help. The same can be true of us. The opposite attitude—apathy or indifference—would indicate a lack of loving concern.—Proverbs 17:17. ????? How can you deal with undue anxiety? THE REALITY People may be anxious about past misdeeds, the future, or finances.* ??????? WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS Concern about past misdeeds: Before becoming Christians, some people in the first century were drunkards, extortioners, sexually immoral, and thieves. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Rather than dwell on their past, they changed their ways and trusted in God’s great mercy, which he extends willingly. “With you [God] there is true forgiveness, so that you may be held in awe,” says Psalm 130:4. ??????? Uncertainty about tomorrow: “Never be anxious about the next day,” said Jesus Christ, “for the next day will have its own anxieties.” (Matthew 6:25, 34) His point? Address today’s concerns. Do not compound them by bringing tomorrow’s forward, which can cloud judgment and lead to rash decisions. Also keep in mind that many anxieties may later prove to be unwarranted. Money worries: A wise man once prayed: “Give me neither poverty nor riches.” (Proverbs 30:8) Instead, he sought contentment—a feeling that merits God’s approval. At Hebrews 13:5, we read: “Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For [God] has said: ‘I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.’” Unlike money, which can—and does—fail, God never fails those who trust in him and lead a simple life. ????? “I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, nor his children looking for bread.”—Psalm 37:25. Will we ever be free of anxiety? ????????????????????????? WHAT PEOPLE SAY “We are entering a new age of anxiety,” said journalist Harriet Green in a 2008 article in The Guardian. In 2014, Patrick O’Connor wrote in The Wall Street Journal that “Americans are registering record levels of anxiety.” WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ????? “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25) An especially “good word” can be found in the good news of God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) That Kingdom, a government by God, will soon do what we alone could never do—eliminate all anxiety by removing the root causes, including sickness and death! “[God] will wipe out every tear from [our] eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.”—Revelation 21:4. ????? “May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your trusting in him.”—Romans 15:13. Note: ? People suffering from serious anxiety disorders may be wise to consult a doctor. Awake! does not recommend any particular therapy or treatment. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102016047?q=ps+13%3A5&p=par

“Let your brotherly love continue.”—HEBREWS 13:1. ????? The most important reason to show brotherly love is that Jehovah tells us to do so. We cannot really love Jehovah if we refuse to love our brothers. (1 John 4:7, 20, 21) Another reason is that we need one another, especially during difficult times. When Paul wrote his letter to the Hebrew Christians, he knew that soon some would have to leave their homes and personal things. Jesus had described how difficult that time would be. (Mark 13:14-18; Luke 21:21-23) So before that time came, those Christians would need to strengthen their love for one another.—Romans 12:9. ????? We need to strengthen our brotherly love now because it will help us to endure whatever trials we may have in the future ????? The greatest tribulation in mankindÂ’s history is coming soon. (Mark 13:19; Revelation 7:1-3) We will need to obey the counsel: “Go, my people, enter your inner rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a brief moment until the wrath has passed by.” (Isaiah 26:20) Those “inner rooms” may refer to our congregations. That is where we worship Jehovah with our brothers and sisters. But we must do more than just meet together regularly. Paul reminded the Hebrew Christians that they should encourage one another to show love and to do good for one another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) We need to strengthen our brotherly love now because it will help us to end ????? ?“Do not forget hospitality.” (Read Hebrews 13:2.) ?“Keep in mind those in prison.” (Read Hebrews 13:3.) ?“Let marriage be honorable among all.” (Read Hebrews 13:4.) ?Be “content with the present things.” (Read Hebrews 13:5.) ?“Be of good courage.” (Read Hebrews 13:6.) ?“Remember those who are taking the lead.” (Read Hebrews 13:7, 17.) SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED ? Brotherly love: A strong, warm feeling between family members or close friends. As JehovahÂ’s Witnesses, we do not pretend to be brothers and sisters. We are brothers and sisters Tap on Video Link mp4 ___Enjoy! https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402016042?q=heb+13%3A1&p=par#h=21 106DD5D4-B800-4C62-80A4-C78A4BF41F9A.mp4