Bible Speaks

https://www.jw.org/en/news/ Please pray for our Brothers and Sisters and others affected by natural disasters.. BREAKING NEWS OVER 225 PEOPLE CONFIRMED DEAD AS A 7.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HIT  CENTRAL MEXICO KILLING ONE OUR SISTERS On September 19, 2017, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck central Mexico, killing over 225 people. Initial reports have been received from the Central America branch office with the following information. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that one of our sisters in Mexico City was killed in the quake. Additionally, one sister is still missing after her building collapsed. In the city of Puebla, a sister was severely injured, and in the State of Mexico, another sister was hospitalized with injuries. The branch office had to be temporarily evacuated but has returned to normal operations. There were no injuries and there was no structural damage to the facility. We continue to pray for our brothers and sisters during this difficult time, knowing that Jehovah will support them and is aware of their “deep distress.”—Psalm 31:7. Â

"I am not alone, because the Father is with me."—John 16:32. ????? During his ministry, Jesus gave glory to his Father. (John 17:4) He did this by preaching about the Kingdom of God. (Luke 4:43) He even taught his followers to pray for that Kingdom to come. (Matthew 6:10) As the future King, Jesus could say to his opposers: “The Kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21) Later, on the evening before his death, Jesus made a covenant “for a kingdom” with his followers. This meant that some of his faithful disciples would become kings with Jesus in GodÂ’s Kingdom.—Read Luke 22:28-30. ????? In what way did Jesus begin to rule in the year 33, but for what would he have to wait? ????? When would Jesus begin to rule as King of GodÂ’s Kingdom? He could not do so immediately. The very next afternoon, Jesus was executed and his followers fled. (John 16:32) However, just as in the past, Jehovah was still in control. On the third day, he resurrected his Son, and on the day of Pentecost in the year 33, Jesus began to rule over the Christian congregation. (Colossians 1:13) But Jesus, the promised son of David, would have to wait to have full power over the earth. So Jehovah told his Son: “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”—Psalm 110:1. ????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/sysl/r1/lp-e?url=/en/wol/sydp/r1/lp-e/{rsconf}/{library}/r1/lp-e/402014043/24

Who built this tree? Man No! Only Jehovah can do this! ???? THE tallest trees in the world are the redwoods of California, reaching heights of 360 feet [110 m] or more. However, the Mexican cypress, a relative of the sequoia, holds the record for circumference. ???? The most famous specimen of this tree is located eight miles east of the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, in the town of Santa María del Tule. It is known as the Tule tree. Its base measures an impressive 150 feet [46 m]. To give you an idea of its size, it would take at least 30 people standing with arms outstretched to encircle the buttressed trunk, and over 500 could find refuge in its shade! ???? The Tule tree is estimated to be over 2,000 years old. When it was pruned in 1996, ten tons of deadwood was removed. Locals call the tree El Gigante (the Giant). In Mexico this species is known as the ahuehuete, which in the Nahuatl language means “old one of the water,” as it generally grows by water or in swampy places. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102001851?q=sequoia+trees&p=par#h=3

MOSES LEADING AND FEEDING JEHOVAH'S PEOPLE ??????? Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them? They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food. ??????? According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have had 1500 tons of food each day. ??????? Do you know that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains, each at least a mile long, would be required! ??????? Besides you must remember, they were out in the desert, so they would have to have firewood to use in cooking the food. ??????? This would take 4000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day. ??????? And just think, they were forty years in transit. ??????? And Oh yes! They would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day, and a freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring water! ??????? And then another thing! They had to get across the Red Sea at night. ??????? Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights to get through. ??????? So there had to be a space in the Red Sea , 3 miles wide so that they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night... ??????? But then, there is another problem...............each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the State of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long.........think of it, this much space for camping!  ??????? Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt? ??????? No, no, no, Moses believed in Jehovah, and Jehovah took care of Moses and all these things for him. ???????  Now do you think Jehovah has any problem taking care of your problems? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009205?q=moses+and+the+red+sea+food&p=par

THE ISRAELITES “PASSED THROUGH THE RED SEA” ?????????? Our Future Depends On Our Obedience and Faith in Our Deliverance!  MosesÂ’ faith in “the One who is invisible” helped him when the Israelites were in danger after they left Egypt. The Bible says: “The Israelites raised their eyes and saw the Egyptians pursuing them. The Israelites became terrified and began to cry out to Jehovah.” (Exodus 14:10-12) ?????????? The Israelites should have expected this situation. Jehovah had foretold: “I will allow PharaohÂ’s heart to become obstinate, and he will chase after them, and I will glorify myself by means of Pharaoh and all his army; and the Egyptians will certainly know that I am Jehovah.” (Exodus 14:4) ?????????? Despite JehovahÂ’s warning, the Israelites had no faith. They could see only the Red Sea blocking the way in front of them, PharaohÂ’s war chariots approaching quickly behind them, and an 80-year-old shepherd leading them. They felt trapped. ?????????? Moses was not afraid. His eyes of faith saw something much more powerful than a sea or an army. He could “see the salvation of Jehovah,” and he knew that Jehovah would fight for the Israelites. (Read Exodus 14:13, 14.) MosesÂ’ faith strengthened and encouraged GodÂ’s people. The Bible says: “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted it, they were swallowed up.” (Hebrews 11:29) After that, “the people began to fear Jehovah and to put faith in Jehovah and in his servant Moses.”—Exodus 14:31. ?????????? Soon, our lives will seem to be in danger. By the time Armageddon begins, the governments of this world will have destroyed religious organizations that were much more powerful than ours. (Revelation 17:16) In a prophecy, Jehovah says that we will be defenseless, like a “land of unprotected settlements . . . , unprotected by walls, bars, or gates.” (Ezekiel 38:10-12, 14-16) Those who do not have faith in Jehovah may think that we have no chance of survival. How will you react? 18 We do not need to be afraid. Why? Because Jehovah has foretold not only that his people will be attacked but also that he will save them. “‘On that day, the day when Gog invades the land of Israel,Â’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘my great rage will flare up. In my zeal, in the fire of my fury, I will speak.’” (Ezekiel 38:18-23) ?????????? God will destroy all those who want to harm JehovahÂ’s people. If you have faith that Jehovah will protect you during his “great and awe-inspiring day,” you will be able to “see the salvation of Jehovah” and remain strong.—Joel 2:31, 32. Â

This Chart instantly changes around the Earth ? as more earthquakes happen. Check it out: http://ds.iris.edu/seismon/index.phtml

@Julie Bayley Now Russia, just in! ??????

http://metro.co.uk/2017/09/20/new-zealand-shaken-by-large-tremors-just-hours-after-mexico-city-earthquake-6941260/ Earthquakes, Bible Prophecy, and You ????????? BEFORE his death, Jesus foretold events and situations that would give evidence that this world had entered “the conclusion of the system of things.” That period, he said, would be marked by such things as pestilences, food shortages, and large-scale warfare. He also mentioned “great earthquakes” that would occur “in one place after another.” (Matthew 24:3, 7; Luke 21:10, 11) Was Jesus referring to our day? ????????? Many say no. They assert that the number of earthquakes has not substantially increased in recent decades. In fact, the U.S. National Earthquake Information Center reports that earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude and greater remained “fairly constant” throughout the 20th century.* ????????? Note, though, that the fulfillment of JesusÂ’ prophecy does not require an increase in the number or power of earthquakes. All Jesus said was that there would be great earthquakes in one place after another. Furthermore, he stated that these events would mark the “beginning of pangs of distress.” (Matthew 24:8) Distress is measured, not by the number of earthquakes or how they rate on the Richter scale, but by the effect that they have upon people. ????????? Earthquakes have indeed caused much distress in our day. In fact, during the 20th century, millions have been killed or left homeless by these disasters. Experts say that many of these deaths could have been prevented. “In developing countries,” reports BBC News, “building regulations frequently take second place to the demands for cheap, quickly built housing to meet the needs of rapid urbanisation.” Commenting on two recent tragedies, Ben Wisner, an expert in urban disasters, states: “It wasnÂ’t earthquakes that killed these people. It was a combination of human error, indifference, corruption, and greed.” Yes, sometimes the deadliest factors in an earthquake are human selfishness and negligence. Interestingly, such qualities come to the fore in another Bible prophecy concerning “the last days” of this system. During that time, the Bible states, people would be “self-centered, lovers of money,” and “callous.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, The Amplified Bible) Along with JesusÂ’ words regarding the conclusion of the system of things, this prophecy provides clear evidence that we are nearing the time when God will bring relief to distressed humanity from all present causes of pain and suffering—including great earthquakes.—Psalm 37:11. ????????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102002204?q=earthquakes&p=par

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/new-zealand-earthquake-latest-today-61-magntitude-auckland-island-southern-ocean-us-geological-a7956491.html

Two New Earthquakes In New Zealand almost 6 degrees. Praying nobody hurt. ????????? We will seek information from our Brothers http://www.9news.com.au/world/2017/09/20/12/15/new-zealand-south-island-rocked-by-earthquake

Run the Race With Endurance ???????????????????? THEME SCRIPTURE “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”—HEBREWS 12:1. ???????????????????? Jehovah inspired Paul to write this letter of encouragement to the Hebrew Christians. In chapter 10, he first explained to them that the Law of Moses was “a shadow of the good things to come” and that only through the sacrifice of Jesus could their sins be forgiven. At the end of chapter 10, Paul told them that to benefit from this sacrifice, they needed endurance. He said: “You have need of endurance, in order that, after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. For yet ‘a very little while,Â’ and ‘he who is coming will arrive and will not delay.’”—Hebrews 10:1, 36, 37. ???????????????????? In Hebrews chapter 11, Paul explained what true faith in God is. He did so by writing about the things that people with true faith did. In chapter 12, he again encouraged Christians to endure and told them to “run with endurance the race” that was before them. Why did he talk about faith before he again talked about endurance? Because he wanted those Christians to know that to show true faith in Jehovah, they needed endurance and courage. He mentioned many men and women who in the past had remained loyal to Jehovah even in very difficult situations. Their example would help the Hebrew Christians to endure in difficult situations. After mentioning the acts of faith of all these servants of Jehovah, Paul told the Hebrew Christians: “Because we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”—Hebrews 12:1. ????????????????????? Endurance: When someone has endurance, he remains loyal to God even in difficult situations ????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402011684?q=endurance&p=par#p21 Â

We just found out The European court of human rights accepts the appeal of Jehovah's witnesses!! ??? The organization wants to be heard by its liquidation in Russia. https://ria.ru/religion/20170918/1504977519.html

New article in the Moscow times on the appeal of Jehovah's witnesses. Jehovah's witnesses appeal to Russia's "extremist" label Jehovah's witnesses have filed an appeal before the supreme court of Russia after being added to an "extremist" Register with prohibited terrorist organizations, the court said to the news agency on Tuesday. The Russian ministry of justice added the religious group to a register of prohibited organizations last month after the supreme court failed in April to formally ban the group. The trial forced 396 Registered Affiliates of Jehovah's witnesses through Russia to disband. Jehovah's witnesses said Monday on their website that the supreme court has three months to consider the appeal. An Annual United States report on religious freedom cited Russia's treatment of Jehovah's witnesses among the reasons for labeling it as a "country of special concern". The State Department's report states that the rights of Jehovah's witnesses to religious freedom are " thoroughly removed, and yet legally " under Russian law ". The Un Anti-discrimination panel called the Russian " extremist " label " vague and broad ", lacking clear and precise criteria for legal classification. https://themoscowtimes.com/news/jehovahs-witnesses-appeal-russias-extremist-label-58922

Children Love ?? Jehovah! - Handsome young man! ???? Keep Your Standards High and Children Will Follow ???????????? Family Life: Many parents are worried about raising their children in a world filled with unwholesome influences. Considering the following advice can help: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.”1 As children grow older, they need “the way,” a set of standards to meet. More and more specialists have come to realize the importance of providing beneficial rules for children. Wise parental standards give children a feeling of security. In addition: “The rod and reproof are what give wisdom; but a boy let on the loose will be causing his mother shame.”2 “The rod” refers to parental authority that must be applied lovingly to prevent children from going astray. Wielding such authority does not involve abusing the child in any way. The counsel to parents is: “Do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted.”3 ???????????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102000123?q=train+up+a+boy&p=par

Children Love ?? Jehovah! - Handsome young man! ???? Keep Your Standards High and Children Will Follow ???????????? Family Life: Many parents are worried about raising their children in a world filled with unwholesome influences. Considering the following advice can help: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.”1 As children grow older, they need “the way,” a set of standards to meet. More and more specialists have come to realize the importance of providing beneficial rules for children. Wise parental standards give children a feeling of security. In addition: “The rod and reproof are what give wisdom; but a boy let on the loose will be causing his mother shame.”2 “The rod” refers to parental authority that must be applied lovingly to prevent children from going astray. Wielding such authority does not involve abusing the child in any way. The counsel to parents is: “Do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted.”3 ???????????? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102000123?q=train+up+a+boy&p=par

"Keep hold of the weak, be patient with everybody."—1 Thess. 5:14, “An American Translation.” ????????? “CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER” ????????? To “consider one another” means to think about the needs of others. We will not know what the needs of our brothers are if we just greet them quickly at the Kingdom Hall or talk to them only about unimportant things. Of course, we do not want to be more curious about other peopleÂ’s lives than we should be. (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 1 Timothy 5:13) ????????? But we want to try to get to know our brothers. We want to know about their situation in life, their qualities, their strengths, their weaknesses, and their feelings about the truth. They need to know that we are their friends and that we love them. We have to spend time with them, not just when they have problems and get discouraged, but at other times too.—Romans 12:13. ????????? Our brothers need to know that we are their friends and that we love them ????????? Paul told the congregation in Thessalonica: “Support the weak.” (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14.) “The weak” include those who are depressed and those who are discouraged. Proverbs 24:10 says: “Have you shown yourself discouraged in the day of distress? Your power will be scanty.” If we want to support those who are deeply discouraged, we need to remember that their words may at times become “wild talk.” (Job 6:2, 3) ????????? A discouraged person may not immediately feel better or accept our help at first. We may need to keep on supporting him for some time. Paul said: “Keep hold of the weak, be patient with everybody.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, An American Translation) Instead of quickly giving up on the weak, let us “keep hold” of them by continuing to help them. In the past, Jehovah was patient with those of his servants who were discouraged. For example, God was very patient with Elijah and respected his feelings. He gave Elijah what he needed to continue with his service. (1 Kings 19:1-18) Another example is David. He was truly sorry for what he had done. Jehovah saw that and kindly forgave him. (Psalm 51:7, 17) God also helped the writer of Psalm 73, who almost gave up serving Him. (Psalm 73:13, 16, 17) ????????? Jehovah treats us kindly and patiently, especially when we are discouraged. (Exodus 34:6) The Bible says that JehovahÂ’s mercies are “new each morning,” and they “will certainly not come to an end.” (Lamentations 3:22, 23) Jehovah expects us to follow his example and treat discouraged ones kindly. ????????? Listen patiently to a person who needs encouragement ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER TO STAY ON THE ROAD TO LIFE ??????? SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED To “consider one another”: To think of the needs of our brothers. To do that, we need to get to know our brothers well To “incite to love and fine works”: To help our brothers to show love and to do what is good. One of the best ways to do that is by commending them To ‘encourage one anotherÂ’: To strengthen and comfort our brothers so that they keep serving God faithfully https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402013604?q=1+thess+5%3A14&p=par#h=49

Excuses—How Does Jehovah View Them? ???????? “THE woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree and so I ate,” said the man. “The serpent—it deceived me and so I ate,” responded the woman. Those words, spoken to God by our first human parents, Adam and Eve, marked the beginning of mankind’s long history of making excuses.—Gen. 3:12, 13. ???????? Jehovah’s judgment upon Adam and Eve for their willful disobedience made it apparent that their excuses were not acceptable to him. (Gen. 3:16-19) Are we to conclude, then, that all excuses are unacceptable to Jehovah? Or does he accept some excuses as valid? If so, how can we determine the difference? To answer, let us first consider the definition of an excuse. ???????? An excuse is a reason given in order to explain why something has been done, has not been done, or will not be done. An excuse may be a valid explanation for a failing and may constitute a genuine apology that provides grounds for leniency or forgiveness. However, as was true in the case of Adam and Eve, an excuse may also be a pretext, a false reason put forth to cloak the real one. Since excuses are often of that nature, they are commonly viewed with suspicion. ???????? When making excuses—especially if they relate to our service to God—we must be careful to avoid ‘deceiving ourselves with false reasoning.’ Admittedly, when we are tired or discouraged, we may at times have to force ourselves to attend a meeting at the Kingdom Hall or to share in the ministry. If that is the case, should we then conclude that we do not truly love Jehovah? Not at all. ???????? Faithful servants of God in the past also had to strive hard to do God’s will. For instance, Paul stated that he ‘pummeled his body,’ as it were, so that he would obey God’s commands. (1 Cor. 9:26, 27) ???????? So even when we have to force ourselves to carry out the ministry, we can be sure that we will be blessed by Jehovah. Why? Because we compel ourselves to do God’s will for the proper reason—out of love for Jehovah. ???????? By doing so, we provide an answer to Satan’s claim that God’s servants would deny Him if they were put to the test. Some stop sharing in the ministry or attending congregation meetings because of hurt feelings, reasoning that Jehovah will surely accept this excuse for their spiritual inactivity. While it is understandable that we are upset when someone hurts our feelings, is it really a valid excuse to stop sharing in Christian activities? ???????? Paul and his fellow believer Barnabas may have had hurt feelings after a disagreement between them led to “a sharp burst of anger.” (Acts 15:39) But did either of them quit sharing in the ministry on account of it? By no means! Similarly, when you have been hurt by a fellow believer, keep in mind that your enemy is not your imperfect Christian brother but Satan, who wants to devour you. The Devil will not succeed, though, if you “take your stand against him, solid in the faith.” ???????? Lesson for today. (James 1:22) https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2010763#h=1:0-21:515

http://dailycaller.com/2017/09/19/trump-warns-us-may-have-no-choice-but-to-destroy-north-korea-in-first-un-speech/ Tap on Video Link _____???

MEXICO NEWS ON EARTHQUAKE - ????????? At least 217 people killed by the strong earthquake that has shaken Mexico. Not known yet if any Witnesses are killed, will inform when known. ?????? http://www.lavanguardia.com/internacional/20170919/431412890415/terremoto-mexico.html

Keep Alive! It's almost over! No Compromise! The World ? will know Jehovah and His Organization! Till we are attacked. Shout it out LOUD,,,,, Tap on Video Link MP4______Enjoy! In GIF COLORS! ??? IMG_6919.mp4

@Kurt Thank you for your encouragement! What we must know the Good and bad news! ???????

@John Houston Thank you for your support! People everywhere need this help! They are lost and blinded! This world will go down fast! We must try to help in every avenue! ?????

@Melinda Mills Thank you for your support! It helps a lot of people right now, confused with this material world. ?????

Don't Give Up Convention in Argentina! We Rejoice Together in Praise and Dance! ?????? A brother tells us: Good afternoon brother, greetings from Argentina, not long ago I read that he had published a state about an event that took place in a Regional Convention in Brazil, about clapping in the songs or dancing. With regard to that, I would like to tell you that this weekend we had here in the city of Mar Del Plata, our Convention did not surrender!, which was the largest Convention organized by the branch in Argentina and Uruguay. We attended more than 8.200 people. And for the first time, I believe that in all the Convention in this country, the attendees join with palms, the musical track. After doing so, the president of the Convention , a superintendent of years of experience serving as president of the sitting, I commend and encourage everyone for the enthusiasm of singing and clapping. Mark as outstanding this echo and encourage everyone to follow 'chanting the songs that praise the Lord, the happy God'. Then in the final speech, a member of the present branch committee repeated the same. I believe on a personal level that as we explain the musical track already contains palms, as long as it is a dignified and not bizarre or charismatic sing like the churches of Christianity, there is no objection to doing so. Dance If I'd be out of place. I just wanted to share this event with you. Cordial greetings. May the Jehovah bless you. https://www.puntonoticias.com/18-09-2017-multitudinaria-asamblea-regional-los-testigos-jehova/

7.1 earthquake in Mexico The Central American Branch was damaged after this strong 7.1 earthquake in Mexico today. They're not reported to have been injured by our brothers. Work has been suspended in buildings.